***
That night, I double-checked the doors and windows, setting the security alarm earlier than usual.
Mike had insisted on staying another night with us, and I had to admit, I did feel safer with him in the house. For Ashley’s sake, of course. I poured the customary mugs of evening coffee and found Mike sitting in front of the fireplace. He turned to look at me as I entered the room.
“Is Ashley asleep?”
“Fast asleep,” I sighed.
“Good. I didn’t want to talk about what happened today in front of her.”
“Neither did I. It’s a miracle she’s not scared to death already. I know I am.”
“You might not always be able to shield her from the truth,” he pointed out.
“You mean if this gets any worse?”
“Maybe.”
“Yes, I know.” I bit my lip and contemplated the fire as I spoke. “Her teacher didn’t see anyone talking to her on the play yard today.”
“Not even walking by the playground?”
“No, nothing. But Ashley wouldn’t make something like that up.”
“I don’t know, Claire, she goes to a good school. They keep a good eye on those kids. What about an imaginary friend? She’s the right age and she has certainly been through a lot.”
“That’s true, but I doubt it in this case. The timing is off. Something just…feels wrong here, Mike. Maybe if last night…I don’t know. But something is not right. I can feel it.” I was well aware that I was rambling and yet, couldn’t seem to stop. “Who would want to hurt a little girl?” I shivered.
“Who would want to hurt your little girl?”
“You think someone is really trying to get to her?”
“I don’t know, Claire. Maybe someone is trying to get to you through her.”
“I thought of all that, too, last night.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No, it’s okay. I guess we’ll know for sure in a week, when those prints come back from the lab.
That is, if they get anything.”
“They will. Don’t worry.”
But that was easier said than done.