Page 94 of Unbearable

Because Trent made me brave.

THIRTY-FOUR

Trent

BRUISES - LEWIS CAPALDI

“What the hellare you talking about?” Henry demanded, his voice tinged with confusion and rising panic. He turned to me, eyes searching for answers, and in that moment, I could have killed him right there and then for everything he had done.

Lilah stepped forward, her presence commanding despite her small figure. She was fucking scary.

“Officer Reynolds, you need to tell us where Dotty is.”

Henry’s brow furrowed deeper, disbelief etched on his face. “Again, what the hell are you talking about? Dotty?” His voice wavered.

I couldn’t contain my frustration any longer. Pushing past the detective, I grabbed Henry’s shirt, pulling him close until our faces were inches apart.

“Tell. Me. Where. She. Is,” I demanded through gritted teeth.

Henry recoiled slightly, fear flashing in his eyes. “I… I really don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t seen her in weeks,” he stammered, genuine confusion evident in his trembling voice.

Colt interjected from behind us, his voice cutting through the tension. “Does anyone else have access to your SUV?”

Henry nodded slowly, realization dawning on him. “I guess my brother would have access to the keys. Why? It should be in the garage,” he explained, his voice tinged with growing dread.

And then it clicked.

It wasn’t Henry.

It was Chris this whole fucking time. The realization hit me like a physical blow, a sickening twist in my gut.

Chris was the one that had been stalking Dotty, not Henry. Rage and disbelief surged through me in equal measure.

Sawyer’s voice snapped me back to the urgency of the moment. “It might be now, but it wasn’t last night when Dotty was kidnapped.” His friendly demeanor had vanished as he stepped directly behind me, looking down at Henry.

Dotty’s face flashed in my mind, her terrified eyes haunting me. Guilt washed over me like a tidal wave. I should have seen the signs, should have protected her better.

I should have known.

“What? What are you guys talking about?” Henry’s voice cracked with confusion and mounting fear.

“Officer Reynolds, tell us where your brother is,” Lilah’s voice brooked no argument, her tone sharp and serious.

“He said he was working on an old truck in the barn,” Henry replied, his voice betraying his apprehension.

A cold chill ran down my spine. “We need to find him. Now,” I demanded.

Henry led us silently to the barn, the weight of our collective apprehension palpable with every step. Each footfall echoed in the quiet.

Once we arrived at the barn, Lilah cleared her throat and whispered. “I’ll go in alone for this. We don’t know if he’s armed or where his head is at,” Lilah asserted, her tone resolute.

“No,” Colt countered. “You will do no such thing. I’m coming with you.”

“No, you won’t. Chief will find out, and you’ll lose your badge,Detective James,” she said, inserting her authority over him.

Colt growled in frustration but reluctantly nodded. “Fine. We’ll stay out here. Call out if you need help.”

I took a step forward, determined to confront Chris, but Lilah’s glare stopped me in my tracks.

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