I pushed to my feet, dumping my coffee in the sink. I needed to grab my phone and keys. Hell, it was something bad. E and I had become each other’s port in the storm years ago, sharing all the things we didn’t let anyone else in on. But I had started to let others in. Brody, my friends. I had a whole host of support now. I wasn’t sure that was the case for E. I might be the only one she trusted.

Evergreenl3: Thank you for always being there for me.

Phoenix26: Always.

I hurried to find a piece of paper and pen. I scrawled a quick note to Brody, telling him I’d gone to pick up E at the docks on Anchor and would be back soon. He’d be pissed I hadn’t woken him, but I knew Brody wouldn’t be crazy about me going into town alone. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. I needed some time with E alone before I had her meeting a total stranger when she was obviously going through something.

I stuck the note next to the coffee maker where he’d surely see it and headed for the front door. I moved as quickly as possible down the trail, trying not to trip over any roots or rocks. As soon as I reached the dock, I realized my error. There was no way for me to get to the boat without signaling the alert linked to Brody’s phone.

I muttered a curse but hurried to the boat anyway. I’d just have to move quickly. I untied the ropes and jumped aboard. I started up the engine and pushed away from the dock. Hopefully, Brody wouldn’t be too mad.

I guided the Whaler away from Harbor and towards open water and Anchor. Picking up speed, I maneuvered the boat through familiar channels. Wind whipped my hair around my face and roared in my ears. The smell of the sea didn’t calm me like it usually did. I was too worried about E and nervous about how pissed Brody would be.

I didn’t hear a thing. Not until cool metal pushed against my lower back.

“Keep driving. Look straight ahead. Don’t move a muscle.”

Everything in me froze. My muscles stringing so tight they should’ve snapped. “W-w-what?”

“Keep driving.”

The voice was so familiar. I reached deep into my mind, trying to place it. But before I could, something sharp pricked my neck. I tried to bat it away, losing my hold on the steering wheel. I should’ve gone for the radio instead, tried to get off a distress call. But strong arms wrapped around me, halting my movements.

In seconds, I felt sluggish as if each of my limbs weighed one hundred pounds. “No…Brody…”