Page 8 of Journey To Sunrise

I pulled out a couple of twenties. “Then you’re getting a really good tip.”

Pearl grinned.

“Y’all take care. I put extra biscuits inside.” She hustled up to the hostess station.

“I don’t want this, do you?” I asked Zoe.

“I’ll take it to Trenda’s house,” she said as she picked up the bags of food.

Chapter Two

Zarek

I got out of my truck and followed Zoe up to the doorstep of the modest sized rambler house. I was happy to see that it sat back from the street—it would make things easier.

“When did you two stop living together?” I asked.

“She rented the place when she left Trenda’s. She said she needed space. We shouldn’t have let her go.”

I looked at Zoe and could see waves of guilt flowing off her.

“Chloe’s a grown woman, you couldn’t have stopped her.”

“She wasn’t thinking straight. It was my job to take care of her.”

“Do you have a key to the house?”

“She changed the locks after Trenda and I let ourselves in to check on her three weeks ago.”

“Shit.” I gave my childhood friend a considering look. “You should go sit in your car. I think it would be best if this was just between Chloe and me.”

“But…” I watched as Zoe’s shoulders slumped. “Maybe you’re right. Please help her.” Zoe’s voice was soft.

“I will, sweetie. I promise.” I watched as she walked slowly down the path towards her car, then I turned toward the door and knocked loudly.

“Chloe! It’s me, Zarek. Open up!” I put my ear to the door but didn’t hear anything. There was a small decorative window beside the door. I hated those damn things. They were a burglar’s wet dream.

I pounded on the door again. “Chloe Rose Avery, answer the damned door!” I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. I didn’t hear it ringing from inside. It went straight to voicemail.

“Dammit, Chloe, you better answer your damned door, or I’ll break it down.” Logically, I knew she wasn’t listening, but still…

I counted to sixty. She might be in the shower. She might be in the bathtub. But she might be in real trouble, and I wasn’t waiting another fucking minute. I unbuttoned my shirt and pulled it off. Then I folded it up into layers, pressed it up against the small window, and slammed my fist through it. I pushed out the broken glass with my shirt, reached in, unlocked the door, and opened it. As soon as I stepped into the house, I announced myself.

“Chloe, don’t freak. It’s me, Zarek. I just broke into your house.”

I paused.

Nothing.

“I come in peace.” I stood there in the front hall, waiting for some kind of verbal response.

Still nothing.

My heart clenched.

“Chloe! Answer me!”

I was met with silence.