Chapter 19

Marshall

*****

The jet touched down late Sunday night. After a series of technical issues, we arrived hours later than expected. I'd only calmed slightly from my earlier panic. It was too painful to consider what I might find when I went to her home. If she was gone, I'd know.

Nuel and I split ways at the airport. He left directly for the warehouses and I left for her house. I sped as quickly as I could but it was still nearly midnight when I parked down by the playground. My heart crawled into my throat as I hiked up to her house. Her bedroom window was illuminated. I crept underneath it to peek through a misalignment in the blinds. She was lying in bed, the blue light of her screen glowing on her face.

For the first time in hours, I relaxed. I sat there for a long time and just watched her. I was completely exhausted. I hadn't slept well all weekend and the added stress of her possible kidnapping, rape, and murder didn't help.

It was much later when she put her phone down and left h