Page 159 of His Surrender

Nothing has happened. I know nothing has happened, but my body doesn’t believe me.

At 6:55, I call Sawyer.

He answers on the second ring. “What’s up?”

“Have you heard from Aubrey?” I ask immediately.

“Uhhh, no. Why would I have heard from Aubrey?”

“She went shopping. She was supposed to be home by now.”

Why am I calling him? I doubt she even has his number. I’m acting insane.

“What time?” he asks.

“Before dinner.”

He coughs. “And dinner was?”

“Six.”

There is a brief pause.

“It’s not even seven yet.”

“I know what time it is.” My voice comes out sharper than I intended.

Sawyer’s tone changes immediately. “Dean.”

“Her phone is off.”

“It probably died,” he fires back.

“I know.”

“Then what are you asking me?”

I press the heel of my hand to my chest as though I can physically force my heart to slow.

“I don’t know.”

The honesty leaves me feeling exposed.

Sawyer is quiet for a moment. “Do you want me to call Kayla? Maybe Aubrey mentioned where she was going.”

“Yes.”

The answer comes too quickly.

“Okay. I’ll call you back.”

He hangs up, and I begin pacing from the kitchen to the windows. Each pass takes approximately thirty seconds.

I know because I begin counting them.

It gives my mind something to hold on to.

One.