“But with Dillard still out there, every break in routine feels significant,” Ann Marie finished for her.“That’s completely understandable, Riley.”
Ann Marie’s empathy was helpful, softening the tight knot of anxiety lodged between Riley’s shoulder blades.Since they’d begun working together, the younger agent had demonstrated a remarkable ability to recognize emotional undercurrents, to offer support without judgment.It was what made her exceptional at victim and witness interviews, and what made her such a valuable partner.
“Why don’t you call her?”Ann Marie suggested gently.“I can start the search, and you can put your mind at ease.”
Riley hesitated only briefly before nodding.“Thanks.I’ll just step outside for a minute.”
She rose from the table, phone in hand, and made her way back toward the café entrance.Outside, she found a quieter spot away from the sidewalk traffic and dialed April’s number.Each ring amplified the tension in her shoulders, until finally—
“Mom?”April’s voice came through, cheerful and alive, sending a wave of relief through Riley.“What’s going on?”
Riley leaned against the brick wall of the café, suddenly aware of how tightly wound she’d been.“Just checking in.You didn’t call at noon like usual.”
“Oh!”April sounded genuinely surprised, then embarrassed.“I totally forgot.I have this massive American Literature exam tomorrow, and I’ve been in the library all morning with my study group.I completely lost track of time.”
The explanation was perfectly reasonable, utterly mundane, and exactly what Riley had told herself must be the case.And yet she’d still needed to hear April’s voice to truly believe it.
“It’s fine,” Riley assured her.“I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.”
There was a slight pause before April spoke again, her tone shifting.“Mom, you don’t need to worry so much.There hasn’t been any sign of that creep in weeks.The campus police don’t even do special checks anymore, because nothing’s happened.”
Riley felt her jaw tighten at the casual dismissal of the threat.“April, you know that doesn’t mean the danger has passed.Leo Dillard is patient, calculating.He could be watching, waiting for us to lower our guard.”
“Or he could be halfway across the country by now,” April countered, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice.“I can’t keep living like I’m under constant surveillance.It’s not normal, Mom.”
“Normal isn’t an option right now,” Riley said, trying to keep her tone measured despite the fear clawing at her insides.“Not until we know he’s been apprehended.”
She heard April sigh on the other end of the line.“I get it, I do.But constantly checking in, always looking over my shoulder—it’s exhausting.”Her voice softened.“I miss just being a regular college student sometimes.”
The vulnerability in her daughter’s admission hit Riley hard, a sharp reminder of the toll Leo’s obsession had taken on all of them.April deserved to experience college without fear shadowing her every move.She deserved carefree days spent studying in the library, nights out with friends, the simple luxury of forgetting to call home because she was too busy living her life.
“I know it’s hard,” Riley said, gentling her voice.“And I’m not trying to control your life or make you paranoid.I just need to know you’re safe.”
“I am safe, Mom,” April assured her.“I promise I’m being careful.I’m doing everything right.”
Riley closed her eyes briefly, searching for the right balance, “How about a compromise?Just send me a quick text around lunchtime each day.It doesn’t have to be a call, doesn’t have to interrupt whatever you’re doing.Just a few words to let me know you’re okay.”
There was another pause, and then April finally agreed.
“Okay, I can do that.A quick text isn’t a big deal.”
“Thank you.That’s all I’m asking for.”
“I’ve got to get back to my study group,” April said.“But I’m fine, Mom.Really.”
“I know.Good luck with your exam tomorrow.”
“Thanks.Love you.”
“Love you too.”
The call ended, and Riley stood for a moment longer, letting the tension drain from her body.April was safe, focused on her studies, surrounded by friends.
When she returned to the table, their drinks had arrived along with their lunch—a turkey club for Riley, a small salad with grilled chicken for Ann Marie.The younger agent had her tablet propped up, her attention fixed on the screen as she scrolled through search results.
“Everything okay?”Ann Marie asked, glancing up as Riley slid back into her seat.
“Yes, she was just studying and lost track of time,” Riley confirmed, picking up her sandwich.“Thanks for understanding.”
