Page 123 of Finders Keepers

My throat tightens instantly. “What kind of development?”

“We received an anonymous tip this morning that Mr. Monroe was staying at the Sunrise Motel, just outside town limits.” He pauses. “The room had been recently occupied but by the time we got there, he—”

“He was already gone?” I finish his sentence. “Do you think it was really him?”

“The description from the motel staff matches yours, and we found some items that suggest it was him. We’ve increased patrols in the area and notified all surrounding jurisdictions. We’re doing everything we can to locate him.”

I close my eyes, trying to steady my breathing.

“Ms. Monroe, are you still there?” Officer Martinez’s voice cuts through the static in my brain.

“Yes, sorry.” I press my palm flat against the carpet, focusing on its rough texture. “I just… I need to know. Was there anything to indicate he knows where we are now?”

“Nothing concrete, but I want you to remain vigilant. The motel’s about twenty or so miles from your current location.”

My chest constricts. Twenty miles. That’s so close. The room spins as the last memory of Matt flashes in my mind. His fist connecting with the side of my face.

“Ms. Monroe?” Officer Martinez’s voice sounds distant. “Are you alright?”

I force air into my lungs. “I’m here. Just processing.”

“I understand this is difficult information. Like I said we’ll have extra patrols in the area, and I want you to call immediately if you notice anything suspicious.”

My fingers dig into the carpet.

“Thank you, Officer Martinez. I’ll keep an eye out.” My voice sounds hollow even to my own ears.

“I’ve made a note to check in with you every couple of days. And remember, you have my direct line. Please call anytime, day or night.”

“I will.” I end the call and sit frozen against the door, staring at the opposite wall without really seeing it.

Matt’s still here. Twenty miles away. The distance I had put between us that once felt like a safety barrier now seems paper-thin. My breathing quickens as panic claws its way up my throat.

A gentle knock on the door startles me back to reality.

“Bailey? Everything okay in there?” Gavin’s voice is soft through the wood.

I scramble to my feet, wiping away tears I didn’t realize had fallen. “Yeah, just… give me a minute.”

In the en-suite bathroom, I splash cold water on my face, avoiding my reflection. I can’t let Sophie see me like this. She’s too young to understand, but she picks up on everything. One look at my face and she’ll know something’s wrong.

When I finally emerge, I find her at the kitchen table, happily munching on cereal while Gavin stands at the island, concern etched across his features.

“Mommy! Gavin let me put extra marshmallows in my bowl!” She grins, milk dribbling down her chin.

I force a smile. “That’s great, baby.” I grab a napkin and wipe her face, my hands still trembling slightly.

Gavin moves closer, voice low. “You okay?”

I nod almost imperceptibly as I head towards the garbage can and whisper. “They found where Matt was staying, some hotel not far from here.”

His jaw tightens, eyes darkening. “Did they arrest him?”

“He was gone before they got there.” I busy myself with fixing Sophie’s unfinished braid, focusing on the familiar motion to keep myself grounded. “Officer Martinez said they’ll increase patrols, but…”

“But it doesn’t feel like enough,” Gavin finishes, understanding in his voice.

“No. It doesn’t.”

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