Chapter89: Braxton--Unexpected News

I lie awake, staring at the ceiling above my bed, unable to sleep, though it’s getting late, and I know I have to go to work tomorrow. I can’t help but stretch my arm out across the bed, which I find cold and empty. Julia should be here, but she’s not. My thoughts return to her. Where is she now? How is she doing? Is Thompson with her? Is she hurt? Does she need me? My mind refuses to slow as all of the possibilities circle around. I wonder if I will ever be able to get her back. My phone is on, just in case she calls. I get all sorts of emails all time of day, so it is constantly chirping. I have learned to ignore it. Until I realize it isn’t just chiming to let me know an email has arrived. The phone is ringing. Hastily, I pick it up from my nightstand, praying that it’s Julia, but when I see that it is Stringer, my heart races just the same. I pray he has good news, that he’s gotten Julia back, and they are on their way to my home. “Stringer?” I say upon answering. “What’s going on?