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I twist my mouth, but finally, I nod.
“Her room is the first one down the hall.” I gesture.
“Step outside, please, while Garcia goes inside.” Maxwell huffs.
I do without protest.
“How far was the murder?” I ask while we wait.
“We can’t discuss an ongoing investigation.”
You already did, dipshit.
The two men seem happy to stand in silence, so I drop any pretense of small talk.
I’ve never been this close to the police, not while it’s me they’re hunting. I didn’t think I would find it so . . . thrilling.
The image of Lulu bound and gagged, waiting for me to return, amps me up further.Everything happens for a reason.
Stopping in Cromwell Town had been a last-minute decision, one of the best I’ll ever make.
Officer Garcia exits my home just as quietly as she entered.
“All clear. No one in there other than the girl. Who is sound asleep,” she reassures me. “No signs ofblood, and nothing out of place.” Stepping down, she turns to me again. “Thank you for your time and patience, sir.”
Together, the three officers move on to the next lot.
More than ready to get to my girl, I head inside, locking up tight as I do.
“Daddy?” a sleepy voice calls from the kitchen entrance.
Shit.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” I coo.
Mary smiles, rubbing her eyes.
“I’m hungry.”
“I bet. You slept so late you could probably eat a horse.” I tickle her. “Pancakes or Froot Loops?” I ask.
“Froot Loops!” She grins.
I give one last look toward my bedroom. Lulu is secure and not going anywhere. My stomach flutters at the idea of leaving her down there, but it might be just what’s needed to take that last bit of fight out of her.
Can she take it?
The kitchen clock ticks loudly.A quick breakfast it is.
“How about breakfast, and then we get ready for a day at the park?” I ask Mary, lifting her onto the counter.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Lulu
Darkness swallows me whole when Ajax closes the door.
No!
