Goddammit, I knew I should have taken her home last night. I bet anything when she woke up, she was freaked out, or pissed off for staying the night. I shoot her a text. I need to know that she’s okay.
Did you make it home all right? That’s all I send, I don’t want to sound like a lunatic, but I’m also worried about where she is.
Staring at my screen, I begin to panic, hoping she’s safe. I start a pot of coffee to distract myself, then pop a few pills before getting in the shower. Busy, busy, busy, keep your mind busy! I repeat the words in my head as I step out of the shower and start to dry myself off. Then my phone rings and I answer it right away. “Arion?”
“Uhh, no. This is Lieutenant Baker with the FBI, is this Bain Adams?”
Fuck!
“Uh-huh.” I grumble, instantly regretting answering the phone.
“Mr. Adams, do you have a moment?”
“Yeah.” My tone is somber, what else am I supposed to say? I want to slam the phone down and say fuck off because nothing is going to bring Kinsey back.
“I was hoping we could talk about that print we found in your sister’s car.”
“Does it have to be today? I’m kinda busy.” I lie.
“I’m sorry to ask, but yes, if there’s any way you could, I would be grateful.”
“Sure,” I grumble.
“Thank you. Also, could you and your family please not have any contact with Detective Eldridge? I’ll fill you in on the details once you get here.”
I agree and hang up, kind of in shock. What the hell happened? Suddenly I feel like I’m about to hyperventilate. Instinctively, I dial Arion’s number, but she doesn’t answer, so I call my dad.
“Bain, is everything all right?”
“Fuck, Dad, I don’t know.” My tone is laced with panic.
“Goddammit, Bain, what’s going on?”
Leaning my forearm against the wall, I stand there with my head resting on it, searching for the words.
“Son, my flight is about to take off so I have to turn my phone off. Please talk to me, tell me that you’re all right.”
Exhaling loudly I stay strong for my dad. Taking a few deep breaths before I respond. “I’m fine, I just got a call from the FBI.”
“Why are they calling you?”
“They need to talk to me about the print found in Kinsey’s car.”
“You don’t need to go. Not if it’s gonna upset you like this.”
“I’m fine, really I am. I…I just had a moment and got upset.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, he also said for us to not have any contact with Eldridge.”
“Sir, you need to turn your phone off,” I hear a woman in the background say.
“Why did he say that?”
“I don’t know, I’ll call you after I meet with him, though.”
“Stay strong, son. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m good. Fly safely.”
“I will. I’ll call you as soon as I land.”
We hang up and although I told my dad that I was okay, I feel weak and sick to my stomach. Pull your shit together, Bain. I do my best to snap out of it. This isn’t how Kinsey would want me to be. She would expect me to hold my head high and be strong for her. I should be happy that the FBI is finally involved and has made progress.
Heading out of the house, I program the address into my GPS. It’s in the city and with traffic, it takes me close to an hour to arrive, but finally I do.
The building is tall, sleek, and black. I put my car in park and contemplate taking a few pills to calm my nerves. Screw it; I’ve got nothing to lose at this point. Walking inside, I say a silent prayer, hoping that I can keep my shit together. Emotions swirl around me as I head to meet with the man that might finally give me some answers.
I really wish I had Anthony’s phone number. I’m a nervous wreck waiting for him, and I feel like I’m not even at the right place. Checking the clock on my cell phone, it’s 6:04pm. Okay, maybe I’m overreacting a tad. I am early.
Standing up, I head outside going into the cool evening. Pulling my coat a little tighter around me, I look at all the people as they bustle by and then…there he is. I catch sight of him right away, from far off in the distance.
It takes him a moment to see me. He walks with such confidence and his eyes light up the moment he sees me from across the square. He looks relaxed as he approaches. “Hey, sorry, I missed my train,” he says wrapping me in a warm, more than friendly hug.
I squeeze back, not expecting the gesture, but liking it. He pulls away and very chastely kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you,” I respond with a stomach full of butterflies.
“Did you check in yet?”
“Yeah, but the wait is super long.”
“Let’s grab something to go and eat at my place.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, a little nervous to be alone with him.
“As long as you don’t mind driving, yes.”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Let’s go,” he says and grabs my hand, waiting for me to lead him in the direction of my car. Dammit, brain, work. Once I get my feet and head to cooperate, we walk, and he lifts our hands kissing my knuckles.