Chapter 8 - THE NIGHT MYRA DISAPPEARED
The threat came on a rainy Thursday.
I left work at six.
The street was crowded.
Cars moved slowly through traffic.
I was halfway to the subway when someone grabbed my arm.
A man I'd never seen before.
“Miss Dempsey?”
I froze.
“Who are you?”
He smiled.
“Someone who needs you to come with him.”
I pulled away.
“No.”
He tightened his grip.
I screamed.
People turned.
A nearby shopkeeper stepped outside.
The man released me and fled.
I called the police.
Then my father.
Then Leo.
He answered immediately.
“Myra?”
My voice shook.
“Someone tried to take me.”
Silence.
Then:
“Where are you?”
I told him.
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“Stay with the police.”
I swallowed.
“Leo.”
His voice softened.
“Yes?”
“I'm scared.”
“I know.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he said:
May you like
“You don't have to be brave every second.”
And I began crying.
