Chapter 51:
Rita's was dark when we pulled up.
That was the first thing that felt wrong. Rita always left the porch light on. Always. Even when the diner was closed. Even when she was on vacation. She said it was for the girls who worked late, so they wouldn't have to walk up to a dark door.
The porch light was off.
Rook parked two streets over.
"Stay in the car until I come back," he said.
"Rook—"
"Ella." He turned around. "I'm not Kael. I'm not gonna stand here and argue with you for ten minutes. I'm gonna go check the diner. If it's clear, I'll come back and get you. If it's not, I'm gonna come back and get you and we're gonna leave."
I looked at him.
"Okay," I said.
"Okay?"
"Okay."
Rook got out.
Sierra leaned forward from the back seat.
"Are you scared?" she said.
"Yeah.
