***
We landed in a city of strangers, spring wind cold and biting. Mike rented a car, fingers drumming the wheel the whole drive.
“We should call the police, you know. Just in case.”
“If I’m wrong, I’ll live with that,” I said. “But if I’m right… I’m not risking losing him again because I waited for someone else to tell me what to do.”
As we neared the address, my stomach twisted. The houses were neat and ordinary; lawns freshly mowed, flags hanging proudly.
Mike parked outside a faded blue door. I stared at it, heart pounding.
“We should call the police.”
“I’ll wait here if you want,” Mike offered, voice trembling.
I shook my head. “No. I want you with me.”
We walked to the door together. I knocked, three short raps. Just like Bill used to do when he forgot his keys.
The door swung open.
A young man, tall, green-eyed, and familiar, stood in the frame. He looked at us, wary.
“Can I help you?”
Up close, the resemblance was so strong I felt dizzy. I wanted to hug him, but my hands stayed clenched around Bill’s shirt.
“No. I want you with me.”
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