Chapter 2 - THE BABY HE HAD NEVER HELD
Claire Bennett sat beside the window of a small rented house outside Milwaukee.
Her daughter slept against her chest.
The baby's name was Evelyn Rose Bennett.
Seven pounds, four ounces.
Dark hair.
Tiny fingers.
A serious little expression that made Claire smile every time she opened her eyes.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Claire whispered.
Evelyn stirred.
Claire kissed her forehead.
“You and me.”
Her best friend, Natalie Carter, entered carrying tea.
“Any word from Alexander?”
Claire shook her head.
“No.”
Natalie sat beside her.
“Do you think he'll come looking?”
Claire looked down at Evelyn.
“Probably.”
“Are you scared?”
Claire hesitated.
Then answered honestly.
“Yes.”
Natalie took her hand.
“You're not alone.”
Claire smiled faintly.
“I know.”
For five years, Claire had lived in a mansion filled with security guards, expensive furniture, and people who obeyed Alexander's every instruction.
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Now she sat in a modest house with a squeaky staircase and a kitchen that smelled like cinnamon.
And somehow, she felt safer than she had in years.
