Love Lost

"Jade? Hi, Gloria. Have you spoken to Mr. Black?"

"No."

"Oh? O...Kay... If you do, please tell him we need him in Brazil ASAP."

"Okay."

"Are you alright, Jade?"

"Do you talk to his mother, Gloria?"

"Not outside of business. Why?"

"Call her, she may know. And if she does, please text me that he got to Brazil safely."

"Do you have her personal number?"

"Yes."

I give her the number, and then we get off the phone. Now, sitting in the dark, I'm afraid to move. Soon, my thoughts go to how clammy Tristan's skin felt when I touched him. His spine was protruding out of his back. His moan sounded weird, as if he were breathing through a closed throat.

Finally, I force myself to move but refuse to cut on a light. While getting juice out of the refrigerator, I hear a light tapping on my door. Seeing a flicker, I look at my phone, and Gloria has texted: Thanks, he called.

My heart's pounding as this tapping continues. Breathless, I looked out the peephole, but no one was there. Then, I see a sha