The night has fallen, and the apartment is eerily quiet again since the girls are sleeping in the room next door. I leave the letter on the desk. I get changed into a sweater and a pair of jeans then I grab my coat and head out.
53
Visha
Ao startles and jumps off my belly.
I grab the device and grunt as I see the caller. Aoi specifically asked me to be gone when he wakes up, I don’t see why his best friend would call after that request.
Still, I pick up the call and almost fall off the couch at her alarmed tone. “Please, tell me he came to see you!”
I straighten up instantly and jump to my feet. “What are you talking about? You mean Aoi?”
“He left in the middle of the night, and when I went to check on him, I found a fucking goodbye letter on his desk. We don’t know where he went and how long ago he left. I called him a bunch of times but he’s not answering. Please tell me he contacted you.”
I don’t think twice as I grab my coat and bolt to the elevator. “Okay, breathe and call the cops. I’m on my way.”
“I knew I should’ve kept an eye on him,” she sobs. “I knew he wasn’t okay. He didn’t eat, didn’t drink. I fucking knew it was serious but-”
“It’s not your fault,” I assure, feeling panic trying to take over but I force it down. “I promise we’ll find him. Safe and sound. I’m going to call my brother and find him, okay?”
“Okay,” she says shakily, and hangs up.
“Visha, tell me what’s going on,” Liv demands, worry contorting her features. “Is it about Aoi? Is he okay?”
“I-I don’t know,” I stutter and struggle to shove my arms in my coat. “Amira said he left a goodbye letter and is nowhere to be found.”
Her brown eyes widen as she gestures to her bag. “You’re going to look for him? I’m coming with you. It’s better if more people are searching for him.”
“Liv…” Tears well up in my eyes and I bite hard on my bottom lip, fighting like hell to restrain them. Now is not the moment to cry. “Thank you. I’ll call Bellami and text you once I havemore info.”
“Let’s split up. We’ll cover more ground that way.” She holds her palm up. “We’ll find him, alright? I’m sure he’s fine.”
I put my palm to hers and nod as our skins touch for a fragment of a second before she rushes to grab her bag and we head out. Starting the car, I drive off toward Bellami’s place and dial his number.
“Why the hell are you waking me up in the middle of the night, dipshit? I’m trying to have some quality time with my wife.”
“No time for that shit! Aoi disappeared after leaving a goodbye note. I need you to track his location.”
“On it.”
My hands are clammy on the steering wheel as I try to regulate my breathing. “Send me Jason Holden’s address.”
“Do you think he knows something?”
“I have a horrible foreboding, Bell.” I shut my eyes and exhale sharply before focusing back on the road. “Not only because of what Aoi could do to himself but because Jason has never stopped keeping an eye on him. If someone knows something, it’s him.”
“Alright. I sent it. Be careful.”
Breathe, Visha. Fucking breathe. This isn’t the moment to panic. I have to find Aoi first.
Before it’s too late.
I throw the phone on the passenger seat and hit the accelerator. A round of suburban houses come into view and I almost slam into a tree as I park the car. My body moves on its own and I stomp to the front door, banging on the oak like a madman.
His car isn’t in the driveway. Did he head out?
“What on earth are you doing?!” an old lady demands, walking up to me in a blue poncho. “Why are you making all this ruckus in the middle of the night?”
