Page 51

I stare at my surprise visitor, Nurse Marley, my skin prickling from her very presence.

“No problem. Your bags are in the nursery. Be my guest.” My eyes flit to the kitchen counter. “And you can take back the bottle warmer and sterilizer—I don’t need them—and your Baby Reborn doll.” I resist the temptation to shove the doll in her face.

Dressed in black sweats and Uggs and carrying a large purse over her arm, she holds me fiercely in her gaze.

A clap of thunder sounds. Another flash of lightning. I hear the wind howl.

A storm cloud of uncertainty hangs over me as Marley strides my way.

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Her eyes drop to Isa, ensconced in her carrier. Then, she glowers at me, her violet orbs flickering with a diabolic glint I’ve never seen before.

“Give her to me,” she hisses.

What?

“Take Isa out of the carrier and hand her over to me.” Vitriol fills her voice. Who is this person? Certainly not the same solicitous newborn care specialist I met three months ago at Starbucks. Something’s snapped. It’s like she’s been injected with venom.

“Please, Ava.” Her tone lightens. “Just give me the baby.” She flashes me a conciliatory smile.

“Marley, she’s perfectly content and sleeping.” Another streak of lightning. “You should get your stuff and get on the road before the storm comes.”

Her expression darkens. “Ava, what part of ‘give me the baby’ don’t you understand?”

What is wrong with her? Has she gone mad? Had some kind of psychotic break?

My bones vibrate with apprehension, sending dread to the pit of my stomach. Hugging Isa snugly against my chest, I watch as our ex-nanny plunges a hand into her bag and withdraws a shiny metal object.

My eyes grow wide, nearly popping out of their sockets.

Ned’s gun.