Baby Doll(42)

The TV was on, Abby staring vacantly at it, when a picture of Lily and Abby at sixteen appeared on the screen. They were doing a story on Lily’s homecoming. Eve couldn’t believe it. She went to reach for the remote.

“Turn that off.”

But Abby refused, cranking up the volume instead.

Lily’s image was now magnified on the giant HDTV. That damn photo from the memorial Rick Hanson had helped organize. And then the image cut to Lily today as she reached out to grab Sky from Wes. Eve couldn’t help but think that Lily appeared simultaneously like a wounded bird and a powerful warrior. As the camera focused on the over-coiffed reporter, Eve realized that he was standing right outside her house, an expression of extreme concern on his face.

“While friends and family rallied around the Risers today, members of accused kidnapper Rick Hanson’s family are standing by his side.”

The image changed, and Rick Hanson’s wife Missy appeared onscreen. She stood in front of the Lancaster County Jail, surrounded by a sea of reporters. Delicate and weary, in a tasteful but expensive navy dress and pearls, she gave off a respectable vibe, like the wife of a politician. Eve knew that Missy Hanson was a first-grade teacher, exceptionally pretty with long dark hair and a hint of a Southern accent. She’d dropped off a tuna fish casserole after Lily vanished, and sent a card once a year to let Eve know they were thinking about her family and praying for answers. What was she doing on the TV? Eve leaned in, holding her breath as she listened to Missy speak.

“My husband is not evil. I know that would make all of this easier. He made terrible choices but I do believe that there are questions that remain unanswered about the girl he allegedly abducted. In fact, I have evidence that shows there may be a very different side to this story.”

Eve lost her breath as Missy held up a photo. The camera zoomed in on a selfie. God, Eve hated that word. It was so pedestrian. But it was clear that’s what it was. It was probably a year or two old. Lily’s arm was outstretched, grinning as Sky and Rick leaned in. They all wore matching party hats, and cheesy grins. From all appearances, they seemed like an ordinary happy-go-lucky family, not Rick’s captives. Eve was so sickened by the picture she had to look away. Abby sat, clutching her belly, staring unblinkingly at the screen.

“I know some of you may have a hard time understanding why I am here, but I took a vow to stand by my husband through sickness and health, and I will honor that vow. I hope you will wait to pass judgment until all the details of the case are revealed. Thank you.”

Eve reached out for Abby, knowing that this would rock her daughter to the core.

“It’s okay, Abs. No one’s going to believe that story. No one,” Eve said.

But Abby was up on her feet. She grabbed Eve’s keys and raced to the door. Eve tried to block her path.

“Abby wait… calm down.”

Abby whirled around.

“I’m going for a drive. Leave me alone. Just leave me the f*ck alone.”

Abby burst out of the house, reporters screaming out questions, camera flashes exploding, nearly blinding Eve from the doorway. Eve let her go, hoping she’d cool off. She’d called Wes, knowing he might see the news, hoping maybe he might be able to find Abby and calm her down.

She needed to go to bed, but Eve wandered the house, unable to relax. She cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom, but she couldn’t stay in this house for another second. Abby had taken Eve’s keys, which was why she found herself calling a cab. She gave him an address around the corner and made her way out through the backyard gate. Eve told herself that she was just going to the Belvedere, her local haunt, that she could drink enough to blot out her worry. But somehow Eve found herself standing outside the Lancaster Police Department. Eve had always hated coming back there, hated the memories dredged up by doing so, but she had to see Tommy and make sure nothing would come of that photo or Missy Hanson’s ridiculous claims.

Eve approached the desk, and saw Charlie, the desk clerk. He’d been here since that first night when she’d been questioned, but he never once treated her like a criminal. His kindness was something she hadn’t forgotten. He beamed when he saw her, reached out to shake her hand.

“Mrs. Riser, I can’t tell you how happy I was, how happy we all were to hear that Lily’s okay.”

“Thanks, Charlie. We’re overjoyed… beyond…”

Charlie’s smile faded. “Is something wrong?”

Eve’s brave facade was slowly crumbling but she couldn’t fall apart now.

“I was wondering if Sheriff Rogers was in. I had a few questions.”

“Yes, ma’am. I can take you to him…”

“There’s no need. I know the way.”

Eve hurried away from his probing gaze. She reached Tommy’s office and saw him through the window, hunched over a stack of paperwork, his hat off, a cup of coffee by his side. For a moment, Eve wondered if she should just turn around and go. But it was too late. Tommy glanced up and looked stunned to see her there. He jumped up to open the door.

“Evie, come in. Come in. Are you okay? I mean, I’m sure you’re not… I just wasn’t expecting you. What brings you here so late?”

“I needed… I needed…” She exhaled and sank into a chair.

He stopped and stared at Eve, realizing why she had come here.