Page 113 of Antagonist

“Take him home, Fletcher. We’ll talk later,” Harrison says, his voice calm but somewhat detached.

I watch as the three of them walk away.

The unshakable feeling that I’m losing Harrison freezes me to my core.

I will probably have to fight Fran for my son.

I just hope there’s any fight left in me to fight for Harrison too.

32

HARRISON

Megan is exhaustedand falling asleep in Stella’s arms, so I tell them to head home while I go back to the school to tell everyone we found the kids.

I’m shaken to my core and scared beyond belief. The accident that could have taken Megan and Stella away from me was bad, but I knew where they were every step of the way.

The thought that Megan could have disappeared, and I’d never see her again or know what happened to her, makes me break out in a cold sweat.

I know it’s unlikely that would have happened, but I can’t forget the moment I realized she was gone. My head just keeps spinning all these bad scenarios.

The loud music of the rock band playing at the fair cuts through my skull, but I’m glad they’re still playing. I’m glad there are families enjoying the event until the very last moment.

Ellis comes running when he sees me.

“Fletcher messaged to say you found the kids.”

“Yes, they were at the top of the water tower. Both are okay and on their way home.”

“Thank god.” Ellis sags in relief. “I can’t imagine—are you okay?”

I shake my head. “Not really, but I will be. Megan is safe, and that’s all that matters. No one tells you about these things when you find out you’re having a child, do they?”

Ellis smiles. “If I had a dollar for every time my sister says the same thing, I’d be a millionaire.”

“I’m gonna head home if that’s okay. You good with things here?”

“Absolutely. Don’t worry. I’ll update everyone and stay till the end.”

“Thank you, Ellis.”

“It’s the least I can do after all the work you and Fletcher have done.”

I give him a half-hug, which is when I see Fran in one of the now-empty stalls with Mr. Jones and Bradley.

“Fran,” I call.

She’s smiling at Bradley, but when she hears me calling, the smile fades.

“Have you found him?” she asks, running her fingers under her eyes as if she’s been crying.

“Yes. They were on top of the water tower. Fletcher has George. They’re on their way home.”

“Oh, thank god,” she says, leaning on Bradley. “I can’t wait to get my boys to Europe with me where I can keep my eyes on them. Who’d have thought this podunk little town would be more dangerous than London or Paris, huh? The school catches fire and then kids go missing. What’s next?”

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” No, she didn’t say what I think she said.

“I said this place is more dangerous than major European cities. Let’s not even get started on gun crime—”