Eleanor blinked fast. “It won’t be quiet anymore,” she said, voice breaking. “He’ll be at the door again. Like he used to.” Sarah nodded. “He will.” They let themselves believe it for a moment. Then they headed back down the hall. As they turned the corner, Eleanor’s gaze snagged on movement outside the front window.
A white van eased away from the curb, slow and controlled, like it had been waiting for the right moment to leave. Eleanor frowned, but the thought didn’t fully form. Because Sarah had already reached the exam room. And stopped. “No,” Sarah breathed. Eleanor hurried in behind her. The table was there. The blanket was there. Rex was gone.