Page 75

And the entire time, every hair on my body stands on end.

Darren comes out after the third mix-up.

“I heard about what happened at Auggie’s. I appreciate you coming in.”

I swallow around the lump that forms. “It wasn’t a problem. I needed to keep busy.”

He nods and hands me an envelope. “Shifts almost over, can I give you a ride home?”

“I wouldn’t want to impose. And,” I glance at the clock over the bar, “there’s a bus in about five minutes.”

He scowls and shakes his head. “Mason can walk you to the stop. And don’t argue. With Auggie’s house being burglarized, I’d feel better if you were not walking alone.”

I give a little nod and watch as he heads to the end of the bar to speak to Mason. A moment later, Mason ducks under the bar, a smile on his face.

“Shall we?” he says brightly.

I give him the best smile I can and lead the way out of the pub. As we walk, Mason chatters on about his Halloween plans. I try to engage, but my heart isn’t in the conversation.

It’s with the vampire paramedic I’ll never see again.

We reach the bus stop just as the bus pulls in.

“Thank you so much for walking me,” I say as I pull Mason in for a tight hug.

“No problem,” he says happily, returning the embrace. “I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”

“See ya.” I nearly sob as I pull away and hurry onto the bus.

When I find my seat, I check my phone. There’s a message from Auggie, checking in again and telling me how much he misses me. A few tears trail down my cheeks as I stare at the message. I can’t bring myself to respond and scroll down to the next message that happens to be from Earl.

My heart sinks. The car isn’t done yet.

I guess I’ll start searching for car rental places once I get my suitcase packed.

The bus ride is a blur of tears and swallowed-down sobs.

I get off at the stop in front of the apartment and trudge to the door, every step feeling like I’m walking through mud.

When I open the door, I expect to have to become a human shield to keep Minna from dashing out the door.

But she’s not there to greet me.

Which is odd.

As I step further into the apartment, it’s eerily silent.

No Minna barking. No cats meowing. No Toby hopping.

“Minna?” I call out, walking to the living room.

My stomach plummets as I see her unmoving on the floor.

“Minna!” I yell, rushing to her side.

She doesn’t move, though her chest does rise and fall.

“Minna, wake up, girl,” I cry as fresh tears pour like an open faucet.