“Understood.” Hadley managed a weak nod and offered him a small, forced smile. “Thank you for explaining this to me, Cristian.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Mommy! Where are you, Mommy?”
“Joy! Take it easy, or you’ll fall!”
Upstairs, Joy’s excited shouts blended with Melba’s gentle urging. Hadley turned and called up the stairs, her voice ringing out, “Mommy’s coming, sweetheart!”
She faced Cristian again, a sheepish smile on her lips. “Thank you for making the trip, Cristian. I need to check on my daughter upstairs.”
“Of course, go ahead.”
“Joy! Mommy’s coming now!” Without another moment’s delay, Hadley dashed upstairs.
Meanwhile, Cristian looked over at Eric.
“Mr. Scott, I’ve just been informed that the police are set to take Linda’s statement today. I’ll be there to keep an eye on things.”
“Understood.” Eric gave a nod. “Give me a call once you’re done.”
“I will.”
When Hadley returned downstairs with Joy, she noticed Cristian had already gone.
“Good morning, Daddy!” Joy chirped.
“Good morning, Joy.” Eric scooped Joy into his arms, and together, the three of them made their way to the dining room.
Breakfast had already begun for Eric and Hadley, but with Joy waking up earlier than usual, it was a rare treat for the whole family to share the morning meal.
Joy climbed into her booster seat, eating her food without any fuss. She no longer needed anyone to feed her, and Hadley had stopped using bibs since Joy had learned to eat so tidily.
Once everyone finished eating, Hadley and Joy walked with Eric to the door, seeing him off for the day.
: ?
A short while later, Hadley’s phone rang. She recognized the number as from the police station.
“Hello?” Hadley answered, feeling a pang of worry. She wondered if the call was related to her “assault” case.
It turned out to be something else entirely, though. “Is this Miss Hadley Pearson?”
“Yes, this is she.”
“This is the police department. You came in previously to help identify Elissa Holland. Do you…” the officer asked.
“Of course.” A heavy feeling settled in Hadley’s chest.
“Look, she’s been waiting here for several days. Would you be able to come pick her up soon? We can’t keep her here forever, and someone has to arrange what happens next.” The officer made an effort to soften the message.
Hadley picked up on the meaning right away. A trace of uncertainty crept in. “Does Ernest Flynn know about this situation?” In her mind, it seemed right that Ernest should claim Elissa’s body and handle her funeral.
.
.
.