Page 87 of Fragile hearts

Carson

“Dude, she’s probably busy. Maybe she’s showering?” Killian says as he takes off his sweat-stained shirt.

I glance down at my phone. It’s been hours since Alexis texted me, and I know Killian is right. She has other things to do than sit on her phone and text me, even though I would like it if she did. But it feels different. I can’t really explain it, but it’s as if my body is warning me of something, as if something is happening, but I don’t know what.

I saw her this morning before I left for work. She woke up before me and made me breakfast. I had kissed her, and she promised to text me when she was done with her puzzle. I know she could still be working on it, but something feels off.

“I should call her,” I say.

Killian quirks a brow. “Sure, do whatever you want, but I’m telling you it’s nothing. She could be walking a dog.”

“She doesn’t have a dog.”

“Maybe that’s why she isn’t answering. Maybe she’s getting a dog right now.”

“She’s not getting a dog. She doesn’t even like dogs.”

“Who doesn’t like dogs?”

“She doesn’t since she got bit by one. Now will you please shut up so I can make a call?”

Killian pretends to zip his mouth closed, swivels on his feet, and pulls on a clean shirt. I pull up Alexis’s contact, hit the call button, holding it up to my ear. It rings and rings, then voicemail. Fuck.

I dial again, getting the same result. Fuck this is really not good. She always answers.

I send her another text. The others’ still unanswered.

Carson: What do you want for dessert tonight?

Carson: Sunshine?

Carson: You there?

Carson: Sunshine, can you please text me when you get this? I’m getting worried.

The text delivers, so her phone is still on, but for some reason she’s not answering. Killian looks over at me. “No answer?”

I shake my head. The pit in my stomach enlarges. What the fuck is going on?

Killian hums, pursing his lips. “Did you check the doorbell camera? She gave you access, right? Maybe she went to the store?”

Fuck he’s right. She gave me access, so I’ll be able to see if Kane visited again.

Kane.

Did he come by again? Is that why she’s not answering? Did that asshole do something? My fingers tremble as I pull up the security feed from a few hours ago. There is nothing just some kids who rang the doorbell and sprinted away. Until half an hour ago, a black van stopped in Alexis’s driveway. A man I don’t recognize steps out. He looks around mischievously, rings the doorbell while holding something in his left hand.

Alexis opens the door. Her arms reach out. The man smirks, but it’s a dangerous kind of smirk, as if he’s been waiting for something and it’s finally in his reach. He raises his hand. The object reflects in the sun. A gun. He’s pointing a gun at Alexis’s face. “No.” I don’t even realize I’m saying it until Killian glances at me with worried eyes.

“No, no—please no.” He’s going to kill her.

“No!” I can’t breathe. My lungs are on fire. Every breath feels like the last. “He’s going to kill her.” The words are a mere whisper. My knees collapse beneath me.

She’s dead. She’s dead. She’s dead.

“What? What are you talking about, man?”

Fuck, please not Alexis. Please, not her.