Chapter 38-2

Claire rang me in the middle of the night, begging for my help. Dazed from a disturbed sleep, I stumbled down the stairs and reached for the phone after the continuous rings woke me up from my intermittent snooze. Planning to stay up the whole night and wait for Dad to return had not gone down well with my tired body, especially after double shift patrols.

"I need your help." She whispers thickly over the line, voice laden with tears. "I don't know who else to call."

"What is it?" I croak back, tightening the bathrobe cable around my waist. "Are you okay? Did Kurt--"

"No, I'm fine. Kurt's gone clubbing-- I'm alone. Actually, it's Hector..." Claire trails off hesitantly.

"Tell me." I mutter impatiently, snapping out of my sleepy daze. "I can help, Claire."

There's a moment of silence on the line; faint crackling informing me that she's still there. My ears start to pound, blood rushing to my head. The suspense is killing me.