Page 97 of Writing On The Wall

Opal rolls her eyes Gail’s way. “Check the mirror, you’re already overripe”

Gran clears her throat, waiting with heavy-lidded eyes for Opal and Gail to pipe down.

“My dearest Agnes… You always said this room was a waste of space. I finally got rid of all my junk. I’m sorry I sold your music box, but I got it back for you. Got to live out my spy dreams doing it. Good thing we never told anyone what it’s worth. Thank you for putting up with my grumpy old ass. Love, your Oliver.”

“So he’s the one who stole it from us,” Opal grumbles.

“And that’s how Ross found out about its value when he found Pop’s letter,” I say aloud. “Thank goodness Pop didn’t mention the actual location of the closet.”

Gran sniffs, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue before turning to me. “Is it here?”

“It is.” I beam, turning to where I left the box. “Well…itwashere…”

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

ETHAN

“None of them are picking up?” Colton asks, his brows pinching as he glances at me for a second before continuing to race toward Ivy’s house.

“No,” I breathe out after a long exhale. I’m trying to stay calm. But this woman has a propensity to put herself in danger with little thought of the consequences. Who knows what the hell she’s doing right now. I only hope that she and Ember have managed to get the upper hand in whatever situation they’ve found themselves in this time.

“Ember know any self defense moves?” I ask.

“Nope. Not unless you count what she’s learned from weird true crime shows. Ivy?”

My hand covers my mouth as I try to wipe away the smile that breaks free but a chuckle escapes without permission. “I caught her judo chopping a mosquito once…”

Without warning Colton punches me in the arm.

“Ow! What the heck was that for?”

“I figured this would happen, but I hadn’t expected this day to arrive so soon. I’m so happy for you little brother.”

I click my tongue as I scrunch up my face. “Colt, don’t be Bono’s accent fromSing 2. I’m not discussing this stuff with you until I’ve spoken to Ivy.”

“Fine,” he retorts with an eye roll as he swerves into Ivy’s driveway. “This it?”

“Yeah,” I barely get out, unfastening my seatbelt and bolting out before the truck has come to a complete stop.

“Why are you so calm? Ember could be in danger, too,” I demand when he jogs up behind me. “What if they aren’t here?” I scowl, annoyed to find the front door unlocked.

“Nah, I tracked her location on her phone. They’re in the house.”

“That’s a little creepy.”

“She knows about it.” He shrugs as we step inside.

“Ivy? Ember?” I call out, feeling like my throat is in my stomach when there’s no answer. My heavy boots thud on the newly varnished floors as I hurry to the master bedroom. My heart rate settles a fraction when I hear voices as we near.

“Ivy?”

I get to the room and find the closet door open, and Colton and I walk nearer.

“Ethan? What are you doing here?” Ivy emerges, pushing through the small crowd to get to me.

“You okay?” I whisper, finally feeling my jaw relax now that I can see she’s in one piece.

She hooks her pinky around mine as a slow smile overtakes her face. “Yeah.”

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