Page 108 of Through the Storm

Jack turns to me. “Did you mean what you said to her?”

“Yes,” I answer immediately.

Jack nods once. “Okay. Then this probably doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

“That’s not comforting,” I mutter.

“I’m not trying to comfort you. You’re not a toddler. I’m just trying to understand if you need your ass kicked or not.”

“Such a caring uncle,” I mumble. I sink onto the couch, staring at the floor. Maybe I didn’t hurt Katy. Maybe loving her is what scared her.

But fuck, I love her.

I love her and that baby, whatever genetic combo we get.

And I’m not giving up on them.

KATY

Two weeks later

My phone buzzes on the nightstand.

I ignore it.

It buzzes again.

Then again.

I groan, roll onto my back, and finally grab it just to make it stop.

It’s the group chat.

BESTIES

Ella

Okay. That’s it. We’re escalating.

Rebecca

She’s alive, right? Like you’ve physically seen her in the last 24 hours?

Ella

I have no direct proof of life. Just secondhand accounts from Declan.

I smile despite myself. It fades quickly.

Rebecca

Unacceptable.

Rebecca

Katy Montgomery, come outside.

I stare at the ceiling.