Chapter 174

Because she loved him, too? Now wasn’t the time to ask, and he was too afraid of the answer. “Just like it ripped me up inside to hurt you.”

She gave him a little nod. An acknowledgment? Then she looked out her window. “What’s taking so long?”

Trees had been gone less than two minutes. But Zy got it; she wasn’t ready for this conversation. She was rightfully focused on her daughter’s safety. “He’ll call in a minute.”

Sure enough, a handful of seconds later, his phone buzzed again. “Whatcha got?”

“Nothing visible from the street. House looks closed up, like maybe they’re still asleep. Wait. I spoke too soon. The front blinds just opened. I see…” Trees paused. “Someone’s in there. There’s too much glare to a make out a face or an outline, but the place isn’t empty. And there’s a truck in the carport. I’m running the plate now.”

“What’s he saying?” Tessa demanded.

Zy held up a finger. “I don’t want to know how you’re doing that, buddy.”

“You do