I kept my face neutral.
"Of course."
He gave me a long look before turning away.
I shut the door and locked it again.
When I returned to the kitchen, Lily and Lucy were still under the table.
"You did good," Lily whispered.
I crouched beside them.
"Sweetheart, I need you to tell me who that man is."
Lucy pressed her face against her sister's shoulder.
"Grant."
"Grant who?"
She only shook her head.
"Is Grant your dad?"
"No."
"Your uncle?"
"No."
"Does your mommy know you're here?"
At that, Lily's face crumpled.
"Mommy can't come."
I felt cold all over.
"Why can't she come?"
The twins looked at each other.
Then, Lucy whispered the most chilling statement I've ever heard.
"Because Grant locked her downstairs."
For several seconds, I could only stare at Lucy.
"Grant locked your mommy downstairs?" I repeated.
Lily nodded.
"She told us to be quiet."
Every instinct in me said to call the police immediately, but I remembered Lily's panic when I had touched my phone.
I reached beneath the table and held out my hand.
"Listen to me. Police do not take good girls away for asking for help. Grant lied to you."
Lily studied my face.
"Really?"
"Really."
I waited until she gave the smallest nod.
Then, I stepped into the pantry, leaving the door cracked so I could see the twins, and called 911.
