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It’s close enough to walk.
My mind races as I attempt to gather my thoughts and analyze the situation.
Who could be behind these messages? What do they want from me?
Yet, as I glance back at the image of my friends, my resolve hardens.
I refuse to let fear paralyze me.
Whoever this is, they’re hurting my friends.
If I tell Darian, he will insist to come or send Val, and I can’t risk that.
No.
I won’t take the chance for them to be more hurt than they already are.
I quickly change into work clothes. I choose a pair of sleek dress pants with a vibrant red blouse before slipping on a pair of sturdy heels, and carefully tuck my runners in my purse.
I move toward the door, feigning nonchalance while Darian and Val watch an episode of Cops as a suspect attempts to evade arrest. Darian’s gaze briefly shifts to me, and he does a double take, his brow raised.
“Where are you off to?” he asks, genuinely surprised.
I steady my pulse, and reach for the keys to Darian’s truck. “I’m heading to the office to meet with Claire and check in on Candace and Henry,” I reply.
The lie slips from my lips, leaving a bitter aftertaste in my mouth.
Val’s eyes flicker and Darian, though still uncertain, nods, “Okay, want Val to come with you?” He asks, presenting the option as a question, but I can tell he is mentioning it because it’s his own preference.
Waving my hand dismissively as I make my way toward the door, I inject a hint of boredom into my voice. “No, there’s no need.I’m confident there won’t be any trouble. I’ll be back before you know it.”
I offer a half-hearted smile and deep down, I know I can’t involve Val or risk anyone else’s safety.
I need to face this alone.
Without waiting for his response I briskly walk out the door, letting it close behind me.
My steps quicken as I throw open the garage door and climb into the truck, my heart pounding in my chest.
The engine roars to life, filling the air with its powerful rumble as I pull out of the driveway coolly. My eyes flick to the rearview mirror every few seconds, just in case.
Using the GPS directions, I drive for ten minutes down the main road until I reach an unused service path. The dense forest narrows on either side, making it impossible to continue with the truck. I park it safely and swapping my heels for runners to make the rest of the journey on foot.
For the next two hours, I navigate through rugged terrain, my legs growing weary with each step.
The GPS buzzes, indicating that I’m getting closer to my destination and my heart races.
As I approach, the symphony of crickets dominating the air gradually gives way to the gentle crashing of waves against the shore. The familiar, peaceful sandy ground beneath my feet eases my anxiety if only for the moment.
And then, that’s when I spot them.
There, tied to a tree near the shore, are Tammy, Candace, and Henry. My heart sinks at the sight of their bruised and battered forms.
My body acts without permission as I bolt forward to rush to their aid but my knees buckle, and I stumble over a root.
Before I can dash the rest of the way to my friends a black haired woman steps closer, holding a long dagger that glints in the fading light, and I freeze.
My breath catches in my throat as recognition washes over me.
