The Complete Quake Series Boxset - Jacob Chance Page 0,174

the night and attacked Kyle. It was someone Janny worked with. The worst part is, it was someone she considered a friend.”

My eyes open wide. “Oh, my God,” I whisper. “Is Kyle hurt?”

“No, they fought, but it ended with the guy’s own knife buried in his stomach.”

I gasp, shocked someone would want to harm Kyle or Janny and grateful they’re both alright.

“They found his body.”

“What do you mean they found it?” I cut her off.

“He disappeared before the police showed up, but Kyle said he got a call from the NYPD today, telling him they found him not far from Janny’s apartment. I guess he couldn’t survive for long with a stomach wound that serious and so much blood loss.”

“I’m so glad they’re both okay.” I slowly begin to walk down the sidewalk again.

“I don’t know what I would have done if Kyle had been the one to get knifed,” she cries.

My heart aches for her. Kyle and Kenna lost their parents ten years ago, to a drunk driving accident. Kenna was only fifteen at the time. After their deaths, Kyle raised her and as a result, they’re closer than most siblings.

“Oh, Kenna, he’s okay. Everything’s going to be fine,” I reassure her. “Kyle’s strong. He’s overcome so much and this will be no different. There’s nothing for you to worry about. He’s going to take good care of Janny.”

“I know. I just hate how much they’ve had to deal with. I wish they could catch a break.”

The beep of my other line signaling another call cuts in. “Kenna I have another call, but please reach out if you need anything, even if it’s just to talk, okay?”

“Okay, bye for now,” Kenna replies. I click over to the other line.

“Hi, mom.”

“There’s my girl. How are you dear?” I can hear concern in her tone. It’s upsetting knowing she worries about me so much.

“I’m good. There’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”

“Lana, it’s a mother’s full time job. Worrying is what we do.”

“I know, but I’m fine. I love Boston and the friends I’ve made. My job at K.D. Investigations is awesome. Kyle and Derek might be the best bosses ever.”

“Are they single?” she innocently asks.

I roll my eyes. “Kyle has a girlfriend, Janny. They’re ridiculously in love.” I smile and then frown as I think about the serious nature of what they’re currently dealing with. “Derek is single, but he has a thing for Kyle’s sister, Kenna. No one seems to notice how the sparks fly between the two of them, but I see it so clearly.”

“Well, you’ve always been good at sitting back and observing others.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing dear, just stating a fact. Are you dating anyone?” She abruptly changes the subject.

I scowl at the question. “No, mom I’m not. I don't know why you feel the need to ask me this every single time we talk. Does it really seem plausible in the two days since our last conversation I met someone and we’re already dating?”

“I just want you to be happy.”

I roll my eyes. “If you want me to be happy then you’d stop asking me this. I have to go now. Love you.”

“Lana I...”

I end the call before she can finish what she’s saying.

You’d think she would figure out every time she brings up the possibility of me dating, I hang up. Why does it matter to her so much anyway?

I’m not ready to date anyone. I’m still trying to get over my ex-boyfriend, Christopher.

Chapter Three

Zack

EARLY DECEMBER

“Here, let me get that for you.” I hold the door for Lana and when she walks past, I lean forward, breathing in her scent and then follow. Once we’re inside the lobby of the building she pauses.

“Thank you. I was wondering how I was going to manage unlocking the door with all this.” She gestures with her chin at the two paper bags of groceries in her arms.

“I’m Zachary, but you can call me Zack, I just moved into the vacant apartment on the second floor.”

She smiles at me and my heart pounds.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you, Zack. I’m Lana, and apparently, we’re neighbors. You’ve moved into the unit right next to mine.”

I grin at her. I already know your name precious girl.

I’ve never been this close to her before. My obsession with her began six weeks ago, when I followed her friend Kenna McKenzie to Quake one night. I was set in my plan to make her older brother Kyle pay for his hand