Page 118 of Levi

I place a hand against my thundering heart, the other grips my phone so hard, I’m sure I’ll fracture it into pieces. I have to coax myself to breathe.

I flashback to the day Annmarie’s tearful dad called me. His words wouldn’t come at first, but I knew from his broken voice it was pretty bad. I died a little that day when he told me what happened to my girl and our unborn child. Just like I died a little when Dad received the call letting us know Mom had been stabbed in the heart.

“Is everything okay, sir?” the valet asks.

I stare at him, a little lost.

It’s only when I look around, I remember where I am.

“I’m not sure,” I tell him truthfully.

“I can hail you a chauffeured car and take care of your car,” he says.

Mortification must be written all over my face for him to suggest that.

I’m just about to open my mouth to thank him and tell him not to bother, but think better of it.

“Yes, please,” I nod. I can’t manage much more because fear grips at my throat like a vice.

* * *

During the drive toCulver City, I call Jules numerous times. Each time, it goes straight to voicemail. As worry takes root in the pit of my stomach, I turn to Google for answers. Other than a smattering of amateur videos posted by passersby on news sites, this is still a developing story. One thing is certain, there was a shooting. And fatalities.

Fuck.

Panic nearly consumes me. This is my worst nightmare. The thing I feared the most, and the reason I’ve avoided a relationship for so long. With each passing mile, bile rises in my throat. The beat of my heart, keeping time with the pounding in my head.

As the Benz zooms down LA’s streets, I flash back to the last two weeks with my girl.

I grab hold of my shirt, fisting it as if it’s enough to contain the pain.

This cannot be happening to me again.

I can’t lose another woman I love.

My phone pings, forcing me back to the moment.

It’s a text from Levi.

Linc:FYI – everything is barricaded. Police everywhere. I had to park a few blocks from the studio and walk the rest of the way. You might have to do the same.

Levi:I left my car at the Quintus Hotel. I’m in a chauffeured car.

Linc:Smart. I’m nearly there. From what I can see, whatever happened wasn’t around our studio.

Levi:Presumably everybody is safe, then?

Linc:No shakeups around here. Okay, I just got to our studio. I’m going inside. Text me when you connect with Jules.

If she’s still alive.

I hate that’s the first thought that surges.

When I don’t answer, he sends another message.

Linc:Text me **when** you connect with Jules.

The addition of stars doesn’t go unnoticed.