“He’s been out quite a lot,” Dante said. “Almost as much as I have been.”
I loved that Ro had so many people who cared. I feared we’d have to tell her father soon, though. He would lose it if she were missing. They’d done a lot to rebuild their relationship, and she and her mom, or stepmom, often came out to visit when Ro wasn’t touring.
My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out to see a message from Jamie. I’d been keeping in contact with her over everything going on, and she was sick with worry.
It was the same messages I’d been getting. Her checking in to see if we had any news.
Jamie: Anything? Please, tell me anything good.
Evan: Nothing yet. We’re still looking.
Jamie: Damnit! I can come out there. We’re moving there in a month anyway, so I can just leave early.
Evan: No, I don’t want something happening to you, too. Keep your schedule. If anything changes, I will reach out. Promise.
Jamie: OK. I’m just worried.
Evan: Me too.
Jamie: *hugs* Call me if you just want to talk, OK?
Evan: I will.
I breathed out and caught E staring at me again.
I needed some air. All these feelings were starting to take their toll on me.
I got to my feet. Anson could read me like a book. He gave me a nod as I walked to the door.
“I’ll, uh, join you,” E said, following me.
I sighed. Of course he would, the intuitive bastard.
37
ETHAN
Ifollowed Evan out of Church’s mansion. He went out to the gardens and stopped near some white roses.
“It’s nice out,” I commented.
He grunted and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket before lighting one up.
I stared interestedly at him. This entire time, I just felt like I knew him.
He pulled his gator down and took a hit off the cigarette. I noted a jagged scar running down the side of his face. He had some scruff going on, and the scar disappeared into the hair on his jaw. He definitely had a history I was interested in learning about.
He offered me the cigarette, and I took it, taking a deep hit. I wasn’t much of a cigarette smoker, but I wanted to bond with the guy.
“Smooth,” I said amid a cough as I handed it back to him.
He chuckled softly at that and took another hit and blew out the smoke.
“So, uh, I heard you do martial arts.”
He nodded and smoked more.
“I looked up Silat. That’s some insane stuff. How long have you been doing it for?”
