"Mommy," she whispered, "was the person taking photos today a bad guy?"
Sophie's fingers tightened slightly. "No, he wasn't. Mommy will protect all of you."
"I know," Ella said, closing her eyes. "Mommy is the strongest."
After reading two bedtime stories, Sophie sat by the bed for a long time — until all three children's breathing became steady and even, and until Ella's hand slipped from her palm.
Back in the living room, she and Con walked over to the window and carefully pulled back a corner of the curtain.
On the road opposite the apartment, a black sedan was parked with its windows tightly closed, making it impossible to see inside.
"Con," she lowered her voice, "have you seen that car across the street before?"
"I think… it was already there when I came back this afternoon. Is it a neighbor's car?"
"It's not a neighbor's," Sophie said, staring at the car for a long time. "The neighbors drive white cars."
"Then… should we call the police?" Con asked.
