Chapter 114.
The morning air was crisp, and Ethan frowned as he stood outside Isaac’s house. He had rung the bell twice already. The blinds were drawn, and no lights were on inside. It was unlike Isaac to go off the grid, especially not without informing anyone—particularly after what had happened with Lucas. The wounds of that loss were still raw, and Ethan had made it a habit to check up on Isaac now and then.
Ethan pulled out his phone and dialed Isaac’s number again, only to be greeted by the familiar voicemail message.
"Isaac, it’s me. Please call back. I’m outside your place—call me the moment you get this."
Hanging up, he stared at the screen for a moment, then glanced back at the silent house. His brows furrowed deeper. He tried the doorknob. Locked.
Something wasn’t right.
He immediately tapped Diana’s number.
It rang only once before she answered, voice sharp and alert. "Ethan? What happened?"
"I’m at Isaac’s place," Ethan said, pacing on the front porch. "I’ve called him, rang the bell, even knocked—no response. His phone is off or he’s not picking up. He’s not home. It’s locked from the outside."
Silence.
Ethan could practically hear Diana process that information on the other end.
"Damn it..." Diana muttered. "He promised he wouldn’t do anything reckless."
"You think he went to investigate something again?" Ethan asked.