"I think so. I just don't know what to do if Grant comes out here looking for me. I don't want to go back in there, and I don't want to be alone with him if he tries to take me home."
Roar tapped on his cell phone and said, "Can you see outside?"
"Yes."
"Is there anyone out on the sidewalk?" He looked up from his phone and nodded to Lizzy, whispering, "Elling's coming."
"A few people."
"I want you to go outside and walk away from there. Find somewhere to hide until I can get there." He walked to the door with Lizzy. "Look around and see if there are any other businesses that are open and go inside."
"I'll try."
"Good. Keep talking with Lizzy. I'm heading out now. We should be there in ten to fifteen minutes. We'll find you." Roar looked at Lizzy. "When she's safe, call me and let me know where she is."
"Be careful." She kissed him quickly, spotting Elling riding around the block toward her house, and locked the door.
"I'm going to go outside." The noise in the background of Coco's call cut out. "I'm on the sidewalk. There's a Nordstrom's at the end of the block."
"They'd be closed." Lizzy thrust her hand in her hair and paced the living room. "Just keep walking."
Heavy breathing came over the phone. "There's a parking garage ahead. I don't think it's the one Grant used when we came."
"No, that's too vacant...and dangerous, even during the day." Goosebumps broke out on her arms, and she shivered. "I can't even think of what is at that location. Can you see a restaurant or—"
"Yes, there's that hipster coffee shop on the next block. We've been there. It's full of twenty-somethings all the time." Coco's voice became choppy. "I'm running. If Grant comes out of the club, he'll still be able to see me."
"God, be careful." She closed her eyes, wishing she would've gone with her.
Stuck in a funk over Roar leaving town and not telling her, she'd selfishly stayed home to pout. Never thinking Coco would get into a position where she was afraid, she believed her friend would be okay.
"The walk light is red." Coco panted. "I don't see anyone following me."
"Can you still see the nightclub?"
"Yeah." Coco paused. "The light is green now. I should be able to make it to the coffee shop. It's right in front of me."
"Don't hang up."
"I won't," she said on a sob. "I can't believe this happened."
"Don't worry about that now. Just make sure you get somewhere safe."
Coco sniffed. "I’m at the door."
"Thank God." Lizzy sank down on the couch. "Is it crowded?"
"Packed." Coco laugh-cried. "Oh, my God. This has been the scariest night. I'm inside."
"Okay, stay on the phone. I'm going to put you on hold and call Roar. Then, I'll come back and talk with you until he gets there." She tapped the buttons on the cell phone.
Three rings later, Roar said, "Where is she?"
"Up one block from the nightclub. It's a coffee shop with lots of neon lights and big windows facing the street. Right before that hotel...oh, what's the name. The Embassy or maybe The Hilton."
"Is she inside?"
She nodded even though he couldn't see her. "Yes. She's okay and waiting for you."
"I'll get her." He disconnected the call.
She switched over to Coco. "Are you still there?"
"Yeah."
She exhaled in relief. "Roar and Elling are coming."
It took ten more minutes for Coco to inform her that Roar and Elling walked into the coffee shop. She disconnected the call and stared across the room. Tonight could've turned out badly without Roar here to help her. She had no idea how she would've helped Coco by herself with no way to get to her.