The Perfect Husband - Lisa Gardner [87]
He figured they’d play dominoes afterward. The kid still kicked his butt, but he was getting better.
He sent her to go get the game while he finished cleaning up. Minutes later he wandered into the living room, where they generally played, sitting cross-legged on the floor. His knees were getting sore.
He was about to push back his reclining chair, when he noticed the pillows. Yesterday he’d tucked them behind his back for comfort as he’d leaned against the sofa. He wasn’t much of a pick-up guy. He’d thought he’d left them on the floor.
Now one sat neatly in each corner of the couch.
Samantha walked into the room, carrying the box of dominoes.
Difford said in as calm a voice as he could manage, “Sam, I want you to go to your room.”
“But I didn’t do anything wrong!”
“I know, sweetheart.” His eyes darted around the room as he reached beneath his jacket for his gun. “We’re playing a new game, honey. I just want you to go to your room for a few minutes, okay? I’m . . . I’m preparing a surprise for you in the living room.”
She looked troubled. “I don’t like this game!” she cried, dropped the dominoes on the floor, and ran sniffling for her room.
Difford didn’t waste any time. Looking across the street, he could see an old green car parked at the corner. He raised his hand. Both of the officers waved back. Okay, his cover car was still present and it was broad daylight. If someone had tried to approach the safe house, the officers would have noticed.
He searched the house anyway, gun drawn and eyes sharp as he went from room to room. Living room was clear. Bathroom, including the shower, was clear. He entered his bedroom slowly, sweeping the space with a steady, level arm, pointing his gun in all corners. Then he pressed himself against a wall and slid the closet door open with his foot. Quick step and pivot, and he faced off against his clothes. Nothing moved, nothing stirred. He brushed his gun through the hangers. Empty.
He started to breathe a little easier. Nerves, he told himself, just nerves. The news of Shelly Zane’s murder had gotten to him. The knowledge that Beckett was out there somewhere, gunning for Theresa, was definitely keeping him up at night.
But Beckett was just a man. Tess had stood up to him before. Lieutenant Houlihan and Special Agent Quincy were doing their best to make sure she would never have to again. A lot of good people were working this case. Sooner or later they’d get Beckett.
He finished the sweep of the house, telling Sam it was part of the game as he checked her room, her closet, beneath her bed. He could tell she didn’t believe him.
But the house was clear. All was still well. Maybe he’d just forgotten about picking up the pillows. Maybe Sam had done it.
He replaced his gun in his holster. He offered Samantha his hand. She took it without question.
“Dominoes?” he tried.
“I want my mommy.”
“I . . . I know.”
“Do you know where my mommy is?” Her lower lip had begun to tremble.
“Yeah, honey, I do.”
“Make her come home.”
Difford squatted down. “She wants to come home, Sam, she really does. No one loves you like your mommy does. But she has to take care of some things first. She’s, uh, making everything safe, you know? And once it’s all safe, she’ll come get you and you’ll always be together.”
“I want her now,” Sam whispered.
“I know, Sam. I know. Come on, kid, let’s play dominoes.” He led her into the living room, not knowing what else to do.
Samantha didn’t sit across from him as she usually did. Instead, she sat right beside him, her little shoulder against his side. After a moment he put his big arm around her and patted her awkwardly.
She braved a tremulous smile and opened the domino box.
“My mommy will come home soon?”
“Right.”
“And then we’ll always be together?”
“Yeah, honey. Everything will be all right.”
“Can we watch Jurassic Park again tonight?”
“Okay,” he said, but couldn’t quite stop the sinking feeling in his chest. He patted her shoulder again.
“Okay.