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“One second,” I call over my shoulder.
After rushing through the hand-washing process, I hustle across my apartment to the front door. I fully expect Joy to be waiting on the other side with a poop emergency from Baby Belle. For such a tiny thing, that newborn can explode like a geyser. The breath sputters from my lungs at who I find instead.
“Sydney?”
The little girl smiles at me like I’ve made her morning even brighter. “Hi, Miss Harper!”
“Hey, you,” I greet and slump against the jamb.
With my guest’s identity revealed, I take a moment to process her appearance. It takes less than a second to determine that she’s hiding something behind her back. The crinkle of cellophane gives me a hint but doesn’t solve the main mystery.
“Can I help you with something?”
Syd blinks at me. “No.”
“Um, okay. Is there a reason you dropped by?”
“I brought you a surprise.” She giggles and rocks on her heels, keeping the object out of sight.
My heart warms, regardless of whatever she’s offering. “That’s so sweet. What is it?”
She thrusts the gift forward without fanfare. “A whole bunch of KitKats.”
And it truly is just that. At least a dozen are arranged to resemble a bouquet. It’s an impressive—and mouthwatering—display if I’m being honest.
I accept the wrapped bundle with a grin that attempts to match her magnitude. “Thank you, superstar. These look yummy.”
“You love KitKats the mostest of any candy, right?” Her earnest stare would get me to agree even if it wasn’t entirely true.
“Yep, they’re my favorite indulgence.” I rub my empty stomach for emphasis.
“Phew.” She wipes fake sweat off her forehead. “He didn’t goof.”
There’s only onehewho could be involved in this scheme. And now that I’m thinking about Jake, his absence is cause for concern.
I poke my head out in the wide hallway and look both ways. “Where’s your dad?”
“In his truck.”
“Does he know you’re in here?” I would assume so, but it’s important to get confirmation.
Sydney bobs her head, sending dark hair flying in all directions. “Uh-huh. He didn’t let me out of his sight until you opened the door.”
“Who let you into the building?” Which is another matter entirely.
She thrusts an arm toward the only other apartment on this floor. “The lady who lives next to you. She’s very nice.”
“And trusting,” I mumble.
Although to be fair, Knox Creek is pretty lax on security in general. It’s almost a shock to have a main entrance that’s locked. More so, Sydney Evans isn’t a threat. Her father, on the other hand, is capable of catastrophic damage.
I steel myself at the reminder. “Is your dad coming back in?”
“Nope,” she chirps.
“Why not?”
Syd bounces her shoulders. “I dunno.”
