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“Jesus,” she her, still shrieking with happiness Here Beth was just swinging solo for the first ti out of the house in her mind “Dramatic much?” she asked the wind

“What Mommy?”

“Just said you’re doing a great job, baby!” she called to her playground-loving kiddo The air had finally warmed, so Shell decided a day of much-needed outdoor play was just what the doctor ordered Copper had out of town business to take care of, but he’d checked in about a half hour ago He was on his way and planned to meet them when he rolled into town

Beth swung so high, the chain slackened for a second “Whoa!” she yelled “Mos! I almost flipped over the top!”

“It’s pu like the pure and innocent joy of an excited child to ain It was a re a black cloud hovering overhead

“I said that, Moh once again

Shell clapped for her daughter All of a sudden, the hair on the back of her neck stood straight on end So was off She i next to her daughter as she swung Scanning the area, Shell looked for so that could be responsible for her unease

“What’s wrong, Mo lost ht

Shell forced a ser “Nothing’s wrong Just wanted to be closer to you” There was no point in alarh Shell was ready to rip her daughter fro and run if it came to that

As she glanced around at the vacant park, heart racing and nerves skittering up her spine, she frowned Had she fabricated this entire concern? Not usually one to overreact or search forin the closet, Shell had always trusted her instincts Wasn’t like the

Just as she was about to shake off the paranoia, she caught sight of aacross the opposite side of the park Shell tensed, gazed fixed on the uy The shorter one wore baggie jeans, hanging to his knees A black hoodie shielded his face They shook hands Too far to hear, Shell squinted her eyes and took an automatic step forward for a better look