It read 12:45 p.m.
Right about now, Gabriela should have reached her family’s home.
I donned my clothes in record speed, then headed downstairs. My place was less bright without Gabriela’s and Luna’s presence. A few guards lingered inside as a precaution, prepping for my mom and sister’s arrival.
They gave me silent nods of acknowledgement that I returned.
I’d left my phone on the console table. When I plucked it from the wooden catch-all bowl and unlocked it, there wasn’t a single text or call from Gabriela.
Frowning, I opened another app to check her location.
And abruptly halted when I realized that it hadn’t moved in the last forty-five minutes.
She was about a kilometer away, on the road leading to my home.
Did she and the guards encounter a car issue?
I called her. After a few rings, it went to voicemail. I called her again, pacing the hallway. Voicemail once more. I resorted to texting her.
Is everything okay, Gabby? —Hunter
Your location hasn’t moved. Did something happen? —Hunter
Please call me back. —Hunter
I need to hear your voice. —Hunter
My texts were delivered but remained unread.
There was a sinking feeling in my core.
I glanced over to my right and caught one of the guards’ attention. “Have Oscar or Craig contacted anyone regarding car issues?”
He appeared confused. “Not to my knowledge, sir, but I can ask the others.”
Fuck. “Please do straight away.”
While the rest of the guards inquired amongst themselves, I pulled up Enzo Bellafiore’s contact information and sent him a text.
Hi, Enzo. Have you heard from Gabriela? I checked her phone’s location and she hasn’t moved in over half an hour. I’m worried. —Hunter
Three dots popped up, letting me know he was typing.
Then my phone pinged.
No. She should have been here by now. I’m calling Oscar. —Enzo
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Something went wrong. I felt it in my blood, in my bones, in my fucking soul. I could either sit here and wait for the others to figure out what was going on, or I could grab my keys and head out myself to investigate.
My decision was made within thirty seconds.
“Sir, you have to stay inside!” one of the guards hollered as I fast-walked down the pathway leading to the driveway where my Jag was parked. “It’s not safe to go out!”
I ignored their calls and unlocked my driver’s door, getting in before they could stop me. The engine purred to life and I peeled out of the driveway with speed, heading to the location where Gabriela’s car was stalled.
Some of the guards got in vehicles and trailed after me, but I was faster.
