Chapter 13

I glanced at Stacy, who had fallen asleep on the couch, her small figure curled up under a blanket. She looked so peaceful, so unaware of the worry surrounding her.

No, Mom, I said, shaking my head. I think we should take her home with us tonight. We’ll report to the police in the morning if her father or nanny doesn’t show up.

Mom hesitated but eventually nodded. All right. Let’s do that.

Carefully, we carried Stacy to the cab. She didn’t stir as we drove home, her soft breathing the only sound in the quiet of the night.

When we got home, she woke up, rubbing her sleepy eyes. I gave her a bath and dressed her in one of my shirts. The sight of her in it made us both laugh; she looked so tiny. She joined Mom and me for dinner, her energy returning with each bite.

Stacy, do you know your home address?” Mom asked gently over dinner.

Stacy shook her head. No. I’m at my nanny’s new house so I can spend the weekend with her, but I don’t know how to get there.”

Do you know why your dad didn’t come to pick you up?” I asked carefully.

She paused, her expression thoughtful, then smiled brightly. “No, I don’t! But I’m okay as long as I’m with Mia.Her words were so innocent, so trusting, that they tugged at my heart.

After tucking Stacy into bed, I lay beside her, trying to keep my mind from racing. She turned to face me, her small voice breaking the silence.

So, what’s your dad’s name? I asked softly, hoping to learn more about her.

“Romano,” she mumbled sleepily, her eyelids drooping before she drifted off.

The name hit me like a bolt of lightning. My heart stopped, and I gasped, instinctively covering my mouth to stifle the sound.

Romano.

I got up from the bed, my mind swirling with disbelief and confusion. I walked to the window, staring into the quiet night as my thoughts spiraled. Could it really be him? The same Romano I dreaded so much? The man whose name alone made my stomach churn with a mix of fear and resentment?

But how? A man as ruthless, arrogant, and cold-hearted as Romano surely couldn’t be a father. He didn’t seem capable of love, let alone having a child who adored him as much as Stacy did.

I glanced back at her peaceful, sleeping face, innocence radiating from her even in slumber. If she were awake, I’d have begged her to describe him, to give me some clue that could confirm or disprove my fears.

Lying back down, I couldn’t bring myself to close my eyes. My mind was plagued with questions and doubts. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I drifted into a restless sleep.

Morning came too soon, and my thoughts of asking Stacy for more details were interrupted by a knock on my door.

Time to get ready, Mia, Mom called.

We shared breakfast together, and Mom dressed Stacy in the clothes we had taken from the store the previous night. The little girl was cheerful as ever, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me.

“We’ll stop by the store first before heading to the police station,Mom said, her voice steady.

I nodded, though my mind was elsewhere.

When we arrived at the store, a frantic figure immediately caught my eye. Stacy’s nanny was pacing back and forth outside, her hands wringing as she muttered to herself. The moment she saw us, relief flooded her face, and she hurried over.

“Oh, thank goodness she exclaimed, scooping Stacy into her arms. I was so worried! I came back to the store and didn’t find you. I didn’t know what to do!”

“We waited for over hours, but no one came,” I explained, trying to keep my voice calm despite the tension bubbling within me. “It was getting late, and we couldn’t reach you or Stacy’s father, so we decided to take her home for the night.

The nanny nodded, her expression a mix of guilt and relief. “I’m so sorry, Mia. This isn’t like him at all. Mr. Romano never forgets to pick Stacy up. Something must have happened.

My chest tightened at the mention of his name. Romano. Could it really be him?

Is he all right? Mom asked, her tone laced with concern.

I’m not sure,” the nanny admitted. He was supposed to call me, but I never heard back. I was so scared when I realized he hadn’t shown up here either.

I glanced at Stacy, who seemed completely unfazed by the commotion, her innocent smile lighting up her face as she chatted away with nanny. It was clear she had no idea how much worry her absence had caused.

Do you want us to come with you? I asked the nanny, unable to ignore the growing unease in my chest.

“No, it’s okay,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ll take Stacy back to the house and try to reach Mr. Romano again. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.

As the nanny thanked us profusely and carried Stacy to her car, I couldn’t shake the lingering dread. If it really is him… what does this mean?

Mom must have noticed my silence because she placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Mia, are you okay?

I forced a smile, though my thoughts were a whirlwind. I’m fine, Mom. Just worried, that’s all.”

 As we watched the car drive away, I couldn’t help but wonder.

A week had passed since Stacy and her nanny left, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

At the store, Mom called out to me from behind the counter. Mia, don’t you think something’s wrong? I can’t stop thinking about Stacy. They haven’t come around in a while.

You’re right, Mom, I admitted, I’ve been thinking about her too. I hope everything’s okay.

Mom paused, her hands resting on the counter. “I mean, if something was wrong, her nanny or even Stacy would’ve told us, right?.

I guess, I replied, though I wasn’t entirely convinced. There was a knot of worry in my stomach that I couldn’t shake.

Just then, my phone buzzed on the counter. I glanced at the screen at an unknown number.

Hello? I answered cautiously.

Hey there, girl! It’s Claudia

Claudia,I brightened, the familiar voice easing some of my tension. “Oh, hi How are you?”

I’m doing great. Sorry for not calling sooner. It's been a hectic few weeks. How are you doing?

I’m doing fine, thanks, I replied, leaning against the counter.

Listen, tomorrow’s my birthday, and I’d love for you to come to the party. It’s going to be a small gathering, but I think you’ll enjoy it.