CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
(part one)

The next morning
Thursday — 2:30 A.M

Trying to be absolutely silent, Jill tiptoed into the Castle. The side Castle door made a click then a solid thunk when she turned the deadbolt. She slipped off her Dansko clogs and picked them up. Turning into the living room, she saw Honey and MJ snuggling on the couch. The blazing fire cast a dance of light and shadow on the lovers. MJ smiled at Jill when she waved a clog at him. She moved through the room to the main kitchen then up the stairwell to her loft home.

The loft door closed with a satisfying click. Relieved to finally be home, Jill leaned against the door. She set her clogs down then noticed that all the bedroom doors were closed or partially closed. Only Katy’s bedroom door had a light underneath it. Mike must be working on Katy’s room.

After using the bathroom, Jill stuck her head in her office. Cleo, Sandy’s much beleaguered cat, was tucked into a tight ball on the couch. Cleo lifted her head to Jill and meowed. Welcoming her warm comfort, Jill picked up Cleo. The black and white cat’s loud purr warmed Jill’s sorrow filled heart. She nestled Cleo in her arms while she made her way around the loft.

Jill stuck her head into the guest bedroom. Nash, Noelle and Buster shared the Queen sized bed. A cot was set up in a corner where one of the children began the night. They must have migrated together on the bed for comfort. She knew they were heart broken that Aden was in jail. Buster raised his head to sniff at her when she lay a soft cotton blanket over them. Jill nodded to Buster and he laid down his head. Closing the door, she was glad they had each other tonight.

Jacob had left their bedroom door open a crack for her. She smiled at his subtle welcome home. She almost tripped over Sarah, the Labrador, stretched out near the door. Scooter’s nails clicked on the hardwood as he came over to greet her. Jacob and Katy were sound asleep in their King sized bed. After all the drama of yesterday, she zoomed to the bed to check that Katy was in her pajamas and Jacob was dressed.

They were. Nothing awful going on here. Just a small sick girl and her Daddy. She shook her head at her own paranoia. Jacob would be so offended if he heard her fear driven thoughts.

Going around to Katy’s side, she touched her child’s face. Katy was still warm. She was making a mental note to insist that Katy go to the doctor when she saw a prescription bottle on the table with Katy’s name on it. Jill smiled.

Jacob must have taken Katy to urgent care.

Of course. Jacob was a good father. He wasn’t Sandy’s evil father nor her own violent father. Jacob, the good father, had cared for their baby while she was preoccupied. Of course.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….