Page 108 of Margot

“I found DuBois, Sutton. He’s in Annapolis.”

My body stiffened. My shoulders and neck turned to stone and my mouth went dry. Lennox slid his phone across the kitchen table and I looked down at the screen. Not only was Jonathan DuBois living in Annapolis, he was still teaching piano.

I snatched the phone into my hand and looked at the Facebook page for his piano classes.

DuBois Piano Lessons.

There were dozens of pictures of smiling little girls sitting at the piano bench beside him. Dozens of little girls focusing on hand placement with pigtails flowing down their backs in tights and dresses.

I dropped the phone and covered my mouth with my hand.

“Lennox, he’s still teaching. All I see are little girls on his fucking page. We have to do something!” My voice was shrill and I felt like I might have a panic attack right there at the table.

“I know. I’m going to follow your lead, Sutton. This is your fight and I’m here one hundred percent to back you up. What do you want to do? Just a side note, I won’t be mad if you want me to murder him. I’ll do that shit.” There wasn’t a hint of humor in his voice and I wondered what kind of dark side my husband had.

“I want to talk to some of his students and their parents. Maybe they’d be willing to tell me if he’s done anything to hurt them.”

Lennox nodded and reached across the table to hold my hand. Touching him was the connection I needed right then. “I want you to do it with me, Lennox. You’ve been by my side through everything and it’s only right that you help me get closure too.” I tucked my lips between my teeth because I didn’t want to cry.

“Of course, baby. Whatever you need. I’m here.” I knew he meant exactly what he said. He was the only constant thing in my life. I couldn’t even say that about my own parents.

How was it that my husband cared more than the people who gave birth to me? My mother and father only cared about me when they got to brag. Other than that, I didn’t exist. They never called, they never visited and they didn’t even bother coming to my wedding.

Lennox had never left my side ever since he first laid eyes on me. He told me I belonged to him and he meant every letter.

After breakfast, I wrote to Margot. I knew she could sense what just happened.

Margot,

Lennox found DuBois. I know you heard…or maybe you didn’t. You seem kind of far away. I want closure and I know you do too. Whatever we can do to put him in jail, we’ll do it. Today, in between practice sessions, I’ll be looking for his students and their parents. I figure there has to be someone willing to come forth. I also figure he’s still doing awful things to little girls.

I’ll let you know what I find.

I love you, Margot.

Sutton

“Hey, baby I have some houses to show today but I’ll be back this afternoon. If you need me, please call. You know I’ll come running for you.” Lennox walked over to the bed and leaned down. His cologne pulled me in and I buried my nose in the crook of his neck. He was so warm.

“Can I call you to come home if I need some…” My hand slid down the front of his pants and he growled. It was a warning and I knew it but I couldn’t help myself.

“Sutton,” he cautioned.

“I know, I know. You have to get ready for work.” I pouted then moved my hand and let him get in the shower. The only way to take my mind off Lennox was to practice.

So that’s what I did.

I didn’t look up until it was time for him to leave. I used that moment as my first break. I kissed Lennox goodbye then I started the hunt for DuBois’ students.

I wrote down names off and on all day. I reached out to some of the students’ parents through social media but out of twelve names, none of them contacted me back.

Hours wore on and I got one response.

I was taking another break when I saw the message pop up.

Hi Sutton,

My name is Theresa and my daughter is currently going to Jonathan DuBois for piano lessons. If there’s something concerning happening, I’d like to meet you and talk about it. Give me a call or text.