Shadows and Suspicions

Chapter 92:

James pulled into the drive, still thinking about all that had happened. He got out of the car and looked over at his house. It was supposed to be a safe place. Now it was different. Weird. Like it wasn't really his anymore.

He trudged up to the front door, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. But the house did seem to have its vitality to it: laughter from the living room belonging to Ava. It made him smile, maybe for the first time in what had seemed like forever.

"Daddy!" Ava shouted when he walked in, running up and wrapping her arms around his legs.

James swept her into a bear hug. "Hey, kiddo. How are you?"

"I'm good," she answered. "Mommy made hot chocolate!"

"Did she now?" James glanced over at Lily, curled onto the couch with her mug. She offered him a small smile.

"You want some?" Ava asked.

"Maybe later, kiddo," James said, setting her down. "Why don't you go finish your hot chocolate? I need to talk to Mommy for a minute." Ava nodded and skipped b