“Yes,” he says fast. “Yes. Please, Evie.”
I close my eyes.
Wolf told me to stay.
Wolf told me Voss would not stop.
Wolf is not here, and the oldest part of me is tugging the leash again.
Dad’s breathing is wet on the line. “Evie?”
“I’m coming,” I say, and it tastes like a mistake.
Relief floods his voice. “Thank you. Thank you.”
I end the call and stand in the quiet cabin for a second, heart pounding too fast.
I swipe to Wolf’s number.
I call.
It rings and goes to voicemail.
I call again.
Voicemail.
My throat tightens.
I stare at the burner in my hand like it betrayed me.
I write a note on the kitchen counter.
Dad says Voss hurt him. I’m going to check.
Evie
My handwriting looks shaky.
I call a cab from the burner and give my father’s address.
The ride into town feels wrong. Morning traffic is light. People are out walking dogs, sipping coffee, living normal lives. My hands twist in my lap until my fingers ache.
When the cab pulls up to my father’s house, my stomach drops.
The porch light is still on. The curtains are drawn. The place looks normal.
Too normal.
I pay the driver and step onto the porch.
I knock once.
No answer.
I knock again, harder.
“Dad?”
