Page 24 of Running to You

That was what he got for asking. Brought to mind that old adage—don’t ask a question if you can’t stand the answer.

He cranked up the music.

CHAPTER SIX

Obviously, Sam didn’t want to talk.

Fine, then, Eliza could be quiet. Even though the silence was pressing in on her, raising her anxiety.

Or maybe it wasn’t the silence. The closer they got to Mom’s house, the faster her pulse raced. Like they were driving into…danger.

Which made no sense at all. Not that any of this did.

If she had her phone, she could search her calendar and find out where she’d been and what she’d been up to.

If she had her purse, she could dig through it, see if any clues could be found.

But she’d arrived at Sam’s with nothing.

He exited the highway and wound along familiar roads. Some things were different—a building here, a new housing development there. But for the most part, this was the York she’d known most of her life. The York she’d grown up in.

It should feel comfortable, but fear thrummed.

“Do you really think we should do this?”

He lowered the stereo volume. “What’s the problem?”

“I don’t know. It feels like a bad idea.”

She didn’t miss the huff of breath. “Then where do you want me to take you? Jeanette’s?”

Jeanette was Eliza’s best friend. Maybe that was a better idea. At least that idea didn’t scare her.

“Does she still live in the same place?” He sounded annoyed.

Eliza shrugged, not that he could see.

“Right.” The word was clipped. “You don’t remember.”

“I can’t help that I have—”

“I know. I’m sorry.” He offered her a quick smile. “It’s a frustrating situation.” After a moment he added, “Much more so for you, I realize. I know you’re nervous, but your mother loves you. I can’t think of anybody who'll take better care of you than she will. I really think this is the right play.”

“If you’re sure.”

He hit his turn signal, pulled into a lot, and parked. “What is it?”

“What is what?”

“Why don’t you want to go to your mother’s?”

“I don’t know. I can’t…”

“I know she can be…hard to get along with. Is that it?”

Was that it? It didn’t feel right, but nothing made sense. “Maybe. But if you think this is the best idea, then I believe you.”

Frustration crossed his features, reminding her of an old argument. She could almost hear his voice.