Chapter 3 Chapter two

It's past eleven o'clock.It's been five hours since I've held Fred's warm body in my arms and inhaled his sweet breath, and the thought of him being confused is beyond me.And Billy, he's going to bed, and he loses his temper when he's tired.And my lovely Jasmine, who will want to go home and be with her mother right now.She never liked me being too far away from her.For a seven-year-old child, she was too thoughtful. As long as Robert brings them back safely, I'll give up all foolish thoughts of leaving him.I will learn to live with prolonged surveillance as long as my children are not harmed.

Bring them back, Robert. Those cops were searching the house, like the last time I lost Dan, like I was going to hide my kids somewhere.They went out and knocked on the neighbor's door, waking them up one by one.What did they see?what do they know More cops arrive, this time detectives. "Mrs. Brooks?" I was interrupted by a voice.I looked up and met a woman's friendly gaze.She doesn't look much older than me, but she sure is, because everyone here calls her Sir. "You don't mind if I call you Olivia, do you? My name is Philippa. We've called all the pizzerias in the area, but no one has a memory of your husband and kids."

"Maybe they changed their minds and went to a hamburger place. They probably did that, right?" I was grasping at straws, we all know that. "Why don't you go with them, Olivia?" How should I answer this question?I have no idea.He's never done that before.I felt compelled to make up an excuse, although I don't know why. "Robert thinks I look tired and I can take a break. He wants to help me." "Are you stressed at work? Is that why you're so worn out? Or are you a little restless because of the kids?" She thinks I'm going to hurt my own kids?

"My kids are very good - I assure you. I'm not working either, I'm just busy with the kids and Robert." I only had serious sex for a few months before I got Jasmine class.After maternity leave, Robert asked me to marry him, and he didn't want me to work at all.He wanted me to stay home and watch him, which I thought was fine.But now I don't know why I made that decision so happily in the first place, content to be a clinging person. Questions keep coming, but I just want to scream at them all.Stop asking me stupid questions!Help me get the children back! "Sorry to have to ask you, Olivia - would you mind going upstairs with one of my colleagues? We want you to check if anything is missing from the kids. Clothes, favorite toys, Books, you know that kind of stuff."

What?I stared at her, speechless for a moment.How could something be missing? Pushing myself off the couch, my stiff limbs struggling to bear the weight, I felt like a woman three times my age.I don't know what they were thinking, but this is ridiculous!Why is something missing?The idea was spinning in my head like a tape. A detective followed me upstairs, I recognized him but couldn't figure out why, but it wasn't a big deal.I decided to start with Jasmine's room.Her room is neat, and it's easy to see at a glance that all her things are where they should be. I headed for her bed and lifted the coverlet, expecting to see Lottie, Jaz's rag doll, leaning against the pillows, but no.I throw back the duvet.Where is Lottie?Jazz is seven and still likes to put Lottie to bed, but there's no sign of him now.I watched the agent in agony.He just looked at me and didn't say anything.

I walked slowly towards the closet, barely wanting to open it.The agent was still watching me.I tugged lightly on the handle, as if moving a bit slower could change the outcome.Jasmine's pink backpack is off the shelf.Suddenly, like crazy, I pushed the hanger back and forth and opened all the drawers. "No—" I cried, stretching one syllable to twenty.Where are my daughter's clothes? I heard thumping footsteps approaching, and Philippa appeared at the door.She came towards me and grabbed my arm.She didn't have to ask - she knew what was going on by the look on my face.I've always wanted to admit it, but now I can only face the truth.

He took my child.