After I tucked Lily in and kissed her forehead, I left her room quietly
The hallway was dim, I was about to head downstairs when I heard voices.
“I don’t know why Gabriel is acting like this,” Stella said from the kitchen. “Faye’s gone. He should be relieved:”
Relieved?
I moved closer, heart racing.
“Yes, I am so happy she’s gone. I hate her so much,” Ace joined in.
“She’s probably dead by now” lan muttered. “Wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
I froze K
What did they just say?
I storrned into the kitchen.
“What the hell are you all talking about?” I barked
They all jumped
Ace and lan looked away. Stella crossed her arms X
“Gabriel, don’t start,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “They’re just kids. They don’t know what they’re saying.”
“They’re old enough to know better!” I snapped. “How can you all speak like that about Faye?”
“Stop defending her Gabriel, she’s worthless and the kids dislike her, Stella snapped.
I clenched my jaw. “Faye has done more for this family than anyone. Including you“!
The boys fell silent X
“I want both of you in bed. Now,” I said, pointing at Ace and lan. “Well talk in the morning ”
They groaned but obeyed, walking off slowly
I turned to Stella!!
“I think it’s time you went back to your house ”
Stella laughed bitterly “Why? Because Faye’s gone? You need me here. Who else is going to take care of the boys?”
“I’ll manage.” I said flatly “I don’t want this energy around my kids.”
Stella picked up her purse and stormed out without another word
I made my way to Faye’s room t
It was just how she left it. Neat. Organized.
Her books were on the shelf. Her clothes are still in the closet. Her phone charger still plugged in.
I sat on her bed and exhaled slowly.
“If you were planning to run away,” I murmured, “wh
Nothing made sense.
My chest felt heavy. Guilt crept in slowly.!!
didn’t you take anything?“?
Maybe I pushed her too far. Maybe I should’ve listened more.
I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. I hesitated for a second, then tapped a number I hadn’t used in years.
The line rang twice before a voice answered.)
“Gabriel. Calling me this late? What’s the emergency?”
“I need your help.” I said quickly. “Someone’s missing. Her name is Faye.
The man sighed. “You never call unless it’s serious.”
“It is,” I replied. “She’s gone. No clue where. I need to find her. She was shot, right shoulder. Bullet went straight through, it’s a clean wound so she’ll probably be in a hospital
“Send me her details,” he said. “Full name, recent photo, any info that might help
“I already emailed it to you.”
“Alright. But this kind of rush job isn’t cheap.”
“I don’t care about the cost. Just find her.”
The line went quiet for a moment.
“Til start in the morning. Be ready for anything, Gabriel. She may not want to be found.”
My throat tightened. “Just find her.”
