Barb took a slurp of her smoothie. “Does Alex know about this?”

“He might have a clue or two,” Amy said.

Barb smiled knowingly and slapped the table, causing Amy to flinch and nearly spilling her smoothie. “And he still loves you! God, you’re lucky.”

Amy blinked, realizing that she was right. “I guess I better call him.”

“Call his private number,” Barb advised. “The fire and police departments wouldn’t answer before, not even nine-one-one.”

“You’re telling me this now?” Amy stared at her accusingly. She wanted to process what that meant, but first she had to make the call.

Alex answered within seconds, as if he’d been expecting Amy’s call. “Are you okay?” he asked without preamble.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said.

“Where are you?”

“A coffee shop. I’m with Barb.”

“Where, exactly? Give me the address.” She told him, and he commanded, “Don’t move!”

“Okay,” she said meekly, and ended the call. To Barb she said, “I think he’s angry,” and smiled sheepishly.