Page 193 of If Our Hearts Collide

Me.

But I know that is impossible. I am obviously not calling myself.

“Penny, what’s wrong?” Graham asks, moving closer to see what has me so off-balance.

He looks at the screen and sees the words—Penelope Hoffman mobile.

I hope my mind is just playing tricks on me, but something tells me the person on the other line is a known person and one who is evil.

Taking the device from my hand, Graham slides the bar to answer and then steps away from me. Nic joins him and they both lean into one another to listen to the call meant for me.

“Who was it?” I demand when the call is over.

“No one,” Nic snaps, not at me but at the situation. Then he quickly says an apology. “I’m sorry, Pen.”

“Have you received any calls like this in the past?” Graham asks, pacing along the windows in his massive office.

“No.”

I can tell he’s scrolling through my missed and recent calls anyway, but it doesn’t bother me.

“Okay,” he says softly.

“Was it Mark? He was calling me?”

Graham looks at Nic, and just like that a message was passed between them without a word spoken.

“Everything will be fine,” Nic says, trying to comfort me.

It’s not working for obvious reasons. For starters, the world could be burning to the ground, and I swear my brothers would have a positive way to spin it if just to attempt to keep me calm.

“I can’t be locked up again. I could barely take this last week.” My words come out frantically.

“It won’t be that bad,” Graham says. “Just go back to your apartment and wait until we tell you it’s safe again to resume normal responsibilities.”

“Okay,” I say, but only to keep them appeased.

There’s no way I’m staying inside anymore.

No. Way.

37

PENNY

I’m getting pretty good at escaping my fortress undetected. I simply needed to go to the lobby to check my mail and use the main floor’s bathroom. I waited until all of the workers were busy greeting the dinner crowd and slipped out the back exit without a fuss.

And my scheduled car was already idling as planned.

It was too easy, and it’s in that ease that guilt sets in.

I know Collins has some stress in his life, but he doesn’t need to worry over me.

I’m fine.

Plus, it’s Margo who wants me to keep making personal goals and working toward them. I’m doing exactly that tonight.

And tonight will be different. I’ll be better prepared, and I’m trying to channel my inner brave girl.

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