Page 81 of Finders Keepers

“But for how long?” My voice cracks. “He found me, Ms. Lucy. All those unknown calls and texts, I should have known. I should have…”

She stiffens, her warm smile evaporating. Her eyes, usually so gentle, harden with resolve. She straightens her shoulders and transforms before my eyes from sweet Ms. Lucy to a fortress.

“Jake,” she calls out, her voice calm yet commanding. “Would you be a dear and move that table to the dining room?

Jake nods, sensing the shift in her tone.

“Molly, honey, can you take those tablecloths and lay them on the tables? And I believe those punch bowls would look lovely in the dining room too.”

“Mary Beth, can you stay in here with the kiddos? I have to speak to Bailey in my office for a quick moment.”

“Sure can.” Mary Beth says from the couch as she continues to watch them both play with the balloon.

Everyone moves with quiet efficiency, responding to the authority in her voice without question. She turns to me, her hand on my elbow.

“Come with me,” she whispers, guiding me toward the hallway. “Sophie’s fine with Mary Beth for a few minutes.”

I follow her through the house to a small office at the back. The walls are lined with bookshelves, a sturdy oak desk centered in the room. She closes the door behind us with a soft click.

“Now,” she says, turning to face me. “Tell me everything.”

My words tumble out in a rush. “The calls were getting more frequent, I thought they were just telemarketers, so I answered this morning, and it was him. He said that he would be seeing us soon.” My hands won’t stop shaking. “He always said if I ever left, he’d—”

“Bailey.” She grips my shoulders. “That man doesn’t get to make threats. Not on my property.”

“But he knows my phone number. Somehow he found out. What’s to stop him from finding out exactly where we are? I need to leave, get Sophie somewhere—”

“You’ll do no such thing.” Her voice is steel wrapped in velvet. “Running again just puts you back on the road, vulnerable. Here, you have people. Protection.”

“You don’t understand what he’s capable of.”

“Oh, I understand men like him perfectly well.” Something dark flashes across her face. “But he doesn’t understand what I’m capable of.”

I study her, those piercing eyes, her lips pressed into a thin line. She takes a deep breath.

“We should call the police, dear. We can file a report right now.” She reaches for the phone on her desk.

My stomach knots at the thought. I picture squad cars with flashing lights pulling into the driveway, uniformed officers walking through the party, Sophie’s wide eyes filled with questions I’m not ready to answer.

“No.” I shake my head firmly. “Not right now.”

“Bailey—”

“Please, Ms. Lucy.” I say, trying to hold myself together. “Filing a report means officers here, taking statements. Sophie would be terrified if police showed up at her birthday party. She’s finally relaxing.” I glance toward the door, imagining her beyond it, playing without a care in the world. “I can’t ruin today for her.”

She releases the phone, her expression softening. “I understand wanting to protect her from this, but we need to think about your safety too.”

“I know, and I will call them. I promise.” I push my hair back from my face, trying to organize my thoughts. “Just… let me get through today. Let her have this one perfect birthday. Tomorrow I’ll figure out what to do.”

She sighs, relenting. “Alright. But first thing tomorrow, we’re making that call together. And in the meantime, you’re not alone in this, you hear me?”

“I haven’t told anyone else about Matt. What if they judge me for not being stronger?”

“Oh, sugar.” She slowly kneels in front of me. “The only person judging you is yourself. These people care about you both. Gavin especially—”

“I haven’t told him anything.” The words burst out. “He’s so good, so kind. If he knew…”

“If he knew, he’d want to protect you even more.” She squeezes my hands. “But that’s your story to tell when you’re ready. For now, let’s focus on giving Sophie the birthday party she deserves.”

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