5: The

ter persistent this time. I could hear the boys running t

ching for my car keys which seemed to ha

were already stuffed into my purse, but w

ud enough to be carried up the sta

heir aunt's for a visit. What a shame

inside. My heart was beating fast against my ribs as I slowly backed a

now, I wouldn't go

s which had me retreating into the mast

eeze through? But what about the boys? The thought of l

pocket as I brought it out and s

dgment, I answered,

oice sounded familiar, but I c

ten carefully to me

d, pressing myself aga

your husband, but you told me to leave you alone. I understand

thought he was some creep, maybe a stalker. But as I strained to recall the details, another memory

had been ther

is number?" I asked

ly. "What matters is getting you out of that ho

rom under me. "Who are yo

e said. "I know this sounds crazy, but I need you to trust me. I can explain ev

es. "They think she's here to be their new mo

ming to the front door. When I do, you come downstairs. A

knife," I

aid grimly. "I

clutching my phone. Could I trust

the bathroom d

y sweet. "The boys are worried about you. W

d back, trying to keep my voic

tience creeping into her tone. "I was hoping we

needed to be ready. I unlocked the bathroom door and made my way cautiously to the bedroom window.

r it. I took a deep breath and headed downstairs, clutching the banister for

out the PTA meeting," he was saying a

smile didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, there you a

ica's shoulder, a silent unde

ast few steps. "Michael is on th

st telling me about your plans to visit their aunt.

ging past her toward the door. "About

path with surprising speed, "I was h

ected, taking a step into the house.

ne can spare a few minutes for me before sh

llway, watching the adults with wide, u

They've been so excited to see you, and I'd hate to disappoint them." I knelt down, beckoning the twin

n, then at Jessica, who was clearly

iam began, "

d, giving them each a tight hug. I whispered in their ears,