Page 10 of Abandoned

“Not like that.”

“But he has hit you before?”

“Well, not hit. But he can get a little rough. But who says I don’t like it that way?”

“Miley.” Zara gave her a pointed glare.

“So he’s pushed me a few times. He’s nicer than the last guy.”

“How long have you and Brett been together?”

She looked off to the side as if she were calculating. “Like four months.”

Sometimes Zara preferred a woman who just ran at the mouth and told her everything the moment she walked in. “Does he live here with you?” Based on the decor, Zara was certain this was Miley’s primary residence.

“Yeah, moved in shortly after we started dating. Corbin needs a father figure since his dad is locked up.”

“Corbin? How old? Is he here?” Why had she forgotten to ask if anyone else was here?

“He’s four and sleeping in his room.” She pointed down the hall at the back of the trailer.

Zara stood. “Stay right here. I’m going to check in with my partner.”

Miley nodded.

Zara went to the door, stepped out onto the porch, and motioned to Will.

He pointed a strong finger at Brett. “Don’t move.” He moved to Zara and spoke with a hushed voice. “How’s it going with her?”

“She’s not the most forthcoming, but he definitely struck her.”

“He’s been straight up lying to me. Let’s take him in.”

Zara caught Will’s arm. “There’s a kid inside. I’m going to check on him.”

“Go.” Will nodded with a smile.

She went back into the house. Miley was still sitting at the table. “I’m going to check on your son.” Zara went down the hall. She passed one cluttered bedroom and then a little bathroom. A closed door marked the end of the hall. She twisted the knob and eased the door open. A nightlight across the room illuminated the space. The blanket and sheet were pulled back, but no little body occupied the bed.

“Corbin?” She kept her voice quiet.

Nothing. She opened the door farther and looked around the little fifteen-by-nine-foot room.

He wasn’t behind the door or in any of the space she could see. But there was a little closet on the same wall as the door. She went to the closet door and tapped.

No response.

She slid the accordion door open. Tucked in the bottom of the closet, on top of a pile of toys was a little towheaded boy.

He had giant headphones on.

Images of her childhood assaulted her, and she stumbled backward. She shook them loose, knelt in front of the boy, and tapped his shoulder.

Shifting one speaker from the child’s ear, she said, “Corbin. I’m Officer Zara.”

He gave her a huge smile, revealing he was missing two bottom teeth, which made him even more adorable.

“You okay?”