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She immediately sends several links to articles about Harper and Micah expecting a child. My jaw clenches so tight that it aches. I’d have said it was an AI-generated hoax if I hadn’t witnessed it with my own eyes. Unfortunately, it’s real. The thought of Harper carrying that man’s baby brings me to a level of disgust I’ve never experienced.
Billie
This is an actual nightmare! How can it get any worse than this?
I didn’t tell her earlier when I watched it through binoculars because I wanted to discuss it with Harper first. This doesn’t involve me. It’s not my business.
Billie
Well? You have nothing to say?
Brody
No.
Billie
I’m freaking out.
Brody
She’ll be with me tonight.
When the phone vibrates again, Billie’s name flashes on the screen, and I silence the call. I’m not ready to talk. Right now, I need my full attention on what’s to come. My mind needs to be right because I have no idea what situation I’ll be walking into when I enter that house. I have to expect the unexpected.
Brody
I’ll text you later.
I exhale, forcing out the distractions. I close my eyes, mentally reviewing every detail of Micah’s house from the virtual tour I studied earlier today. Every hallway, room, and entrance are imprinted in my memory, along with the expensive art he proudly flaunted for the cameras.
The crisp night air surrounds me as I continue forward.
Billie
You’re SO rude!
It’s not the first time I’ve been told that, and I’m sure it won’t be the damn last.
Brody
That emoji is enough to set her off—I know it.
Billie
I HATE THAT REPLY!
Billie
I can’t suppress the faint smirk that forms on my lips. I know my cousin better than she knows herself.
The trail winds and curves. Shadows dance through the branches before the path straightens out, revealing the obnoxious fountain in Micah’s perfectly manicured backyard. Earlier today, when confirming Harper’s location, I scoped out this exact spot. Now, cloaked by darkness, I move with quiet determination, heart pounding in anticipation, ready to rescue Harper and end our nightmare once and for all.
I just hope she’s learned her lesson.
When I passed his house earlier, the ten-foot brick walls and iron gate guarding his property in front stood out. It was designed to keep out unwanted visitors—or perhaps more accurately, to keep them trapped inside.
I continue along the trail, the cool ocean breeze grazing my skin and mingling with the faintly bitter scent of saltwater. On any other night, I’d pause, soaking in the moonlight, shimmering like diamonds across the inky waves. But right now, urgency hums in my blood. Each heartbeat echoes with a need to save her.