Page 44 of Isolated (Harper Security Ops #21)

“You’re scared. I know. It’s okay. But I promise I’m not just going to move on and forget you exist. I’m building a life here, and I’m glad that you’re in it.”

We sat together in silence for a few moments before he released my hand and held up the remainder of his sandwich. “This is a good one.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Tell me about this Landen guy, so I can decide if I want to give him a chance.”

I grinned at him.

Then I told him all about Landen, knowing deep down in my heart that Walter and I were going to be okay.

Four days later

“This doesn’t seem right. I’m worried, Landen.”

He reached across the center console and linked his fingers with mine. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

I didn’t know how he could say that, how he could be so confident. Not when I’d received the utterly disturbing news that I had this morning. News that had me utilizing my PTO days and taking off from work for the remainder of the week.

I hadn’t had an opportunity to resolve things at work with Steph and Kasey—they hadn’t even stayed in the building for lunch all week—because Landen and I were still trying to work out a plan of action when it came to them.

But even if I had some means of rectifying it, I wouldn’t have been able to focus on it now .

Because I finally had a sliver of insight into what was going on with my sister.

Having recognized how troubled I’d been by my sister’s unwillingness to answer my calls, Landen came up with another brilliant solution. It was simple, really. But since I’d been so caught up in my feelings over the situation, I hadn’t been able to think clearly.

“Call her at work.”

That was the suggestion he’d given me. And I realized just how foolish I’d been to not even consider it before.

Unfortunately, it was that advice that led to me being in a car with Landen and on our way to Grouse.

I’d called Eleni’s work number on Monday, but the call went to voicemail.

I wasn’t sure if she had caller ID and knew it was me, or if she was simply that busy.

But when I called again today, I decided to call the company’s main line instead of Eleni’s direct number.

I figured I’d have someone transfer me to her, in case she saw my number and was continuing to avoid me.

But I received the shock of a lifetime when I got an employee of the same company on the phone and asked to be transferred to Eleni Gibson.

She no longer works here. Hasn’t been employed here for nearly three months now.

When I called Landen to tell him what I’d learned, he immediately suggested we take a trip back to my hometown. I agreed and was relieved to see him waiting for me as soon as I’d gotten home from work today.

Once we were on the road, I’d reached out to Flora, but she hadn’t answered. I’d left a message asking her to call me back, and I hoped I’d hear from her before we arrived .

She no longer works here. Hasn’t been employed here for nearly three months now.

The words echoed in my head.

How was it possible that my sister had left her job months ago and hadn’t mentioned it to anyone? Why wouldn’t she?

“I know it’s going to be okay eventually, because I refuse to believe the worst. But I’m still so confused. This makes even less sense than her not wanting to talk to me at all.”

“She’s never done anything like this before?”

Though he was focused on the road, I looked over at him and countered, “Has my sister ever hidden the fact that she’s left a job she loves?”

He sent an apologetic look my way. “Right. Sorry. Well, we’re almost there, so you’ll be able to figure it all out soon.”

I was a nervous wreck, which made me feel a little bit insane. Because I had no reason to be this impacted by the news. Sure, Eleni was my sister, and a career change would come as a shock. But something about it just didn’t feel right.

Once we made it back to Grouse, I gave Landen directions, leading him through the streets of the town where I grew up. Ever since things had changed between us, I’d been thinking more and more about bringing him here, so he could meet the rest of my family and get to know all of them.

Obviously, that wouldn’t happen on this trip here, considering my parents were still on their vacation. But even if that hadn’t been the case, I got the feeling this visit to Grouse was going to be anything less than pleasant .

When we finally turned onto the street where Eleni lived, my nerves kicked into overdrive. My stomach was trembling, and my knees felt wobbly.

And that’s when everything that had already seemed horrible took a turn for the worse. Outside her house, drove into the grass at the end of the property closest to the road, was a ‘For Sale’ sign.

“What?” I whispered.

“I take it you had no idea she was selling her house.”

I shook my head slowly. “Not at all.” Tearing my attention from the house and the sign, I looked at Landen. “What have I missed?”

“I think now is the time you find out.”

“Yeah. Yeah, okay.”

I was in such a state of disbelief, but I had to pull myself together. Whatever was going on with my sister, it didn’t look good. Landen got out, rounded the front of the vehicle, and opened my door for me.

And with slow, unsteady steps, I moved toward the front door. I rang the bell and waited. Eleni’s car wasn’t in the driveway, but she had a one-car garage. I figured she’d pulled it inside.

I was wrong.

Because thirty seconds later, she pulled into her driveway and parked behind us.

I remained rooted to the spot and watched, waiting for her to get out and face me. No doubt my visit here came as a shock to her, so I tried not to be offended when she didn’t rush out and come running toward me with her arms outstretched.

Landen had placed his hand at the small of my back, and he kept it there while we waited. That simple touch provided a level of comfort I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

And when my sister finally emerged from the car, I let out a long breath.

Her eyes were narrowed on me as she approached. Finally coming to a stop in front of me, she seethed, “Was me not answering your calls enough of an indication that I didn’t want to talk to you?”

“What’s going on?”

“None of your business. You need to leave.”

“And you need to tell me why you left your job? Why are you selling your house?”

As soon as I asked the questions, her face blanched. It hit me.

She was leaving.

She was leaving and didn’t want anyone to know.

“Leave me alone, Iris.”

Eleni pushed past me to move to her door, shoving the key in the lock and opening it.

“Where are you moving to? Why are you leaving?”

“What do you care? You’re not here, so it shouldn’t matter to you.”

I jerked back at the harshness in her tone and the meaning behind those words. I’d grown accustomed to her being snippy, but this was on another level. “Of course, I care. You’re my sister. Why do you think I’ve been trying to call you for weeks? Why do you think I drove all this way?”

She held my stare for a long moment, something swirling in her gaze. Then it happened; tears welled in her eyes, and she rasped, “Just go back to your perfect life, Iris. And leave me to my own mess. ”

“What?” I whispered. “My life is not perfect.”

Eleni shifted her attention to the man standing beside me, took him in, and looked at me again. “No? Seems like you’ve found the guy now, too.”

“And everything else is falling apart,” I blurted.

For the first time since I’d arrived, she seemed surprised. “What is that supposed to mean?”

I sighed. “Can we please sit down and talk about this?”

She hesitated for several beats, her eyes darting between Landen and me. Before she could respond, he said, “I’m here for Iris, but I realize you don’t know me. I’m happy to leave while the two of you take time to talk.”

Eleni swallowed roughly and shook her head. I thought she was going to tell the both of us to leave, but she opened the door and said, “You can both come inside.”

The relief that swept through me was so tremendous, it shook my body. Fortunately, Landen was there to keep me steady.

And a moment later, with a look of encouragement from the man beside me, I stepped inside.