The Last Text Said “If the Little Girl Keeps Looking, We’ll Take Her Too”

crayon and pointed toward the yellow house across the street.

“Mommy, Mason waved at me.”

I felt the air leave my lungs.

“What did you say?”

Lucy didn’t even blink.

“He’s at the neighbors’ window. He smiled at me.”

I looked toward the house.

Closed curtains.

White garage door.

Silence.

That house had been lived in for years by an elderly couple who almost never continue reading …