Page 70 of Joey

“Joey? I’m okay.”

“Fucking hell, Ethan. You scared ten years off my life. What happened?”

He glared at the offending brick. “Someone sent me a gift, except it missed the letterbox.”

“What?”

He explained further, and Joey’s curses changed the colour of the air.

“Ethan? Is everything okay in there?”

“Hang on, Joey.” He stood and went to the door despite there being a new opening in his house. “Hey, Mrs Franklin. Yes, I’m okay, thanks.”

The frail woman from next door scrunched her face. “Those hooligans are at it again, aren’t they? They need to be taught a lesson.”

“I agree, Mrs Franklin. You didn’t get hurt, did you?”

Mrs Franklin shook her head. “No, dear. I was watching my documentary when I heard the noise. I wanted to make sure you were okay because I saw you drive up earlier. Have you been away on holiday?”

Ethan smiled, wishing he could hurry the conversation up but knowing she wouldn’t leave until she had her answers. “Yes, in a way. I’m moving to London, so I’m back to sort the house out.”

“Oh, how lovely, Ethan. It’s a shame because I never know who I’m going to get living next to me, and you’re wonderful. When you first moved in, I was so—”

“Mrs Franklin, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to call the police.” He gestured to his phone.

“Of course, dear. I’ll go back to my show. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you for checking on me.”

Mrs Franklin waved her hand and shuffled back to her house as fast as her walking frame would let her. He watched her until she closed her door behind her and then closed his own, shivering.

“Sorry, Joey. It was my next-door neighbour checking on me.”

“You’re right, though. You need to call the police. I’m getting on the road now and will be with you as soon as I can.”

Ethan shook his head despite Joey not being able to see him. “No, I’m okay. You stay and do your job. I’ll keep you updated with what the police say.”

“You’re not staying there tonight.”

Ethan smiled. “I won’t. I’ll either stay with Kole, Christi or my parents, don’t worry.”

“Glad to hear it.” Joey’s sigh came through the phone. “I wish I was with you.”

“I do, too, but we can manage two more days.”

“Can we?”

Chuckling, Ethan said, “We can. It’ll be hell, but we can.”

“Okay. I’m going to go so you can call the police, but call me when you’re settled wherever you’re laying your head tonight, all right?”

“I’ll message you, not call. I don’t want to wake you.”

“Do you really think I’m going to get any sleep until I know you’re safe?”

Ethan grinned. “Fine. I’ll call you.”

“I love you.”

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