Page 35 of Unfinished Noise

“Jamie never forgets to charge his phone,” Spencer said, sharper than he meant to. “He’s obsessive about it.”

“And Alfie answers within five minutes of my texts,” Nathan added. “Nothing all night.”

Spencer rubbed his palms against his jeans, trying to shake off the creeping dread. He couldn’t explain it, but something felt wrong in a way that made his skin crawl.

As soon as they arrived at the hotel, Nathan said, “Let’s leave for Fresno by noon.”

Spencer barely heard him. He was already heading for the elevator, heart racing.

They rode up in the elevator in tense silence. The moment Spencer opened the door to his room, the bottom dropped out of his stomach.

The room was empty.

No painting mess.

No canvases.

No Jamie’s shoes kicked off by the bed.

No Alfie’s sketchbook.

Nothing.

“Jamie!” Spencer shouted, voice cracking. He spun in a circle, scanning the room as if they were hiding behind the damn curtains. His heart pounded so hard that it hurt. His head throbbed in time with it.

They left.

They actually left.

Where?

Why?

Without saying anything?

A pounding on the door snapped him out of it. He yanked it open. Nathan stood there, looking frazzled. “Alfie moved out of my room. Is he here?”

“No!” Spencer’s voice came out rough. “Neither are here. All of Jamie’s things are gone.”

Nathan’s eyes widened. “Did he leave a note?”

“I don’t know.” Spencer tore through the room, hands shaking. He spotted a folded piece of paper on the nightstand—hearts drawn across the top in Jamie’s handwriting.

His throat closed.

He picked it up and read it.

Dear Daddy Spencer,

I decided to return home with Alfie so you guys can focus on your comeback. I don’t want to take away your dream. Please don’t be angry. Alfie needs me right now. I love you so much and I’ll miss you, but I’ll be home waiting for you.

Love, Jamie

“Fuck!” Spencer shouted, flinging the note onto the carpet. “They went home.”

“How? No transportation?” Nathan pulled out his phone and tapped the keys.

Spencer did the same, fingers trembling. The call went straight to voicemail.