“I'm currently at the Riverside Mall parking lot.” That was her last message!
My hands started shaking. It was sent thirty minutes ago. Why didn’t I check my phone earlier?! “Adam,” I sighed. “Come here, baby.”
He ran toward me with his toy car. “Mom?”
I knelt and hugged him tightly, almost crushing him. “You’re going to sleep early tonight, okay?”
“But it’s not...” I can’t afford to take him along.
“Please.” My voice cracked slightly. He looked at me, confused but obedient. I carried him to the bedroom and switched on his TV. “Lock the door from inside. Don’t open it for anyone except me. If I don’t answer, call Uncle Jeff or me. Okay?”
He giggled. “Uncle Jeff.”
Despite everything, I smiled faintly. “Yes. Uncle Jeff.” I waited until I heard the soft click of the lock. Then I grabbe
