Page 16 of A Love Bite

Lila and I keep the bar running smoothly, even as the rumors and whispers continue to circulate. And in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think about Alex and hope that she’s safe, wherever she is.

14

Alex

The moment Opal yawns,I know it’s time to get her home. She’s had a rough day, and even though The Blue Lantern has been a great distraction, she needs to rest. I catch Kathy’s eye, who nods, and I stand.

“Come on, Opal,” I say gently, taking her arm. “Let’s get you home.”

Opal nods, looking a bit sheepish but relieved. “Thanks, Alex. I think I could use some sleep.”

“I got this,” Kathy says, handling the bill, and I take care of the tip. Opal doesn’t need to worry about a thing.

We step out into the cool night air. Kathy drove, so we pile into her car even though Opal’s apartment isn’t a far walk from here. The streets are quieter now, the hustle and bustle of the city winding down. I sit in the back with Opal, keeping a protective arm around her, my eyes scanning our surroundings out of habit.

“You okay?” I ask her softly.

Opal nods, her steps slow and deliberate. “Yeah, just really tired, but I’m glad we went to the bar. It helped take my mind off things.”

“I’m glad too,” I reply. “Jake was really sweet, wasn’t he?”

Opal chuckles lightly. “Yeah, he was. You two seemed to hit it off.”

“Right?” Kathy calls from the front.

I burst out laughing. “You didn’t even know?—”

“You talked about him a lot,” she says.

Did I?

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks but choose not to delve into that right now. “Let’s focus on getting you home safe.”

Soon, Kathy, Opal, and I reach her apartment building. The other two head to the front door, but I hang back.

“I’m going to call the police to let them know you’re all right,” I say. The officers who took our report earlier need to know that she’s safe. “I’ll be right up.”

Opal smiles gratefully. “Thank you.”

They head up, and I call the police. The dispatcher answers quickly.

“Hi, this is Alex calling about Opal Zall. We’ve found her, and she’s safe. She’s been through a lot and needs to rest, but she’ll come to the station in the morning to talk to you.”

The dispatcher thanks me and assures me that he’ll update the officers on the case. I hang up and head up to Opal’s apartment. She looks a bit anxious.

“What did they say?” she asks, her voice soft.

“They’re glad you’re safe,” I reply, giving her a reassuring smile. “They want to speak with you in the morning.”

“Thank you. I… I don’t want to have to talk about it again right now.”

“Of course not. You need to sleep.”

Opal nods, relief washing over her face. “Thanks, Alex.”

I hug her tight. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you’re safe. Get some rest, okay?”

She nods.