As for Claire, she paced the length of her living room, her bare feet making soft sounds against the hardwood floor. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her teeth worrying her bottom lip as she cast glances toward the front door. Derek had left hours ago, chasing after Emily, and she hadn’t heard a word since.
Her mind was a storm of thoughts. What was taking him so long? Did Emily believe him? Would he come back at all? She hated how desperate she felt, but she couldn’t stop herself. Every moment of silence felt like a dagger twisting in her chest.
Then, the doorbell rang.
Claire froze mid-step, her heart leaping into her throat. She hurried to the security monitor, her breath hitching when she saw Derek standing outside, his face shadowed by the porch light.
She yan
