Dorothy closed the door and locked it, then leaned against it with her eyes shut, her heart pounding.
They’d been here. The detectives had held Kylee. Had examined the birth certificate.
And they’d left.
Dorothy carried Kylee to the couch and sat down, forcing herself to breathe normally. Chen had asked where Dorothy had been that weekend. Had noted that Jake was gone. Had studied Kylee’s face a little too long.
But they’d left satisfied.
Dorothy looked down at Kylee, who was starting to fuss. Time for her afternoon feeding. Dorothy went to the kitchen and prepared a bottle with practiced movements. The routine helped—something normal and real and hers.
Water in the bottle warmer. Formula measured precisely. Shake until mixed. Test the temperature on her wrist.
She settled back on t
