Alice felt like she hadn't slept at all when she woke up the morning after Margaret's surprise visit. She had been having scary dreams with dark images and sounds. She had a strong sense that someone was watching her as she got Charlie ready for daycare.Little Charlie heard her say, "It's okay, baby," as she put him in his car seat. "Mommy's just being silly."But Alice couldn't help but look in her rearview mirror more often than normal on her way to daycare. Was that the same black car that had been following her since she left the house?While Charlie was at daycare, Alice gave him a tighter hug than normal before giving him to Miss Laura."Is everything okay, Alice?" When Miss Laura saw that Alice looked worried, she asked.A smile was forced on Alice. "Everything is okay. Just... please call me first if someone else comes to pick up Charlie, even if they say they know me. "All right?"Miss Laura nodded and looked worried but sure she got it. "Of course, Alice. Before giving kids
Alice's heart was beating fast as she stumbled with her car keys. Carson scanned the parking lot as he stood next to her. His face was red with worry.His voice was low and tense as he said, "We need to hurry."Carson jumped into Alice's car and joined them. Alice tried to cool down by taking a deep breath as she started the engine.She asked with a shaking voice, "What if something has happened to Charlie?"Carson put his hand on her arm to comfort her. "Question things before they happen. We'll check it out when we get there.Alice's thoughts were all over the place as they drove through Manchester. What had gone wrong that made things so bad? Being good enough for her new boss was her biggest fear just a few weeks ago. She was running to get her son to daycare quickly because she was scared for his safety.She said, "We're almost there," as they turned onto the street where Charlie's daycare was. "Please, please let him be okay."They jumped out of the car before it was fully stopp
Early morning light came in through Emma's spare room curtains and gently woke Alice up. She was not sure where she was for a moment. Then everything from yesterday came back to her quickly, and she woke up wide awake.Carson saw their son sleep while sitting in a chair next to Charlie's movable crib. He was already awake. When Alice woke up, he looked up and gave her a tired little smile.A soft voice said, "Morning." "How did you sleep?"To get rid of the last bits of sleep, Alice rubbed her eyes. "Not good. "You?"That was all Carson could do. "Not at all. Thought about everything and tried to decide what to do next.At that very moment, Charlie woke up and scrunched up his little face. Alice ran over to him right away, picked him up from the crib, and held him close.She cooed, "Good morning, sweetheart," taking in his familiar baby smell. Even though everything was going wrong, holding Charlie made her feel like things might be okay.She was already up and making coffee and toast
Carson was worried and couldn't decide what to do, so he paced the floor of his hotel room. He was scared from what had happened in the last few days, but he knew he had to be with Alice and Charlie more. From across town, he couldn't keep them safe.He took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and called Alice. She picked up on the second ring, and her voice was tinged with worry."Carson? Is everything okay?"His words, "Yeah, I'm fine," were meant to sound calmer than they really were. "Alice, give me a moment to think. I'd like to leave the hotel and find a place near you and Charlie. Is that all right?"The other end of the line waited for a moment. Carson held his breath while he waited for her answer.Alice finally said, "I... I think that might be a good idea." "After everything that's happened, it would make me feel safer having you nearby."Carson felt a wave of relief. "Great. I'm going to start looking for a place right away. "Maybe an apartment in the area?"They talked so
Alice walked into the Grand Manchester Hotel, her mind heavy with worry. It had been two weeks since she'd made the difficult decision to distance herself from Carson because she believes the challenges with her son is because Carson came back to their lives. For Charlie's safety, she told herself. But it didn't make it any easier.As she reached her office, she saw a large bouquet of flowers on her desk. Her heart sank. This was the third bouquet this week, all from her boss, Mr. Jenkins. She picked up the card, already knowing what it would say:"Dinner tonight? - Tom"Alice sighed, tossing the card in the trash. She'd told Mr. Jenkins multiple times that she wasn't interested, that she wanted to keep things professional. But he just wasn't getting the message.Just then, there was a knock at her door. Alice looked up to see Sarah from reception, a worried look on her face."Everything okay, Sarah?" Alice asked.Sarah glanced around nervously before stepping into the office and clos
Alice's hands wouldn't stop shaking. She sat in the lobby of the Ritz Hotel, a blanket draped over her shoulders, staring blankly at the ornate carpet. The events of the past hour played on repeat in her mind, each recollection making her feel sick to her stomach.Mr. Jenkins' forceful grip on her arm,he had tried to force himself on her with the collaboration of the hotel staffs. The panic as she realized his men were trying to force her into the elevator. The relief when the young man - Maxwell, she now knew - had stepped in."Miss? Miss, are you alright?"Alice looked up to see a concerned police officer standing in front of her. She blinked, trying to focus."I... I think so," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.The officer nodded sympathetically. "I know this is difficult, but we need to take your statement. Are you feeling up to answering some questions?"Alice nodded slowly. As she recounted the events of the evening, her voice grew stronger. She described how
Alice stared at the "Closed" sign hanging on the hotel's grand entrance, her heart sinking. It had been three days since the incident with Mr. Jenkins, and the Ritz Hotel remained shuttered. She clutched Charlie closer to her chest, feeling lost."What are we going to do now, sweetie?" she whispered to her son, who babbled happily, oblivious to his mother's worries.As if on cue, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Max: "Hope you're doing okay. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."Alice felt a mix of gratitude and unease. Max had been nothing but kind and supportive, but his power and influence scared her a little. Could she really trust someone she barely knew?She was pulled from her thoughts by another buzz. This time, it was Emma."Hey sis, saw the news. Are you okay? Do you need me to watch Charlie while you job hunt?"Alice sighed, grateful for her sister's support,she really need another job as she cannot shake off the feeling of shame and guilt and how she wo
Alice stood in front of her closet, frowning at her reflection in the mirror. She had agreed to have dinner with Max tonight, and now she was second-guessing everything. What should she wear? Was this even a good idea?"Mama!" Charlie's voice called from the living room, where Emma was watching him.Alice sighed, pushing her worries aside for a moment. She walked out to find Charlie grinning up at her, a toy car clutched in his chubby hand."Hey, sweetie," Alice said, kneeling down to kiss his forehead. "Are you being good for Aunt Emma?"Emma laughed from her spot on the couch. "He's an angel, as always. Now, are you going to tell me why you're so nervous about this dinner?"Alice bit her lip, sitting down next to her sister. "I don't know, Em. Max is... he's been so kind, so helpful. But I barely know him. And with everything that's happened..."Emma nodded understandingly. "You're worried about getting hurt again.""It's not just that," Alice said, watching Charlie play. "It's Char