As I reached for my purse, I caught movement on Cam’s front porch. I froze.
Audrey and Alice were huddled together, chins resting in their hands. Even from this distance, the vibe screamedwrong.
I got out of the car, keeping my movements casual even though my heart was already picking up speed.
Don’t freak them out. Just check in. Maybe everything’s fine.
“Hey, girls!” I called out, trying to keep my voice light as I crossed into their yard. “Whatcha doing out here?”
They lifted their heads. Alice’s lip started to wobble at the sight of me.
“We’re locked out.” Audrey’s voice was small. “Mommy dropped us off but Daddy’s not home yet.”
My stomach dropped. I moved closer, crouching down so I was at their eye level. “Okay. That’s okay. How long ago did she drop you off?”
Audrey’s brow furrowed. “Um... I don’t know. A little bit ago?”
“I’m hungry.”
“I’m sure you are, sweetheart. Let’s see if we can figure this out.”
Two little girls were sitting alone on a porch, not knowing when their dad would be home. However long it had been, it was too long.
I kept my voice steady. “Can we call your dad?”
“We don’t have phones,” Audrey said. “Mommy says we’re too young.”
Of course they didn’t have phones. Why would they? They were seven and five.
“When does your dad usually get home?”
“I don’t know. He’s just always here.”
Of course he is.
I sat back on my heels, my mind racing. This was so far from okay. What the hell kind of person just dropped off two little kids without making sure someone was home to get them.
Focus, Emily. Figure this out.
“Alright.” I straightened up, pulling my phone from my pocket. “I’m going to call your dad and let him know you’re here with me, okay?”
“You have his number?” Audrey’s eyes went wide with hope.
“Not yet. But I’ll figure it out.”
I stared down at my phone, the reality of the situation settling over me like a weighted blanket. Shit. Shit, shit, shit.
“Okay.” I pulled up Google. “Your dad owns Rockford Movers, right?”
“Yeah,” Audrey said.
“Right. With the funny commercials.” I typed quickly, pulling up the company website. Multiple locations across the state, acorporate number listed at the top. “I’m just going to call his office, and they’ll get me through to him.”
Please let that be true.
I hit dial and pressed the phone to my ear, giving the girls what I hoped was a reassuring smile. The line rang once, twice, then a perky voice answered.
“Thank you for calling Rockford Movers, this is Jessica. How can I help you today?”
