Chapter 171

“There’s more there, more to that story, but it’s not my place to tell you. Read the letter.” “So where is she?” he said. “She’s staying with her mother for a while.” “She’s with her mother?” “I knew that,” Abby said, and he looked down at her. “What did you say, Abby?” “Becky told me she was going to stay with her mummy for a while,” Abby answered with a roll of her eyes, as only a five-year-old could. “Why didn’t you tell Daddy earlier?” “You didn’t ask,” she said. “Look Cassie,” he said into the phone, “I need to go, but thanks.” “No worries Barry. I really like Becky and I promise to keep an eye on her.” They disconnected and then he sat on the floor next to Abby. She was playing with the dollhouse he had given her for her birthday. The puppy was curled up beside her, asleep. It was two days since he’d seen Becky and everything just felt wrong inside him. His skin felt like it was too tight and his temper was frayed. Thankfully Heather had kept out of his way all day or he probably