“But I’m safe with Dane. Plus, I kicked Ron in the balls. I don’t think he’ll try anything again.”
“What? Who are you, and what have you done with sweet Abby? I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m glad you hurt the fucker if he was harassing you. But I didn’t think you could hurt a fly.”
“I didn’t either,” I admit. “But I’m glad I did it too.”
“Good for you,” Franklin approves. “So, you’re across the street right now? Can I come see you, or are you busy with your gorgeous doctor? I haven’t caught up with you in weeks.”
“Across the street?” I’m not sure where he got that idea. “No, I’m at Dane’s place.”
“Right. The old powder blue house. I know the one.”
“No,” I correct him, confused. “Dane lives in Harleston Village.”
There’s a moment of silence. Then Franklin asserts, “I’ve seen him coming and going from the house across the street for months now. I noticed him when he moved in. He’s too hotnotto notice.”
“You must be mistaken. I’ve never seen him in the neighborhood except when he’s come to visit me.”
“Okay, maybe he has an identical twin,” my friend says slowly, but I can tell he’s suspicious. “Because a man who looks exactly like him lives in the house across the street from our building. I thought you said you knew him because he comes into the café every morning.”
“He does.” My throat is getting tight, and my stomach churns.
I don’t understand what’s happening. Franklin has to be mistaken.
“The Sunny Side Café is three blocks away from where we live,” Franklin reasons. “Nowhere near Harleston Village. I assumed Dane was a regular because he lives in the neighborhood.”
“He just likes the café,” I say.
“Is it near his workplace?”
“I…I don’t know.” I’ve never asked where Dane’s practice is located.
A thought occurs to me. “Why don’t you just ask him?” I suggest. “I’m sure there’s a simple explanation. He should be at our building right now. He told me he was going to talk to Ron.”
Another beat of silence. “Okay, let me check.”
I hear Franklin’s door open and close, and then he’s knocking on Ron’s door across the hall.
He knocks again.
And again.
My heart is in my throat.
“No one’s here, Abby.”
That can’t be right. Dane’s been gone for almost an hour now. It’s less than a twenty-minute drive between our places, even with traffic. If he’s not with Ron, he should be back with me already.
“Okay.” My voice is a bit shrill. “Thanks for checking.”
“Are you all right? Something weird is going on.”
“Everything’s fine,” I assure him. “I’m fine. Listen, I’ll have to call you back. I need to get in touch with Dane.”
“Text me to let me know how it goes,” my friend requests.
“I will.”
I end the call, and my thumb hovers over Dane’s contact. I’m about to message him, but I hesitate.
