And he had been in a bad way when he left.
Worry clenched at me. I sucked in a breath and left the bedroom. I went back outside to my car and brought in my things. It took me two trips, but I got it all, including the box that I had put all of Gina’s files in. Then I let Lucy back in and gave her some loving pets on her soft head. “I guess it’s just you and me tonight, girl.”
She followed at my heels as I took my things to the guest room where I had been staying before. My file cabinet still sat there, undisturbed. Well, of course. I hadn’t yet been gone twelve hours.
Where was Jonah? Why hadn’t he come home?
I thought about calling him. Would he answer? I wasn’t sure. After all, he didn’t know where I was. He thought I had left.
Boy, did I have a lot to tell him. And to tell Talon.
“Oh, for God’s sake, Melanie,” I said aloud. “Just call him. You’ll drive yourself crazy if you don’t.”
My cell phone was nearly dead, so I hooked it up to the charger and hit Jonah’s number.
“Hey,” he said softly when he answered.
“Hey. Where are you?” I asked.
“I could ask you the same thing. You’re supposed to be at Talon’s.”
“How do you know I’m not?”
“Because I’m at Talon’s.”
Relief swept through me. Jonah was all right. He hadn’t gone running off to the BDSM club or into the arms of some other woman. I hadn’t realized how tightly I was strung until my muscles relaxed.
“Thank God.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I’ve been worried about you, Jonah.”
He paused a moment. Then, “Where are you, Melanie?”
“I’m home.”
“Your loft? I thought that was still a crime scene. And I thought you said you couldn’t stay there any longer.”
I cleared my throat gently. “I got a call from the insurance guy earlier today. The police have wrapped up their work, so I can come and go as I please.”
“Are you sure you’re safe there?”
“I’m perfectly safe where I am.” And I was amazed that I actually believed what I was saying. I was safe at Jonah’s place, even if he wasn’t there. I had done what I had set out to do. I had taken myself back. I was no longer going to let the fear of being abducted again rule me.
“I want you to leave there, Melanie. Come here to Talon’s. I need to know you’re safe.”
“Like I said, I’m perfectly safe where I am.”
“Fine. Don’t move. I’m coming to get you.”
“You don’t have to. I told you. I’m home.” I smiled, knowing full well he couldn’t see me. “Our home.”
Silence again.
“Jonah?”
“You… You didn’t leave?”