You’re okay? I typed to Stephen. I’ll get help now. Hold on.

I’ll try. This man’s crazy. Hurry, Stephen wrote back.

When I sent him another message, he didn’t respond. I had to get help. Before I jumped out of bed, I kissed Zoe’s forehead. “He’s alive, Zo,” I whispered and ran out of the room down the hallway to the library that was also my office. The investigator had given me his information if we needed to contact him. I pulled out my wallet and grabbed the business card.

I read his messages again. Stephen was fucking alive.

I dialed the number and someone picked up on the second ring. After the woman on the other end finished her greeting, I quickly asked for the detective. She told me he had just left for the night.

“No, I need him now. The man who was abducted tonight just contacted me. I need him now.” I sounded desperate.

“Hold on, sir,” she said and then I heard a click as she put me on hold.

I sat there tapping my fingers on the desk. “Hello,” I heard a man say.

“Is this Alan, the detective for the missing person’s case?”

“Yes. Who am I speaking with?” I shared with him what had just happened. “I’m coming over now.” I gave him my address and hung up the phone.

I leaned back in my chair and stretched my arms out behind my head. My phone pinged. I swung forward and looked at the screen. I think Andy died.

I’m working on finding you now.

I’m not ready to die. You. Zoe. Us.

I know. We’re going to find you. Conserve your battery.

Shit, I had to call my brothers and let them know what was going on. Which also meant I had to call my parents. This seemed like a situation where you needed family for support. If I called them now, I would have to tell them the truth finally. The funny part: I felt ready to let this secret out. I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

I quickly pulled up Julian’s number. It was late so it took a few rings before he picked up. “You okay, Tyler?”

“Yeah, I think so. My friend Stephen contacted me from his phone. The investigator is on his way over.”

“I’ll call Brooks and we’ll all be there soon.”

“Julian.”

“Yeah?”

“We should call Mom and Dad, too.”

“I’ll do it now.”

He never questioned me. Maybe he knew already. That seemed impossible, though.

I walked back down the hallway to my bedroom. I leaned on the door frame and watched Zoe as her chest rose up and down. If I didn’t wake her up now, she would never forgive me. Quietly, I made my way over to the bed and lifted one knee up to lean over and brush hair away from her face. “Zoe. Zoe, baby.” I brushed my hands down the side of her face, trying to not to scare her.

She slowly opened her eyes. “Ty. Is it Stephen?”

“Yeah, it is.”

She lifted up so fast. “What? Is he okay?”

“He sent me a text message from his phone.”

“His phone? What? How?” She looked so tired. I felt awful waking her up.

“You can sleep this relaxant off. Then we can update you later.”

“No.” She stretched and pushed back the duvet. “I want to help.”

I reached out my hand for her to take. “The investigator should be here any minute.” I pulled her into my arms, and we walked down the stairs together. “Let’s get you some coffee.”

“Maybe even a double espresso.”

“I’m sorry we gave you that injection.”

“Where the hell did you get it?”

“We take care of a lot fighters. Moe provided a small dose for us just in case.”

“Charlie knows me too well.”

As we reached the bottom step, the doorbell rang. Lucky barked and walked over to the door with us. “She does know you very well.” I kissed her nose. “Are you ready?”

“For everything.”

“My parents are coming over, too.”

I watched as she lifted her head. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah, I think I am.”