Page 14 of Her Remarkable Protector

“Same,” I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. “Which means Mira might actually be telling the truth.”

Ethan frowns. “So, what now?”

“We talk to the people who really know Oakley outside the Circle. Someone who might’ve seen or heard something but doesn’t realize how important it is.”

Ethan raises a brow. “You mean his friends?”

“Exactly,” I say

Pride smears his face, swiveling his laptop toward me. “I’ve been scrolling through his social media. He doesn’t post much, but his friends do. One name keeps popping up—Gavin Meyer. Seems like they’re close. Photos, tags, comments—it’s all there. If anyone knows what’s really going on with Oakley, it’s him.”

I nod. “Gavin. Got it. You know where he is?”

“Yeah, looks like he checked in at a local skate park yesterday. We’ll start there.”

We head out, the afternoon sun beating down as we drive to the skate park. It’s a typical teenage hangout—ramps, graffiti, and a handful of kids scattered around. I spot Gavin almost immediately. He’s lanky, with a mop of messy blond hair, and he’s trying (and failing) to land a trick on his board.

Ethan nudges me. “That him?”

“Yep,” I say, stepping out of the car.

We approach, and Gavin notices us before we even reach him. His eyes narrow as he tucks his board under his arm.

“You Gavin Meyer?” I ask.

“Depends,” he says, his tone cautious.

“I’m Chase Samson. This is Ethan Connor. We’re looking for your friend Oakley Stone.”

Gavin’s posture stiffens, and he glances around, like he’s weighing his options. “Why? What’s going on?”

“We’re trying to help,” I say evenly. “Oakley might be in trouble, and we need to know if you’ve seen or heard from him recently.”

Gavin shifts uncomfortably, his eyes darting to Ethan and then back to me. “I don’t know, man. I haven’t seen him.”

Ethan steps in, his tone subdued but firm. “Look, Gavin, we’re not here to get anyone in trouble. We just want to make sure Oakley’s safe. If you know anything—anything at all—it could really help.”

Gavin hesitates, his fingers gripping the edge of his skateboard tighter. “He said he couldn’t stay home anymore. Something about his dad flipping out on him.”

“When was this?” Ethan asks.

“Couple weeks ago, maybe,” Gavin says, shrugging like it’s no big deal. “He didn’t drop the deets on where he was going, just that he had to ‘get away.’ You know, like... living off the land or whatever. Probably on some island if you ask me.”

“Island?” I arch a brow. “What makes you think that?”

Gavin hops onto his board, rolling it back and forth under his sneakers like he’s testing the pavement. “Dunno, maybe it was the way he said it. Or how he went all survivor mode when he was talking about, like, fishing and building huts or some crap like that. Sounded very island vibes, ya know?”

“Did he mention anyone he might’ve gone with?” Ethan asks.

Gavin shakes his head. “No.”

I pull out a photo of Honor Deveraux and hold it up for him. “Have you seen this woman?”

Gavin studies the picture. “Nope. But she’s pretty.”

Ethan and I exchange a quick glance. I believe him—he doesn’t seem to know her.

“Thanks, Gavin,” I say, fishing a card from my pocket and handing it over. “If you hear from him or remember anything else, call me.”

---