Chapter 45. Old Wounds, New Threats

She hurried over, concerned that the stranger was interacting with her son. “Ryan!” She called out before she reached them.

Her heart raced, and her protective instincts kicked in. She pushed the man away and pulled Ryan closer. “What’s going on here?” Amanda asked, her voice filled with worry and suspicion.

“What is wrong with you?” The man yelled when he recovered from the stagar. He almost fell to the ground with Amanda’s unexpected push.

The other kids who had gathered around looked at her curiously. “Mummy! What is it?” Tyler asked, worried?

‘Mummy?” The man asked, surprised. He quickly realized the situation and tried to explain, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you. I was just chatting with Ryan here. He is a friend to my daughter.”

Amanda gazed at Ryan for confirmation. The boy who had been quiet from the shock spoke. “This is Annabel’s dad, Mr. Jenkins. He was just asking if I wanted to come over for a playdate with Annabel later”

Amand