"Already calling him," Blake says, and I hear the click as he adds Jack to the line.
"What's going on?" Jack's authoritative principal voice comes through clearly.
"Noah got a note," Blake explains. "Same as mine. Someone's targeting all three of us."
The silence on Jack's end speaks volumes. When he finally responds, his voice is tight with controlled anger. "Marcus."
"We don't have proof," I point out, even though every instinct screams that Jack is right. "It could be anyone."
"Who else would have motive?" Jack's logic is sound. "He wants Mia back. He's trying to scare us off."
I adjust my glasses, a nervous habit I've never broken. "Historically speaking, anonymous threats rarely lead to actual violence. They're meant to intimidate, to create fear and uncertainty."
"That's comforting," Blake says dryly. "Really puts my mind at ease."
Despite the tension, I almost smile. Blake's sarcasm is a defense mechanism I recognize from my own arsenal. "I'm just saying we shouldn't panic. But we should be vigilant."
"We need to tell Mia," Jack says firmly. "She deserves to know someone is escalating."
My phone buzzes with an incoming call. Vanessa's name flashes across the screen, and my chest tightens with a different kind of dread. "I have to go. Vanessa's calling."
"Keep us posted," Jack says. "And Noah? Be careful."
I switch calls, already knowing this conversation won't be pleasant. "Vanessa."
"Noah." Her voice sounds different. Stronger, maybe. Less desperate. "Can we meet? I need to talk to you about the kids."
Twenty minutes later, I'm sitting across from Vanessa in a coffee shop near campus. She looks better than the last time I saw her. The dark circles under her eyes have faded, and she's wearing clean clothes that actually fit. Her dark hair is styled instead of pulled back in a messy ponytail.
"You look good," I say, and mean it.
She manages a small smile. "I got a job. Administrative assistant at a law firm downtown. It's not glamorous, but it pays well and has benefits."
"That's great, Vanessa. Really."
"I found an apartment too. Two bedrooms, close to the kids' school." She wraps her hands around her coffee cup, not meeting my eyes. "I'm ready to take them back, Noah. I'm ready to be their mother again."
The words should bring relief. Instead, they feel like a punch to the gut. I've gotten used to Maya's responsible presence, Ethan's quiet companionship, and Sophie's endless energy. The apartment will feel empty without them.
"When?" My voice sounds hollow.
"This weekend. I know it's fast, but I don't want to drag this out. For them or for you." She finally looks at me, and I see genuine gratitude in her brown eyes. "Thank you for taking care of them. I know I didn't give you a choice, and I'm sorry for that. But you saved us, Noah. You gave me time to get back on my feet."
I nod, not trusting my voice. I'd started to imagine Maya, Ethan, and Sophie as fixtures in my life. Started to picture holidays and birthdays, homework help, and bedtime stories stretching into the future.
"They're going to be upset," I manage finally.
"I know." Vanessa's voice cracks. "But they need stability. They need their mother. And I'm finally in a position to give them that."
She's right, of course. The kids belong with their mother. But that doesn't make it hurt less.
That evening, I gather Maya, Ethan, and Sophie in the living room. They sense something is wrong immediately. Maya's brown eyes narrow with suspicion. Ethan clutches his rabbit tighter. Sophie's thumb finds her mouth.
"Your mom found a job and an apartment," I say gently. "She's ready for you to go home."
The silence is deafening. Then Maya's face crumples. "No. I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you."
"Maya." I pull her into my arms, feeling her small body shake with sobs. "You need to be with your mom. She loves you. She's worked really hard to make a good home for you."