Emily tightened Noah's backpack before gently smoothing Nora's hair.
"There."
"My two little stars are ready."
Nora smiled brightly.
"Mommy, Miss Claire said we're going to paint butterflies today."
"Then I can't wait to see your artwork."
Noah took his sister's hand as they walked toward the preschool entrance.
Emily watched them until Miss Claire welcomed them inside.
Just as she was about to leave, something caught her attention.
Across the street, a silver SUV was parked beneath a large oak tree.
Its windows were darkly tinted.
She frowned.
"I haven't seen that before."
A man sat in the driver's seat, but his face was impossible to see through the tinted glass.
Emily stared for several seconds.
The vehicle remained perfectly still.
After convincing herself she was simpl
