“Oh. Sure. I just wanted to tell you I ran into Lara just now—”
“Where?” he blurted.
“I’m at the shopping centre with Mum. Lara’s shopping with Sofia, but when I said I thought she was having a sleepover with Mischa, she mentioned it was a surprise.” Faith paused. “I know it’s probably none of my business, but I wanted to make sure you knew about it.”
He exhaled. “I didn’t. Joan just rang me to tell me Lara hadn’t come home with Mischa.”
Faith gasped.
He closed his eyes as his pulse slowed. “Thank you for calling. Can you still see them? Sofia’s not answering her phone.”
“She went into the newsagency. I can go in if you want.”
“Please. I need to speak with her.”
“Give me a minute.”
Darcy waited, willing himself to be calm when he spoke. He heard Faith speak to Sofia and then Sofia say, “Sweetness, why don’t you tell your dad what a great time you’re having?”
Lara came onto the phone. “Dad! This is the best surprise ever! Mum’s bought me a new dress for the movies, and we’re going to get our nails done. Just us girls.”
He gritted his teeth as her joy radiated down the phone. How could he disappoint her? He kept his tone light. “Sounds great. Are you still going to Mischa’s at five?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
“Can I speak to your mum now?”
“Sure. Love you!”
The scuffle of sounds as the phone was passed back to Sofia. “Darcy, we’re having such a wonderful time.” She laughed.
He clenched his hand. “If youeverpull a stunt like this again, I will have you arrested for kidnapping.”
“Darcy, don’t be so upset.” She’d lowered her voice and placated. “It’s not a big deal. I just wanted to spend some mother-daughter time with Lara.”
“You have no fucking idea,” he growled. “For a few very long minutes, I had no idea where she was. That terrified me.”
She gasped. “But how did you know?”
“Because Mischa’s mother, Joan is a decent human being. She knows I would haveneverchanged plans without telling her, and so she called when Lara didn’t turn up after school.”
“But Mischa knew she was with me. Honestly, Darcy, you need to know when to let go. I’ll be spending more time with my daughter from now on.”
What did she mean by that? She lived in Melbourne, she could hardly pop in for a visit every weekend. Unless she wanted custody… The fear returned and he lashed out. “Have Lara back at Mischa’s at five o’clock exactly, or Iwillcall the police.” He hung up before she could argue otherwise.
“Darcy—” Amy began.
He thrust the phone at her. “Call Joan and tell her Lara will be there at five. If she isn’t, to call me back. I need air.”
He strode out of the house.
***
Darcy fought to let go of his animosity towards Sofia as he dressed for dinner Friday night. Joan had called at five to say Lara was with her, and a few minutes later, Sofia had texted to say sorry.
He reminded himself she didn’t know about Stonefish, and she’d grown up in the Bay where kids often roamed the town after school without their parents knowing exactly where they were.
He clutched his aftershave bottle in a death grip, and slowly placed it on his dresser. It was over. Lara was safe, and Faith would arrive in twenty minutes.
