Andrew said as he placed the cell phone back in his pocket. “She knew we were coming. She wouldn’t have just left.” He had already attempted to reach her twice, once on the road and once in front of her building. After a cursory scan of the area, they decided to investigate. Marcus went upstairs to her apartment while Andrew went to ask Alexai if he had seen or heard anything. They met back on the landing that led up the stairs. “She’s not in her apartment. No signs of a struggle,” Marcus said as he came down the stairs. “Did the baker know any…” His words trailed off when he saw the look on Andrew’s face. She’s dead. I’ve failed everyone. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for me. His knees felt weak. His heart pounded, and the air in his lungs grew heavy. The act of breathing became a chore instead of a reflex. “What’s wrong?” he said and tried to steel himself for the response. Andrew wouldn’t meet his eyes. After what seemed like an eternity, Andrew said, “Ackerman’s been here.”
