Red Thorns (Thorns Duet 1)

My heart thumps as I squint, but I still can’t make out any faces through their tinted window.

The memory of the two men from this morning rushes back in. I wish I’d memorized their plate so I’d know if it was the same people.

I step harder on the gas and speed around some other cars. But I don’t lose them.

In fact, they become more insistent about staying in the same lane as me, right behind me.

Oh, God.

They are after me.

My throat closes and my heart beats faster until all I can hear is a low buzzing. My fingers shake around the steering wheel and I keep attempting to escape them. I’m contemplating calling 911 as I’m nearing the exit that leads to my house, but they speed past me.

I release a long, tortured breath even as I watch my rearview mirror all the way home. I stop in our driveway and retrieve my phone. Despite everything that’s happened, the pieces of my broken heart jolt when I find several missed calls from Sebastian over the past couple of hours.

It’s useless to think of myself above this if my heart is yearning for a word from him.

Anything.

But I’m not that idiot. I never will be.

Ignoring his calls and also several from Lucy, I opt to turn off my phone. Just as I’m about to, my screen lights up with another one.

Kai.

After what he told me about the possibility of my father’s death, we’ve barely talked. I assumed he didn’t want to tell me more bad news.

In return, I didn’t push; therefore, I didn’t receive any further news.

Clearing my throat, I answer, “Hello.”

“Hey, Naomi.” His voice is light, not as serious as the last time.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Actually, I might have some good news for you.”

I perk up in my seat, my throat dry with the tangible taste of excitement. “What?”

&n

bsp; “I had a meeting with a few other people who were present the night that picture was taken. Apparently, your mother left the club with a different man than the one who owned the car we previously identified.”

“And…do you know who he is?”

“I’m getting there. Give me some time and I’ll be able to locate him.”

My chest feels lighter, even if all of this could be smoke and mirrors. After all, Kai could locate this man and find out he’s dead, too. Or maybe my father is, in fact, the man who already passed away and I’m just chasing an illusion.

But I don’t care.

As long as there’s hope to reunite with Dad, I’ll hold on to it with both hands.

“Thanks,” I murmur.

“Don’t thank me until I bring him to you. Or maybe I’ll take you to him if the circumstances allow for it.”

“That would be great.” I swallow as I stare through the rearview mirror to make sure no one is there. “Kai…”