Page 84 of The Life We Left Behind

Trace snorted a laugh, and I joined him when I heard it back in my head. That wasn’t entirely what I’d meant, not that I didn’t doubt that was true as well.

“Ethan?” Trace said when he saw who was standing at the door.

Yeah, Ethan Yates standing at my front door dressed in a police uniform was not how I thought this night was going to go. Small-town jock turned police officer wasn’t exactly an original story, but it was a surprising one considering who I remembered Ethan to be back in high school.

“Erm, yeah. You got a minute?”

Ethan’s eyes moved from Blake to Trace, then back to Blake as he hit her with one of his infamous smiles. She leaned against the doorframe and looked him up and down.

“Small-town life just got a whole hell of a lot more interesting.”

“Annnd good night, Blake,” I said, leaping into action and shooing her out of the door. She glared over her shoulder at me, and I could see retribution heading my way if I didn’t act quickly. “I’ll explain later.”

“Hey!” Ethan protested. “I’m a changed man.”

“The fact that you need to say that is part of the problem,” I pointed out, waving a hand to invite him in. “I have a feeling this isn’t a social visit.”

“Unfortunately not.” Ethan pulled off his hat and shuffled it uneasily in his hands when he caught sight of Cade sitting at the kitchen table and watching him with wide eyes. “Perhaps we could talk in the living room?” he suggested.

Trace glanced at Cade, and I saw him duck down and whisper something to him. Cade nodded reluctantly and then turned back to his food. I was pretty impressed, and my face must have shown it because Trace just shrugged like it was no big deal and then wrapped his arm around my shoulders and steered me into the living room after Ethan.

“This is nice,” Ethan said, gesturing between us with his hat. “Being a dad looks good on you, Trace.”

“Thanks, man.”

“But, this is about a not so pleasant topic, I’m afraid.” Ethan looked between the two of us before saying. “When was the last time you saw Chelsea?”

My hands came up to my mouth as I gasped.

“No! No, she’s not hurt. Or at least I don’t think so,” Ethan quickly added.

“Jeez, man, think about your wording,” Trace scolded.

“I’m sorry.” Ethan leaned forward to check that Cade wasn’t listening and then added, “But I do need to know if you’ve seen her around.”

“Not since she turned up outside my house and my lawyer passed you the audio recording of that particular interaction.”

“Yeah. Well, I had a call from her landlord this afternoon. He entered her property because she was behind on her rent, and it seems like she’s skipped town.”

“What does that mean for Trace’s case against her? For the restraining order?” I asked, in concern.

We all moved over to the seats, and Ethan sat on the edge of the armchair like he was getting ready to leap up at a moment’s notice. He really did seem different from the teenager I’d once known. I guess we’d all changed.

“She’s technically on bail from the breaking and entering charge, even if the judge was inappropriately biased at her hearing.” I could hear the frustration in his voice, and it was kind of nice to know Trace at least had him on his side. “When she doesn’t show up for the next hearing, there should be a warrant issued for her arrest. I’d expect the restraining order to be made at the same time, especially when the recording is heard in court.”

I sighed in relief. Chelsea clearly had issues, and part of me felt bad for her. But what she’d done to Trace, what shecontinuedto do to him, was completely unacceptable. I was glad she’d skipped town, honestly. Otherwise, I was pretty sure that I’d be the next one arrested when I ran into her in town.

“Well, I’ve still got a few other people to drop in on to see if they’ve had any contact with Chelsea. I’ll let you folks get on with your night.” Ethan stood from his seat and started to walk toward the door before he stopped and turned back to us. “Just be on the lookout, okay? She’s been volatile before, and even though I doubt she’s coming back into town, it wouldn’t hurt to stay aware of your surroundings.”

“We will,” Trace said as he showed Ethan to the door and then shook his hand before he left.

Chelsea had once been my best friend. She hadn’t always been like this. Her childhood had been very much like Trace’s. It was part of why we’d all gotten along so well. The Farrington boys understood her in a way that no one else could. It was ashame that it had turned out like this. That we’d all hurt each other in so many ways.

“You okay?” Trace asked, kneeling down in front of me as he clasped my hands.

“Yeah. It’s just strange how life turns out, you know?” He nodded sadly. “Do you think she’s going to be all right?”

I should hate her. I did, in a way. But I also felt sorry for her. For how she’d tried to build the life she thought she’d always wanted, the lengths she’d gone to just to get it, and how it had all blown up in her face. I couldn’t help but wonder if she had regrets or if she really did think she was the victim in all of this.

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