He sighs in the same way he did when we first talked about this. If only I decided to go have that stupid dinner, my alibi could have been fully corroborated by several people. This way, all I have is Lilly’s word that I did come back home by nine, which I did, but I can’t prove where I was before that. It’s all one big mess.
Then, I suddenly remember something else I wanted to mention.
“I think the police are tailing me,” I tell him.
He gives me the evil eye instantly. “Are you sure?”
“I think so,” I reply. “I can’t imagine who else it would be, but I’ve seen the same car twice this morning, three times yesterday and three times the day before yesterday.”
“Was it the same guy?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug. “I just saw the car.”
He inhales deeply, although I’m sure it doesn’t provide him with any relief. Then, he pinches the bridge of his nose with the tips of his fingers, closing his eyes. This is his thinking pose.
“Just pretend like you don’t see it,” he counsels. “They are probably doing it to make you nervous, thinking you might slip.”
“I think so, too,” I nod. “They’re not even being discreet about it.”
“See?” He gestures with his hands. “They’re trying to make it seem like they’re just one step away from arresting you, and I assure you, that’s not the case.”
“Not yet,” I seethe with anger.
The very thought that I know that I’m not guilty and they’re still focusing on me, while the real kidnapper is still out there, free as a bird, is pissing me off immensely.
“I’ll press my guy for more urgency,” he points out. Then, he gets up and grabs his suitcase. Our meeting is over. Not that there is anything else to say. “We’ll clear your name soon. I promise.”
“Sure,” I say, not all that convinced. I walk him out, then close the door behind him.
The rest of the day passes in a haze of meetings, on which I’m barely able to focus. I keep wondering how much of this has leaked out into the public. Something must have. No one has mentioned anything, I doubt they would dare to do so, but I can’t help but notice that some of my clients eyed me differently. I try not to pay attention to that, but it’s difficult.
As soon as my final meeting for the day is done, I tell my secretary that I will be going home early. I need Marley to make me feel better, and to be honest, Lilly’s presence has had such a soothing effect on me lately.
The moment I open the door, the look of surprise on Marley’s face is absolutely precious. Her hug is just what I needed to forget about everything and close the door on the ugly reality that exists outside the confines of my home.
“What are you doing home so early, daddy?” Marley chirps in my ear, planting a soft kiss on my forehead, while still in my arms.
“I decided that I’ve had enough work for one day and I should come home, for my second job,” I tell her importantly.
She doesn’t get the joke immediately. “What other job?”
I chuckle at her sweet naivety. She thinks I’m serious.
“The best, most important job in the world, silly,” I whisper as our noses touch gently. “Being your dad.”
Her eyes widen in surprise, then she bursts out into laughter. Behind her, in the doorway, where she always stands when Marley and I have these little welcoming conversations, Lilly is standing, wiping a plate with a kitchen towel.
For a moment, I wonder what it would be if she were here… all the time. To stay. To be someone much more than just a nanny for Marley.
I lift my gaze to meet hers. She smiles. I smile back.
I pick up Marley in my arms and take her to the living room. “How about we have a game night?” I suggest.
“A game night?” Marley repeats.
“We can play card games or whatever other games you want,” I tell her.
“Can we really?” Marley squeals in delight, clapping her little hands together.