“What kind of problem.” She tapped Aaron’s shoulder and mouthed for him to go to the shelter instead of the fairgrounds.
“Luna’s husband showed up.”
Fear gnawed at her. “Is she okay? Was anyone harmed? Where are the girls?”
“The girls are fine. They’re with me.” Carl growled. “Social services are here too. They want to take the girls.”
She shoved a hand through her hair. “No, they can’t do that. Carl, I’m on my way. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
“Please hurry. The police are still filling out the report. I’m doing what I can.”
An ugly reality hit, and her stomach rolled with nausea. They wouldn’t take the girl unless…. “Carl, where’s Luna?”
“In an ambulance, on the way to the hospital.” A loud crunch of metal came over the line. Knowing Carl, she could only assume he’d punched something.
“Are any other residents there with you?” She spoke with all the calmness she could muster.
“No. They left on the vans ten minutes before Manny showed up. Skye had an upset stomach, so Luna stayed back with her and Mercy.”
“I know you’re upset, but I need you to keep a level head. Read the girls a story or make up one. Skye loves unicorns and princesses.” She drew a sharp breath. “Tell social services I’m on my way.”
“I will.”
The desperation in Carl’s tone ripped her heart to pieces. She could only imagine the memories this resurfaced for him.
Aaron kept one hand on the steering wheel and covered her hand with the other. He waited until she was off the phone to talk. “What’s going on?”
“Manny Salcedo, Luna’s estranged husband showed up. I don’t know all the details, but the police and social services are there, and Luna’s being taken to the hospital.” Her mind reeled. “I’m so sorry. You can drop me off, and I’ll call Dad to get me when this is over.”
“I’m not leaving you.” The set line of his jaw tensed.
“But the fireworks-”
“Aren’t important right now. You need to be at the shelter, and I need to be with you.”
She was too scared, too desperate for him by her side, to argue. “Thank you.”
Three police cars with their lights flashing lit up the front lot of Hope House. Two other cars were also there, and she recognized one as a social worker she’d partnered with in the past. The previous working relationship would be a benefit.
Her legs trembled when she stood up. Aaron rushed to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“I’ll be okay.” She had to be. This was part of her job, albeit an ugly one she rarely had to deal with.
He removed his arm from her before they walked through the front doors. Instinctively, she knew he only did so for her sake, so she’d project a professional demeanor.
Thankfully, her legs had stabilized.
Carl met her outside her office. “They’re in the cafeteria.”
She sprinted down the long hall and threw open the doors. One of the officers held Mercy in his arms playing a game of pattycake. The infant was blissfully unaware that any trauma had transpired.
The social workers sat on either side of Skye, asking questions in gentle tones. They looked up when Rachel approached.
Sue Alcott, the worker she recognized, turned around. “Good evening, Miss Goodman.”
“Nice to see you again, Sue, though I wish the circumstances were different.” She extend a hand and introduced herself to the second lady. “I’m Rachel Goodman, the shelter’s director.”
The lady accepted her hand. “Kami Styles.”
