“I wish you didn’t have to go.”

Corey’s leaving for work, and he’ll be gone for five days. I’ve gotten used to spending every day with him.

I curl my arms around his neck and snuggle into his chest.

“I know. But this trip will keep us going for a few months. Longer, if we’re frugal.”

Raising my face to look into his eyes, I smile. “I’m good at that.”

“I know you are. We make a great team.”

He drops his head to meet mine, and gives me a kiss that curls my toes.

“I love you,” I say.

His eyes search mine, and he nods, wrapping his arms around me tighter. “I’m going to miss you a lot. There are no warm bodies beside me out in the bush.”

“I should hope not.” I laugh.

His lips meet mine again, and he brushes his hands down my back until they rest just above my arse. Corey sighs. “I need to stop kissing you before we end up back in bed again.”

“Would that be so bad?” I whisper.

“When I get home, I promise we won’t leave the bed for a week.”

I laugh. “I’ll hold you to that.”

With one last kiss, he’s out the door, and I sigh as he pulls out of the driveway.

He didn’t say I love you back.

This is going to be the longest week of my life.

I hate Corey being away.

While I don’t mind being alone during the day, the nights are the worst. I lie in his bed and dream of him, his arms around me, his hands all over my body. I just miss him.

On day three, Graham Taylor knocks on the door. Since Corey told him I was here, I’ve answered questions for him whenever he’s needed it. I want Ash taken down, too.

“Come to check on me?” I grin when I open the door. “I’ll make you a coffee.”

He shakes his head. “I’ve got to get back to town, but I wanted to give you some news.” His tone’s so grim.

“What’s wrong?”

“One of our guys is missing.”

I clap my hand to my mouth. I had no clue Jared and Kane were cops while I lived on the other side of that fence. Sure, it was unusual for young men to join us, but not unheard of. Most of the newer residents were female thanks to Ash, and Graham was the one to tell me his methods for finding them were dodgy.

All this stuff happening right under everyone’s noses and we had no idea.

Most people in our community went about their daily lives, blissfully unaware anything untoward was going on. There was work to do, people to feed, the ongoing grind of life that kept us all busy. How were we all so blind?

“I’m so sorry,” I say.

He licks his lips. “Thing is, I was wondering if you could tell us anything that might help.”

“I’ve told you everything I know.”

“He went missing after you gave us that information about the bunker.” Graham sighs. “We have reason to believe that your parents are in danger, too. Ash’s grown more agitated since you’ve left. Kane’s told us that he’s been threatening your mother.”

“You have to get them out of there. Please, my mum, she’s sick. They’ve done nothing.”

“We know that. Ash doesn’t.” He places his hand on my arm. “Kane will do what he can to protect them. When’s Corey back?”

“Umm, he’s gone for three more days.”

“Is there any way you can get in touch with him?”

I shake my head. “He said there was no phone coverage. I tried calling him just in case, but I got his voicemail.”

He nods. “Okay. Well, it’s a good idea if we can get you out of town.”

“Corey’s expecting me to be here.”

“I’ll tell him where you are.”

I shake my head. “I’m not letting Ash Harris scare me away from my home.”

His lips twitch as he seems to fight a smile. “I can’t say I’m surprised. You seem as stubborn as Corey.”

“I think that’s why we get along so well.”

Graham breaks into an all-out grin. “I’m sure.” He sighs. “Anyway, I’ve got to get back. I’ve got an audio conference to discuss our missing officer and next moves. Do you have my number?”

I nod. “Corey wrote it down and stuck it on the fridge.”

“You call me if you need anything. And if you change your mind about leaving here …”

“I’ll let you know.”

He gives me a nod and leaves me with my thoughts.

What’s happened to Jared?

Are my parents okay?

I wish I could see them, but more than anything, I wish Corey was here.