Chapter Thirteen
Payton disconnectedher call and frowned at her phone.This was the third time she tried to reach Esmeralda without success, and she was starting to worry.
“What’s wrong?”Kinleigh asked.
“I’ve not been able to get in touch with Esmeralda,” she admitted to her cousin.“She was devastated when she found out about Elder Agnes.”
“She still loved her?”
Payton nodded.“Love like that doesn’t die.I just hope she’s not being reckless.”
“I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation,” Kinleigh said.“Perhaps she’s at the diner.I bet she’s taking advantage of the place being empty so she can scrub it clean.Keeping busy would take her mind off her broken heart.”
“You’re probably right,” Payton said, relenting.“I don’t know what I’d do if I lost Jericho, especially to some magical bioweapon.I can’t imagine how Esmeralda has felt all these years, not being with the person she loved.And then to lose her in such a horrible way ...it’s unreal.”
“Maybe you should ask Jericho to check in on her.”
Payton thought for a moment, then shook her head.“He’s susceptible to the red plague.”
“Then...Hey, call Savannah,” Kinleigh urged.“I’m sure she’ll help.”
“That’s a great idea.”She pulled out her cell phone from her pocket and placed the call.“Savannah?”
“Hello, Luna.”
“Payton, please.No honorifics between us.I haven’t heard from Esmeralda and I’m worried about her.Could you check if she’s at the diner?”
“Of course.How are you holding up?”
“I’m worried,” Payton whispered, emotions just under the surface trying to find an out.“I’m going to be bringing a pup into this world, and I don’t even know if our world will still be here.”
“Itwillbe here, Payton.I promise.I’ll do everything I can to ensure that.You and Kinleigh stay safe, and I’ll have Esmeralda call you.”
“Okay.”The call ended and she turned toward her cousin.“She’ll check in on her.”
Kinleigh hugged her.“Everything will be okay.”
Payton sighed, wanting so much to believe her.But something told her it wasn’t going to be okay.
****
Jericho disconnectedthe call and frowned.That had been Mitchell Bly, the realtor for Sheridan, and he called concerned about the lights in the diner being on all night.Rising, he texted a quick message to Savannah then headed out the door and walked toward the diner.When he got there, he saw the Enchantress frowning at the building.
