Page 41 of The Captain's Little Girl

“I’ve alerted the police and asked them to station an officer in the lot for the next few nights to make sure he doesn’t come back. Have one of the guys walk you out to your car at night. I’m warning all the staff to leave in groups.”

“Thanks. I’ll do that from now on. About my section…”

“I want you close to the bar so I can keep an eye on you. Your customers will adjust when they see you.”

Resigned that he wouldn’t change his mind, Cricket headed to her new area and checked in with the server who’d covered that section on the earlier shift. As business picked up, Cricket settled into her new location. It was nice to be closer. Those trays of drinks were heavy.

At the end of the night, the bouncer walked her and River to their cars. He watched them get in and drive from the parking lot before heading back inside. At the first stoplight, Cricket picked up her phone and called River.

“Want to come over for a while? The house is so quiet,” Cricket asked.

“Sure. Got any munchies? I’m starving.”

“I haven’t been to the store,” Cricket admitted.

“Your daddy will be angry that you’re not taking care of yourself. I’ll stop off at the taco shack and pick up a few goodies.”

“I’ll pay you back,” Cricket assured her and disconnected the call as the light turned green. Tacos sounded almost as good as having company.

Once home, Cricket raced inside to dump her apron and kick off her shoes. Trying to get ready for her friend, she picked up a few items she’d scattered around the normally tidy space and iced some glasses. She didn’t know what River would like to drink so she’d wait to fill it.

When the doorbell rang, Cricket ran to greet her friend. “River! That smells wonderful!”

Soon the duo sat at the kitchen table smearing salsa over the yummy treats. “This is sooo good,” River commented. “I’m glad you invited me over.”

“Have you seen the new thriller on TV?” Cricket asked to keep River there.

“Daddy won’t let me see it.”

“Would he know if you watched it here?” Cricket asked.

“He knows everything,” River said with a sigh. “Let’s watch it anyway.”

“Really?” Cricket grinned at her friend. Sometimes doing bad things was fun.

Quickly, they gathered up all the remaining tacos and moved into the family room. Within a few scenes, they squeezed next to each other on the cushioned couch, jumping each time the scary man pounced out of the shadows to attack someone. Maybe watching this wasn’t a good idea.

“Can I stay here tonight?” River asked when the credits ran at the end of the show.

“Please. I’m so scared. Your daddy was right. We shouldn’t have watched that,” Cricket said, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Let’s take showers. Can I borrow a T-shirt to wear from Mark?” River asked.

“Definitely. I’ll go get one.”

Soon, the Littles curled up on opposite ends of the L-shaped couch with their heads together. With the movie replaying in her head, Cricket was sure she’d never get to sleep. Hugging Buttons to her chest, Cricket closed her eyes and thought about her daddy. Please come home.

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