Page 73 of A Cowboy's Trust
She reached above the doorframe and pulled down a wooden skewer from where Ivy kept it in case of emergencies. “Next time give me something challenging,” she whispered.
A moment later, he’d slipped the end of the stick into the emergency unlock button in the center of the doorknob, and the lock clicked easily.
Jake eased the door open. “Ready or not, you will be caught.”
No one. Not in the bathtub, not behind the door. Jake even opened the cupboards under the sink, but while there was room for a child to hide, the space was empty.
He turned back to her, frowning. “These kids are amazing. They’re even using misdirection. I could’ve sworn the door was locked for a reason.”
Five more minutes of looking, and Tansy decided to call it. The other kids were still looking, but it was time. “Come out, come out, wherever you are, Jeffrey. You won the game.”
To all of their shock, ten seconds later Jeffrey popped out of the bathroom, a huge grin in place as he rushed forward to wrap his arms around Tansy’s leg.
She tousled his hair but kept the rest of her questions to herself. “Good job. Okay, it’s time for pyjamas and stories.”
Jake gave her a look, but he took Jeffrey into Carter’s room with the bag with pyjamas that they’d brought along.
Tansy went and examined the bathroom. She knew they hadn’t missed seeing him, so there had to be another explanation. But she didn’t really want to ask him because?—
The laundry chute. Set to the side, behind the door, was the sliding opening that led to the basement. Tansy used her phone’s flashlight and took a peek, but she already knew the answer. The width was more than big enough for a child to fit.
There were open spaces between the bare two by fours lining the inside of the passage, and she was pretty sure they would make a dandy ladder.
That uncomfortable feeling in her belly didn’t go away, not through story time or the goodbye hugs and kisses once Ivy and Walker got home.
Jeffrey fell asleep in the car seat as they drove back out to High Water.
“You’re quiet,” Jake said, his strong fingers linked with hers.
“Just thinking,” she offered quietly. She didn’t want to say anything until she was sure. She wouldn’t allow uncertain parts of her past to dump suspicions on an innocent child.
Jake squeezed her hand. “I’ll take Jeffrey back to the apartment. Hopefully Melissa is there. And then there’s a couple of things I should do in the barn.”
“I’ll probably head to bed early,” Tansy told him, offering him a smile. “You were awesome tonight, as usual.”
“You’re far worse at hide and go seek than expected,” he teased.
He had no idea how much effort it took to be bad at something she’d been trained to be better than good at.
Three days later, Tansy volunteered to drive May to the bus stop for her journey at nine a.m. The young woman had spoken with lawyers and the police, and with Jake and Declan’s suggestions, she had a full list of things to take care of with her family and friends’ help.
“I’m glad I had a chance to stay somewhere quiet while I got myself straightened out,” May said. She paused as if considering her next words. “I really am grateful, and so I don’t want to say this, but I feel as if I should. I think maybe you should keep a close eye on Helen.”
“Oh? Is there something wrong?”
“Not anything dangerous,” May said quickly. “And I do hate to mention it, but I could’ve sworn I had a pair of earrings with me that I can’t find now. They weren’t really valuable, but they were from a trip I took that made me happy. I don’t think it’s Jinx—that girl is amazingly sweet.”
“I am sorry,” Tansy offered immediately, dazed by the somewhat surreal conversation. “Sometimes it’s worse to have something that’s got sentimental value go missing. I’ll make sure we take an extra good look around when we clean up. And I’ll take the warning to heart.”
May waved a hand. “You know what? In the big scheme of things, it’s small beans. If she wanted them, I hope they help her down the road. But I thought you should know.”
“Of course.” Tansy sat in silence for a moment, unlocked doors and confusing thoughts tangling together. “If by chance you find them when you get home, please let me know. I’m glad you said something.”
“Thank you.” They slipped outside and May took her suitcase and stepped into Tansy’s arms to hug her tightly. “You’re making a difference. That’s not always easy,” she said firmly.
“You’re making a difference in your own life,” Tansy returned. “I wish you every happiness going forward.”
May lifted her chin, nodded once, then got on the bus.
