Page 21 of Blue Summer

“My… my sister… she came to where she thought I was staying… and now I can’t reach her.”

“She came here?”

“No. I told her I was staying at Pearl’s brother’s place when I left and last night even though I told her I was with the police… I didn’t necessarily tell her I was here.”

“So she still thinks you are at Roman’s apartment.” I nod and show him the missed call. “And she isn’t answering now?”

I shake my head and fight back the tears that want to start running down my face. “Okay, baby, just try to stay calm. Crying will only make my heart break. Let’s… get dressed and go over there and see if she’s still there. It could have been a complete accident - a butt dial - and there’s nothing to worry about.”

Even as I nod for him, a sense of foreboding takes me over. Roan has to help me dress by finding my clothes from last night and helping me into them. He even helps me slip my shoes on since I almost walk out of the house without any on. The entire way over all I can think about is what could have happened to my sister, what I caused to happen to her.

When we pull into the parking garage, I barely wait for him to stop the car before I am out and running for the elevator. Once it hits the right floor I rush for the door, my key Pearl gave me already out and ready.

And then the door swings open and my every fear is realized when I spot my sweet baby sister… tied to a chair.

“Oh my God! Roan!”

I start to rush to her but am pulled up short when Roan reaches out to stop me, his gun already out. “Slow down, angel.”

A noise off to our right has all three of us turning to look at… Roman? I glance back at my sister and then back to Roman, who doesn’t seem to be in distress at all.

“Uh… Roman… what… is my sister doing tied to a chair in her underwear?”

“Maybe you had better explain yourself, Rome.” Roan has my back on this.

A muffled grunt has all of us turning to Nolia again. And the weirdest thing happens. Roman steps in front of her like he might be trying to… keep her away from us.

“I’ll explain when you explain why this hell cat was in my bed. And don’t look, God damn it! She’s not really dressed.”

“Your bed? Why was my sister in your bed?”

“That’s what I’m asking you, damn it!”

More muffled cries are coming from behind Roman, but we seem to be at an impasse as he isn’t stepping aside or letting my sister go.

“Okay, maybe we need to just start all over.” I give him a small smile and hold my hand out, “Hi, I’m Pearl’s friend, Summer. And that is my sister Nolia.”

“I remember you. You came over for one of the holidays with Pearl.”

“Yes, yes I did.” I smile even more but he hasn’t taken my hand, so I lower it.

“Roman, let the damned girl go, bud!”

“Roan, what are you doing here?”

“I’m with Summer.” He narrows his eyes at Roman who does the same, sending hidden messages to one another.

“Oh!” Roman’s eyes widen. “You are WITH her. I get it. I understand.”

“Can I please have my sister back?”

“Oh, uh,” he acts like he might tell me no, “yeah, sure. Sorry.”

He turns around and bends in front of her while still talking to us.

“I knew you were staying here in Pearl’s room but then she texted to say something happened and you went to stay with… oh, that would be Roan. You went to stay with Roan.”

“Did she tell you why?”

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