Fear

Skylar sat at her kitchen table, staring blankly at her phone. It had been two weeks since Jason vanished. The police had scoured his properties, interviewed his parents, and even tracked his known associates. Yet, there was no trace of him. This brought her a mix of relief and dread. The idea of him not lurking around any corner was comforting, but not knowing where he was made her anxious.

The shrill ring of her phone interrupted her thoughts. She picked it up, her heart pounding when she saw the name on the screen. It was Pietro.

“Hey,” she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Hey, love. Any news?” Pietro’s voice was a soothing balm, yet laced with the same worry she felt.

“Nothing,” she sighed. “The police are still looking, but it’s like he vanished into thin air.”

“Just stay alert, okay? I’ll be there soon. We’ll get through this together.”

“I know, Pietro. It’s just… I keep thinking about the kids. Emilio had to leave urgently for some meeting with a client in Lond