*Michael*

Unknown caller reads across my phone screen, and my heart stops. I reluctantly pull myself off the couch and away from Shelby. She stared up at me, worry lines appearing on her forehead.

“I have to take this,” I mumbled as I retreated toward the kitchen.

“Hello? Who is this?” I answered the phone call, doing my best to keep my voice down so Shelby wouldn’t hear.

A scratchy voice sounded on the ...