I notice the black car first.
It’s parked across the street from The Bloom Room, and it’s been there for three days.
I tell myself I’m being paranoid.
I tell myself it’s nothing.
But then I see the man in the suit.
He’s sitting in the car, watching the shop.
Watching me.
I call Mrs.
Patterson.
“There’s someone watching me.”
“What?
Who?”
“I don’t know.
In a black car.”
“Have you called the police?”
“No.
I don’t…
I don’t know what to do.”
Mrs.
Patterson is quiet for a moment.
Then she says, “You can’t hide from them forever, Lily.
Maybe it’s time to stop running.”
“I’m not running.
I’m protecting my daughter.”
“And what happens when she grows up?
When she starts asking questions you can’t answer?” This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
I don’t have an answer.
I don’t have anything.
That night, I’m putting Sophie to bed when I hear a knock at the door.
I freeze.
“Mommy?
Who’s that?”
“I don’t know, baby.
Stay here.”
I walk to the door.
I look through the peephole.
And my heart stops.
It’s Alexander.