28. Lilly
Chapter 28
Lilly
N ellie’s shoulders are drooped as we walk to the front door. A quiet evening, reading on the couch might be just the ticket to get us reset.
“Is Dad going to be okay?” Nellie asks.
“Yeah, baby. He’ll be fine. He’s going to come over tonight to hang out with us.”
“Good.”
I twist the key in the lock, expecting the typical resistance of the deadbolt sliding out of the strike plate. Instead, it’s as if it’s already unlocked.
My stomach twists, my instincts telling me to move cautiously. When I open the door, I’m proven correct.
Our house has been destroyed. The couch cushions are on the floor, everything stored in the TV stand has been scattered, and the dining room table has been flipped over on its side. I grab Nellie’s hand as if to anchor her to me.
“Who made this mess?” Nellie says accusingly, as if she’s scolding the person for not cleaning up after themself.
If I weren’t terrified, I’d laugh. “Someone who isn’t a friend, Nellie. We need to go back outside and call Cooper.”
Nellie squints at me as if that will help her understand the wave of anxiety I’m putting off. She follows behind me without a word, but I can tell her mind has started to race. Unfortunately, I can’t explain this to her right now. I pull out my phone to call Cooper directly. If he doesn’t answer, I’ll call the emergency line, but what good is it to have the police chief’s phone number if I can’t use it?
“Hey, Lilly. Everything okay?” His tone conveys his hope that I’m calling for a better reason than an emergency.
“Cooper, someone broke into my house.” I don’t beat around the bush. I need him here. I need his help.
He muffles a curse, but I hear it, nonetheless. “Okay, don’t go in the house, and don’t touch anything. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
Hanging up the phone, I take a deep breath to push down the fear. Nellie is watching me like a hawk, trying to figure out what’s happening. I wish I had answers for her.
“We’ve gotta sit outside for a bit while we wait for Cooper to get here.”
“What are you feeling?” Nellie asks, making my eyes burn with unshed tears.
She struggles to understand both her own and other people’s emotions. When she has big feelings about something, we systematically work through what she is experiencing to give her insight into what’s going on in her body. I ask her that question when her reaction seems over the top to the situation. Usually, she’s overstimulated and can’t find a way to verbalize it. Naming what she’s feeling gives her a chance to learn her triggers before they become difficult to overcome.
Now, she’s turning the tables on me. I sit next to her on the front step. “I am scared of the person who made a mess of our house. I’m angry they invaded our space. I’m overwhelmed with wondering why they did it. I’m happy we weren’t home when they broke in.” I pause to think. “I think that’s it for now.”
“That’s a lot of feelings,” Nellie muses.
I snort. “Yes, it is. But sitting beside you, knowing you’re safe, is helping me feel better.”
Nellie grabs my hand. “I’m glad I can help. You always help me.”
I lean over to kiss Nellie on the top of her head. “I love you, baby.”
“Can we read a book?”
I grin. Her favorite way to escape her feelings is in books, and boy, can I relate. I likely taught her that coping mechanism without even trying.
“Yeah, let’s read a book. Do you want to read to me?”
“No, you’re faster. You read it.” She digs through her backpack and pulls out her latest book on Greek mythology.
I start reading aloud. I have no idea what’s happening in this story, but Nellie is entranced, which is all that matters.
Ten minutes later, almost on the dot, Cooper pulls into our driveway. He steps out of his SUV in a navy blue uniform, looking very official. The shiny black utility belt has all the accouterments you’d expect, and the seriousness of this whole situation socks me in the gut.
“Hey, you two. We’ve got more guys on their way to work the scene. What are the chances you’ve got somewhere you could go for the night? We’re going to be here for a while.”
I cringe, glancing at Nellie, who has continued to read on the porch. “We might be able to go over to Natalie and Tucker’s, but it would be better if we could stay here.”
“How big of a mess is it?” Cooper asks.
“Big.” I blow out a breath. “I only saw the living and dining rooms, and it was enough to know the whole house has likely been torn apart.”
“I’m going to double-check no one is still inside. When I come back out, I can have a better idea of how long cataloging everything will take. Call Nat and let her know what’s going on.”
I nod, even though I have zero doubts about Natalie taking us in for the night. No, what I’m worried about is Nellie. Today was a long day of socializing. Adding in a sleepover with people she’s still getting comfortable around in a place she’s never been to… I just don’t see it happening without a fight.
But if we have to, we will. I’ll figure it out. I always do.
The muffled voices of Cooper’s deputies continue to drone on. It’s been two hours of constant noise while they traipse through the house to find whatever evidence they can.
Nellie and I have been sitting on the patio in the backyard, staying out of the way as best we can. Cooper confirmed that staying in our house isn’t an option tonight. Whoever broke in has slashed our mattresses, rendering them useless.
I didn’t even need to ask Natalie if we could stay with them. It was the first thing she said after I called to tell her what had happened. She insisted we stay with her, stating she wanted us safe under her roof.
Cooper helped me pack some things since I couldn’t go into the house yet. I made sure he grabbed all of Nellie’s comfort items to help this transition go a little smoother.
I’ve talked to her about going to Gram and Pop’s house, but I can’t be sure she fully understands the situation. For now, she’s happily reading, and I haven’t had the heart to interrupt her.
“Bumblebee?” a frantic voice calls out.
I gasp, sitting up straight on the couch. “Noah.” In all the madness, I forgot about him being injured. I dash over to the gate to the backyard and walk around to the front of the house.
He’s taking in all the police vehicles when I finally spot him. His arm is encased in a black sling cradled against his chest. “Noah,” I say again.
He whips around, his body softening as he scans me from head to toe. “You’re okay?”
I breathe out a laugh. “I should be asking you that.”
“What happened? I came straight here after the hospital discharged me.”
“And they weren’t ready to let him go yet either,” Tucker says, walking up next to Noah.
“I’m fine. They’d already checked me over.”
Tucker grunts his displeasure.
“You’re staying at Mom and Dad’s?” Noah’s question comes out as more of a statement.
“Yeah, I guess so.” I sigh.
“Let’s get your stuff, then. I want you somewhere safe.” Noah wraps his good arm around me and pulls me into his chest. I don’t miss the wince when I make contact. I take a quick step back to lift his shirt. What I see makes me gasp. “Noah, oh, my God. You need to be in the hospital.” A massive, ugly bruise mars his rib cage. I can’t get his shirt up any higher because of his sling, but I can only imagine what the rest of him looks like.
“I’m fine, Bumblebee. I promise. Let’s get our girl and go somewhere safe. Please.”
“But… Cooper may need me.” I don’t actually know that. I’m just avoiding leaving our house. Right now, I can pretend like everything is fine. If we leave, it will only cement the severity of the situation. I’m not ready to think about it yet.
“If he does, he’ll know where to find us. Or he can call any one of us,” Noah points out.
I bite the inside of my cheek. He’s right, of course. “Okay,” I say softly.
“I need to head back to the station to check in with the guys. I’ll meet you at home.” Tucker gently squeezes Noah on the shoulder. “Are you good?”
Noah nods. “I’ll get them to the house. Don’t worry.” At that, Tucker turns to get into his SUV.
I lead Noah to the backyard. Nellie hasn’t moved an inch. In any other circumstance, it would make me smile. This time, I know good and well she’s checked out of the world. Pulling her back is going to get messy.