And before I can focus on my reaction too deeply, I shove the thought aside.
Right now, I need to know exactly what happened to her so I can make sure she stays alive. Because Anastasia is right: Even if Tessa doesn’t want my help, I have no intention of stopping until I have no doubt she’ll be safe.
“I’m truly glad that she’s alive.” Anastasia reaches out and grips my arm. “But I’ve seen that look on your face before, Big Brother. I adored Tessa, but she definitely got you into your fair share of trouble. And it sounds like it’s no different now.”
The first time I was arrested, I was seventeen. Tessa had shown up with a split lip, courtesy of her dad, so I’d returned the favor and broken his nose.
Officer Leopold responded to the call a neighbor made. He’d convinced her dad not to file charges, and I’d been driven home in the back of a police cruiser.
After that, I did what I could to keep my distance from her dad, though I begged Tessa to tell the police what was happening to her. She’d refused, afraid of losing the only family she had left. Even given the toxic reality of her life, she’d remained loyal and lied to save him every single time the police even got close.
“I’ve got someone looking into what brought her here, so hopefully, I’ll have some answers soon, okay?”
“I can’t talk you out of this?”
I shake my head.
She sighs. “Then, fine. But if you get arrested again, I’m going to let you sit there awhile before I bail you out.”
With a laugh, I lean forward and press a light kiss to the top of her head. “Deal.” My cell rings, so I withdraw it and check the readout. When I see my mom’s name, I answer with a smile. “Hey, Mom.”
“She’s gone,” she says, her tone sharp.
“What?” My stomach sinks, a pit forming before I can even fully process what she’s saying.
“Tessa. She left the hospital before they even fully discharged her.”
“When?”
“Not sure. The doctor left her room about an hour ago and told me that she wanted to rest. I went down to the cafeteria to get some food, and when I came back, she was gone. I’m sorry, Zane.”
“It’s not your fault.” I swallow hard, trying to bite back the anger. She left. Again. Thing is, this time I know she’s alive, and I have no intention of letting her get away without first making sure she’s safe.
After that, she can leave and never look back.
“Thanks for letting me know.”
“Are you going to go after her?” my mom asks. “I’m really worried, Zane. She had a horrible nightmare while she was sleeping and screamed for help. Something is terribly wrong, but she wouldn’t talk about it.”
My gaze locks on Anastasia, who rolls her eyes. “We all know what you’re going to do, Big Brother, so just go do it.”
Chapter 6
Tessa
The world around me is silent as I move along the overgrown path that leads me up to my dad’s old trailer. It’s still in the exact same place, though the years have not been kind to it. The porch built along the front is sagging in most places, broken in others.
Overhead, lightning splits the sky, a warning of a coming storm that matches the way I’m feeling inside. Tense and ready to break through at any moment. I can do this. It’s just a shell.
The single light on the top of the electrical pole casts an eerie orange glow over the place, giving it a horror movie vibe. Which, given all that happened here over the years, is more than fitting.
Two windows have been shattered. Since they were partially boarded up, I’m guessing the damage is likely from rocks the other kids in the trailer park threw. Even though our place sat a quarter mile away from everyone else, they still came out here and poked at my dad any chance they got.
Let’s rile up the drunk. It was a game they played, and I was the one who paid the price.
Fresh pain tightens my chest.
I haven’t stood here in a long, long time.
