Page 68 of Obsession

This time, it actually wasn’t personal.

“Sorry about that,” I say as I pat him down, stealing his gun and keys. Then I walk out of there as though I own the place, and no one looks up. It’s too fucking easy; I’m almost disappointed. But then the sunshine hits me in the face for the first time in two decades, and I lose all train of thought. I blink against the light, snow crunching beneath my soles as I lift my hand to shield my eyes.

A smile creeps on my lips.

I’ve got a girl to find.

30

SAVANNAH

Ispent a week in protective custody. A full week wondering where Robbie is and if he’s okay.

A full week of going slowly insane.

Icicles line the roof’s edge, melting in the midday sunshine, painting a picturesque image. I never thought I’d be so relieved to see my own house again, and I can’t stop a smile from splitting my lips as I look up at the porch. Behind me, the officers shut the car doors. Unfortunately, I can’t shake them completely. Detective Chapman insists I need a cop car parked outside my house at all times, but it’s better than protective custody.

The front door opens, and Chapman walks out with Briem close on his heel. “The premises have been searched.” They descend the porch steps, coming to a halt in front of me. Chapman offers me a comforting smile—one I don’t need. “You’re safe, Miss Campbell. My officers will keep an eye on the house. Here’s my number if you think of any information that could be useful to us.”

I take his card to be polite, peering up at the house while Chapman and Briem walk down the drive.

When their car drives off, I inhale a deep breath, then make my way up the porch. I’m just about to place my hand on the door handle when my fingers pause inches away. I grow still, refusing to look toward the tree line at the edge of the garden. My neck prickles, and delicious tingles spread out between my shoulder blades.

I hold my breath.

A beat passes.

“Ma’am? Are you okay?” an officer asks from behind me. The porch steps creak as he ascends, sensing the shift of energy around me.

My heart thuds hard, and I have to bite back the excitement swelling inside my chest. There’s not a single doubt inside me. Robbie is here.

“Everything is fine.” I offer the officer a reassuring smile. “It’s just…” I clear my throat, glancing briefly at the snow-capped fir trees. I can’t see him, but I know he’s out there. Myheartknows it. “What if he’s in the house?” Looking back at the officer, I offer him my best doe eyes.

“The premises have been searched and secured. You’re safe, Miss Campbell. I can escort you inside if that’ll make you feel safer?”

Chewing on my bottom lip, I nod. My best bet is to keep up the pretense and hope that Robbie is a clever man. He has to stay away.

We enter the house, and I draw to a halt in the living room. My dad’s bed is gone.

It’s as if he was never here at all.

I walk over to where the bed used to be and drag my hand over the smooth leather couch facing the TV. A tartan blanket lies folded over the armrest, and a glass vase filled with fresh flowers sits on the coffee table.

Charlotte.

My chest twinges.

The officer clears his throat behind me, looking uncomfortable and out of place.

“I’m okay,” I reassure him, and he dips his chin before walking back out and closing the door behind him. The moment it clicks shut, I tear across the room and pull the maroon curtains aside. I peer left and right, trying to spot him. There’s no sign of him. The blanket of snow is undisturbed except for animal prints.

My heart sinks.

Shoving a lid on the disappointment, I make my way to the kitchen. I open the fridge, and a smile curves my mouth at what I see—unsurprised to find it stocked with food. I’ll miss not having Charlotte around. She’s an angel.

When my stomach growls, I select a packet of grapes and shut the fridge, spotting a note attached to the fridge.

I’m only a phone call away.