Page 16 of Resolutions

I don't understand. The words keep circling in my head as I stare at the letter in my hand. None of this makes sense. Melanie loved her dress. The setup for her mom and aunt was ready. She loves me. Why would she run?

All the girls, including the makeup artist and hairdresser, said she was on a call with her mom and aunt, but that was a lie. I called them myself, they haven't heard from her since yesterday. Now her aunt's as worried as we are.

An imposing man with dagger tattoos delivered a box and wouldn’t let anyone know who or what it was. The ladies said he stressed it was for Melanie’s eyes only. Who is this man?

This letter... I smooth the crumpled paper again, though I've memorized every word. She doesn't love me? When did that happen? How did I miss something so fundamental? The words are cold and calculating, not at all like Melanie. I don't understand.

“Any contact?” Dad's voice pulls me from my thoughts as he re-enters the room, Mom right behind him. Her eyes are red-rimmed from crying.

“The guests who stayed are eating,” Mom says quietly. “We thought we should, since the caterer's already been paid.”

“Fine, whatever.” I'm still in my tux, sitting on the floor with my arms draped over my knees. The letter trembles slightly in my hand.

“Cameron.” Dad's voice holds that careful tone he uses with frightened patients. “I know I asked before, but have you thought of any reason? Anything at all? Are you sure you two didn't have a fight?”

“No. No fight.” My voice cracks. “I thought she loved me. Thought she loved all of us.”

“She does love you. She loves this family.” Mom's conviction rings through her tears. “Your brothers are at her apartment. Maybe they'll find something to explain this.”

“I hope they find her passed out on the floor.” The words taste bitter. “At least then we'd know what happened.”

“Honey, what she said on the phone...” Mom exchanges a look with Dad. “We think we should call Tobias.”

“What's the Sheriff going to do? She's an adult. He won't do anything.”

“He will,” Dad's hand lands on my shoulder. “You heard her mention 'he', Cameron, I think something's happened to her.”

His words threaten to make me physically ill. Deep down I know he's right; I know this isn't like her. But then on the phone, why didn't she tell me what was going on? Even give me a hint?

“This isn't like her at all, I'm frightened,” Mom said, “which is exactly why I'm calling Tobias.” She marched to the corner and grabbed her purse.

“Your mother's right.” Dad squeezes my shoulder. “Time to bring in help.”

Mom's already dialing. “Tobias? Evelyn Whitaker. We need you... No, it's Melanie. She's disappeared... Yes, before the ceremony. No one saw her leave. Cameron spoke to her once - she was frightened, mentioned a man... Tobias, this isn't like her. You know Melanie...”

The door opens and my brothers enter with Michael. Their faces tell me they found nothing. All three glance at me then back to Dad.

“It looked ransacked,” Carson reports. “Drawers open, desk a mess.”

“Moses wasn't there,” Colton finishes grimly. “She must have taken him, there was a can of food on the counter.”

“Do you think she was on her own?” I ask, afraid of the answer.

“Tobias is in the area,” Mom announces. “He wants us to wait here.”

“You called the police?” Michael asks in a voice that holds an edge.

No doubt my best friend is thinking the same thing I'm clinging to. That Melanie left of her own free will. I can deal with that, reason with her, get her back. I don't know what to do if the real answer is that someone took her. Who would do that?

“Of course I called Tobias,” Mom draws herself up. “Melanie wouldn't just vanish. From that phone call, she's in trouble.”

“She left a note saying she doesn't love Cameron.” Michael shrugs. “Seems pretty clear.”

“Where have you been their entire relationship? It's not clear at all.” Mom's eyes flash. “What if someone forced her to write it? What if she's in danger? These things happen and time is of the essence.”

“I just meant...” Michael backs down from Mom's glare. “Of course, we all want her safe.”

A sharp knock interrupts. The door opens to reveal the well-loved Sheriff Tobias Trenton, radiating authority. His six-foot-three stance along with sharp features and impressive muscles only add to his presence. The salt and pepper colors on the sides of his black hair hint at his experiences. Sheriff Trenton's military bearing shows in his precise movements as he surveys the room.

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