“Sounds like a solid plan to me. Dude, I cannot believe we only have one more year of college,” I shouted over the song I had just turned back up.
“No doubt! I’m glad this year is over. Man, this past year kicked my ass,” Gunner said.
My phone vibrated on the console. Glancing down, I saw it was Ellie. My heart dropped since I knew she was in school and there would be no reason for her to be trying to reach me. Unless she was dismissed early.
I reached over and turned the music down. “I’m getting a text from Ellie. That’s weird.”
After pulling into a gas station, I read the text.
Ellie: I really need you to come and pick me up. Please.
Fuck. Something was wrong if she was asking me to come pick her up.
“Shit, we need to swing by and pick up Ellie. Something must be wrong if she wants to leave school early,” I said, making a U-turn.
Gunner let out a fake girly gasp. “Holy shit. You’re actually going to allow me to meet your baby sister? Let me write this down. I get to meet the ever-baby sister of Jefferson Johnson.”
Reaching over, I punched Gunner on the arm as I let out a laugh. “Shut the fuck up, douchebag! Hey, I’m sorry, I know you wanted to stop by McBride’s and look at that gun.”
With a shrug, he replied, “No worries. I can take a look at it later today or tomorrow. What do you think is going on? I mean, she never asks you to pick her up early.”
Concern coursed through my veins. “I don’t know. She seemed happy the other day knowing everything was set for her scholarship and she’d be heading to UT this fall. Ellie’s worked her ass off in school. I’m really proud of her.”
My mind started racing with different reasons why she wanted to leave school early and not finish out her last day.
“I’m sure she has, Jeff. It’s probably nothing. Did she get a full ride?”
“No. The money from our grandmother’s estate should help cover the additional costs that her scholarship won’t. I had it invested, and it’s done really well.”
Glancing at my speed, I pushed on the gas a little more and picked it up. “Hey, do me a favor and send her a text from my phone giving her an ETA of five minutes, will ya?”
Gunner picked up my phone and cleared his throat. With a quick glance his way, I swear I saw his hands shaking.
Strange. What’s wrong with him?
Fifteen minutes later we were still sitting in the parking lot. Ellie hadn’t answered any of the texts I had sent her.
“Shit. I have a bad feeling.” I strained my neck to look toward the side entrance. “Come on. Let’s just go in and see what’s taking her so long.”
Gunner followed me toward the entrance. “Do you think this is a good idea, going into a high school, Jeff? I mean, don’t you have to do the whole check-in process so you don’t freak people out?”
Gunner was practically jogging next to me to keep up.
“Nah, I know where her locker is. They never lock this side door. I use it sometimes to bring Ellie stuff to eat during her off period.”
We walked in, and kids were everywhere.
Jesus, I don’t miss these days.
As we started walking, I looked to see if Ellie was at her locker, and I quickly spotted her. She looked upset. Really upset.
“What the fuck?” I whispered, taking off toward her.
Once I reached her, I said, “Ellie, what in the hell is going on? I got your text, honey.” When she turned, I heard Gunner inhale a deep breath next to me. I didn’t have time to shoot him a warning look. The one that said remember she’s my sister before you start drooling all over yourself. My eyes landed on hers, and I knew in an instant she had been crying. Glancing down, I saw she was holding on to her hand, and it looked red.
I was going to kill that motherfucker.
“Ryan,” I growled.