Page 11 of Death

I try to keep the chain from rattling as I search the entire room for the device, but I don’t find it. I sneak down the hallway to the kitchen and living room, but there’s no sign of my phone, and it has my heart sinking.

Standing in the middle of the living area, a sob shudders through me, and the fear and torture I’ve been subjected to has me feeling like I might lose my mind.

I’m so caught up in my perilous circumstances that I let out a startled shriek when Nolan wraps his arms around me.

“I just want to comfort you, my love,” he coos lovingly, pressing me to his chest. “Yesterday was very unpleasant, but that’s behind us now.”

The hug doesn’t comfort me one bit but instead amps up my anxiety and fear.

Nolan pulls back, then cupping my cheek, he says, “Grace sent you a message last night. You need to reply.”

Just the thought of interacting with Grace has me willing to do anything he asks.

He tilts his head, his mouth curving up in a smile. “You would like to talk to her, right?”

I nod quickly and whisper, “Please.”

Maybe I can use words I wouldn’t normally use to get her attention.

Nolan pulls the cell phone out of his pocket and gestures at the kitchen table. “Take a seat.”

I move quickly, and even though it hurts a lot, I sit down on the hard wooden chair.

“Tell her you’re okay,” Nolan orders before he hands me the phone.

Opening the message, my eyes dart greedily over the words.

Grace: I would’ve gone with you. Please be careful out there and check in regularly. I love you more than anything.

Grace.

Tears blur my vision, but I blink them away so I can see the screen.

Nolan watches as I type out a reply with trembling fingers, then he barks, “Don’t ask her that!”

“She’ll get suspicious if I don’t,” I whimper, desperate to communicate with my sister.

“Fine,” he relents with an annoyed glare directed at me.

Before he changes his mind, I press send and stare at the screen as the message goes through.

Ciara: I’m still okay. How are things at home?

She doesn’t reply immediately, and I worry that Nolan’s going to take the phone from me, but then it shows she’s typing, and I desperately read her text as it comes through.

Grace: I have everything under control. You can come home.

There’s nothing I want more than to go home to Grace.

My eyes fly to Nolan’s face, and he mutters, “Tell her you’re not ready.”

Ciara: I’m not ready to come home.

Grace: Just be careful and look after yourself. Let me know if you need anything.

I need you! God, I need you so much.

Ciara: I will. Did you get in trouble because I left?