chapter 44

Bernard

"Hello?" I pushed the door open and set my bag down with a thud. "Rach? Ron? I'm home."

Silence greeted my statement.

I frowned, stepped into the apartment, and kicked the door shut with the back of my leg. Then I glanced around the house, which looked pristine and untouched, like no one had been there in days. When I took another step forward, I heard a low rustling sound. With a frown, I looked down at my feet and saw the envelope. My heart thudded against my chest as I ripped it open, letting two keys fall out.

My stomach dipped as I bent down to pick them up.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flutter and noticed the note taped to the back of the door. Hastily, I snatched it up, but I could barely hear anything past the pounding in my ears. I re-read the letter a few times before I was able to understand anything.

Rachel was gone.

I couldn't believe it.

I let my hand fall to my side and scoured the entire apartment, top to bottom. Once I was done, my breathing was heavy,