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After hanging up, Josh sprinted back to his house and jumped in his SUV and drove.
Why was Chloe at that place? According to his GPS, it was a doctor’s office building. She hadn’t told him about an appointment, but then again, there were a lot of things Chloe didn’t tell him about her life. He knew that. There was no reason to think she would have told him where she’d be this morning.
But at the same time, he had a sinking feeling that something wasn’t right. That uneasy feeling from yesterday morning and last night had returned.
He shook it off.God, help Chloe be safe. I just need to tell her how I feel. I can’t let another day go by, can I? Maybe it’s time I’m honest with her now that I’ve finally admitted it to myself.
The idea of her being hurt, that she could have died in a building collapse, made him drive faster than his normal don’t-go-more-than-three-over-the-speed limit. He whipped into a parking spot beside the building and ran to the closest door.
He pushed it open. Wait, why weren’t there any fire department vehicles outside?
“Chloe?”
Nothing.
He sensed someone beside him, but before he could look, something pricked his neck.
He tried to fight back, but whatever was in the syringe kicked in. He swung his arm toward the figure but missed. His body relaxed, and the world went hazy.
Chapter Eight
Chloeshuffledintothekitchen, where she’d left her phone after breakfast. She’d spent the last hour since eating in Gabe’s comfy chair by the fireplace, reading her Bible and devotional book. The chair was also positioned to look out a large bay window toward the mountains. And she’d spent plenty of time praying. For Gabe and his upcoming marriage to Aliza. For healing for herself. For wisdom about talking to Josh about Owen.
She knew she needed to face the fear that was holding her back, but that was easier said than lived out.
Her phone dinged. She picked it up off the counter.
Josh.
Her insides did a weird little dance.
She opened the text message.
There’s a quaint little stone picnic table at Riverside Landing Park. Meet me there? I’ll bring hot drinks.
It was as if he knew she needed to talk.
She texted back.Sure. Give me thirty minutes.
He responded with an excited GIF. Typical Josh.
Thirty-five minutes later, at ten twenty-five, she pulled into the parking lot by the park. Josh’s SUV wasn’t there. But he wasn’t always the most punctual. She turned the car off and swung around to Poirot, who was in the back. “Since you’ve got a nice comfy place to sit in here, stay put.”
She scanned the park. There were two other cars in the lot, but no one seemed to be around.
Her gut grew restless.
“Unless of course”—she ruffled Poirot’s head—“something’s not right. Then, go get Gabe. If you can figure out how to open the door. The police station is close. I really am losing my mind talking to you like this, aren’t I? Josh will be here any moment. I’m going to go wait for him at the picnic table.”
Poirot barked.
“Love you too, boy.” She scratched his ear, then jumped out of the car.
The highway zoomed above her head. Maybe Josh didn’t choose the best place to sit and talk. But the Tennessee River running past was beautiful. Something about large bodies of water brought her comfort.
She put her keys in her coat pocket but left her hand inside and put the other in its pocket too. The breeze whipping below the overpass and through the park was a bit nippy.
Where was Josh? She was about to pull out her phone and text him when she noticed a single red rose lying on the table.
