Molly: "Well, since Chad's not around, I'm heading out too."
By evening, when Henry was about to hit the sack, his aunt dropped by. She swooped in, snatching up the little bundle of joy, showering him with hugs and kisses. The kid was so sleepy he could barely keep his eyes open, yet the room was buzzing with adults doting on him.
At the first whimper, they all handed the baby over to Mia. It seemed like Mia had a magic touch; she cradled him, patted his little bottom, and he calmed down in no time.
As the night grew darker, they stopped teasing Henry, and Mia turned to Molly. "Chad mentioned you've been busy, so I didn't want to bug you, but how's everything at the factory?"
"It's alright, we're a pretty laid-back family. We chalked up the money lost as just bad luck. But the arsonist is still out there. Oh, did you manage to ask Annie and Conner about that thing I mentioned?"
Mia chuckled, "Did I just blow $50 for nothing?"
They both knew the answer, neither had any news to share. Sensing Molly's unease, Mia encouraged, "Come on, just spill it. No need to beat around the bush with me."
"Mia, I have a hunch about someone, but no proof."
Mia leaned in, "Who?"
"My cousin Saul. It's a thin connection—he used to work in that position years ago. But that doesn’t mean he’d set the place on fire. My mom thinks it's a bit of a stretch."
Mia nodded, "Suspicion's just the start. Next, you gotta try and disprove it. If you can't, well, it kinda becomes evidence."
Molly sank into Chad's couch, "Evidence... Mia, I need your help."
Mia hesitated, "…I'm nervous."
"Nervous about what?"
"Us three together never end well."
Molly stood up, grinning, "No worries, Leo's not here this time, so our 'curse' doesn't count."
Mia asked, "So, what do you need me to do?"
They leaned in, whispering conspiratorially. Just then, Chad descended the stairs, picked up his sweetly dreaming son, and told his wife and sister, "Time to hit the hay."
They exchanged a knowing look, nodding, "Alright, we'll chat on the phone tomorrow."
One followed her husband, while the other headed to the guest room. Chad carefully laid his little bundle on the bed, but as soon as his bottom hit the mattress, it was like flipping a switch.
Little hands reached out, grabbing his dad's arm, whimpering and crying. Chad had no choice but to pick him up and try settling him back to sleep. After several tries, the cries only got louder, threatening to wake him completely.
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