“Rabbit sleepy.”
I gave a soft laugh.
“I think Grandpa is pretty sleepy too.”
For the first time that day, Clara laughed for real.
I stepped closer and took her hand.
“You should have trusted me.”
“I know.”
“I would never have judged you.”
“I wasn’t afraid of that,” she said. “I was afraid you loved us enough to do something that would hurt the case.”
I could not argue with that.
If she had told me about Evan’s threat, I might have driven straight to his house. I might have said things that would later be repeated in court. Clara knew me better than anyone.
“You don’t have to hide anymore,” I told her.
She looked uncertain.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean you and Liam are not spending another night in this basement.”
“What if Evan drives by?”
“Then he’ll see what you wanted him to see.”
I smiled gently.
“An empty house.”
“But where will we go?”
“My house.”
“What if he follows?”
“He won’t.”
“How do you know?”
“Because we’re not leaving alone.”
I pulled out my phone.
“My friend Daniel retired after thirty years with the sheriff’s department. He still knows people.”
Within twenty minutes, Daniel arrived with another retired deputy who volunteered with neighborhood watch. After I explained everything, both men agreed to park nearby and quietly watch Clara’s street through the night.
Not to confront anyone.
Only to observe and record.
“If Evan comes by,” Daniel said, “he’ll be on three cameras before he even realizes it.”
Clara’s shoulders finally loosened.
“Thank you.”
Daniel nodded kindly.
“You’ve got enough on your mind.”
We packed only what Liam needed for the weekend—medicine, clothes, books, diapers, and the stuffed rabbit. Before leaving, Clara removed the duck-patterned blanket from the basement window and folded it against her chest.
“Mom made this,” she whispered.
“I know.”
“I kept thinking… if she were still here…”
I placed a hand on her shoulder.
“She would tell you what I’m telling you.”
Clara looked at me.
“You are not alone.”
Monday came with gray skies and steady rain. Clara’s attorney met us outside the courthouse. The emergency hearing lasted most of the afternoon.
The judge reviewed the photos, police reports, messages, neighbor statements, and security footage showing Evan’s truck lingering outside Clara’s house on multiple evenings.
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