“Ellie wants to make a card for you.”
Frank’s face softened.
“Really?”
“She began drawing it yesterday evening.”
“Well, I’d be happy to receive it.”
Then he paused.
“Is she nervous about riding again?”
“A little bit.”
He nodded as though the answer didn’t surprise him.
“That’s perfectly understandable.”
“She wanted to know whether you were angry with her.”
Frank appeared genuinely puzzled.
“With Ellie?”
“Yes.”
“Absolutely not.”
He shook his head firmly.
“Please tell her she handled everything correctly. She told me she didn’t recognize that man.”
“I’ll tell her.”
“And let her know she can sit near the front for a while, if that helps her feel comfortable.”
I smiled despite my tears.
“I’m sure she’d appreciate that.”
When I started walking away, Frank called my name.
“Mrs. Carter?”
I turned around.
“Yes?”
“Please don’t regret contacting the police when you believed your daughter was in d@nger.”
