Protective Instincts

Harper was supposed to work late tonight but felt inexplicably uneasy. The first person she thought of was Taya, so she quickly called her-several times. But no one answered. She was a little anxious. After asking to leave early, she immediately rushed to Taya’s house, calling again when she got there. As soon as Harper opened the door of Taya’s house, Taya finally picked up the phone. Harper immediately breathed a sigh of relief. “Taya, what are you doing? Why didn’t you answer the phone? I’ve been so worried!” Instead of Taya’s voice, an unfamiliar woman’s voice came from the other end of the line. “Is this Taya’s sister?” Harper’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes, this is. And who is that?” “This is Dr. Stella Cobb. I saw you at Taya’s house.” “Stella?” Harper frowned, nervous and puzzled. “Why are you answering Taya’s phone? Did something happen to her?” “Nothing happened. Don’t be too nervous.” Stella thought of the last time Taya gave her a wink, so she didn’t dare tell Harper the tru