Page 67 of Still Afraid

“You looked a little jumpy as I approached. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It doesn’t take much right now.”

“I would imagine.”

Chloe tried to take a deep breath to relax, but it didn’t work. Was she safe?

Chapter Twenty-Six

Josh paced up and down the road beside the ditch. Martinez left at least ten minutes ago to find Chloe. Had he not found her yet? Where was she? Why had he let her go off without him? Someone was clearly after her, yet he let her follow the scent of the bad guy. How could he be so stupid?

“Josh?” Buck’s voice stopped him.

“How much do you trust Martinez?”

“With my life. He’s been my partner for years and a faithful friend too.”

Josh nodded.

“They’ll be here soon.”

Josh wanted to believe Buck—he was Gabe’s lifelong friend after all—but Josh’s nerves were so fried he couldn’t keep his doubts in check.

A couple a few years younger than Josh walked down the street toward him.

Buck got a call and walked up the road. He waved at the couple as he passed them on their way to Josh.

“Hey, I’m Tripp and this is my wife, Steph.”

Josh glanced past them. He wanted to hear Buck’s conversation.

Tripp stretched out his hand.

Josh pulled himself together and shook his hand. “I’m Josh.”

Steph asked, “Were you affected by this tornado personally or volunteering with clean up?”

“Umm …” He glanced to Buck but couldn’t read anything in his demeanor. “My fiancée’s house was right there.” He pointed across the street.

Steph gasped. “Is she …” The woman’s face turned ashen.

“She survived.”

Steph grasped her necklace. “Oh thank heavens. But to lose everything … how hard! It’s for people like her that we’re helping to organize a donation drive. There will be a rally at the high school tomorrow evening at five. Several food vendors will be there, donating proceeds to those affected, and people are invited to bring canned goods, toiletry items, and other such things for the victims.”

Tripp showed him a postcard and pointed to a QR code. “Your fiancée can go on this website and fill out a form of her needs.” He turned the card over. “And if you know anyone willing to donate, they can go to this one.”

“If she’s willing, we’d love to have a few survivors share their stories. I know it’s a little soon and they may not be ready. If she is, though, we’d love to have her say a few words.”

“I’m not sure she’ll be up to that, but I’ll ask.” He also wasn’t sure about going to something like this anyway. Her safety was his first priority right now.

“No worries either way,” Steph said. “We hope to see you there.”

“Thank you.” Josh was over the conversation but didn’t want to be rude. His anxiety was reaching new levels. Maybe he should go look for Chloe.

Tripp and Steph said goodbye and moved on down the street to find more people to pass out cards to.

Josh strode to Buck, who was slipping his phone into his pocket.