“And?”
“I’m working on it. It’s set up well.”
“I expect an apology when you figure it out.”
There’s a loud huff through the line. “If you’re not calling to gloat, why are you calling? Two times in one day.”
The first time he didn’t answer, but…“Caroline’s here.”
“Scott? She’s where? Where are you?”
“In Colorado.”
“Ah. The place you built.”
“That you haven’t visited.”
“A bitch to get to. Besides, there was a time when you showed up on the reg at my doorstep. Funny how you haven’t shown up since the doorstep met its maker.”
“Over a week ago. I checked on you. My source said you’d gone off grid.”
“Yet you just called.”
“Habit. I called earlier, and you didn’t pick up. You’ve got to get off this. You seriously think I’d blow up your home? We shared a flat for years. You’re one of the few friends I have.”
I rub a hand over my face. I sound pathetic. But it’s the same for Nick. It’s rare we let someone in.
“You? Few friends? That, I believe.”
“Asshole.”
“Fair.”
“You believe me?”
“Not sure.” He sniffs, and if he could see me, I’d flip him off. “So, Scott’s at your place. How is she?”
“I’m not sure.”
“But she’s there?”
“Yep.” I step up to the window, peering over at the section of the house I left her in. From this angle, I can’t see much of the house. Definitely can’t see the guest room.
“And you’re on the line with me?”
I grunt.
“What was that?”
“I have work to do.”
“Clearly.”
“Fuck you.”
He chuckles. Because, of course, he does. “When was the last time you saw her?”
I get monthly reports, and sometimes they include photos and videos. But in person… “Six years ago.”