Page 78 of Lock

A small doll on the side table catches my eye. If I had someone to watch Riley, I’d go bring my girl home, but I can’t, and it’s killing me.

When my phone dings, my heart sings.

I don’t know if you can.

I call her cell again, growling when her voicemail greets me. The device in my hand vibrates, and I startle so badly that I nearly drop it.

“Shelby?” The question is practically a plea.

Silence greets me.

“Are you hurt? I can get Riley and come to you,” I blurt.

“No, no.” She hurries, her voice small, the whisper barely reaching me.

Relief is quickly replaced by disappointment. Maybe I can’t fix this.

“I’m safe.”

“Did you have a key to get in, or am I going to have an irate Cromwell over a broken window?” I don’t care about the Cromwells. I just need to know she’s in the house.

Shelby gives a breathy laugh. “No broken windows. I know where they keep the spare keys to the bunk cabins. They should probably hide them better.”

I smile, but it’s small and half-hearted.

“Can you lock yourself in?”

Shelby doesn’t answer. Silence stretches, along with my patience. But I wait, pushing her right now won’t get me anywhere.

“How did you know where I was?” she eventually whispers.

I don’t bother lying. “The tracker on my car.”

“I’m sorry I took it.”

“I understand why you did, but I wish you’d stayed.”

“I couldn’t.”

I curse softly.

“If I go to prison, they’ll take Riley.”

Soft crying floats through the phone. Guilt twists my stomach. It was a low blow, but she needs to know what turning me in will do.

“Please don’t cry,” I beg, my voice cracking.

“I love her,” Shelby cries.

“I know, and she loves you too, Shelby.”

“I love you,” she admits, her voice a wail.

I close my eyes. Her words mean everything to me.

“I love you too, baby.”

“Is Cooper right? Is that who you are?”