Page 208 of If By Chance

I do and swallow the bile rising in the back of my throat.

“Put your phone on your lap where I can see it.”

I pluck it from the bag hanging over my shoulder and do as he asks.

“Are you okay back there, Hannah?” I wonder, trying to smile for her.

She swings her feet, totally oblivious. If I have my way, she’ll stay oblivious.

“She’s fine,” he answers for her, starting the car, and driving away from any hope of safety.

I run my fingers through my hair, desperate to feel something real.

This is a bad dream.

I’ll wake up.

I close my eyes.

When I open them again, I want to be sick.

I’m not dreaming.

I risk glancing at him. His shoulders square, hands rattling on the steering wheel.

“Rob,” I start, hoping he will hear me out.

“Jesus, you’re a talker, aren’t you?”

I shut my mouth.

I stay quiet.

I swallow the scream bubbling.

It’s no use.

He’s gone too far.

So, I stay calm.

I need to get Hannah out of this.

Think, Claire.

Nothing.

I sit in silence as he chats to Hannah about her summer, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“When are we getting ice-cream, Daddy?”

“Soon, princess,” he promises.

He’s lying.

It’s twenty minutes before he pulls up outside a beautiful home. There’s a bike on the lawn, and flower beds in full bloom. But the curtains are drawn on all the windows, and I know it’s not the only cause of darkness inside.

It’s dark outside now too.