Page 49 of The Truth of Us

The access notification was still on my phone. Harper had used the code. Harper was supposed to be in this elevator; she was supposed to be here.

Harper had...

The thought hit me like a truck. She'd left. She fucking left me. My chest tightened as that prickling anxious feeling rose.

Immediately my phone was in my hand.

I called her.

Straight to voicemail.

I called again.

Voicemail.

Again.

Voicemail.

A hot pulse of anger replaced the panic.

Are you serious?

You don't even have the decency to answer?

You don't even want to hear what I have to say?

I was halfway through another call when I stopped myself. Because suddenly another possibility occurred to me. She never intended to come up.

She saw Natalia leaving my elevator and left. Just left.

No questions, no conversation, no fight, no chance to discuss it… she didn’t even ask… Nothing.

The anger grew louder. Because it was easier than the alternative. Easier than wondering why the idea of never seeing her again suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe.

I called downstairs and the night guard answered immediately.

"Mr. Vale."

"Did Ms. Lane arrive?"

The words came out sharper than intended.

The guard hesitated, then said carefully, "Yes, sir."

"What happened?"

Another pause, then, "Ms. Lane entered the building."

My jaw clenched. "I know that."

"She arrived shortly before your other guest departed, and they crossed paths in the hallway."

I closed my eyes. "Then what?"

"She remained near your private elevator for several minutes."

Several minutes.