184 Where’s Steve?

(Winona)

It takes a few days to set up the visit with Ashlyn. I haven’t told anyone we’re going, not even Lisa. Jayden and I agreed to keep this between us until we figure out what’s really going on.

But just as I’m trying to focus on preparing for the visit, my phone rings. It’s Gus. I hesitate for a moment before answering. I mean the man has never really done anything to me.

In fact, he’s been nothing but supportive.

But I’d be a fool to trust him and think he’s a friend. Especially as he has Judy over there and I know she’s up to something. Gus probably knows that too.

But Gus I know will protect Abby at all costs. The heir to Nexus Global.

I’ll take that as a security blanket.

“Gus,” I say, keeping my voice neutral. “What’s going on?”

“Winona,” he says, his voice serious. “I need to ask you something. Have you seen Steve lately?”

My heart thumps in dread. “Not for a few weeks. He met me in the park, and he told me my mother still lived in our old house and that there might be a