Part 61 (1/2)

That was a new one, and Lou noted it down.

Thlking with Brian, then hearing Emma scream-finding her at the foot of

the steps.

”People crowded around,” she murmured. ”Someone, I don't know who,

called an ambulance. We didn't move her-we were afraid to

move her. We heard the sirens coming. I wanted to go to the hospital

with her, her and Brian, but I needed to check on Darren first, and to

wake Alice and let her know what had happened.

”I stopped to get Emma's robe. I don't know why really, I just thought

she might need it. I started down the hall. I was annoyed because the

lights were out. We always leave the hall light on for Emma. She's

afraid of the dark. Not Darren,” she said with a halfsmile. ”He's

never been afraid of a thing. We only keep a night-light in his room

because it's easier for us if he wakes in the, night. He often does

still. He likes company.” She brought a hand to her face as her voice

began to shake. ”He doesn't like to be alone.”

”I know this is hard, Mrs. McAvoy.” But she had been the first on the

scene, had found, and had moved the body. ”I need to know what you

found when you went into his room.”

”I found my baby.” She shook off Brian's hand. She couldn't bear to be

touched. ”He was lying on the floor, by the crib. I thought, I

thought, Oh G.o.d, he's climbed up and fallen out. He was lying so still

on the little blue rug. I couldn't see his face. I picked him up. But

he wouldn't wake up. I shook him, and I screamed, but he wouldn't wake

up.”

”Did you see anyone upstairs, Mrs. McAvoy?”