“So we get two bedrooms and more Christmas presents now!” Parker yelled.
“No. I don’t know about that.” Addie pulled the car over, put it in park, and turned around. “Do you guys remember when you kept fighting at bedtime and I made you separate and start sleeping in your own rooms and how then I would sometimes find you guys curled up in bed together? Well, that’s how it is with your dad and me. We love each other, and we love you, but we need to get our own houses so we don’t fight so much anymore. We’re going to be moving to a new house in a few days, not far from home. You can bring anything from home you want, but we’ll have new things too. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Connor stared out the window. “What about Max?”
“Max is coming with us. Our new house has a big backyard and even a little surprise for you guys.”
“What about Daddy?” Parker chimed in.
Addie reached for Parker’s hand and studied his tiny fingers. “Daddy is staying at home, but you guys can visit him whenever you want. And you’ll still go to the same school with your friends.”
“Is Kelsey coming too? James interjected.
Addie smiled faintly. “She is. And whenever you’re ready, I’ll take you by and show you the new place.”
Connor continued staring out the window as the twins begged to go right this second. Their pleas grew louder and louder.
“Shhh, boys! That’s enough. Connor, so what do you say?”
Connor shrugged his shoulders but continued staring out the window.
“Connor, I know this is hard for you, sweetheart, but I promise—”
Connor interrupted and pointed his finger at a car nearby. “You see that man staring at us. He looks like the guy I saw on the news, the one who hurt you.”
Addie froze. “Where?”
“Right over there in that car that’s backing out.?
?? Connor replied, straining in his car seat.
Addie grabbed her cell, dialed 911, and put the car in drive. “Boys, put your heads down and keep them there, until I tell you otherwise, okay?”
She instinctively drove towards the police station as she rapidly fired off details to the 911 operator. “I’m being followed by a man I have a restraining order against. I’m at Lamar and—” Addie cut herself off suddenly remembering William’s security detail was behind her.
The 911 operator interrupted. “Ma’am, I need you to calm down and tell me your name. What kind of vehicle are you driving?”
Addie tried to catch her breath. “Addison. Addison Greyer. I’m in a silver Tahoe. My children are with me. My kids are in the car.”
“Okay, Mrs. Greyer, I need you to tell me name the closest intersection and a description of the vehicle following you.”
Addie’s heart raced, and her mouth went dry. “His name is Scott Hammons. The man following me is Scott Hammons. I’m at Lamar and Manchaca. I, uh, I think he’s driving a red sedan, a Ford maybe. I didn’t get a very good look.”
The operator spoke slowly and calmly. “I have an officer in route, ma’am. Stay focused on driving. Keep your eyes on the road. He’ll be there shortly.”
“There’s a black Tahoe following me too. It’s my security team—”
“Your security? Is your security team armed, Mrs. Greyer?”
Addie checked on the boys in the rearview. “It’s all right, boys. Everything is going to be okay.”
“Mrs. Greyer, I need you to answer my question. Is the security team armed?” the voice in the phone demanded.
“Um, uh, I don’t know.”
“Do you have a way to contact them?”
“Yes. I can call—”