Page 41 of Two Hearts Reunited

A minute later he was back with his beer and a wine cooler for her. “Before I listen to the message, why don’t you drink this?”

She nodded. “I think I will.”

“Where do you sleep?” he asked, sitting beside her on the couch.

“Here. It’s a sleeper sofa,” she said.

He wrapped his arm around her. “You’re still looking kind of stunned.”

“I might just as well play the message for you. It’s actually…well, I’ll let you listen. I’ve already transferred a copy to my computer and phone.”

She pulled out her phone, playing the message aloud.

Now, it was Eric’s turn to look stunned.

“You still didn’t really believe me, did you?” she growled.

“It’s not that,” he replied, appearing to choose his words carefully. “Jake has mentioned to Brian that the traffickers have always resurfaced here in town, which could put you in danger. I was worried that someone could be playing some kind of sick game with you. Maybe someone who knew you were still looking into her disappearance.” He huffed out a breath. “But that sounds like Shanna alright. The message isn’t rehearsed or contrived.”

“So that leaves another big question. If she’s a captive, how was she able to leave me a message?”

“It’s been ten years,” he said. “Her circumstances might have earned her a certain level of trust. Maybe she’s being threatened in some other way. Maybe she’s protectingyou.”

Couldthatbe it?

A thought suddenly came to mind, and she stood, pacing the floor back and forth into the kitchen.

“Anya?” Eric looked concerned. “What’s going on in your head?”

She halted, meeting his gaze. “I’m thinking about my mom’s death. I didn’t have an autopsy done, because a series of heart attacks made sense when I talked with her doctor. But she’dbeen acting out of character for a while, and from what I was told, she wasn’t on any kind of medication.”

Eric grimaced. “I wish I could say that you’re definitely wrong. You probably knew her better than anyone at the end.”

She bit on her lip. “Do you think I should call Jake Loughlin?”

“It’s Christmas night and another few hours isn’t going to make a difference one way or another. They might even be able to track where that phone call came from since you have the date and the time recorded on the phone. You said he gave you his number at the auction the other day. Why don’t you send him a text, so he won’t be surprised by anything we have to say in the morning?”

“Yes—let’s,” she replied, picking up her phone and writing a short message, explaining the situation.

Jake Loughlin texted back right away.‘Are you alright, Anya?”

She answered,‘Yes. I have a friend here with me. Would you like me to forward the message?’

‘That would be great,’Jake replied.

She forwarded the message.

‘Got it. Hold on,’ Jake wrote.

A minute later, he was back.‘No wonder you’re shocked. Can I talk with you earlier in the morning —maybe eight instead of ten?’

‘Sure. I don’t work until two.’

‘See you then. I’m glad you have someone with you. We should talk security while I’m there. No arguments, please.’

‘Okay. See you at eight,’she wrote, grimacing.

“What?” Eric asked, obviously reading her expression.

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