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“No. I just want to hear what happened, why he brought him home so early.”
She keyed in Steve’s number and he answered on the first ring.
“Hey, I’m sorry but the kid was inconsolable. I didn’t want to piss you off but after last night, I figured he’d cried enough.”
“I don’t understand. Did anything different happen? He loves going with you.”
“We left him with my mother for two hours to go to Walmart. You know I don’t usually go out when it’s my weekend, but I needed to get a few things.”
“I know that. What was he like when you picked him up?”
“She was at my place. He was crying when we got home. She said he acted like he needed a nap and she put him in his bed…”
“What time was this?”
“About five,” Steve answered.
“Five is late for a nap.”
“That’s what I said, but obviously he didn’t take one.”
“Okay, Steve, thank you. I wish I knew what had happened because he’s got red marks on his back and scratches on his neck.”
“Alicia gave him a bath and noticed that, too. I called my mother and she said he might have fallen when he climbed out of the crib.”
“Okay, well, I guess that’s that.”
They said goodbye. Annie looked up at Chris.
“My former mother-in-law had him for a few hours yesterday evening.”
They heard the front door open and Dave calling for them.
“Hello!”
Chris called him to come to the bathroom. Leaning over the side of the tub, Stevie looked up and gave one of his favorite people a big grin. “Sheriff,” he called out, making them laugh.
“Wow, I see what you mean,” he said, pointing to the boy’s back. “I’m going to record my conversation with him.” They nodded, emotional, the whole situation becoming more upsetting by the minute.
Dave placed his phone on the edge of the sink.
“Stevie, will you give me a hug?”
He immediately dropped the toy he was playing with into the water and turned to hug Dave.
“What happened here? You got a scratch.”
“Grannie hit me,” he said, his lips trembling. He made a chopping motion with his hand.
“Did she hit you with her hand?” Annie asked, taking every bit of effort she had to remain calm.
But Stevie shook his head. “My wobble.”
Annie gasped, “No way.”
“What’s that?” Chris asked.
“It’s a balance board,” Dave said, appalled. “Davie’s got one, too. Okay, buddy, I’m sorry that happened. I love you.”
