Barrington smiles, but it looks more like a grimace. “Like he said yesterday, I do have his number, unfortunately. I’ll give him a call.”
It seems Barrington isn’t the only one having a problem smiling as I attempt to force one on my face and fail. I opt to nod and whisper athank you.
He walks away as I take in the chaotic scene in front of me. A few dozen law enforcement officials are standing around. Some with guns pointed at Vernon, who’s now kneeling at the base of the porch stairs, being handcuffed, and others just waiting in the background to step in if needed.
Fresh tears slip down my cheeks and nausea rollsthrough me as the adrenaline drops and reality swoops in to take its place.
Chris is all I need right now.
33
Chris
Walking out of the courthouse, I roll out my shoulders as I turn my phone back on. Today has been busy, and I’m ready to be home with Lily. My phone finally lights up, and I unlock my screen.
My stomach drops to the cement beneath my feet.
I have a missed call from Lily. Two from Barrington. Three from Carlos. And one from Mandi.
This can’t be good.
I call Lily first. It rings and goes to voicemail. With that, I start jogging toward my car. I dial Carlos next. When it also goes to voicemail, frustration has me barking out, “Fuck.”
Connecting the call to Barrington, I unlock my car and clamber inside, the engine roaring to life.
“Rivers, about time.”
With clenched teeth, I bark, “What the fuck is going on,Barrington? I was in court for the last few hours.” Fear that Lily was arrested makes it hard to breathe.
“First, let me start by saying, Lily is safe.”
Despite his words, that statement brings me no comfort. “What the fuck happened?”
“Rivers, calm down. I said she’s safe. Get to the precinct as soon as you can, and I’ll explain everything.”
I jam my foot on the gas pedal and snap, “Did you arrest her?”
Sighing, he draws out, “No, you asshole. I’ll explain everything when you get here.”
I hang up on him as anxiety and fear have me speeding even more, reminding myself that he said she’s safe and she wasn’t arrested. I just need to hold on to that until I can see her.
I make it to the precinct in record time and sprint inside. I’m relieved to see Wilcox right inside the door, talking with the woman at the front desk.
“Wilcox, where’s Lily? Barrington called me.”
He grins at me. “Well, hello to you, too. Let me show you back.”
Clenching my teeth in annoyance, I follow him down the hall, and I’m reminded of the first time I saw Lily. This situation is similar, yet so very different.
He opens a door, and I spot Lily sitting at the table, a thin blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
“Lily,” leaves me on an exhale.
Her head whips in my direction, and her face shatters into tears as I rush across the room and gather her in my arms. I kiss her hair, not caring who’s watching.
“Shh, it’s okay. I’m here. Everything’s going to be okay.”
After a few moments of letting her cry against my chest, I gently move her back so I can look into her eyes. I cup hercheeks, swiping my thumb across them to gather her tears. “Can you tell me what happened?”
