Page 63 of The Edge of Summer
Jodi snorts. “Never.”
We hang up, and then I finally exit my truck. When I woke up this morning, I realized how painfully empty my fridge was. Luckily, Mom is always willing to feed me, so I stopped by Haven House for breakfast.
Breakfast turned into helping Dad tackle the perpetual to-do list Mom keeps. Between hanging shelves, fixing doors and breaking for lunch, I checked in with Jodi more times than was reasonable. In her opinion. Now it’s late afternoon and I’m finally getting around to the grocery shopping I made a list for about ten hours ago.
When I step through the doors of Sunnyside Market, I’m greeted with a wall of tourists. Judging by the time, the ferry must have just let out, and weekenders have begun to spill onto our little island paradise. I try not to scowl as I grab my basket and maneuver around people that are paying no attention to their surroundings. Tourism is undoubtedly a big part of what keeps Kip Island’s economy going, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
“You’re not going to doanything?” a woman cries. The slightly shrill tone of the voice doesn’t disguise who it belongs to. I round the corner of an aisle, spotting Gordon in yet another face-off with Delilah. This time, Sophia is nowhere insight.
Gordon sniffs. “I’m not sure what you would have me do.”
“Have a little compassion, for starters,” she replies.
The last time Delilah sparred with him, she was pure fire. Today, she’s teetering on the edge of desperation. Something isn’t right.
“What’s going on?” My voice is clipped as I insert myself yet again. But I can’t bring myself to care. Especially when Delilah’s gaze meets mine, and I stop cold. Her eyes almost cut me down where I stand, the way they bleed with anguish.
“I can’t find Sophia,” she says, voice wavering. “She’s gone.”
I take a step closer. “What do you mean,she’s gone?”
“I— I turned around for one second, and now she’s gone. I’ve looked all over the store. Twice.” She shakes her head as she covers her face with her hands. “Oh, God, this can’t be happening. This is all my fault.”
I drop my basket to the floor and take hold of Delilah’s shoulders. I give them a firm, reassuring squeeze. Her body leans toward me, seeking comfort. I gladly give it to her. “Hey,” I say softly, “none of that. Let’s just focus on finding her, yeah? Do you remember what she’s wearing?” I keep my voice calm and steady. The last thing we need is Delilah spiralling when she holds important information.
Delilah exhales a shaky breath. “A pink sundress. She wanted to match her Barbie. And these cute pink jelly sandals.” She tries to smile. “She loves pink.”
“Do you have a paging system?” I ask Gordon. “Can you get a description to your employees so they can start looking?”
Ever since I put him in his place after the banana incident, I’ve been on Gordon’s shit list. When he doesn’t answer immediately, I level him with a hard look. He then stutters, “W-we have walkie talkies.”
“Great,” I grit out. “Tell them to look for a five-year-old girl with long blonde hair, wearing a pink dress and pink sandals. And don’t let anyone leave the damn building.”
Gordon begins to march toward the front doors, a walkie talkie pressed close to his mouth.
“What should I do?” Delilah asks.
She looks so small right now—so unmoored. I have the strongest urge to wrap her up in my arms, but I can’t do that. For too many reasons to name. “Stay here in case Soph comes looking for you,” I reply. “I’ll help search.”
She nods as worry clouds her gaze. I survey the building, noting that Gordon actually followed through—all employees have seemingly dropped what they were working on and have started walking the store. I join them, looking under displays and on shelving Sophia could have easily climbed on.
I try not to think of the worst case scenario—that one of those tourists decided to grab Sophia and make a run for it. I try to erect my professional detachment. But I fail miserably. Thinking of what I’ll say to Delilah if we can’t find her sister makes me feel sick. It brings back unwanted memories of Kristina and Abbie and the night that changed everything.
After a few minutes, I come up to an employee-only area. Ignoring the sign, I swing through the door. There are coat racks and small lockers, a few tables and chairs, and a small kitchen setup. Beyond this is a manager’s office.
“Sophia?” I call.
I sweep the break room, but I come up empty. Then I move toward the office. The door is ajar, so I tentatively push it all the way open. I glance around, noting that nothing seems to be out of place. Until I notice the pink jelly sandal peeking out from underneath the desk.
I crouch, ducking my head. Sophia is curled into a tight ball under the table, looking terrified. Her eyes are closed, but I can tell she has been crying. The sight nearly breaks me.
“Soph,” I say gently.
She startles at my voice, her eyes flying open. When she recognizes me, she relaxes somewhat. “Luke?” she whispers.
I offer her a reassuring smile. “Hey, kid. Your sister has been worried about you. Come on out and I’ll take you to her.”
Sophia nods and scrambles out of her hiding spot. She covers her face with her curtain of blonde hair, but she loops her arms around my neck, clinging to me. I wrap an arm under her and stand, carrying her out of the office.
