***
Jennie followed as David flashed his badge at police officers creating a perimeter around the elementary school and grabbed her hand. They sprinted into the school and hurried down the quiet hall since the students were on lockdown in the classrooms. Her worst nightmare had almost happened if it hadn’t been for her daughter’s quick thinking, and David giving Zoey his phone number.
When they reached the bathroom, David called out, “Zoey?” He eased inside, weapon drawn.
Tears pricked Jennie’s eyes. She held her breath as she waited in the hall. At least she tried. Unable to handle not knowing what was happening, she peered around the corner.
Zoey peeked out from the bathroom stall. “Mr. David?”
“Come here, sweetie.” He holstered his gun and held his arms open. Zoey shot from her hiding spot and fell into his embrace. “I think someone else needs a big hug.” He released her and shifted her to see Jennie.
Jennie swallowed past the lump in her throat and stepped into the doorway. “Zoey.”
Her daughter launched herself into her arms. Jennie staggered. David’s hand reached out and steady her. Zoey’s arms squeezed around her already sore neck, but Jennie ignored the pain. It was worth it to have her daughter safe in her arms.
“Let’s head out and see what Brandon and Randy found out.” David spoke softly into her ear.
She nodded, unable to speak past the emotions clogging her throat.
David escorted her and Zoey to the front office and offered her a seat.
She lowered onto the cushioned chair. Zoey curled up on her lap. At least as much as a ten-year-old could.
David squatted beside them. “Zoey. Did you know the man after you?”
Zoey’s face scrunched. “I don’t think so. But…”
Jennie brushed the hair from her daughter’s face. “It’s okay, honey. If you know something, you should let David know.”
Zoey’s blue eyes met hers. Fear flickered in them.
“Go ahead, tell him.”
Zoey sighed. “I didn’t recognize him, but there was something familiar about him.”
David tilted his head. “As in you’ve seen him around school before?”
“No. I don’t think so.” Zoey’s little fingers traced the hand marks on Jennie’s neck. “Like in a picture or something.”
“David, could Kenny be responsible for this?” Her heart hammered against her ribcage.
Her daughter shook her head. “It wasn’t him.”
“Do you know what he looks like?” David asked.
“She’s seen pictures of him. I made sure of it.” Jennie had struggled with that decision, but in the long run, she wanted her daughter to have the information for her own safety.
“So, not Kenny.” David scratched the growing scruff on his jaw.
Brandon rushed in. “Do you need the ambulance?”
David’s gaze never left her as he responded to his partner. “No. Zoey’s scared but not hurt.”
Brandon cleared his throat and stepped closer. “I got a call right before dispatch sent us here.”
Jennie’s face heated. “And?” She demanded.
Brandon’s gaze darted between her and David. “Kenny didn’t do this. He hasn’t violated his parole. He’s with his new girlfriend at a resort in Indiana. Confirmed by security footage.”
