It started like any other Saturday—until Jane showed up at my door with Tommy. Her face was drawn, her cheer forced.“Mom, I need a favor,” she said. “I have a last-minute work thing. Can you watch Tommy for a couple of weeks?” I was stunned. Jane had never left him this long. Her answers were vague, her eyes evasive. I sensed something was wrong, but didn’t press. “I’ll keep him safe,” I said, as she hugged me quickly and left without looking back.
Strange Clues
Tommy’s presence was a joy, but Jane’s silence gnawed at me. No calls. No texts. Then I noticed odd things—my closet disturbed, perfumes moved. One night, I opened Tommy’s suitcase and froze. Inside were clothes for all seasons, extra medication, and an envelope addressed to me. Inside: cash. A lot of it. Panic surged. Jane wasn’t coming back anytime soon.