A guest

Ryle's heart pounded. "What happened to Angel?" The question shot out of him with more urgency than he intended. The contents of the email that he received were fresh in his head. 

'I haven't been able to reach you, but know this: I'm keeping tabs on everything you're doing out there, from the work you do to the company you keep. Don't force my hand, son—you won't like it when I take action.' 

No… No… Not Angel. Not Daisy. Ryle's grip on his phone tightened, his palms turning clammy. 

Ivy paused for a second, then sighed softly. "Angel misses you a lot. She's been asking for you since you left. Daisy doesn't allow her to disturb you but she is… you know how stubborn she can get. She refuses to eat. Daisy has yet to come back from work so I took this chance to call you…" Ivy's voice trailed off.

A hint of relief settled in and his grip on the phone loosened. 

"It's good that you called me," Ryle said, his voice steady this time. "Put Angel on."