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“What do you mean?” he asks, his voice scraping in his throat.
“Is someone helping you at least?”
“I don’t make the staff work on weekends. You know that.”
Biting my lip, I consider what to say without making it sound as if I’m babying him.
“I’ve got to go, Bella. I still have a ton of reports I’d like to finish before tonight.”
“Okay,” I say, for some reason reluctant to let him go.
“Love you, darling,” he says.
“I love you too, Dad.”
The line goes dead.
I catch a glimpse of Mattie and my mom through the window. They’re conversing with their heads close together, no doubt talking about a color scheme and baby shower themes. They don’t need me. They’re happy doing this together.
Making a quick decision, I go back inside. “I’m going to see Dad.”
Mom lifts her head. “What about your tea?”
“Sorry.” I kiss her cheek. “I’m just a little homesick.”
“Now?” Mattie asks.
“It’s early. I’ll get there before dark. I can sleep over and drive back tomorrow.”
“It’s far to drive alone,” Mom says.
“You drive the same road all the time, Mom. I’ll send you a message when I arrive to let you know I’m safe.”
“All right,” Mom says slowly. “But if I don’t hear from you by four o’clock at thelatest, I’m sending a search party.”
“Do you mind if I leave Pirate here?” I ask Mattie. “I’ll pick him up on the way back. He doesn’t like traveling in the car that much.”
“Sure,” she says. “Leave his food out in the kitchen.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her cheek. “I appreciate it.” Remembering Roch’s visit at the library, I hesitate. I hate that he’s still following me. “Do you mind if I take your car? You’re not planning on going anywhere, are you?” I grab the first excuse that pops into my head. “I forgot to charge mine. It won’t make it to George.”
“You shouldn’t forget to charge your car,” Mom chides. “What if you have an emergency and you’re stuck?”
“No problem,” Mattie says, coming to my rescue. “The key is in my bag.”
I shoot her a grateful smile before escaping. Mattie’s car is parked in the garage. The windows are tinted. To be on the safe side, I bundle my hair under a cap and nick Mattie’s sunglasses from her bag. This way, Roch won’t recognize me, and I can get away without worrying about having him on my tail.
After throwing a change of clothes into a bag and giving Pirate a cuddle, I hit the road.
In George, I stop for fish and chips at my dad’s favorite fast-food restaurant. It’s only late afternoon, but we can pretend it’s dinner time. I’ll surprise him at the office. He’ll be happy that he doesn’t have to nuke a ready-made meal from the supermarket when he gets home.
It’s freezing when I get out in front of his office building. The wind that blows from the mountain cuts through my jeans and lightweight parka jacket. My nose and fingers feel frozen. I should’ve taken a scarf and gloves. In my rush to get here, I didn’t even pack a beanie.
Grabbing the paper bag with the food, I walk with a brisk pace to the door. The guard that usually mans the entrance is absent. I don’t visit Dad at the office often—very seldom, actually—but he’s a stickler for security. He has guards on duty twenty-four-seven. Maybe he decided it’s safe enough in George or that the alarm is adequate protection.
I climb the three steps to the double French doors. Edwards Imports and Exports is situated in a historical building with a stone façade, arched windows with red metal frames, and a black iron rooster on the chimney. The building was used as the province trade headquarters until a century ago. After falling into ruin, my dad bought and restored it. The building stands almost right on the street, flanked by two giant oak trees. A large green lawn and a parking lot with an ornate iron fence stretch out at the back. The gate is locked on weekends, which is why I parked in the street.
The light on the intercom panel next to the doors is dead. I push the call button to test it, but the bell doesn’t ring. The power isn’t down, because a light burns in the reception area. Weird. I feel the door handle. The door swings inward soundlessly.
