Chapter Twenty
Alyse
I’m sobbing and sputtering into the phone. “Bryce, I’m worried. I was supposed to hear from him by now. It’s been two days. I know he was going on a night mission, and I’m freaking out.”
“I’m going to send Emma over. I’ll make some calls and see if I can find out anything. Stay positive. It can be anything. Don’t think the worse, okay?” Bryce says calmly into the phone.
His voice is gruff yet calming. “Okay. I’ll try,” I whisper back.
Emma shows up about fifteen minutes later. I can’t stop pacing. Willow took K.C. to the park since I was making him upset. I’m so glad she was able to come.
Pouring me a glass of wine, she sets it on the coffee table and pulls me into her arms. “Sit down and take a deep breath. You are making me dizzy, girl,” she says, sitting and patting the seat next to her.
“I can’t stop thinking about his dreams. Was he right? What the fuck? Emma, I can’t… I can’t lose him,” I say, sitting and burying my face in my hands.
My phone starts ringing causing me to jump from the couch and scramble to find it. I see Bryce’s name on the display and I hesitate to answer.
“Can’t find anything out. They won’t tell me since I’m not related. Have you called his folks?” Bryce says as a greeting.
“Yes, and they can’t find out anything either. They are driving up to at least be here with me,” I say, dropping to the floor.
“I’m going to call Gavin…that’s Sporto, sorry. He just got out and may still have some inside contacts. I’ll call Rigs, too. That man has a way of finding out things. Hold tight,” Bryce says, immediately ending the call.
I force myself back onto the couch and curl up in the corner. My head is pounding and my eyes hurt from the crying. Emma lifts my legs and covers me with a blanket. Just having her here rubbing my legs is helping. Somehow, I end up falling asleep.
♦♦♦
“Nothing? Okay, babe. I’m going to stay until at least Kaden’s parents get here. She’s a mess…yeah she’s sleeping right now…Call as soon as you hear anything…I know you will…I love you, too,” I hear Emma whisper.
I’m numb. I don’t think I can cry anymore. I need to be strong for K.C. I made him upset, and I can’t do that to him. I made Kaden a promise, and I need to stick to it. No matter the outcome. I can’t change anything so it does nothing for me to continue to cry.
I sit up and make my way to the bathroom. I need to wash my face and regroup.
I’m finishing up when I hear voices in the apartment. I come out and immediately rush over into Laura and Ed’s arms.
This time I’m not crying. I’m the one consoling.