I Know a Secret

Twenty-eight

Through the living-room window, I watch Detective Rizzoli and Dr. Isles drive away from the house. I turn to my father and confess, “I’m scared, Daddy.”

“You don’t have to be.”

“But they have no idea where he is.”

Daddy pulls me against him and wraps his arms around me. Once, hugging my father was like hugging a sturdy tree trunk. He’s lost so much weight, it’s now like hugging a bag of bones, and through that brittle chest I can feel his heart beating against mine.

“If he comes after my little girl, he’s a dead man.” He lifts my face and looks into my eyes. “Don’t you worry. Daddy will take care of everything.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.” He reaches for my hand. “Now, come into the kitchen. There’s something I want to show you.”