Page 50 of Asher's Assignment

He opened the liftgate and reached for the zipper, ready for the cool outside air.

Pain blasted through the back of his head as something slammed into him. He toppled forward into the car, and the world went black.

Twenty-Two

Esther smiled and waved at Rob and Leah as she left the house forty-five minutes later. Leah had breezed through the work Esther brought, and she figured since it was the girl’s birthday, there was no harm in ending a little early.

The door creaked as she exited. Still smiling, she glanced toward the curb. Her smile faded as she realized Asher’s car wasn’t there.

“Where the heck did he go?”

With a sigh, she dug her phone out of her bag and called him. It rang five times, then rolled to voicemail. She tried again and got the same result.

Hanging up, she propped a hand on her hip and stared at the street. She didn’t know whether to be angry or concerned. Why would he leave her here alone? He’d been adamant about following her here and sticking around while she was inside.

Maybe he’d decided to run a quick errand. She was early, after all.

Blowing out a soft breath, she stepped off the porch and wandered over to the corner of the house by the driveway, leaning against the dingy siding. She’d wait until it was officially time for her to be finished with her tutoring session. If he wasn’t back by then, she’d call again. She wasn’t sure what she’d do if he didn’t answer. Maybe call her dad for a ride?

Esther crossed her arms and ankles, settling in to wait.

Ten minutes later, he hadn’t returned. She waited five more, and when he still didn’t appear, she called him again.

Once more, the call rolled to voicemail.

She let out a huff as she ended the call. Where could he be? And why wasn’t he answering?

Not wanting to lurk outside the Tylers’ house any longer, she decided to call her dad. If Asher showed up before he arrived, great. If not, she’d text him and tell him she got a ride home. She was sure he had a good reason for leaving.

Dialing her dad’s number, she waited a few rings for him to pick up.

“Hey, sweetie. What’s up?”

“Can you come get me? Asher was my ride, but he’s disappeared.”

“Disappeared? Where did he go?”

“I don’t know. He was gone when I came outside, and he’s not answering his phone.”

“That’s odd. He’s not that type of person.”

“I know. Look, can you just head over here? We can talk more on the ride home. I’m not that comfortable standing out here alone.”

“Where are you?”

“My home tutor student’s house.” She gave him the address.

“Okay, I’m on my way. Ten minutes.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Of course.” He hung up.

Esther dropped her phone back into her purse and settled in to wait.

Her gaze tracked from one end of the street to the other, looking for the man in the hoodie. She hadn’t seen him since the day he stood outside her house. Asher said he hadn’t been back since he chased the guy off. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t lurking somewhere. There were plenty of places for him to hide.

Behind cars. Behind trees and shrubs. Even in the shadows of the houses.

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