I double check the address written on the slip of paper before knocking. Once I'm sure, I rap the door three times. A streak of fear darts through me when I put my arm down to wait. What if he doesn't come home with me? What if Sam doesn't allow me to see Nate? What if he died in a car accident on the way here and I didn't know?
My thoughts continue to chase each other in circles as I stand perfectly still in front of Sam's door. After about a minute, I knock again only to get the same results. I then pound my fist on the door impatiently. What's taking Sam so long? Maybe he's afraid I'm gonna knock his lights out. I smile at the thought and knock once more.
Silence.
I huff in frustration. Maybe they're not home. I drop heavily into the driver's seat and put my face in my hands. I force myself to tamp down the fear twisting in my gut. Worrying too much will give me gray hairs, so I decide to rent a hotel room for the night. I'll take a quick, well deserved nap then get right back to it.
I shake my head backing out of my parking spot. If I'd have known he'd be this much trouble when we met in Columbia, I might have left him where I found him.
Who are you kidding, Sullivan? My subconscious chimes in. You've gone soft. That boy has become the reason you wake up every morning. If he's runs from you, you'll run after him. He's worth it. And you know it.
"Goddamn it," I sigh to myself. "I hate it when I'm right."