"How's the case coming?" I asked.
I wasn't dropping the charges. Silas hurt me. This was what he deserved.
Julian's eyes flickered. "Still moving forward. These kinds of cases take time. The evidence chain has to be solid."
"So we're not at trial yet?" I was surprised.
"Right." He answered fast. "Not yet."
I studied his face. Something felt off. His voice was dry, his eyes dodging mine.
"Julian, are you hiding something from me?"
"No." He said immediately. "Just stressed lately. This case is tough."
I wanted to press him, but he suddenly stood. "I need to take this call."
He walked several yards away, turning his back to answer. I watched his shoulders lock up tight.
I looked away, toward Olei playing on the slide. He was talking to another little boy now, finally smiling.
Julian came back, his face even paler than before.
"Something came up. I need to go. We'll talk another time." He rushed the words and turned to leave.
"Julian—" I called after him.
Watching him go, an inexplicable unease crept through me.
"Mommy!" Olei's voice snapped me back.
He ran over, face sweaty but grinning.
"Tired?" I pulled out a tissue to wipe his face.
"Yeah!" He nodded, then sat beside me. "Mommy, did he leave?"
"He?" I raised an eyebrow. "You mean Julian? He just left."
What was going on in this little guy's head? He was usually such a polite kid.
"Good," Olei said quietly.
"Why? Why do you push him away like that?" I couldn't help asking.
Olei pressed his lips together, clearly not wanting to say. But finally, he spoke. "I can tell he likes you, Mommy. He's going to take you away."
I went quiet. I hadn't expected that. Olei had always been insecure. He'd even developed separation anxiety before.
I pulled him into my arms. "Baby, no one can take me away from you. I'm your mommy. Only yours."
Olei buried his head against my shoulder and nuzzled in.
We sat on the lawn talking for a while longer, Olei leaning against me, soaking up the afternoon sun.
Then a sharp crack of gunfire shattered the park's peace.
"Get down! Protect Ms. Carter and Olei!" A bodyguard's shout cut through the chaos.
