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Tears filled my eyes at hearing that, and I couldn’t stop the sob that slipped free with them.
“Tell her I love her, okay? I love you all. I’ve missed you s-so much,” I told them.
“We love you too. We just want you home where we know you’re safe,” Kyle told me.
“I know, but I’m safe here for now. The guys are taking good care of me and we’re going to find Soloman.”
“Soloman?” Kade repeated.
“That’s what he told me to call him. I don’t think it’s his real name. Whoever he is, I know his eyes and I will recognize him when I see him. I’m going to make him pay for everything he’s done,” I promised.
“Just make sure you stay safe. We thought we’d lost you. Nothing can happen to you now. You have no idea just how much we all need you,” Kade told me.
“I do, because I need all of you too,” I returned tearfully. “I should go before I have a breakdown again, but you’re calling again tonight right?”
“Yes. Mom and Dad will be desperate to speak to you when we tell them.”
“And you’ll make sure it’s safe? I don’t want him coming after any of you again.”
“Don’t worry, Evie. We’ve got this. We’ll keep everyone safe,” Kade assured me.
“Okay. I love you both,” I told them tearfully.
“Love you too. Get some rest, okay?” Kade said.
“Love you, Evie. Stay strong.” Kyle told me. I assured them both I would and hung up before the floodgates opened. Before I could even lay my head on the counter to cry into it, strong arms wrapped around me and I was swept up into the air. I looked up and saw Kailan had a hold of me. That was all I needed to know as I lay my head against his shoulder, wrapped my arms around his neck and just let my tears free.
“That’s it,” he soothed as he held me tightly. “Let it all out. I’ve got you.”
CHAPTER 18
EVIE
“Hey, feeling better?” Harris asked as he met me coming down the stairs. I had cried my heart out in Kailan’s arms for about ten minutes, then, exhausted, gone back to my room to lie down for a while. I hadn’t slept but I had spent the time thinking everything through.
I had resolved that I was in the best place I could be, all things considered. Soloman didn’t seem to know where I was. I was safe with guys I trusted, relieved to no longer be struggling all alone. My family knew what was going on and were no longer frantic with worry about where I was. Most importantly I was alive. I realized I shouldn’t be. A serial killer had just let me go. That didn’t happen and I knew I had to be grateful for that miracle. I had been to hell and back, and I was definitely broken and messed up, but I was alive. I was safe. I had people around me I could lean on. I decided to focus on those positives, or at least try to. I needed to keep it together so I could focus on finding Soloman’s true identity and getting that information to the authorities.
So I had gotten up, showered, and dressed, ready to try and have a more productive day with way less crying than I had been doing lately. We had work to do on finding Soloman and the guys would need help taking care of Zack too. Those were things I could do.
“Yeah. Much,” I agreed with a nod and a smile. “Did you guys eat yet? I could make some breakfast?” I offered. I looked around and found only Aleks in sight. He sat at the counter, on his laptop as always. He was dressed in jeans and a hugging black t-shirt that accentuated his toned biceps and perfectly flat stomach and abs. He looked good, and I had to remind myself not to ogle him excessively.
“Nah. I fed Zack, but that’s it. Let’s see what we have and I’ll help you,” Harris suggested as he ushered me towards the kitchen with a wave.
“Where are the others?” I asked.
“Kailan’s in the gym. Nick was getting Zack dressed. We were all planning to head out to the park with him if you feel up to it?” Harris asked.
“Sure.” I shrugged as I pulled open the huge refrigerator. “Some fresh air would be good. Are you coming, Aleks?” I asked as I glanced to him, He seemed lost in whatever he was working on, but he instantly looked up, meeting my eyes and smiled.
“I am. I love pushing Zack on the swing. He laughs his little socks off. It’s adorable,” he told me with a bright smile.
“Great. How about we make some brunch instead, and take a picnic with us?” I suggested.
“Even better plan,” Harris agreed.
“Can you see what you have for sandwiches? I’ll whip up a batch of muffins and get them in the oven.” Harris nodded and moved over to the pantry, while I searched the refrigerator for something I could add to Matt’s muffin recipe. Grabbing some blueberries I hoped I had remembered the recipe correctly.
“What are you working on?” Harris asked Aleks as he started laying out sandwich fillings and wholewheat bread on the counter.
