“Gloria’s here with me and Soph and Hannah,” Harper said into the phone. “We were just waiting on pizza, which has no bearing on the situation at all. I’m just nervous, and I’m going to shut up now.”

Gloria’s heart was hammering in her chest. Bile rose in her throat. No. No. No.

Harper hung up and stared at Gloria.

“What the hell is going on?” Sophie demanded.

“Glenn’s out. Ty thinks he might be heading to Gloria’s,” Harper said, worry tight in her voice.

“Oh my God,” Gloria whispered.

“It’s going to be fine,” Harper promised. “Ty is heading to your place now to check things out. The police know he’s missing. They’re looking for him. He’s not going to get to you. No one is going to let that happen.”

He was going to find her, and he was going to hurt her. She was putting her friends in danger just by being here.

“I think I’m going to text Aldo and let him know,” Gloria said, fighting through the panic.

“Good idea,” Sophie said, patting her on the hand.

She took her phone into the dining room and tried not to think about what could be lurking in the dark on the other side of those windows. She debated for a moment. This wasn’t anyone’s battle but her own. Not Harper’s. Not Aldo’s. But she didn’t have to do this alone anymore.

She dialed Aldo before she could change her mind.

“Hey, Glo.” His voice was warm, affectionate. “How’s girl’s night?”

“Glenn’s out, Aldo,” she said, happy that she kept the tremor out of her voice. “Ty called. They don’t know where he is.”

“I’m coming to you,” he said. No hesitation. No questioning her fear. Aldo would be there for her.

Hannah hustled into the dining room and started checking the windows. She could hear Harper on the phone telling Mrs. Agosta to keep the kids inside. They were all on the same page. Glenn was coming after her.

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” Gloria whispered.

“Honey, the only one getting hurt is him if he tries to get anywhere near you,” Aldo promised. She could hear his truck engine start.

Lola trotted into the room and leaned up against Gloria’s leg. She wasn’t alone, she realized. She wouldn’t have to face this alone anymore. One way or another, it would end tonight.

“It’s probably nothing. We’re probably overreacting,” Gloria told him. Hoped it would be true. But she felt it coming. Trouble.

“I’m on my way now. Keep the doors locked, okay, Glo? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Okay. I’m going to go tell the girls you’re coming.”