Page 28 of Shattered Secrets

“Yes, ma’am. They should be there any moment.”

“Mama?”

“Shhh,” Scarlet hushed, willing herself to stay calm. She adjusted Daisy so she was cradled against her chest like a frog, head resting on her shoulder. “We have to stay very, very quiet, baby.”

“Like hide-and-seek?”

She grimaced at Daisy’s attempt at a whisper. Which wasn’t a whisper at all. “That’s right. But even more quiet than hide-and-seek. We have to do no talking at all, okay?”

Scarlet felt Daisy nod. Peering down, her frown deepened when she saw her daughter’s lower lip jutting out. She ran her free hand up and down Daisy’s tiny back. “You’re doing great, baby.”

“But, Mama, we left Mr. Slothy inside, and he’s scared.”

Scarlet’s pulse picked up speed as she shushed her child. “He’s safe. I promise, baby. Mr. Slothy is super brave,” shemurmured. “I promise we’ll get him a special treat tomorrow. But right now, we have to be super-duper quiet.”

Daisy nodded again, snuggling even closer, and whispered, “Mr. Slothy wants Otter Pops. The blue kind.”

Blinking back more tears, Scarlet pressed a kiss to the top of her daughter’s head. The lavender scent from Daisy’s earlier bubble bath filled her nose, and the tears broke free, spilling down her cheeks. “You got it, baby girl.”

A loud crash sounded inside the apartment. Scarlet jumped, and Daisy let out a tiny whimper. She tightened her arm around her daughter. A split second later, the wail of a siren pierced the night.

She bit back a sob. The phone shook in her hand. “Please say that’s the poli?—”

Glass exploded. Scarlet stifled a scream as she twisted away from the door, trying to shield Daisy. The sirens grew louder. Blue and red lights lit up the sky. A screech of tires, and then car doors slammed. But all Scarlet could focus on was her crying child.

“Ma’am!”

Scarlet looked around and spotted her dropped phone. “The sliding glass door to the balcony shattered,” she explained when she brought it back to her ear. “I think they threw something through it.”

“Ma’am, stay with me. The sheriff’s department has arrived, and I’ve informed them where you and your daughter are located.” The dispatcher’s soothing voice was like a balm over Scarlet’s frazzled nerves. “You two need to stay put. The deputies will come find you.”

Panic tore through her. “Please don’t go!”

“No, ma’am. I’ll stay on the line with you until the deputies arrive.”

“Thank you.” She rocked Daisy, finding comfort in the steady motion. After a moment, Daisy’s cries settled into a soft hiccup. “Um, am I allowed to ask what your name is?”

The other woman chuckled. “Of course, ma’am. It’s Carol.”

Scarlet’s throat tightened, and her vision blurred with fresh tears. “Thank you, Carol. For staying with me.”

“You’re very welcome, ma’am.”

She heard the murmurs of the deputies inside her apartment and saw an occasional flashlight beam. Aside from that, everything had gone calm and quiet. Did that mean whoever had broken into her apartment had been caught? Or were they long gone?

A shiver tore through her. She took a deep breath in and slowly released it. Her nerves eased a bit, but her tears kept flowing. “You know, Carol, I can’t remember if I told you, but my name is Scarlet. I’m a waitress at Ray’s Diner, and if you ever find yourself on Hudson Island, I would love to buy you lunch. I mean, I know it’s not much... not for everything you’ve done. I can’t thank you enough, though.” Her voice broke on the last words.

“That’s very kind of you, Scarlet,” Carol said, voice unwavering. “It’s also unnecessary, but I’ve heard many good things about Ray’s, so I’ll come out there sometime soon. I’d love to meet you.”

“Me too, Carol. Be forewarned, though. When I meet you, I’m gonna hug the hell out of you.”

As Carol laughed, Scarlet saw a man pop his head through the shattered door.

“Hey, Scarlet.”

At the familiar face, her shoulders slumped in relief. “Hey, Chase.” Not only was Deputy Patrick Chase part of the Hudson Island Sheriff’s Department, but like everyone else on the island, he was also a regular at Ray’s Diner.

“I hear they found you,” Carol said. “I’ll let you go now. Take care, Scarlet.”

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