Page 106 of Finders Keepers

“I know, baby. We’re going to Gavin’s house. Remember Nugget? We’ll be safe there.” My hands shake as I try to pull clothes from drawers one-handed, Sophie refusing to let go.

“What if Daddy scares us again?” Her voice breaks on the question, and something inside me shatters.

“He won’t, sweetheart.” I kiss her tear-stained cheek, wishing I believed my own words.

Ms. Lucy appears in the doorway with an empty duffel bag. “Here, let me help.” She begins efficiently folding clothes and placing them in the bag. “What else do you need, honey?”

“Mr. Hoppy,” Sophie whimpers.

I reach for the stuffed rabbit on the bed, but Sophie’s grip tightens painfully around my neck. “Don’t let go, Mommy. Please don’t let go.”

“I won’t, baby. I’ve got you.” I struggle to maintain my composure as panic threatens to overwhelm me again.

Gavin moves through his house, methodically checking windows and doors, arming the security system with practiced movements.

“All secure,” he says softly, coming back to where Sophie and I stand in the open foyer.

I watch Gavin’s confident movements as he checks the last lock, but something cold and insistent twists in my stomach. The feeling is familiar, that voice in my head that never quite lets me relax.

No place is safe.

“Thank you,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady while Sophie leans against my leg, tired but still watching everything with those big blue eyes. “Would you mind if I just… double-check everything?”

Gavin pauses, studying my face. “Of course. Go ahead.”

I give Sophie’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Stay here for a minute, Soph. Mommy’s just going to make sure everything’s locked up tight.”

“Like the three little pigs?” She asks, her small voice serious.

“Exactly like that,” I say, managing a smile.

I move through the space, my fingers testing each window latch, pressing against each door handle. The rational part of me knows Gavin already did this, but my hands need to feel it for themselves. My body won’t believe it until I’ve verified every possible entry point.

At the back door, I try pressing against the handle to make it slide, making absolutely certain it won’t give. I peer through the curtains into the darkness beyond, scanning for shadows that shouldn’t be there.

“Everything good?” Gavin’s voice startles me.

I turn, embarrassed. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” He keeps a respectful distance. “Trust but verify, that’s just being smart.”

The phrase hits me like a splash of cold water. Those were my exact thoughts.

“Let’s get this little one back to bed.” I say, heading back towards where Sophie’s still standing.

The guest room is beautiful, with soft gray walls and white crown molding. Sophie’s eyes go wide when Gavin flicks a switch and stars begin dancing across the ceiling, cast by a rotating night light on the dresser.

“Pretty.” she whispers, clutching Mr. Hoppy closer to her chest.

“I’ll be right down the hall if you need anything,” he says, excusing himself to give us privacy.

“Thank you,” I say, still feeling a little self-conscious about my security check. “We’ll be fine.”

Once Gavin’s footsteps fade down the hallway, I turn my attention to Sophie. I dig through our hastily packed bag and pull out another pair of pajamas.

“Arms up, Soph,” I say, helping her change.

Sophie stays unusually quiet as she climbs onto the bed.

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