“Just want to make sure you knew. You know, my history and stuff.”
“Dude, I’ve seen how you’ve changed. I know you’d never do anything to jeopardize our friendship.”
“No, I wouldn’t. Not now. Before the accident, I don’t know. Maybe that’s why it happened.”
“Do you really believe that you’re being punished for stuff you did in the past?”
Thario blew out a breath. “I don’t know. Maybe. Sometimes when I look back, I see what an ass I was.”
“But you aren’t now. You’ve more than redeemed yourself. I trust you.”
“Thanks, man.”
“When you get back, we should get together and do dinner or something.”
“Thanks. Support from guys like you really helps.”
“Dude, you’ve been there for us, I’m here for you.”
Thario cleared his throat. “I’ll keep you updated on everything.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you going out there when I can’t.”
“We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.”
The call ended, and he stared at his phone. He bent at the waist, stretching out his back as he decided his workoutwas done. In the morning, he would do some sort of workout, but for now, he was done.
Though Thario had told him not to worry, it felt way too hard to stop the feelings from rising. Two women disappearing from that area was two too many. No one should have disappeared, and he didn’t want Elowen being another statistic that people got sad about but did nothing to change the situation.
Chapter 27
He phonedElowen at six and for a moment he thought she wasn’t going to pick up, but on the fourth ring, she answered.
“Hey, how are you doing?”
Her voice washed over him like magic and everything felt better. “I’m good. I got some sleep and worked out. How has your day gone?”
“Good. This set of guests is going to be demanding. I can already tell.”
“How so?”
“They couldn’t find extra towels.”
“What? You had detailed instructions. I can’t believe they couldn’t find them.”
“Yes, well, they needed help with the corkscrew. While I was there, they asked me to check on the lights upstairs. Apparently they didn’t understand that turning on the lights downstairs wouldn’t turn on the lights upstairs, too.”
“Wow. I’m shocked. How are they so dumb?”
“I don’t know. But I’m sitting outside with a glass of wine and I’m good now that I’m talking to you.”
The smile was automatic on his lips. “You know how to make me feel good.”
Her laughter teased him, leaving him feeling needy. If she was here, he would take her to their bedroom, or maybe just take her here in the den.
“I think you’re the one with that knowledge. I feel terrific when I’m talking to you.”
Before they devolved into phone sex, he wanted to tell her about Thario. “So my buddy, Thario, is driving up tomorrow to talk to the police.”
