Page 146 of Cinder
Colt’s pacing now. “She doesn’t get to just show up like that.”
“Technically, she can show up,” Beck says evenly. “Doesn’t mean she gets anything, though.”
Ghost’s eyes are still on me. “Shall we head over there?”
I shake my head. “Not yet.”
My phone starts vibrating in my hand, and I step out into the bay to answer it, the cool air hitting my face as I push through the bay doors.
“Hey, babe,” Penny says. “You good?”
“You’re home?”
“Yeah. Why are you asking me like that?”
I look out at the street, squinting at nothing in particular, jaw tightening.
“Remi thinks she saw Stacey.”
There’s a pause on the other end.
“Oh.”
“Across from Flora’s, near an old motel.”
There’s another pause, and she’s quieter this time. “Okay.”
“Please keep Elle close today,” I add. “Just until I know for sure.”
“Okay, I’ll go get her to come inside.”
I hesitate. “Thanks.”
“Evan,” she says softly. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
It’s not a lie, it’s just not the whole truth either.
“Should… should I text you if anything happens or anyone shows up?”
That idea alone makes my stomach drop.
“Don’t answer the door unless you know who it is,” I say, aware my voice is gruffer than I intend.
“Okay.” Her breath is louder down the line, and I can tell she must be moving through the house to the back door. “I’m gonna go get Elle inside now.”
“Thanks, Pen.”
“Evan, I… I—” She stops herself, and something inside me tightens.
“Penny…” I swallow, unable to finish.
“I know,” she says quickly. “I just—call me if you need to, okay? I’m right here.”
I end the call without replying and stand there for a moment. Behind me, I can feel the boys watching through the open doors, waiting for whatever comes next.
My life felt steady less than an hour ago. Now, there’s a crack running through it I can’t quite see yet, but I can feel it.
