So, with two missing people, Tucker started digging deeper into Carly’s account this evening hoping to find some kind of lead. That’s when he noticed a ping on her profile from someone who recently signed up for the app. And when he dug into who it was, he found that the new person was Willow, and of course the woman used her real name along with her photo, so they were easily able to verify it was her. And since he was at home with Naomie when he called to inform Miles of the situation she overheard and was all too happy to share that news with me this evening.

“Like I said earlier, unlike what my wife said,” Tucker spits out the word wife like it taste bad, “we never said we weren’t going to tell you about her being on the app. We were waiting to do it face-to-face so we could reassure you that you have nothing to worry about.”

“What she’s doing is harmless,” Miles adds, then lifts his hands in front of him when my eyes narrow. “I get why you’re pissed, but she’s only been looking through the photos of men named Matthew on the site. She hasn’t made contact with any of them.” His tone softens. “She wanted to help, and if by chance she had come across Matthew’s photo twenty-four hours ago she would have been.”

In my gut, I know he’s right, just like I know Willow was telling the truth, that if she did come across Matthew, she would have given that information over to Tucker and Miles and probably her dad. Still, the idea of her being in danger of any kind is something I can’t even stomach. Tonight, when we were on the phone and she screamed, I thought my world was coming to an end. I swear I actually saw the life I could have had slip right through my fingers.

“Just talk to her,” Tucker says.

My jaw clenches.

“She’ll understand why you were pissed,” Miles assures.

I almost laugh. Before I locked her in my room, she might have been willing to hear me out. Now I’ll be lucky if she hasn’t created some kind of weapon to kill me with as soon as I open the door.

“Do you want us to come with you? We can explain what we know about Matthew and assure her that we are looking for him.

“No, stay here. I’d rather not spend the rest of the night in jail.”

“Why would you be going to jail?” Tucker asks, going on alert.

“She tried to leave me.”

“And?” Miles asks, staring me down.

“I locked her in my room.”

“Jesus, Clay,” Tucker bites out.

I shrug. “It seemed like the best place to keep her safe while I dealt with the two of you.”

“You’ve lost your mind.” Miles shakes his head, then his expression becomes serious. “She’s changed you.”

“She has.” I don’t bother trying to deny it.