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A small doll on the side table catches my eye. If I had someone to watch Riley, I’d go bring my girl home, but I can’t, and it’s killing me.
When my phone dings, my heart sings.
I don’t know if you can.
I call her cell again, growling when her voicemail greets me. The device in my hand vibrates, and I startle so badly that I nearly drop it.
“Shelby?” The question is practically a plea.
Silence greets me.
“Are you hurt? I can get Riley and come to you,” I blurt.
“No, no.” She hurries, her voice small, the whisper barely reaching me.
Relief is quickly replaced by disappointment. Maybe I can’t fix this.
“I’m safe.”
“Did you have a key to get in, or am I going to have an irate Cromwell over a broken window?” I don’t care about the Cromwells. I just need to know she’s in the house.
Shelby gives a breathy laugh. “No broken windows. I know where they keep the spare keys to the bunk cabins. They should probably hide them better.”
I smile, but it’s small and half-hearted.
“Can you lock yourself in?”
Shelby doesn’t answer. Silence stretches, along with my patience. But I wait, pushing her right now won’t get me anywhere.
“How did you know where I was?” she eventually whispers.
I don’t bother lying. “The tracker on my car.”
“I’m sorry I took it.”
“I understand why you did, but I wish you’d stayed.”
“I couldn’t.”
I curse softly.
“If I go to prison, they’ll take Riley.”
Soft crying floats through the phone. Guilt twists my stomach. It was a low blow, but she needs to know what turning me in will do.
“Please don’t cry,” I beg, my voice cracking.
“I love her,” Shelby cries.
“I know, and she loves you too, Shelby.”
“I love you,” she admits, her voice a wail.
I close my eyes. Her words mean everything to me.
“I love you too, baby.”
“Is Cooper right? Is that who you are?”
