“Celine.” The deep voice lifted me out of the fog.
“Help me,” Phyllis screamed. “This is elder abuse.”
Josh stood in the doorway with his arms crossed. He looked warm and strong like he always did, but so, so angry.
“The police are on the way,” he said, scanning the room for the gun.
“Over there.” I nodded to where it had slid to, keeping Phyllis’s arms pinned to the ground.
He picked it up, opened the chamber, and tipped it sideways, letting the bullets fall into his hand.
He pocketed them, then knelt next to us. Instantly, his warmth seeped into me, and a hint of relief worked its way through me.
“Ma’am,” he said respectfully. “The police will be here any minute. You will be arrested.”
“For trying to see my grandchildren!” she wailed
“For trespassing on my property and threatening the woman I love,” he said. “Among other felonies.”
The two of us kept our eye on her until Nolan appeared with one of his deputies by his side. I gave a quick statement, all the while itching to dart out of here and hug my children.
“The kids are safe?” I asked Josh.
He nodded. “In my house with Wayne. Ellie found me in the barn, told me to call the police.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks and my legs almost gave out. That girl. Of course she did.
“I need to see them,” I sobbed.
“Of course. We’ll go now.”
We’d only made it a few yards when Nolan jogged over. He was tall and intimidating, with shaggy hair and thick stubble. “I’m going to need a full statement,” he said.
“I know.” I gave him a shaky nod. “I just need to get my kids first.”
Nolan dipped his chin. “Can you come by the station after? We’ll need to talk to the kids too.”
“Fine,” I said, panic now setting in. I needed my kids. I needed to hold them and thank them and apologize a million times for this. To look at their little faces and make sure that they weren’t broken by all this grief and sadness.
I took off, and as the house came into view, a strange sense of relief and fear washed over me.
Josh was by my side, unlocking the door and pushing it open.
“Mom,” Maggie cried, running toward me.
I dropped to my knees and hugged her, and a second later, Ellie’s arms were around me.
“I was so scared,” Maggie cried.
“I know, baby,” I said, soaking in their warmth, reminding myself that they were safe. “It’s okay. It’s all over now. We’re safe.”
Standing, I inhaled deeply and let the breath out slowly. Then I kissed each of their heads.
When the scent of Ellie’s shampoo hit me, the tears came rushing back. I owed her more than I could ever explain. “I love you,” I said, pulling her close. She let me hold her, but after a minute, she squirmed, so I let go and scanned the room. “Where’s Julian?”
“He said he had to pee.”
“Julian,” I called.