Page 1 of Kyle

Chapter 1

“Do you have to go?”

Guilt started to claw away at my insides. If my best friend only knew the real reason I had to go back. The burning need and where that need stemmed from, then maybe she’d understand. But she didn’t and she never would because I’d never tell her. Telling her would mean I’d have to open up about my past and that was never going to happen.

“Yes,” I groaned, answering for the third time.

“Anaya,” Evette snapped then continued to berate me. “It’s dangerous. Kalee…”

My best friend trailed off, Kalee’s death still too painful to talk about. Too fresh. It hadn’t been that long ago that Kalee Solberg was murdered in Timor-Leste. And if the reports were to be believed, she was tossed in a pit with all the others who had been senselessly killed and left. My beautiful, sweet, caring friend left to rot. The thought so revolting I had to push it from my mind or I’d go crazy.

“Evie. I have to. Part of why is Kalee. She died over there doing what she thought was right. She was making a difference.”

I’d met Evette London and Kalee years ago at a literacy event for under-privileged children. The two of them had been friends since junior high and had quickly pulled me into their friendship. We became fast friends. It was because of Kalee I’d joined the Peace Corps. When we were both sent to the small island of Timor-Leste, we were so excited to go together.

Now she was gone.

“I’ve read—”

I’m sure she had read the reports. She worked for a newspaper and would have access to information before the general public.

“I’ll be fine. I’m not going back to Timor-Leste with the Peace Corps volunteers, I’ll have a bodyguard.”

“A bodyguard?” she gasped. “Anaya!”

Shit. Why had I told her that? Evette was a worrier, always had been. Out of the three of us, she was the most cautious. Kalee and I couldn’t even get Evie on a plane to fly to Timor-Leste to visit us. Evie was so insane about it she could recite NTSB crash reports verbatim.

“I have to go. My flight leaves in a few hours.”

“But you’ve only been home a few days. I didn’t get to see you.”

Guilt slithered its way down to my stomach. I’d purposely avoided her. But I knew if she saw me, I wouldn’t be able to hide my feelings from her. She’d dig them out of me and it would worry her more. I had to go back to Timor-Leste and no amount of begging from my friend would stop me.

“I know. I’m sorry. I won’t be gone long. When I get back, I’m all yours.”

“Please be careful.” I could hear the hitch in her voice and my stomach tightened. “I can’t lose you, too. We didn’t even get Kalee back to…” Evette trailed off. “To you know, bury her. Poor Mr. Solberg. I haven’t been over to see him yet.”

I had tried, but when I went to his house, he hadn’t opened the door. I could see him pacing the front room through the open curtains, but it was like he was so lost in his grief he hadn’t heard the door. I’d left without speaking to him.

“I think he needs time to come to terms with her death. Give him time.” I hated to change topics on her, but I had to go. “Listen, Evie, I have to finish getting my stuff ready and go meet with the two men who are taking me to Dili. My flight leaves tonight but I’ll email you from the plane and check in.”

“Anaya—”

“I promise I’ll be safe.”

“Okay. But check in every day or I’ll fly over there and find you.”

“Right.” I smiled. There was nothing that would make Evie get on a plane.

“Bye, love you.”

“Love you. Bye.”

I glanced around my apartment, a place where I spent very little time, and spied my phone charger and paperback I’d need for the twenty-five-hour plane ride. I shoved the items in my backpack and grabbed my small duffle.

If all went well, I’d be home in a week.

* * *