“Do they live in the town where he died? Or did they live in that house together? It would be hard for her to leave that connection.”

“Not the house. I don’t know about the town. I’ll ask.”

Even though he couldn’t see me, I nodded as I tapped my pen on my desk.

It was hard to know what to suggest when I’d never met the child. When I couldn’t see her facial expressions or hear her voice to know how to tweak my methods.

“If you come get me, I can—”

“No.”

“But it’ll be easier—”

“Nah, Mac. Not happening. I won’t risk yours or Squish’s safety.”

My stomach dropped. “What you’re doing is dangerous?”

“Not if we can help it.”

That wasn’t a no.

Holy shit, that wasn’t a no.

I stored that away for later when we had time. “What about having me video chat? It’s been working with my kids.”

He was quiet for a long moment while we thought it over. “Way things are going here, she’d just hang up on you. Probably smash the shit outta the phone for good measure.”

I didn’t have a rebuttal since Everly had done exactly that when I’d pushed—minus breaking her phone.

What I did have was a million thoughts and questions and emotions. But I needed to keep my head in the moment, not that past.

“Mac.”

I jumped, making me realize I was already failing at staying present. “What?”

“I asked if you were good.”

“Yeah.” I tilted my head. “Try getting her to talk about herself. If that doesn’t work, switch tactics. Tell her about yourself. Just talk and talk and talk. It’s a sweeping generalization, but teenagers usually like to focus on themselves. Younger kids want to feel like they’re being included. Like they’re an adult, too. If you hit a shared interest, she might let you in.”

“Thanks, baby.”

“Wait,” I said before he clicked off. “Don’t use the fake voice most adults use with kids. No baby talk, overly sweet, and absolutely no pity. Just keep it nonchalant and talk to her like she’s an adult.”

“Got it.”

“Wait,” I called again.

“Yeah?”

“If none of that works, call me back. And stay safe, okay?”

“I’m wakin’ you with my mouth on your pussy when I get home.”

With that, he hung up.

And only then did I realize what I’d said.

Stay safe.

26. Haunted

CHAPTER 26

HAUNTED

HOLLYWOOD

Clicking off with Mac’s parting words ricocheting in my head, I went inside and up the stairs. I sat on the carpet outside Maisie’s closed door.

“Hey, Maisie,” I started.

“Go away. Everyone needs to go away,” she shrieked.

It wasn’t an angry voice. Not even annoyed, bossy, or spoiled.

It was scared.

She was scared.