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

a few pointed questions,

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

"She was fine when I last

her! I care where she is NOW!" Mr. Lane

"What's going on with Lena?" she asked, her

He finally turned to his wife, grim. "She's not at the hospital, not home, and we can't

a word, Mr.

tired tonight. Nate's call barely registered-I just rolled over and went back to sleep. But when Mr. Lane called, the grogginess disappeared in

Instant

seen Lena," I said, sitting up fal "I'm

Silence.

pressed, my stomach twisting, "What's going on? Is

heavy, edged with panic. "We can't

she's asleep?" I offered, but even as I said It, I knew

met. She always kept her phone by her bed, ready for emergencies. A single buzz could