I took a breath and forced myself to step closer instead of pulling away.
I hugged him.
It wasn’t the hug I wanted to give. I wanted to shake him. Wanted to yell until he understood the weight of what was happening. But I hugged him anyway, quick and tight, my cheek pressed briefly against his shoulder.
“I have to go,” I said into his coat. “I’ll let you know when I know more.”
He hesitated, then nodded.
“Okay,” he said. “Just, call me.”
I pulled back, got into the car, and slammed the door shut before he could say anything else.
As I backed out of the driveway, my hands shook on the steering wheel.
All I could think about was Lily.
Until I saw her, until I knew where she was, nothing else mattered.
Chapter 20
Claire
I pulled up to the Walkers’ house too fast and braked harder than I should have. There were already cars lining the street, neighbors, family friends, people drawn by fear and confusion. The front door was open.
Sheriff June’s cruiser was parked at an angle near the driveway.
The moment I saw her, something inside me loosened.
June stood on the front porch, her uniform neat, posture steady. She had one hand resting lightly on Emma’s shoulder, her body angled toward her but her attention sharp, alert. She looked exactly like who you wanted in a moment like this, calm, focused, completely in control.
Off duty, June was a friend. Someone you ran into at the store, someone who laughed easily, who remembered birthdays. On duty, she was something else entirely. Competent. Clear-headed. The kind of person who made chaos feel manageable just by being present.
Seeing her there helped. Just a little.
June looked up when she saw me and gave a small nod.
“Claire,” she said. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“What’s happening?” I asked, already walking toward them.
Emma looked wrecked. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face pale. She clutched her arms around herself like she was trying to stay upright by force alone.
June spoke calmly. “We’ve issued an Amber Alert. Every available officer is out looking for Lily. We’re checking cameras, talking to neighbors. We’re covering everything.”
Emma nodded shakily beside her.
“She’ll be found,” June added, her voice steady. “We’re doing everything we can.”
I swallowed and nodded back.
“Thank you,” I said. And I meant it.
June squeezed Emma’s shoulder once more and then turned slightly back to her, continuing to ask questions. I stepped away. I couldn’t stand there listening. I needed to see Ethan.
I went inside.
The house felt wrong. Too quiet, too still. Like it was holding its breath.
