Chapter 6 - The Pink Zipper Closes
Veronica took two frantic steps backward, her high heels clicking loudly against the stone steps.
"David, please, it was just a test—"
"Get off my property," David interrupted, not even turning his head to look at her.
"If your feet are still on this driveway in ten seconds, I’m calling the police with this video."
Veronica turned on her heel, her grey silk shirt flapping in the autumn wind as she hurried down the concrete path toward her car.
The heavy driver-side door slammed shut in the distance, followed by the roar of an engine fading down the quiet street.
David stood up, keeping Mia cradled securely against his chest.
He reached down with his free hand and picked up the pink backpack from the threshold.
He pulled the zipper shut with a slow, firm tug.
Zip.
He handed the silver heart necklace back to Mrs. Gable without looking at it.
"Throw it away," David said quietly.
May you like
Mrs. Gable nodded, slipping the metal into her apron pocket as she followed them back inside the bright, sunlit house.
David closed the heavy oak door behind them, locking out the noise of the street, while Mia rested her head softly against his shoulder, safe in the warm quiet of their home.
