Page 35 of Lies Beneath Secrets (Skeleton Crew #1)

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Con

I left Lauren alone for a little bit, figuring it would be a good idea considering how mad she was when we last spoke. Today though, after a week, I decided that I needed to break the silence. What better way to do that then catch her at work. A public place where she might be less apt to yell. Seems like a good idea.

Pulling open the diner door, I notice right away they’re completely slammed, and Piper is running around like a crazy person. I walk over to the ‘wait to be seated sign’ and look around. Each table is taken as well as the seats at the small bar-like area. The sound of a baby crying in the far corner of the dining area overpowers the hum of mixed conversations at each table. “You picked a great day to be here,” Piper huffs, out of breath.

“I thought Lauren worked today.” I snuck a peek at the schedule the last time I was here.

“She should be, but she hasn’t shown up, and she won’t answer my calls either.” She looks up at me, worry clear in her gaze. “Can you go check on her? I have a key to her apartment.” She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a few keys attached to a key chain in the shape of Wisconsin. “Here.” She slides a key off and hands it to me. “I’m kind of worried. She walked home last night.” I nod and take the key from her, my gut sinking slightly. Leaving the diner in a rush, I get into my truck and speed down the streets to get to the apartment building. I’m not even sure if I put the damn truck in park before jumping out and racing to the door. When I get to the second door, the pounding in my ears takes over. The glass door has a long crack, and what looks to be smudging from someone’s face pressed up against it. Then I look on the floor, and everything comes to a sharp halt. Lauren’s keys are laying there. A purple-beaded keychain that I’ve seen before lets me know that they don’t belong to anyone else. “Fuck.” I pick up the keys and put them into my pocket. Then I grab my phone and call Knox.

“Yeah?” he answers on the second ring.

“Lauren is gone.”

“What do you mean she’s gone?” he asks as I all but run back out to my truck.

“I mean someone fucking took her. I found her keys in the entryway at the apartment. The door is fucked up too, like someone had their face slammed into it.”

“Let me see what I can find out. You coming to the clubhouse?” I nod, then finally say, ‘yes’ aloud. “Good. I’ll meet you there.” I toss my phone into the cupholder extending from the dash and push my foot down on the gas a little harder.

King said the shit with her was done. Did he change his mind? Did whoever tried to drug her come back for her? Racing thoughts hit me all at once the faster I drive down the road to the clubhouse.