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Something I should have done as soon as I started digging for information. But sometimes the most obvious solution is also the hardest to find.
The first result was a farm selling produce straight from their shop. It was easy to find a phone number, as they had a website that listed both that and their email address.
I was by myself in the apartment, sitting on the small balcony that looked out over the wall of another apartment. We needed to find a bigger place to live, but real estate in San Diego was tight. And for now, this worked.
The girls had gone to the market. They went every week. It was their thing, and they loved it. They also cooked together most nights. It felt like we’d been a family for years, not just the two months we’d been in San Diego.
I dialed the number listed on the website, and a woman answered.
“Hills View Berries, this is Ava.”
“Yeah, uh, hi. My name is Lucius. I was, uh, wondering what kind of berries you sell?”
Well, that was a clumsy delivery if there ever was one, but I hadn’t thought about what I’d actually say. I didn’t think the place was legit. Which made this all even more confusing. Why would my dad get involved with berries?
Her voice was all business. “We have blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Are you looking for anything in particular? We sell the berries on their own and also make jams, cakes, and sauces.”
“Where are you located?”
“We’re in Summer Lake, near Oregon. But if you’re not close enough to come out, we also deliver.”
“No, that’s okay. Thanks for the information.”
“No problem. Have a nice day.”
I hung up, having no more of an idea why my dad sent money there than I did before.
A hand snaked around my torso, and then Everleigh leaned over me, touching her lips to my cheek. “Hey. What are you doing out here?”
“Enjoying the view.” It was a standing joke between us ever since we moved in.
A flurry of movement appeared at the door, accompanied by loud footsteps. “Dad, look what Ever got me.”
A red-cheeked, bright-eyed Sofie climbed on my lap, holding up a small crown of flowers.
I took it, turning it every which way under my daughter’s watchful gaze. When I’d sufficiently admired it, I held it out to her. “You want me to put it on?”
She nodded, and I placed it on her head. “Mi princesa.”
Sofie threw her arms around me, then jumped off my lap and disappeared inside again.
Everleigh took her place, studying my face. “Did something happen? You look worried.”
I gathered her close, breathing in her familiar scent. “I called Hills View Berries.”
She sat up, putting her hands on my shoulders. “And? Don’t leave me hanging here.”
“They’re a real place in Oregon. Which makes this so much more confusing.”
“You’re going to go up there, aren’t you?”
I kissed her soft lips, holding her close. “Do you mind?”
She shook her head. “Not at all. I’ll organize a sleepover with Thea. She’s been asking me to come around nearly every day. I think something’s wrong.”
Her husband had hired Locked Security to beef up their security system after Santino got in without problems. It made me think there might be something else going on. Nobody needed that much security without a reason.
“Tomorrow?”
