Page 13 of Behind the Shadows

“Alexa, play my soft jams playlist,” I said as I entered the kitchen. “Cry Later,” by NateTaylorr and Mellina Tey floated through the air.

As I sipped my espresso, my thoughts kept returning to last night’s events. Who was that mysterious man who’d materialized out of thin air in the parking garage? As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t shake off my suspicions. Could it really have been Draco who found me? If he saw me inside the hospital, then staying here was a risk.

“Keep it together. You’ve figured out how to hide until now. You’ve got this.”

The kitchen was a stark contrast to my scattered and racing thoughts, with its pristine white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a row of potted herbs on the windowsill. I walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of eggs, contemplating making myself a healthy breakfast to distract myself from the whirlwind of emotions.

But as I cracked the eggs into a bowl, my mind once again drifted back to the hospital parking garage—to the feeling of someone watching me. My instincts were correct, and I had to stop second-guessing myself.

Once my food was ready, I climbed onto the barstool at the bar and tapped the screen of the iPad I kept on the counter. It was time I talked to my bestie and allowed my subconscious to work on the Draco problem.

Autumn’s bright, beaming face appeared on the screen, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. Before she could speak, her phone bounced around.

“Sorry! I’ve got the baby in my arms.” Her laugh filled the line before she was able to settle into her rocking chair.

“How’s the nanny job going?”

“It’s great. Baxter and Nina are amazing to work for. They treat me like family and spend a lot of time with Krista too. I was worried about that at first, but they’re great parents. It’s kind of crazy that I got this job through Cooper, though.”

Ignoring her comment about Coop, I squinted at the screen, trying to identify what was on Krista’s shirt. “Is that baby puke?” I snickered.

“Yup. Didn’t you know that baby puke is in style this season?” She giggled, smoothing Krista’s blonde fuzz on her head. “She’s gassy and has been crying nonstop most nights. Her mom and I take turns trying to soothe her little belly. We sleep in shifts. Maybe soon Krista will sleep through better.”

“Do you need me to visit? I have some vacation time, and I can be there to help.” My chest ached. Autumn and I had been best friends since high school, and although it was wonderful to see her on the iPad, I missed her. At one point, I’d considered moving to Missouri to be closer to her, but something inside me wouldn’t let me leave the Northwest.

“Have you called the pediatrician?” I propped my elbow on the counter, waiting for her to adjust Krista on her shoulder.

“It started a few days ago, but we’re going to call tomorrow.” She patted Krista’s little back, then a big burp floated through my speaker.

I laughed. “I have no idea how such a big burp or fart can come out of such a little body.”

“Right?” Autumn snickered.

“So, one of my coworkers recently got back from maternity leave. Her daughter had colic, and she mentioned there were drops you could put in the bottle to help with the gas. Do you want me to ask what she uses?”

“Oh. My. God. Is there such a thing?” Tears welled in Autumn’s tired gaze.

“Apparently so. Maybe send your boss to pick some up at Target or Walmart, whatever you guys have out there.”

“I’ll call him as soon as we’re done chatting.” She placed a gentle kiss on the baby’s little nose. “I miss you. Tell me how you’re doing. Have you heard anything from Coop?”

I sighed, shoulders slumping with temporary defeat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t rid that man from my system.

“You know that we’ve gone our separate ways and are doing our own thing. I wouldn’t count on us getting back together.”

Autumn’s forehead creased in concern. “You never told me why you broke things off with him. I mean bits and pieces but not the real reason.”

I swallowed over my suddenly parched throat. “Secrets. It’s always about secrets, isn’t it?”And you have your own. Secrets you can’t ever risk getting out. I bitch-slapped the whisper in my mind and returned my attention to my best friend.

I didn’t miss the troubled expression in her gaze.

“What is it?” My forehead creased. “What do you know?”

She straightened in the rocker as Krista squirmed.

“Why would you think I know anything?”

I crossed my arms before I said, “Don’t play innocent with me, Autumn O’Neill. You forget who you’re talking to. I know you almost as well as I know myself. Now spill.”