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Could I have missed it?
Am I going in circles?
Before my mind can conjure up more questions, the well-defined path peeks out from between two trees in the distance, stretching north and south. Relief floods over me. It may not be the exact route I initially intended, but it will lead me out of the woods.
No rescue team needed.
With the comforting feeling of being on a recognizable trail, I let out a relieved sigh.
Time to go home.
Gently placing my pack down as I step inside, the weight of the journey lifting from my shoulders as I lock the door behind me and open my messages. I send a quick update in the group chat with Henry and Candace.
Lara:Got the samples, going to shower and get changed, I’ll head in to the office soon.
Henry:Great, drive safe.
Candace:See you soon!
I turn on the shower, the sound of rushing water providing a soothing backdrop to my thoughts. As I move toward the dresser and closet to retrieve fresh clothes, I come to an abrupt halt, my heart pounding in my chest as I fixate on the window of my bedroom, which is slightly ajar.
Was I that drunk last night that I opened it and don’t remember?
A frown forms on my face, a hint of unease starting to wash over me and I shake my head in a failed attempt to calm my nerves.
I move cautiously with measured steps toward the window, the smell of forest rain permeating from it as I stretch out a trembling hand to close and lock the latch. Peering into the dense woods, my eyes strain to catch any signs of movement, my senses on high alert.
It feels as if my body and mind are at war with one another, and it’s a long moment before I’m able to tear my eyes from the forest as I turn my attention back to the room.
My gaze sweeps across every corner with renewed suspicion. I quickly grab the steel baseball bat from the closet, gripping it so tight that my knuckles turn white.
My heart races, and I force deep breaths to steady my raging pulse, before methodically searching each room.
I must be going crazy. There’s no way I don’t look insane right now.
Convinced that the house is clear and all windows and doors are securely locked I make my way back upstairs, the steel baseball bat still held tightly in my grasp. I keep it with me as I step into the comforting warmth of the shower, letting the water wash away my frayed nerves and the lingering unease.
It’s not long before I’m standing at the front door, taking one last glance around to ensure everything is in order as I send a message to the group chat with Henry and Candace.
Lara:Heading over,be there in a few.
Chapter 4
Arriving at the office with no complications is a relief I didn’t realize I needed until I park and my shoulders slump gratefully.
Clicking the lock button twice on the key fob, I hurry into the building where Candace sits as usual at the reception desk. “Any messages?”
“Nope, but remember Claire was adamant about meeting with you at 5 PM today. You don’t have much time.”
Shit, I wonder if she’d kill me if I canceled on her.
My thought process must be evident on my face as Candace adds with a grin. “We will never be able to find your body if you skip on her today, Lara”
I sigh loudly and stomp past the desk. “I’ll just meet with her from my office.”
“Have fun!”
My eyes roll at her cheerful tone and I swing my office door open, setting the pack of samples down on my desk.
