Drawers are full. Blankets are untouched. If someone was here, they didn’t take anything.
I check the walk in closet, behind the door, and even under the bed.
Everythings coming up empty.
“Coast is clear.” I call out.
I sit on the edge of the bed, dropping the knife down beside me and stuffing my head in my hands.
How long has that light been on that I didn’t notice it?
Maybe I had unknowingly turned it on? Did I sleepwalk?
Am I going crazy?
I’ve beenso tired.
Gwen sits down beside me, rubbing big circles into my back. “You okay?”
I breathe out heavily. “I don’t even know anymore.”
“Maybe we should call the cops.”
Maybe I should. Tell them Derrick has been in touch. Tell them about the money. The clothes. How he’s possibly been to the house coincidentally the same night they called themselves off.
But what good would that do? What if he sees their cruisers come back and he realizes I called them? What if he holds onto his promise by dragging Elijah into this?
He’ll make good on his threat. His promises. Everything.
I shove the thought off. No. I can handle this.
I have to.
“No. Everything’s okay.” I shake my head.
Her eyebrows pinch as she looks at the knife beside me on the bed. “We’ve got to tell Elijah.”
My eyes widen. “What? No. Gwen, that’s not—”
“Tobias, you shouldn’t be dealing with all of this on your own. It’s not right and it’s not what Elijah would want..” She shakes her head.
Panic courses through me as I think about how he’d react to all of this.
“Please…” I breathe out. “Don’t tell Elijah about this.Anyof this.” I plead.
“Why? He’s your partner. He loves you. He would understand all of this—”
“I’m supposed to be keeping him safe,” I rush out. “IpromisedJude.” I feel a harsh pressure sit on my chest. Tears threaten to spill over.
She breathes out deeply, looking over my face. “Fine. I’ll keep it to myself. Even though I don’t agree.” She reaches for the knife, picking it up in her hand and staring down at the blade. “But I will continue to check-in on you.” I open my mouth to refuse but before I can, she continues. “BecauseIpromised Jude the same thing.” Her eyes glisten as she sets the knife down, exchanging it for my hand.
We both give each other a squeeze before she brings me into a tight hug. “Please let me keep my promise,” she repeats quietly. It’s only then that I realize she’s crying onto my shoulder.
I suck in a shaky breath as I squeeze her even tighter. “Okay.” I nod, rubbing her back. “Okay.”
26
Elijah
