FOUR
952 Words
Keenan
I burst into our penthouse apartment, slamming the door behind me while draping my suit jacket on the back of the couch. The deafening silence was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. Where was Isla?
My emergency meeting had spilled into a second one, then a third, and I'd lost track of time. It was past midnight already and I was exhausted.
I dropped my briefcase on the floor and loosened my tie, trying to shake off the feeling of unease. I called out for Isla, but the only response was the echo of my own voice off the walls.
Walking into the bedroom a shiver ran down my spine as I noticed the suitcase by the foot of our bed, packed and ready to go. It was the one I usually took for very quick trips. Why was it—
My blood ran cold. Oh no. The Napa trip. The.Napa.anniversary.trip. We were supposed to leave at 7 pm. No wonder I'd been walking around feeling like I had forgotten something all evening. I'd forgotten our wedding anniversary.
Fuck. Isla was going to kill me.
"Damn it!" I cursed, rushing down the stairs to get my phone from the pocket of my suit. It was when I had the phone in my hand I realized it had been on silent mode all day.
She’d reminded me every night for the past week and a half. I'd promised her I wouldn't forget. But I had. It was our five year anniversary for crying out loud. It was important.
I took my phone off silent mode immediately then I scrolled and saw thirteen missed calls from Isla, all received between six and nine p.m. Nothing since then. I tried calling her back, but it went straight to voicemail.
I bit back another curse and decided to call her sister. Maybe she knew where she was.
I dialed her sister’s number but she didn’t answer. What was wrong with everyone and their phone today? So I tried her husband; Matthew's number, and he answered on the first ring. "Hey, Keenan. What's up?"
"I need to talk to Olivia," I said, skipping the small talk. "Is she there?"
Matthew's tone turned cautious. "What's going on, Keenan?"
Matthew Hobbs was very possessive of his wife. I didn’t care at the moment, I just wanted the sick feeling in my gut to go away.
"It's about Isla," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral. "I need to find her."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Hold on."
Olivia's voice came on the line a moment later. "Hey, Keenan. What's going on?"
"Isla's not home, and I'm getting worried," I said, trying to keep my tone calm. "Have you heard from her?"
Olivia's voice was hesitant. "Actually, I did talk to her earlier this evening. She was really excited, you guys were supposed to go on that big Napa trip. What’s wrong?"
I felt a pang of guilt. I'd messed up, big time. "Do you know where she is now?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
"No, I don't, wait… she’s missing?" Olivia said, her voice starting to rise in panic. "What.Did.You.Do?”
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I would fix this. I would find Isla and make things right.
"I came home a little late and she isn’t home. Don’t worry Olivia, I’ll fix this."
I hung up the phone before she could say anything else and tried calling Jess, Isla's best friend. But she didn't answer.
I headed upstairs, feeling a sense of desperation wash over me. Where was Isla? Was she safe?
As I reached the bedroom, I nearly collided with Hannah, our housekeeper who was coming out of the room with hands holding on to a laundry basket.
"Mr. Blackwood!" Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Where is she?" I demanded, my voice low and urgent.
Hannah's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm afraid Mrs. Blackwood looked quite upset about the missed flight, sir. She packed a bag and left."
I felt a surge of anger. Why hadn't Hannah stopped her? But then I saw the look on Hannah's face, and my anger deflated. She was just as worried as I was.
"You didn't hear her leave?” I stated, my voice cold.
Hannah shook her head. "I did, sir. She said she was going on a little trip but didn’t exactly say where she was going. When I was tidying up, I found this on the mantel."
She handed me a small piece of paper with a single sentence scrawled on it: "I deserve better." And a pink Diamond ring. Isla’s wedding ring.
My heart sank. Those three words cut deeper than any knife. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
I looked up at Hannah, my eyes searching for answers. "When did you find this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Hannah glanced at her watch. "About half an hour ago, sir."
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I would find Isla. I would make things right.
I turned and dashed to the elevator as quick as I could. I needed to find her. I knew I’d messed up but we would fix this together. I didn’t want to think about what that ring meant. She was my wife. Mine. She’d never be rid of me even if she tried.
She was pissed, rightfully so but I’d show her how sorry I was and she’d be back in no time. That is how this was going to go. I refuse to entertain any other narrative.
- Writer
