“What?”
“He had identification,” she says carefully. “Documentation.”
Maverick goes perfectly still beside me.
“He?” Maverick says slowly. “What documentation?”
The woman looks at him, then back at me.
I lean over the counter, tears burning hot and instant.
“Who took my daughter?” I whisper.
No one answers fast enough.
So my voice tears out of me in both anger and fear.
“Who took my daughter?”
“He was on the approved pickup list,” the woman says.
“Not possible.” I shake my head violently. “I’m the only person on that list.”
“No, ma’am. According to our records, there are two people authorized to pick Olivia up. You and Mr. Holsinger.”
Hearing that name, my knees nearly buckle with relief.
“Oh, thank God.” I press a trembling hand against my chest. “I don’t know why he came to get her, and I’m definitely going to have a talk with him about taking her without telling me.” A broken laugh escapes me. “My goodness, I thought I was gonna pass out. Why didn’t you just say that to begin with?”
Maverick’s hand settles against my lower back, steadying me.
“Who’s Mr. Holsinger, Amelia?”
I wipe the tears from my cheeks and look up at him.
“It’s Rory. It’s only Rory.” I take a shaky breath. “He’s worked for me since she was in diapers. I added him to the list years ago in case there was ever an emergency since we don’t have any family.”
Maverick’s expression remains hard.
“Did you ask him to collect her today?”
“No, but I’m sure there’s an explanation.” I pull my phone from my purse.
The fear is already draining away, leaving behind shaky relief and more than a little irritation.
“I’m calling him right now.”
He answers on the second ring.
“Hey, birthday girl.”
“Rory Holsinger, what in the world were you thinking?”
There’s a short burst of laughter in the background, followed by Livy’s unmistakable voice.
“Mama!”
My eyes fall closed.
