Inseparable

“You look tired.” Abby smiled at me. I was relieved to see her. I really needed her advice on what to do next, with finding Steffy and supporting Dane. I needed my sister’s advice.

“I am tired, Abs. What do we do?” I asked helplessly.

“It will all work out, you will see. You’re so close now, just go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right then listen.” Her tone made me shiver. There was something in her voice, almost as if she were warning me.

“And Dane?” I asked softly. “How can I support him if he keeps pushing me away?”

“He’s not pushing you away, Lil. He’s tired, that’s all. You can imagine how hard all this must be on him.” She added. Abby lay down on the bed beside me, her hands brushing over my hair. Though I couldn’t feel her touch, I could feel her presence, and it was comforting.

“Lil? Are you still awake?”

My eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness, and to process the familiar voice.

Kella.

“Yeah, I’m coming.” I said, yawning. What time was it? I felt my way to the door, using the tiny crack of light peeking through the bottom as my guide. Tripping over what I think was a shoe, I cursed.

Kella and Fraser both stood in the hallway. I moved to let them in, turning on the light in the process. The brightness stung my eyes.

“We got your message.” Kella said. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. Dane is asleep. I don’t know how he is coping, but I’m okay. What time is it?” I asked.

“It’s nearly one in the morning.” Fraser replied sheepishly, sitting on the sofa with Kella, while I sat in the arm chair. “So, Reece came through?”

“He did.” I began, filling them in on what had happened. “So now we have a website, a number, and no freaking idea what to do next.” I shrugged helplessly.

“I know you’re reluctant to call the police-.”

“Eva said calling the police would not be a good move, and as crazy as it sounds, I believe her. And what the hell am I supposed to tell the police about Abby?” I said, cutting Fraser off mid-sentence.

“Let me finish.” Fraser said, shaking his head. “I know you’re reluctant to call the police, but I know a guy.” He paused and raised his eyebrows at me as I groaned. Another guy? “Aaron is a family friend, who works for the fraud department of the FBI. He’s a good guy.” He finished.

“Fraud?” I repeated. What the hell does any of this have to do with fraud?

“Well, I’m sorry I don’t know anyone in the ‘Special Victims Unit’.” He huffed, annoyed at my reaction. “He is in the FBI. It’s better than nothing.”

He had a point. “Fine.” I sighed. “I suppose there’s no other option right now, is there?”

The next afternoon, we all sat in Fraser and Kella’s room waiting for Aaron to arrive. Dane was looking good. He looked refreshed, as though he’d had a decent sleep. Catching my eyes, he smiled at me. My heartbeat fastened. Even with all this, his smile still sent me into a spin.

Fraser stood to answer the knock on the door.

“Hey man, thanks for coming.” Fraser gripped Aarons hand firmly. He had already filled Aaron in on the basic story.

“Anytime, Frase.” Aaron replied. I immediately like him. He was genuine, polite, and he looked like he wanted to help, the complete opposite to Reece. “Hello guys.” He nodded to us, smiling.

“Aaron, this is Kella, my girlfriend, Lily, her best friend, and Lily’s boyfriend Dane.” Fraser announced. Once all the formalities and small talk was out of the way, we sat down.

“Okay, Dane.” He began, laptop poised. “Explain as much as you know about Steffy’s disappearance.”

Dane ran through everything systematically, so as not to miss anything. He included our visit to Cole, Eva, and what Reece had found.

“Good, that’s great.” Aaron began. He then turned to me. “Lily, Fraser said you were the one who was alerted to the possibility of Steffy being alive?”

“Yes. My, uh, sister, who died last year. I still see her in dreams. Only their not dreams…” My voice trailed off as I felt everyone’s eyes on me, burning through me. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to continue. “Abby told me that Steffy was still alive. She also gave me Eva’s name, and where to find her.” I waited to see Aaron’s reaction. He was nodding, and tapping into his keyboard. I saw no judgment, or amusement in his expression. The pounding in my chest began to subside as I breathed out.

Aaron hesitated. “I’m not here to judge you, Lily. I’ve never had a twin, so I don’t really think I’m even in the position to have an opinion on your situation, much less comment.” He said to me. Smiling, I nodded, appreciating his honesty.