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“And that?”
He’s quiet another second before answering. “He likes her, likes her a lot. I can tell because, when he walks into the room, his attitude changes seeing her. He wants her to like him.”
I attempt to calm my rising anxiety. “Claire’s got a kind heart. I’m sure she’s okay with your brother.”
“You’re lying.”
“You’re a perceptive young man.”
“Will you really treat me?”
“I’ll do everything within my power to help you get well.”
“You know the chances are slim?”
>
“Slim doesn’t mean impossible.”
There’s another silence, this one longer. “Does she have a lot of friends?”
“So many I can’t count,” I tell him honestly. “She’s a very loved person. To me, she’s my whole world.”
“My brother loves me,” he states.
“I can imagine. I have two brothers of my own. I’d do anything for them.”
“You can understand what he did?”
“No, Carlos, I can’t understand it.”
“I love Stefan. He’s always taken care of Mom and me. She’s upset with his choices in life, and he promised to protect me. Can you understand that?”
“Yes.”
“I have to go. They’ll be back soon. I’m going to make sure she gets back to you.”
I’m desperate to keep him on the phone. “Wait! Tell Claire you need grape Gatorade. It’s the best for when you get sick. It’ll help settle your stomach and keep you hydrated. It’s important it’s grape.”
“Why?”
I take a risk, telling him something personal. “My baby brother survived childhood cancer. Grape was his favorite.”
“Huh, I like grape. Stefan will make sure I get it.”
“Carlos, I’m losing my mind without Claire. Please, tell me where you are, I’ll come to you—alone.”
“That’s not possible, but trust me. Claire is safe.” The line is dead before I can say anything further.
Knowing she’s safe gives me a little solace. I go back to the living room and find Bizzy and Grace are now awake and clinging to my brothers.
“I need to call Detective Flores and tell him we’ve had contact,” I say to no one specific.
“I already called,” Shaw informs me.
“She’s okay. He said she’s safe.” Bizzy’s voice breaks. Shaw wraps his arms around her and speaks softly. She sniffs a few times, nodding into his chest.
“Son, what’s going on in your head?” Dad correctly guesses my mind is racing.
