“Yeah.” Jake unlocked his phone. “You’re right. I do. I’m so used to leaving Mad with you guys I’d forgotten about it.”
“We’ll call it nanny cam from now on,” Ry said with a chuckle.
In a few taps on the screen Jake had the camera in his and Maddox’s room pulled up on his phone. “Um… It looks like Maddox is down for his afternoon nap.”
“No sign of the nanny?”
“No. The room is empty except for Madman.”
“Well then, he’s all tucked up for a nap and looks fine, right?”
Jake nodded. “Yeah. Seems so.”
“Then there’s nothing to worry about.” Ry clapped him on the back. “I’m heading in to get some time on the treadmill. Since Zane was born, I’ve completely neglected my routine.”
Jake’s phone rang in his hand.
“Maz again?” Ry asked.
“No. The real estate agent. You go on. I’ll be in after I take this.”
“Sure thing.”
Accepting the call, Jake brought it to his ear as he made his way toward the door that would take him outside. “Hello.”
“Hi, Jake, this is Mrs. Russell. I’m just wondering if there’s a problem with your rental apartment.”
“Problem? No, not that I’m aware of. Why?”
“Well, Mallory was in here a few moments ago asking if there were any short-term rentals available. She mentioned you were no longer happy with having her there. Something about a new nanny and confusion for your son.”
“Um, Mrs. Russell, I’m going to be completely honest with you here. I have no idea what you’re talking about but I can assure you I’m more than happy renting the apartment to Mallory. Although if she has an issue, I’m happy for her to break the lease.” As soon as Jake said the words, he knew something was off. He felt sure Lory would have come to him if she thought there was a problem. None of this made sense and he couldn’t get to the bottom of it until he got home. “I’m at work until tomorrow morning but as soon as I’m home, I’ll find out what’s going on.”
“That’s fine. Not that it will help if Mallory is looking for somewhere else to stay. I don’t have anything available for less than twelve months.”
“You told her that?”
“Yes, I did. Although I promised to contact her if something came up.”
“No. Don’t do that. I’m sure whatever is going on, we can sort it out.” He’d make sure they sorted it out.
“Okay, well if there’s nothing I can do for you, I’ll let you get back to work.”
“Thanks for calling, Mrs. Russell.”
“Not a problem. Mallory is a lovely young woman and I want to make sure you’re happy with the house.”
“Couldn’t be happier. Maddox and I love our new home.”
“Good to hear. I’m always glad to hear from satisfied buyers.”
“I’m very satisfied. Thanks again for calling.”
“Goodbye.”
Jake hung up and pondered this new piece of information. Maz hadn’t said anything about Lory wanting to move out. Maybe that’s why she’d gotten a strange vibe from Lory. He thought about messaging Lory to find out what was going on but an alarm came over the sound system before he could.
As the information came through the outside speaker for both chopper crews, Jake knew this call would be the first major one since he’d started at Mercy-Life. As he made his way toward the two helicopters, everyone poured out of the building behind him.
