Page 69 of Finding a Melody
“Cadence? What’s wrong?” Paxon asked, voice hard. “I’m coming back.”
“No, I’m fine.” I took in a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. “Just... learned some weird news.”
“What news? Why are you so upset?”
“I’m not.”
“You are. You sound terrible.”
“Geeze, thanks.” I tried to laugh it up, but it fell horribly flat.
“What’s going on?”
I shook my head. I couldn’t. I just couldn’t get the words out.
“I don’t want to talk about it right now.”
“Are you in danger?”
“No.” I sighed and closed my eyes. “Not at all. I’m just dealing with some emotions. I’m fine. I promise. Are you home with Calvin yet?”
“Cadence...”
“Stop worrying. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, I promise. I just need to deal with some news right now, that’s all. I promise. There’s no danger, I just can’t talk about it right now.”
Paxon was quiet for a few long heartbeats.
“Paxon?”
“I’m still here. I’m coming back.”
“No, you’re not.”
“Too late, I’m already turning around.”
“You need to go home. You’ll piss off your dad.”
“That’s for me to worry about, not you. You aren’t in the mindset to be alone right now. I don’t know what is going on, and I won’t pry. But you need someone with you. Seth had to deal with something today and won’t be back until later, and I don’t believe you’ll go over there after he returns. So I’m coming over.” As he talked, he grew more frustrated. I almost worried he’d be too worked up to even drive.
“Go home, Paxon.”
“No.”
I sighed and hung up on him, hoping he’d take the hint to not show up. Something told me that wasn’t going to be the case.
As I stomped down to the kitchen, I checked my phone and realized I hadn’t read one of the messages. Mr. Davies finally got back to me.
Davies: Name of the detective you’re working with and your home address. I’ll stop by later this week with updates.
That was such a straightforward text message. I kept the tone the same as I sent him the details he wanted. I was just about to make some tea when someone knocked on my door. After peeking out the window just to make sure it really was Paxon out there, I opened the door and glared at him.
“You’re supposed to be home. Isn’t your brother waiting for you?”
“My dad’s home for the day; he’ll be fine.”
“Won’t your dad be pissed if you get home late.”
Paxon shrugged. “Let me handle that. Can I come in now? Or are you making me stay on the porch?”