The dream had once come almost every night, but she hadn’t had it in years, not after all the therapy and work she’d done to deal with her anxiety.

She called Blaire. “The dream came back.”

There was a sigh on the other end of the phone. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s no wonder, though. Do you want me to come over now instead of waiting till dinnertime?”

“Yes, but no. Dad’s coming over this morning, and we have to go over some estate business.” She didn’t want to fill Blaire in on Anderson’s crazy suspicions.

“Okay. In the meantime, why don’t you try some meditation? Try and clear your mind.”

Kate heard Annabelle’s sweet voice calling as she ran down the hallway to Kate’s room. “Mommy, Mommy,” she yelled, and came tearing into the room, jumping onto the bed. Hilda was right behind her.

“I’ve gotta call you back,” she told Blaire and disconnected.

“It’s all right, Hilda. Time for some cuddles. I’ll bring her down for breakfast in a bit.” She wanted Annabelle all to herself.

Hilda smiled and nodded. “Good. She loves her mommy time. I’ll go downstairs and make some oatmeal. Would you like some too?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you, though.” She turned to Annabelle. “Come here, you little monkey.” Kate plopped onto the bed and pulled her daughter into her arms. For the next ten minutes, as they wrestled and laughed, she forgot about all the danger and uncertainty surrounding her.

Hilda knocked on the door and stuck her head in. “Would you like me to get Annabelle dressed now?”

“I want to put on my bathing suit,” Annabelle said.

“It’s too cold for swimming, pumpkin. How about some snuggly pants and a sweater?” Kate suggested.

Hilda reached for Annabelle, and Kate reluctantly handed her over. She pulled a warm sweatshirt over her T-shirt and followed the tantalizing aroma of brewing coffee to the kitchen, pouring the steaming black liquid just as Hilda came into the room with Annabelle. A few moments later, Harrison arrived.

“Granddaddy!” Annabelle cried when she saw him come in.

“Good morning, my little peach. How are you today?”

“I was going to go swimming, but Mommy says it’s too cold.”

“I’m afraid she’s right. I have to talk to Mommy for a little bit, but how about if we play Candy Land afterward?”

Annabelle pouted for a moment and then solemnly nodded. “All right.”

“Good. Now sit down and finish your breakfast,” Kate said, then stopped and stared at her daughter. She turned to Hilda. “Where did you get that sweater? I’ve never seen it before.”

Hilda shrank back at the accusation in Kate’s voice, and her brow creased. “From her drawer.”