Zander s face scrunched up like a balloon about to pop. I m the one who called Mommy. I told her to come save you!

Zenia blinked, a little thrown. But, Zander you didn t call the police yourself.

His face stiffened, eyes flicking away in awkward silence. Anyway, you were probably tricked. That s what bad guys do they pretend to be nice.

Zenia folded her arms, lips pushed into a pout. Then, as if struck by a wild idea, she leaned in, her voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. You know what? I think you kind of look like that bad guy.

What?! Nonsense! Zander recoiled so fast he nearly fell off the bed. I don t look like him! He made Mommy cry so much I d never make her cry like that!

Zenia s face fell. But when we snuck out this morning, Mommy was really upset.

That hit a nerve. Zander puffed up indignantly. She was worried, not upset! That s different!

Okay, Zenia gave up trying to untangle it all. She said softly, So what now? Mommy s never gonna let us go out alone again.

Zander fell silent, thinking hard. Then suddenly, his eyes lit up. I m gonna settle things with that bad guy myself.

Zenia gasped. Zander! What are you going to do? He s really tall!

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I m not scared of him! Zander puffed up his chest and balled his tiny fists. I ll stand up to him like a real man. I ll make sure he knows he can t hurt Mommy again.

Zenia s lips parted in awe. She looked at her brother like he had grown a superhero cape. You re so brave, Zander

Dolores arrived not long after Linsey s message had gone out.

The moment she stepped inside, she made a beeline for the water pitcher, pouring herself a glass and downing it like she had crossed a desert. Ugh, I m exhausted, she gasped between gulps. Why is it so hot out today?

Linsey watched nervously, half-expecting her friend to choke. Slow down, would you?

Seeing how flushed and sweaty Dolores was, she quietly fetched a fresh towel and began patting her friend s cheeks with gentle care. I told you we could meet whenever it worked for you. Why d you rush over like this? Linsey said.

Dolores gave a sheepish smile. The board was driving me insane. Same useless discussions, going in circles for hours. I couldn t take another second. So I ran away to here. Consider this my hiding place.

Linsey s brows pulled together in a frown. They re pressuring you again? Why? I thought your company was doing better this year. Why are they still pestering you with that nonsense?

Dolores looked away for a beat just long enough. No it s not that.

Linsey knew Dolores too well. So the moment she saw that look flash across her face, she had a feeling it was about her.

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