Sarah's message was answered almost immediately.
Her phone vibrated once in her pocket.
She slipped it out just enough to read the screen.
There were three words. Short, sharp and final. That was all.
Her lips curved, small and satisfied, before she locked the phone and tucked it away.
Ahead of her, Lara walked on, unaware.
Shay clung to Lara's neck like a koala. "Mommy, can I buy something for you?"
Lara laughed softly. "How about something for yourself first?"
Shay shook her head so hard her ponytail bounced. "I still have lots of dresses. And shoes. Too many. I can't even wear all of them."
Lara believed her.
She'd seen the walk-in closet—rows of clothes with tags still hanging, toys unopened in boxes.
A childhood bought in excess. Perhaps, it was Ares' way of making up for his lack of time with Shay.
"But…" Shay rubbed her stomach in circles. "I'm hungry."
Lara checked the time and winced.
Past one pm.
