Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 765

Glancing at his watch, Nate realized it was nearing midnight. His fingers hovered for a moment before he dialed Keira's number. "Keira, is Lena with you?"

"No... why?" Keira's voice was thick with sleep, but her tone sharpened. "What's going on? You can't find Lena?"

"I just finished up, but I can't reach her. Maybe she's home," Nate replied, keeping his voice steady before quickly ending the call. Next, he dialed Lena's dad.

He and Mr. Lane had exchanged numbers during a previous visit, so he knew it was worth a shot.

"Nate, what's up?" Mr. Lane's voice answered, groggy.

"Has Lena come home?" Nate kept his tone light.

"No, she hasn't been home in a while. Why? Did something happen? You two fight?" Mr. Lane sounded casual.

"No, no fight. I just got back today," Nate said quickly, but Mr. Lane wasn't fooled. He could tell Nat

have called unless he was

a few pointed questions,

razor-sharp. "If something's happened to my daughter,

"She was fine when

where you last saw her! I care where she is NOW!" Mr.

with Lena?" she asked,

didn't answer at first, redialing Lena's phone. Still nothing. He finally turned to his wife, grim. "She's not at the hospital, not home, and we can't reach her."

word, Mr.

over and went back to sleep. But when Mr. Lane called, the grogginess disappeared

Instant

said,

Silence.

stomach twisting, "What's going on? Is something wrong with

came back heavy, edged with panic. "We can't find her. Her phone's

asleep?" I offered, but even as

sleeper I'd ever met. She always kept her phone by her bed, ready