Page 31 of Ruthless Possession
"I have a class to teach," she protests, but I hear the fear beneath her words.
"I know, baby. Just be careful. We're on our way."
I hang up, focusing on the road. The day care is visible now, its colorful building rising from the suburban landscape. I scan the parking lot, looking for anything suspicious, any sign of Evan's car.
"Nothing," Matthew confirms, his eyes doing the same assessment.
We pull in and park, both of us moving toward the entrance with purpose. I push through the door, my eyes immediately searching for Morgan.
The reception area is quiet, children's laughter drifting from the classrooms beyond. Ms. Davis looks up from her desk, her expression shifting from surprise to concern.
"Trenton, Matthew, is everything all right?"
Before I can answer, Morgan appears in the hallway. The color is gone from her face. She rushes toward us and I meet her halfway, pulling her tight against my chest. Just for a second, I close my eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair, assuring myself she's real, that she's here.
"You're okay," I murmur against her hair.
She pulls back, her eyes wide. "My dad just called. He's outside, watching the building. What's happening, Trent?"
"We'll explain everything," Matthew says, his hand finding the small of her back. "But first, we need to get you somewhere safe."
"The children?—"
"Will be fine," I assure her. "Ms. Davis can handle things for a day."
Morgan hesitates, her sense of responsibility warring with self-preservation. "This is my job, Trent. I can't just abandon my class."
Matthew steps closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Morgan, this man has a pattern. He stalks women until they're isolated, then he escalates. We can't let that happen to you."
I watch the realization dawn on her face, the understanding that this isn't just paranoia, that the danger is real and documented.
"Okay," she finally whispers. "Let me talk to Ms. Davis."
While Morgan explains the situation to her supervisor, I move to the window, scanning the street outside. Isaac's truck is parked across the way, the older man visible in the driver's seat, his eyes watchful.
"We should go," I tell Morgan when she returns.
Ms. Davis nods, her expression grave. "Take all the time you need, Morgan. Your job will be here when you're ready to come back."
We exit through a side door, moving quickly to Isaac's truck. He climbs out as we approach, his weathered face tight with concern.
"Morgan," he says, pulling his daughter into a brief, fierce hug. "You all right?"
"I'm fine, Dad." She squeezes his hand. "I'm sorry to drag you into this."
Isaac's eyes meet mine over her head. "You boys found something?"
I nod. "Evan Harris has a history of stalking. Three previous cases, all settled with NDAs."
A muscle jumps in Isaac's jaw. "Where is he now?"
"Unknown," Matthew answers. "But he pulled his daughter from the school this morning. That suggests he's either running or planning."
Isaac nods once, the movement sharp. "You take Morgan home. I'll keep watch here, make sure he doesn't come back looking for her."
"Dad, no," Morgan protests. "It's too dangerous."
"I've been hunting since before you were born, girl," Isaac says, his voice softening. "I know how to be quiet when I need to be."
