Never Hide Again

Chapter 31

5 Years ago—27 Years old

Once again, I've left my phone in the car while working, and I just missed Will's call. I'm supposed to be off today at the department store, but someone called in sick. All I want is to be home. There's a thirty-minute drive to our new house in Chaplin, and I need to finish painting our mudroom. Peach pink. According to Will, it’s too elegant for a room made for catching dirt, but I don’t care.

The motor revs as I turn the key and check the voicemail. It’s unusual for him. He usually hangs up, then calls back.

I bring the phone to my ear. There's a heavy note of silence, one that makes me wonder if he forgot to hang up after calling, but at last, Will speaks.

“Vivian.”

My head jerks back at the odd sound in Will's voice. It's quiet, shaky, and unnatural. I don't like it, or the uneasy stillness it causes in me.

“Viv.” My name is barely audible. “Don’t come home.”

My breath elevates. My chest tightens. Something’s wrong. Very wrong.

“Go where no one knows to find you. Don’t come here.”

Sickness plummets in my stomach. My chest heaves with a gasp as what feel like icy pins tsunami over my skin. I clench the wheel tight, nails bearing into the plastic as his voice finds strength, and he continues.

“Remove your sim card and dump your phone in the water. Treat your cell like it’s a burner phone.”

I start to tremble. Uncontrollably so.

“I love you, baby. I’ll always love you. I–I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you last year.”

Hot tears stream down my cheeks now, releasing with each blink.

“I … AHHHH!”

I whimper.

There’s a thunk.

Another scream.

I hear the name Lonnie.

Another scream.

Then there’s silence.