David woke a few hours later, Valleri was still sound asleep. He smiled tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. She looked so at peace while she slept. He couldn't wake her.
He carefully pulled himself out of bed, careful not to disturb her. He showered and dressed quickly. The clock on the bedside table said it was just after eight. David kissed the top of Valleri's head before he grabbed his phone off the dresser and quietly slipped down the stairs.
After a quick walk through the garden he picked a rose off of one of the bushes and headed back towards the house. He set up the table with breakfast dishes, setting the rose down next to the empty plate. Rooting around in the fridge, David pulled out the eggs and a brick of cheese, he decided to make breakfast to make up for not saying goodbye. Writing a quick note he slid it under the flower before pulling on his shoes, grabbing a jacket, and his keys and slipping out the door as his phone rang.
He fished it out of his pocket, flipping it open without looking at the number.
"Hello?"
"Hello, David"
David recognised the voice on the other end almost immediately. He kicked himself for not looking at the number first, he'd skilfully been avoiding calls since he and Valleri had left.
"Mr Cruise"
"So you finally decided to answer my calls"
"Not on purpose"
"Where is my daughter David?"
"Safe"
"With you?"
"Away from you"
David heard him scoff on the other end. "You're quite bold when you aren't standing in my barn in front of me"
"I can come back there and say it if that's what you want"
"Oh?" He sounded genuinely interested now.
"Just say the word."
"An hour, in the main barn"
David said nothing, just flipped the phone closed. He walked back into the house, crumpling the first, stuffing it into his pocket and rewriting it, hoping it meant she wouldn't worry.
He left the house, locking the door behind him. Climbing in the car he turned onto the main road towards the mansion.
Twenty five minutes later David pulled up outside the thirty eight room house. With a sigh he killed the engine and climbed out of the car. The gravel crunched under his feet as he walked towards the barn. He knew even thinking about coming out here was a bad idea, but he had done it anyway, there was no turning back now.
The barn door was open, but it was empty inside. David walked around the familiar building; he'd never admit it, but he missed working here, more than anything he missed the animals.
Just as David came around from the back of the barn, a shadow darkened the front door.
"You're early"
David just shrugged. "I was in the neighbourhood"
"So you two are staying nearby then?"
"I said *I* was in the neighbourhood"
“Valleri's not with you?"
"You think I'm stupid?"
"On the contrary Mr Jones, I think you're very smart" he paused as he took a step closer. David didn't move. "Maybe you're too smart"
"Then you should be able to answer your own question, Mr. Cruise"
Tom narrowed his eyes. He wasn't used to this kind of confrontation. "Don't test me, David"
