Page 14 of Finders Keepers

“Those are beautiful, baby!” I call out, joining her. The morning sun is warm on my skin, and I breathe in deeply, savoring the fresh country air.

It’s been a week since we arrived, and each day feels a little lighter than the last.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, startling me so badly I nearly drop the small bouquet Sophie just handed me. My heart hammers against my ribs as I pull it out with trembling fingers.

Lisa’s name flashes on the screen, and my stomach twists into a knot before I even read the message.

“Bailey, I need to tell you something. Matt showed up at my house, completely wasted. He was screaming that I helped you ”run away” and demanding to know where you two are. I threw him out and called the cops. He left before they arrived, but I wanted you to know.”

The phone feels like a brick in my hand. I can’t breathe. The beautiful morning around me dims as I read the text three more times.

“Mommy, you okay?” Sophie tugs at my shorts, her little face scrunched with concern.

I force a smile. “Yes, baby.”

But I’m not okay. The sick feeling in my gut spreads through my entire body. This is exactly what I feared. Matt won’t stop. He’ll never stop. In his mind, Sophie and I are his property, and no one steals from Matt Monroe.

I text back with shaking hands.

Are you safe? Did he hurt you?

Her response comes quickly.

I’m fine. Just shaken up. He was too drunk to do much damage. Please tell me you’re somewhere he can’t find you.

We are.I reply, though the words feel hollow. Is anywhere truly safe?

I look down at Sophie, who’s wandered a few feet away to pick another wildflower. She deserves so much more than a life spent looking over her shoulder.

My phone buzzes again.

The police took a report, but you know how these things go. Be careful, B. He was saying some scary stuff.

The nausea intensifies. I know exactly what “scary stuff” means coming from Matt. Threats. Promises of what he’ll do when he finds us.

“Can we make a flower crown, Mommy?” Sophie asks, her little hands full of yellow sneezeweeds, purple cornflowers and some firewheels that have bloomed beautifully, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Of course, sweetie. Here, let me show you how.” I will my heartbeat to slow.

And just as I’m finishing up Sophie’s crown I hear the rumble of an approaching vehicle.

My eyes dart up at the sound, heart instantly hammering against my ribs. I snatch Sophie up so quickly she squeals in surprise, her half-finished flower crown falling apart, colorful blooms scattering across the grass.

“Mommy! My flowers!” she protests, but I clutch her tightly against my chest.

“Shh, baby,” I whisper, already backing toward the tiny house. My legs feel leaden, uncooperative. I can’t see the vehicle yet, just hear its approach growing louder down the long driveway.

How did he find us so fast? My mind races through horrifying scenarios as I scan for escape routes.

Sophie wriggles in my arms. “Too tight, Mommy!”

I loosen my grip slightly but don’t let go. The rumbling grows louder, and I finally spot the vehicle emerging from behind the tree line.

It’s not Matt’s truck.

Relief floods through me so powerfully my knees nearly buckle when I recognize Ms. Lucy’s side-by-side utility vehicle bouncing down the drive in front of us. She waves cheerfully, completely unaware of the terror she just put me through.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite taste testers!” She calls. “I’ve got a new pancake recipe that needs some expert opinions before I add it to the diner’s menu. Y’all want to come up to the house and help me out?” Her smile fades as she looks at me. “Bailey? You alright, honey?”

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