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Ryan slowly clapped as he approached them. “Isn’t this a fun reunion? The ex with her oldest best friend and newest best friend. I know the new one is gay, no offense, Max.”
“Offense taken from you, asshole.” Max muttered.
“Is the oldest best friend still wishing he was more?” Ryan laughed, then started to take another step.
“Stop.” Archie grabbed the gun that was strapped behind him and aimed it at Ryan. “Not another step.” He turned his head slightly, but kept his eyes on Ryan. “Max, take her out of here now.”
“Arch, I’m not leaving you,” Tabitha argued.
He could hear Max pulling her out of there as she protested. He kept his eyes and gun on Ryan. This bastard deserved what was coming to him.
CHAPTER35
TABITHA
Nine Years Earlier - Age 23
She pushedthe door closed behind her. “Surprise!” She waited but didn’t hear them. “Hello! Mom? Dad?” She dropped her weekend bag off near the hall and walked further into the house.
It had been too long since she’d been home. She didn’t have an excuse. Ryan was away on business and she knew she needed to come be with family. It was always a warm and welcoming environment, catching up with everyone. She didn’t want to be stuck in that big house alone while he was away. She’d done it a few times already, and it always put her in a sour mood.
When she told him she was going to go back home and visit her folks, he invited her to go with him. Something he’d never done before. She respectfully declined because she hadn’t seen them in months.
“Anyone home?” She walked into the living room and glanced around before rounding the corner towards the kitchen.
Tabitha assumed they would be home. They usually were at this time of day. Her dad always came home during his lunch break to spend it with her mom.
Her eyes met her dad’s across the kitchen table. “What’s going on?”
She watched her mom repeatedly shake her head as she covered her mouth. Her mom turned to face her, phone at her ear and tears streaming down her face. Why was she crying?
Her dad quickly stood, walked around the table, and put his arm around her.
“It’s Arch,” he whispered. “Something happened.”
She shook her head. “But he’s going to be okay. Right?” Her mouth grew dry.
“They don’t know where he is.” Her dad spoke softly.
“I don’t understand.” She pulled back to look into her father’s face.
“He’s missing in action.” His eyes were red.
Impossible! “No, he’s supposed to be in a plane. How do you lose a whole fucking airplane?” Her voice rose.
“It was shot down somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. It’s been over a week since they’ve had contact. They sent someone to retrieve them, but the plane was burnt.” He led her out of the kitchen. “Your mom is on the phone with Lee right now.”
“Archie’s dad? Then we should hang up. What if they’re trying to call his parents right now? He could’ve been found.” She turned to shout at her mom. “Hang up!”
Her mom closed her eyes, and more tears fell.
It was like being punched in the stomach. All the air was sucked from her body as her legs gave out underneath her. She felt her body drop and her dad caught under her arm. She gasped for breath.
Not her Archie. It was impossible. He was supposed to be indestructible. He was supposed to come back! She pushed away and ran out the door, not bothering to shut it behind her as she sprinted down the street and around the block.
The Strykers only lived a few blocks over. This had to be a misunderstanding. She would get there and they would tell her something else. They thought he was someone else. It was a mistake. He was fine.
He had to be.
