Chapter 14 - WHO GETS TO STAY
The call to the boys’ school had come from a blocked number. The caller said Richard had authorized an aunt to collect the triplets. The principal refused, since the boys were absent and Richard had already warned her.
Ortiz requested the call recording. The voice did not match Victoria’s. Investigators believed someone connected to Adrian was still trying to interfere, though they could not yet identify the caller.
Richard arranged additional security for the house and school, with Elaine reviewing every step. He also took a leave from work. For the first time since the triplets were born, he was home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The boys did not suddenly trust him with every fear. Ethan still went to Emily when he woke at night. Noah checked twice whether the playroom door was open. Liam asked to see the lock changed before he would go inside.
Richard listened. He changed the lock. He sat on the floor with Noah when Noah could not sleep. He learned which cup Ethan liked and why Liam hated thunderstorms.
Emily watched him try.
A week later, she met him in the garden after the boys went to bed.
“I’ve found an apartment near Rachel,” she said.
Richard felt the words, but he kept his voice even. “When do you move?”
“Next month.”
“I can help arrange—”
“I’ve arranged it.”
He nodded. “Of course.”
“I’d like to keep seeing the boys, if you’re comfortable with that. As someone they care about. We can work out the details with Elaine.”
“I’d like that too.”
Emily looked toward the house. “You’ve been there for them this week.”
“I’m going to keep being there.”
“That’s what they need.”
He wanted to ask her to stay. He did not.
Two days later, Ortiz called with an update. Investigators had identified the school caller as an assistant at one of Adrian’s firms. He had acted on instructions Adrian sent before his arrest. The school’s recording and the assistant’s statement helped close that part of the case.
Victoria and Adrian faced charges tied to the forged documents and their attempt to arrange the boys’ travel. Martin faced a separate financial case. The proceedings would take time, but the immediate threat to the boys had ended.
Richard told Emily the news while she helped Liam find a missing shoe.
“Good,” she said.
Liam pulled the shoe from under the couch and looked between them.
“Does that mean everybody stops being scared now?”
Emily sat beside him. “It means the grown-ups know more about how to keep you safe.”
Liam considered this. “That’s better.”
Then he looked at Richard.
“Dad, can you come to my school play?”
Richard smiled. “Tell me when it is.”
May you like
“It’s tomorrow,” Liam said.
Richard checked his empty calendar. “I’ll be there.”
