Before she handled the awkwardness of that fact, her mind was still caught up on the idea that Paige was being taken to soccer practice by her babysitter. Rachel had taken her to a few practices here and there, so she knew it was nothing unusual for some kids to have sitters or grandparents, or aunts or uncles, to take the players to practice. But she was very aware that neither she nor Peter had taken her to a practice in a while. She wondered how many practices one of them had been at. She knew there had been zero practices where they had both been there, and she wondered if it was one of those things Paige was noticing but choosing to push way down and not bring up out of fear of making her parents feel bad.

The guilt of this dashed any last-minute changes of heart in making the call to Peter. She pulled up his number, knowing hed be upset that she was calling him at work. But hed just have to suck it up and deal with it.

She didnt know what to expect when he answered the phone, so when he finally answered on the third ring, his indifferent tone did not bother her.

Hey, Rachel.

Hey. I just wanted to check in while I had the chance.

Okay. I mean…were good here. Im at work, Paige is at school.

He was a little dryer than usual and was clearly annoyed that she had called. She hated that she felt he now had a very strange power over her, but she supposed it was her fault for not pushing a little harder to stay off of this case. If she had done the smart thing and stayed at home, she wouldnt have to rely on him for updates.

Are the cops still parked outside of our house? she asked.

They were there when I left the house this morning. And one of them did tell me that the principal of the school has been informed of Paiges situation. Theres also going to be a patrol car near the soccer field this evening for her soccer practice.

Hows Paige taking it all?

Shes fine. I think she might not have even noticed the cops outside the house.

Rachel doubted this. Paige was quiet about many things, but that did not mean she wasnt observant. The girl had one of the keenest eyes Rachel had ever seen in a kid. Shed often amused herself thinking that she could already see FBI qualities in her daughter. Now, though, such a thought wasnt so amusing.

Any idea when youll be home? Peter asked.

No. Were still sort of stuck in the middle of this case.

Okay, he said, sounding unsurprised. Well, Ill let Paige know you called.

And you? How are you, Peter?

Im fine. Just busy. He hesitated a moment and then said, How are you?