Page 82 of Still Afraid

Aaron turned into a secluded spot at a local park and turned off the engine. “Listen, Chloe, I don’t want to hurt you—that was never my intent.”

“You shoved a gun in my side.”

He reached into the pocket of his hoodie and pulled out a blue training gun. “It’s not real.”

“Josh sure thought it was real last night. He could have shot you.”

“I didn’t think he was home.”

“But he was. So did you just want to scare me beyond belief?”

“No. I promise.” He pushed the hoodie off his head.

“Funny way of showing it.”

“I didn’t want you to know it was me. I wanted to protect you from it all.”

“Then why put me in this position in the first place? If you needed help, you should have asked.”

His shoulders slumped. “It’s not that simple.”

“Then tell me what it’s about.”

“Remember at the campground when we saw each other?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I saw your pack, and put something in your bag, and I need it back.”

The image of all her pack’s belongings strewn across the living room flashed in her memory. “I don’t have it. I never took anything out of my bag. If it wasn’t there when you broke into my house, I don’t have it … whatever it is.”

“I need it back.”

“Tell me why and what it is?”

He shook his head. “No. But if we can’t find it, I’m going to need money.” He looked down. “Maybe he’ll take money instead.”

“Who, Aaron?”

He shook his head again.

“The person who threatened me if you didn’t ‘take care of it’ yourself?”

“Maybe.”

“How much money?”

“A lot.”

“That doesn’t help me help you.”

“I know, but I’m not even sure.”

How much trouble was her brother really in? A great deal considering the cops were looking for him and he’d kidnapped her. She needed to call Josh and Gabe. She pulled her phone from her back pocket.

“Let me call—”

“No.” He grabbed her phone.