Hey Babe, Do You Still Love Me? novel Chapter 2

Joey didn’t snap at him like he usually did. He rubbed his forehead.

“She’s pulled this stunt before. The disappearing act. Just to get under my skin. She always comes crawling back. Probably off on another shopping spree. Don’t fall for her innocent act, Nash – she’s a real piece of work.”

“Enough about her. It’s making me sick. Let’s focus on the case.”

His voice was firm, and Nash backed down.

I felt a surge of panic.

It was me! I was the victim! If they didn't talk about me, how were they going to solve the case?

I watched Joey spin his wheels for days, frustrated, exhausted. They’d ruled out all the missing persons reports. Nothing pointed to me.

Officer Nash brought me up again.

This time, Joey didn’t argue. He went home.

He stood at the doorway, hesitant, then called out my name.

Silence.

He glanced around the empty apartment, his face twisted with disgust.

“Okay, Aria, that’s enough. I’m counting to three. You come out now, or you can forget about ever seeing me again!”

I wanted to answer, but he couldn't hear me.

“Fine! Have it your way! If you’re dead out there, I’m not coming to get you!” he yelled, storming out.

I reached for the recorder, which had rolled under the couch.

No, Joey, please, just listen!

He didn’t turn back.

Back at the precinct, Officer Nash and the others crowded around him.

“Any news, Joey? Is she okay?”

“Yeah, is everything alright?”

Joey clenched his jaw. “She’s fine. Still playing games, leaving a voice recorder to lure me back. Enough about her – it’s making me sick. Let’s talk about the case. You said the victim had a leg injury, right? Check hospital records – surgeries, treatments, anything related to the left leg. Go back a few years.”