Chapter 107


    “Every good deed counts, Emmett. When you grow up, you’ve got to be the kind of guy who helps out,


    you know? Lending a hand to someone else is like helping yourself.”


    “Uh–huh. I will be a good boy, Mommy.”


    Elysia chuckled, “Let’s put today’s drama behind us, okay? When we see Blossom and your brothers


    later, let’s not bring this up, alright?”


    Elysia didn’t want Blossom or Elliot and Evan to get upset over something that had already happened.


    Emmett scrunched up his little forehead and reluctantly nodded. He was still itching to tattle to his big


    bros, have them cook up a scheme to get back at those who’d wronged Mommy, but once Mommy said


    no, he knew he couldn’t squeal. He had to listen to Mommy; he had to be her sweet boy.


    Elysia smiled and yfully pinched Emmett’s tiny nose. “You’re the best, kiddo. Mommy’s going to hit


    the restroom. You need to go?”


    “Nope.”


    *How about youe with me, then? I don’t want to lose you.”


    “No way, that’s embarrassing. I’ll wait out here for you.”


    “Okay, then. Don’t wander off, you hear?”


    “Mm–hmm.”


    Emmett stood guard outside the restroom while Elysia went in.


    She needed to ssh some water on her face, maybe fix her hair a bit so Blossom and the boys


    wouldn’t notice anything off.


    Thankfully, she could handle herself well; there was no real damage to her face, just a bit of a tender


    scalp.


    A quick rinse and a brush–through, and she looked as good as new.


    “Phew…” Elysia exhaled in front of the mirror, shing her reflection a wry smile.


    A smile a day keeps the blues at bay. Life’s still pretty sweet. Keep at it!


    Pep talk over, she stepped out. But Emmett was gone!


    “Emmett?”


    No sign of the little guy. Elysia’s heart skipped a beat. “Emmett? Emmett, Emmett! Emmett!”


    She called out, but there was no answer. Panic set in, and she started grabbing passersby, asking


    frantically, “Excuse me, have you seen a little boy? Yay high, five years old, wearing a cream sweater


    and ck joggers, real cute kid.“.


    She rifled through her phone gallery for Emmett’s photo to show around the mall.


    “This little cutie here, with the chubby cheeks, was just waiting by the restroom for me.”


    “Nope, haven’t seen him.”


    “Sorry, no.”


    After a fruitless search, Elysia broke down crying, “Where are you, Emmett? Emmett, ohh…


    Tears streaming, she fumbled with her phone to dial 911. Her gut told her those women were out for


    revenge; they’d snatched Emmett.


    Then there was the fear of a kidnapper!


    Before she could call the police, a strange call came through.


    Without thinking, she swiped to answer, and a chilling, unfamiliar voice reached her. “Your son’s with


    us. If you want him safe, do exactly as I say.”


    She’d never heard the voice before, rough and menacing.


    Elysia held her breath, her heart pounding as she asked, “What do you mean? Who is this?”


    Then she heard Emmett’s voice, “Let me go! Let me go, you bad man! I want my mommy, I want my


    mommy…”


    Elysia’s heart lodged in her throat, “Emmett! Mommy’s here! Where are you, baby? Emmett! Emmett!”


    “He’s with us, safe for now.”


    Elysia was gasping for air. “Who are you? What do you want? Don’t you hurt my son!”


    “Just answer a few questions to our satisfaction, and we’ll release your boy. But if you lie, we’ll end this


    right now!”


    Trembling, Elysia could barely stand. “Ask away! I won’t lie, I promise I won’t.”