Page 135 of Starcrossed Colorado

“An adventure? Another one?” She didn’t look excited, and I couldn’t blame her.

“I know, there’s been too many already today. But this is important.”

“Is it more of those paporters?”

I smiled at her mispronunciation. “Yes. More of those mean reporters.”

“Like that man from before? Who grabbed you and wouldn’t let you go?”

I nodded. There was no way I could tell her the truth. Not right now.

Her lower lip trembled. “He was the meanest one. Even more than all the others that were shouting.”

“I’m afraid someone like that is coming here. But I won’t let him hurt you.”

“Will Elias be okay?”

“He’ll be fine. He’s staying here.” I grabbed Maisie’s cardigan and shoes. Thank goodness we hadn’t left them by the front door. Pulling back the covers, I lifted her to standing, helping her get dressed.

“What about Daddy?”

“I’ll tell him where to meet us, and?—”

With a jolt of panic, I realized I didn’t have my phone. It was still upstairs.

Floorboards creaked overhead. Elias was up there. Shit, shit.

I had to get my phone. I had to warn Ashford. If he showed up here and we were missing, and Elias figured out the reason…

“Actually, you and Stella will go ahead of me. I’ll come a few minutes behind you, and your dad will meet us. I want you to go to the neighbor’s house.” I took Maisie to the window. “See those lights?”

“That looks far. Can’t you come with me?”

“It’s only a little bit far. Stella will be with you, and I know how brave you are. I remember how you kicked that reporter’s leg. You helped me.”

“Can’t I stay with you? I can help you again.”

“No, honey. Not this time. It’s very important that you do as I say. When you get there, tell the neighbors that there is a scaryman here. He could be dangerous. They need to call 911. Send the police here to help. I’m going to warn your dad.”

She whimpered. “Emma, I don’t want to.”

My eyes burned with tears. I hugged Maisie tight. “You can do it. I know you can.”

I wanted to keep her with me. But I couldn’t risk Maisie’s safety, and I couldn’t risk Ashford’s either. Even if I got my phone and called 911 right now, this could turn into a hostage situation if Elias was desperate enough. With a father on the SWAT team and a stepmom who was a hostage negotiator, I knew that far too well. Every minute was crucial.

I was out of options. Maisie had to go right now, before Elias left his bedroom. His windows faced the opposite side of the house, so he wouldn’t see Maisie or Stella leaving.

Nudging the window frame open, I helped Maisie climb onto the sill and jump down.

Stella barked, and I reached over to hold her mouth. “Shhh.” When I lifted her,notan easy task, she jumped the rest of the way.

“I’ll see you at the neighbor’s house,” I whispered through the open window. “You’re so brave, Maisie. I believe in you. Nowgo.”

They took off toward the lights of the neighbor’s house. The moonlight was a blessing and a curse. It would help Maisie avoid tripping and getting hurt along the way, but if Elias looked out a window on this side of the house, he might see the two of them.

I had to hurry.

Closing the window as quietly as possible, I turned and went to the door. Opened it. Looked out into the hallway.

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