the millionaire went to pick up his daughter from his ex wife’s place but the little girl soon began displaying concerning behaviors

the millionaire rushed her to the medical center for a check up when the physician reviewed the ultrasound results

they immediately call 9 1 1 November raindrops in Seattle

kept a steady rhythm against the roof of the Range Rover Harry Walker tapped his fingers on the leather

wrapped steering wheel his gaze fixed on the windshield wipers moving back and forth he glanced at the dashboard clock

for the third time in five minutes 5:15 p m

that meant Claire was once again disregarding their joint agreement an older silver sedan screeching its tires

pulled into the lot its battered front bumper had a dangling headlight

and the paint was peeling with countless scuff marks Harry let out a long breath

reached for the black umbrella in the passenger seat and pushed the door open the sedan’s door swung open

Claire stepped out quickly pulling up the collar of her thin windbreaker which offered little Protection against the cutting

northwest chill rain mixed with her thick makeup ran in streaks down her cheeks

Harry opened the umbrella and walked quickly toward his ex wife you’re 15 minutes late Claire

I called three times and you didn’t answer Claire avoided his gaze she circled the car

pulled Lily’s pink backpack from the back seat and practically shoved it against Harry’s chest

he stepped back to keep his balance traffic on I five Harry

not everyone has their own private aerial vehicle to cruise over people’s heads

she roughly wiped the rain from her forehead smudging her mascara and stop ringing me up to check up on me

like one of your delivery drivers Harry adjusted the umbrella to cover both of them

but Claire stepped back letting the rain soak her he frowned looking directly into her eyes

I’m not checking up on you I’m worried about our daughter

what if something happened on the road Claire gave a scoffing smile and folded her arms across her chest

worried about her or just searching for an excuse to haul me back into court

you simply wanna jot down in your meticulous little notebook that I’m not a perfect mother

the sedan’s rear door creaked open a pair of MUD splattered athletic shoes landed on the wet pavement

Lily stepped out she didn’t rush into Harry’s embrace as usual she pulled the hood of her oversized

gray sweatshirt low over her face her hands tightly clasped over her middle

her walk was slow slightly hunched over like an older person Harry started to step forward to hug her

but Lily moved past him without a word she climbed into the back seat of the Range Rover

shrinking into the corner by the window Harry turned back to Claire

what’s going on with her she seems worn out Claire quickly glanced toward Harry’s vehicle

then looked down she stayed up late watching cartoons she’s a kid they’re always a bit draggy on a Monday

Harry narrowed his eyes moving closer to the sedan through the partially open passenger window

he saw a mess piled up fast food containers crumpled clothes strewn about in several bulging

black plastic sacks Claire what in the don’t pry into my car Claire rushed forward

slamming the car door shut right in front of Harry’s face the metallic clang echoed sharply

she stood blocking the door breathing heavily take her things and leave Harry

it’s your time with her now without waiting for Harry to reply she sprinted around to the driver’s seat

started the engine and quickly zoomed away leaving a plume of grey exhaust smoke to dissolve into the pouring rain

Harry stood still for a moment gripping the umbrella handle he turned and walked toward his vehicle

the interior of the car was warm and subtly scented with new leather a stark contrast to the bleakness outside

Harry started the engine glancing at the rear view mirror Lily remained still her head resting against the window

eyes closed did you have a good weekend sweetie Harry asked trying to keep his voice gentle

Lily gave a slight nod her eyes still closed did your mother take you somewhere fun

or did you just stay at home Lily didn’t respond she opened her eyes

staring out the window the car passed over a road bump even with the luxury vehicle’s smooth suspension

the slight jolt made Lily react she winced her hands clutching the safety belt

knuckles turning pale a bead of perspiration rolled down her temple

despite the climate control being set to a comfortable temperature Harry frowned he wanted to ask more

but her silence was like an invisible barrier he reassured himself that maybe Claire was right

maybe she was just tired from staying up late the car glided into the garage of the Bellevue estate

the engine cut off returning the space to absolute quiet Harry unbuckled his seatbelt

and got out to open the back door for his daughter we’re home Lily

Martha made the beef stew you love he leaned into the car reaching to unlatch her safety belt

seeing how tightly she was still gripping it as his fingers touched the latch Lily abruptly doubled over

a soft pained groan escaped her throat sounding like an injured small animal

she wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach her face contorted in discomfort

Lily Harry was alarmed placing a hand on her shoulder where does it hurt

instantly Lily took a deep breath she bit her lip trying to sit up straight and pushed her father’s hand away

she awkwardly tugged her sweatshirt down lower covering her midsection I’m fine her voice was muffled and hoarse

my legs just feel tingly Lily walked with an uneven gait into the house

her small shoulders slumped under the weight of the backpack she insisted on carrying herself

she passed through the vast living room and quickly headed toward the staircase without bothering to take off her shoes

Harry stood at the kitchen entrance the savory aroma of wine infused beef stew

from Martha’s pressure cooker filling the house he called out to his daughter’s retreating figure

Martha made your favorite stew wash up and come down to eat right away Lily paused on the third step

her hands gripping the oak railing she didn’t turn around I already had dinner at Mom’s