He pulls his cell out of his pocket, typing faster than I’ve ever seen him, then he shows me his screen, and I read the headline of the news story.
Storm Pummels Sierra Foothills Area, Triggering Mudslide
My heart skips a beat, my pulse racing around my veins like wildfire.
“I tried calling her last night. She didn’t pick up.” She once told me that even if she was mad at me, she would pick up because she was an adult and she didn’t play emotional mind games. “Something’s happened to her.” I know it. A feeling in my gut I can’t explain.
“Try her again,” Cole instructs, taking control of the situation.
I jump to my feet, grab my phone off the nightstand next to Dad’s bed, and put my phone on speaker so Cole can hear, but the call goes straight to voicemail.
“Do you have a contact number for her mom and dad?” Cole asks, his voice strong and commanding.
“No, but her best friend Mistee will.”
“Call her. Now.” He points at my phone.
One call to Mistee, who confirms she can’t get through to her either, and I’m one step closer to Sapphire. Then I’m dialing the number she gave me, pacing back and forth, praying that Sapphire is mad at me and that’s why she didn’t answer her phone last night, and that nothing has happened to the woman I’ve given my whole damn heart to.
“Hello?” A woman’s voice answers.
I stop dead and clear my throat. “Hey, ma’am, you don’t know me but this is Eli Hart, Sapphire’s boyfriend.”
“Hey, Eli.” She sounds just like Sapphire, her tone bright and cheery.
I push my hand into my hair, trying to control my emotions and keep the franticness out of my voice. “I wondered if I could speak to Sapphire. I’ve tried her phone several times, and she’s not picking up.”
“She’s not here, dear.”
“What do you mean she’s not there?” I stop dead and pull at the ends of my hair frantically.
“As in, she didn’t turn up last night?”
“What? Not at all?”
“No, I thought she’d changed her mind because of the weather warning but she usually tells me if she’s not coming.”
Dread swirls deep in my stomach, gnawing at my guts, and I feel like I’m going to throw up. “I’ve just called Mistee; she borrowed her car and left yesterday.”
This is all my fault. I should have gone with her, or made her stay. Chased after her when she left my office. Begged her to stay, told her how sorry I am, that I didn’t mean what I said and that I love her.
“There have been aerial firefighters and helicopters flying above all morning.”
“Are you both safe?” I ask, concerned for Sapphire’s parents’ well-being.
“Yes. The mudslide was several miles away. It missed us completely.”
I hold my hand over my heart, relieved that they are untouched.
“Eli, where is Sapphire?” Sapphire’s mom goes quiet. “Where’s my Sapphy?”
I answer honestly. “I don’t know. But I’m going to find her.”
“We have to find my baby, Eli.” Her voice cracks.
“We’re going to. I promise. Do you have a car?”
“Yes.”