Page 14 of Fierce Storm
“Fuck, yes.” Reed stands, nodding a few times. “Positivity is key. Let’s do this.”
Hayley smiles while Keeley nods in agreement, both of them jumping up, ready to go.
I pay the bill and follow behind them, ignoring my own positivity spiel, while my mind spirals, thinking about a plan B. If there’s any way I can help Zane, I’m going to find it.
When we arrive at the address Blair gave us, we’re guided through the diner to a private area off to the side, with windows facing the police station.
And my stomach sinks.
Zane’s been there all night, and I’d put all my money on him spiraling more than I am, probably to the point of believing he deserves it.
Reed’s the first to walk into the room to meet Blair, with me sliding through last, taking in the deafening silence following the creak in the door.
“Hi.” Reed waves enthusiastically until he seemingly reads the room. “Sorry, that was a little too cheery for the situation.”
Hayley snorts, and I lift my gaze in time to see a young woman step forward, grinning in response.
“We’ll welcome any cheer we can get.” An older woman joins her, lifting her hand in a wave. “I’m Florence; this is my husband, Tim.” She gestures to a man beside her. “And I think you know Blair.” Her attention shifts to the young woman, and Hayley bounces in anticipation.
“We do. At least Keeley and I do. Hi, Blair.”
We introduce ourselves, and while Blair and Florence offer warm smiles, it’s easy to see Tim’s more unsettled, and if the protectiveness I’m feeling stems from being a dad, as Keeley seems to think, I’d bet I know how he feels.
“Thanks for coming.” He steps forward, his eyes flashing to his family before he straightens his posture. “I’ll let Blair and Florence fill you in on what we know. I have somewhere to be.”
“Wait.” Blair grabs her dad’s hand, stopping him from leaving. “What’s going on?”
“I think I know how I can help Zane,” he tells her, barely loud enough for us to hear, and I stiffen, opening my mouth to speak until Blair voices my question.
“How?”
“I’ll tell you everything when I get back.” He squeezes her hand and takes another step toward the door. “Excuse me for rushing off.”
I’m about to stop him when Reed gets there first, doing it for me. “I’m coming with you,” he states matter-of-factly, his expression serious. “I’m here to help.”
Like hell he is.
“Not a chance, Coombs.” I move in front of him, my expression stern. “You’re staying out of this. You’re here for support and to provide your statement to the police on another matter. You’re not getting involved.”
“I’ll be back soon,” Tim says, trying to pass by, only I can’t let him leave. Something in my gut is screaming at me to go with him.
Following Reed’s lead, I step forward, tapping him on the shoulder before he’s even managed a step.
“Can I help?” I ask, leaning back, my hands in my pockets as I stare him down, showing him I mean business.
Tim eyes me slowly, his gaze thoughtful, before he offers me a nod. “Come on. You can be my witness.”
Witness? Jesus. What the fuck is he going to do? Whatever it may be, I nod and follow him out the door, only stopping when he pauses on the sidewalk.
“That’s my car across the street,” he tells me, pointing to a modest SUV before he takes off walking in that direction. “The passenger door is unlocked. I have to grab something from the trunk.”
I nod, taking my time to walk around to my side, and I’ve just opened the door when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Without checking, I know that it’s Keeley.
KEELEY: Do you know what you’re doing?
I smile, imagining that the lack of knowledge is driving her crazy. She’ll be hating that she has no idea where I’m going or what I’m going to do.
SALVATORE: I don’t. But I’m quite capable of keeping myself out of trouble. You don’t have to worry about me
