Page 104 of Tracking Wolfe

Nothing. He wasn’t in here at all.

I briefly panicked that he’d already headed into Montrose without me, but then I quickly remembered I was sitting in his only vehicle.

Scanning the area around me, I realized his phone was missing, but I also saw his guitar was missing. I climbed off the bed and looked around, finally noticing a note folded into the van’s door handle.

Trace—

I don’t have time to wake you and explain, but there’s something important I need to do. Please trust me. When I’m done, I’ll meet you at home. Come find me.

In the meantime, know that every song I’ve ever written was for you. They’ve all been for you.

You’re the best muse I could have asked for.

With all of my love,

Your Wolfe

At first, I thought the “important thing” he needed to do was talk to Jake. It would make sense.

Then my phone pinged with a text from Clay Dennison in Montrose.

Clay

Jake Mason signed the NDA you sent.

That was a surprise. Clay had woken up a local attorney to prepare it, but I hadn’t expected Jake to sign it so quickly. I guessed he really cared about Shay after all.

Or maybe Wolfe had been there and somehow talked him into it?

Any chance you’ve seen Wolfe this morning? Did he come in to provide his statement?

Clay

No. His attorney said that they’d provide a video statement from the plane. Thought you knew.

The plane? What the fuck?

No, I didn’t fucking know. And suddenly, I was reading Wolfe’s note in a whole different way.

Why was he flying home? Had there been an emergency?

Surely I would’ve gotten a text if it were something Marian-related.

Which meant… something related to Fletcher? To Jake? I had no fucking clue.

Clay

FYI - blood test confirmed Lorazepam/Ativan. Nothing long-lasting. Easy for Mason to get his hands on. Officers searching his house now. Sister confused and upset but cooperative. I’ll keep you updated.

I felt bad for Shay, but I felt way worse for Wolfe.

Wolfe… who was on a damn plane.

I blew out a breath and sat on the edge of the mattress, wishing his sudden departure didn’t sting so badly.

Why not talk to me before running away? Was he having doubts about us? Did he not trust me?

I ran my finger over Wolfe’s note, reading it again with fresh eyes.