Page 55 of Blades Out
He laughed.
I wiped down the counter in slow, methodical strokes. My hands still shook slightly. Adrenaline hadn't worn off yet—probably wouldn't for another hour.
Ben kept talking. Something about a class he had tomorrow. A professor who graded on attendance. A group project he hated.
I nodded when it seemed appropriate. Made small sounds of acknowledgment. Let his voice fill the space so I didn't have to.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I froze mid-wipe. Pulled it out. Glanced at the screen.
Unknown Number.
My stomach dropped.
I shoved the phone back without opening the message.
"You good?" Ben glanced over.
"Yeah. Fine." I scrubbed harder at a stain that didn't exist.
He didn't push.
We finished cleaning in comfortable quiet—him humming under his breath; me fighting the urge to check my phone again.
Jenna clocked out first. "Lock up when you're done, Ben. Olivia, good work tonight."
"Thanks."
She left through the back entrance, keys jangling.
Ben flipped off the espresso machine and started wiping it down. "You heading out soon?"
"Yeah." I grabbed my jacket from the hook and reached for my bag.
No weight.
I frowned. Unzipped the front pocket.
Empty.
Checked the side pocket. The inner pocket. Dumped the whole thing upside down on the counter.
Wallet. Chapstick. Hair tie. Receipts.
No keys.
Panic flared hot and immediate.
"No no no—" I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets. Nothing. Checked my jeans. Nothing.
"Olivia?"
I dropped to my knees and searched under the counter. Behind the register. Near the trash bin.
Nothing.
My chest tightened.
"Hey." Ben crouched beside me. "What's wrong?"
