Chapter 69
Sixty-Nine
S eventy-four hours after Emmy disappears, the phone rings—a shrill, jarring sound in a household turned mute. Butch pounces on it and I bound to his side.
Will this be the call to tell us she’s alive and well…or that the unthinkable has happened?
He lets out a loud whoosh, eyes tearing, and gives me only a few head nods until the call ends. She’s alive.
His beautiful eyes finally meet mine. “Emmy’s been found. Unharmed. In South Dakota.”
My hands fly to my face. “Thank God,” I rasp.
His chest heaves as he processes. “Darlene took her,” he confirms, “and she’s now in custody. Taking her across state lines made it a felony, and she could serve a lot of time for that.”
We hold each other tightly as relief streams down my face in the form of tears. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
“When will she be home?”
“She’s on her way. They’re flying her.”
“Oh, Butch…”
“I know, baby. I know.”
My voice catches. There’s relief, but also…remorse. “I’m so sorry.”
He pulls back, shaking his head. “Jacqui, none of this is your fault. I’m sorry I made you think that for one second. I was a jerk for lashing out at you. It was wrong and misguided, and I hope you’ll forgive me.”
The pressure weighing on me lifts—just enough to breathe. Maybe it’s not ending between us? “But…”
“You’re not the delusional person who abandoned your own daughter for almost eight years before kidnapping her. Emmy’s safe and coming home. That’s all that matters.”
He’s right. I need to set aside my faulty internal monologue and see the reality. I couldn’t help the circumstances surrounding this egregious event. The blame is fully on this woman’s warped actions.
Butch and I stand in the driveway as the cruiser pulls to a stop.
Emmy’s out of the car in a flash, leaping into her father’s arms. His smile is wider than I’ve ever witnessed.
The love, joy, and relief are so achingly palpable between them, it almost hurts to watch.
An impatient Hemi jumps on his hind legs to cover Emmy’s face in slobbery kisses, and she grabs onto his fur as he licks at her tears.
And then she reaches for me. Clutching her solid little body reminds me how precious and tenuous life can be, and I’m flooded with gratitude. She’s here. She’s alive. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
“I’m so happy you’re home,” I murmur. “I love you so much.”
She grips me tightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I love you too.”
Butch closes his long arms around us, and we stay in our cuddle huddle for several minutes .
The officer waits patiently, and finally Butch releases us to shake his hand. “Thank you for everything you all did for us. I’m forever grateful.”
The tall, lanky man gives a curt nod. “Just glad we found her and brought her back unharmed. We still need to tie up some loose ends. We’d like you to bring Emmy in tomorrow so she can meet with our children’s advocate.
She understands how to talk to children who’ve been traumatized.
She’ll ask your daughter about her experience, assess her mental health, make sure she’s alright.
She may even find additional evidence to assist our case. ”
Butch listens, a hand shoved in his pocket. “I understand. And I’m worried about what Emmy’s been through so this…advocate…could help with that?”
The officer nods. “After the interview, she’ll speak with you about whether she thinks Emmy would benefit from additional counseling.”
Butch’s expression calms. “I want to be with her for this. No offense, but I’m not leaving her side.”
“You can stay with her the entire time. We just need to do it quickly, while details are still fresh.”
“Of course. Tomorrow’s fine.”
The officer holds out a hand. “I’ll give you a call in the morning with a time.”
Butch and the officer shake. “Thank you, and please extend our gratitude to everyone at the station.”
The officer leaves and Butch sweeps Emmy back into his arms. “I know a whole bunch of people who’d really like to see your pretty face. You up for it?”
On his call with Butch earlier, the police chief suggested we not pump Emmy for information right away, but rather shower her with love, security, and family time. Tomorrow’s interview might be the safest way for Emmy to share about her experience, especially with her father by her side.
Emmy nods solemnly. “I want to see Mimi and PopPop. ”
Butch plants a kiss on cheek. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”
He sets her down and we each take one of her hands and walk the path to his parents’ house.
Our little family is whole again.