Chapter 93
Amanda couldn’t shake the lingering tension that Ghost’s visit had left behind. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the apartment, but even the warmth of the light couldn’t dispel the chill in her heart. She tried to refocus on her book, but her mind kept drifting back to the enigmatic figure who had stood in her living room just minutes ago.
Ron was due home in a few hours, and Amanda felt an overwhelming need to hear his voice, to ground herself in the stability and love that he brought into her life. But she also knew that she didn’t want to worry him unnecessarily. Ron had enough on his plate without adding her anxieties to it.
Still, as the minutes ticked by, Amanda found herself pacing the apartment, her thoughts swirling. Ghost’s cryptic words echoed in her mind: “There are still loose ends out there, things that Ron and I haven’t tied up yet.”
What loose ends? And why did Ghost feel the need to check in on her now?
When she could no longer bear the silence, Amanda grabbed her phone and dialed Ron’s number. It rang a few times before he picked up, his voice warm and familiar on the other end.
“Hey, Amanda,” Ron said, a smile evident in his tone. “I was just thinking about you. Everything okay?”
Amanda hesitated, not wanting to alarm him but also needing to share what had just happened. “Ron, Ghost came by the apartment today.”
There was a brief pause on the other end, and Amanda could almost picture the way Ron’s expression would have shifted—concern, followed by a deep sense of focus.
“What did he want?” Ron asked, his voice calm but serious.
“He said he just wanted to check on me,” Amanda replied, pacing the living room as she spoke. “But it felt more than that. He mentioned there were ‘loose ends’ that you two hadn’t tied up yet. I don’t know, Ron, it just made me uneasy.”
Ron sighed softly, the sound carrying a mixture of frustration and resignation. “I should have known he’d make a move like this. Ghost is always a step ahead, and he probably feels like he still needs to protect us, especially you.”
Amanda paused, her anxiety softening a bit in the face of Ron’s calm. “Do you think there’s something we’re missing? Something Ghost knows that we don’t?”
“I don’t think Ghost would show up unless he thought there was a real threat,” Ron said thoughtfully. “He’s always been vigilant, sometimes to a fault. But if he’s concerned, we can’t just dismiss it.”
Amanda nodded, even though Ron couldn’t see her. “I know. It’s just hard to deal with when I thought we were finally getting some peace.”
Ron’s voice softened, filled with understanding. “I know it’s hard. But we’ll figure it out, Amanda. We’re in this together, and whatever Ghost is worried about, we’ll handle it. When I get home, we’ll talk it through, okay?”
“Okay,” Amanda agreed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “I’m glad you’re coming home soon. I could really use a hug.”
Ron chuckled, the sound comforting. “You’ll get more than that. I’m almost done here, so I’ll be home before you know it.”
They ended the call, and Amanda felt a bit lighter knowing that Ron would be home soon. But the unease Ghost had stirred still lingered. She tried to push it aside, deciding to prepare something for dinner to distract herself.
By the time Ron walked through the door, the smell of a homemade meal filled the apartment. He dropped his bag by the door and immediately pulled Amanda into his arms, holding her close.
“I missed you,” Ron murmured against her hair.
“I missed you too,” Amanda whispered back, feeling the tension in her body start to melt away in his embrace.
They stood like that for a few moments, just taking comfort in each other’s presence. When they finally pulled apart, Ron led Amanda to the couch, where they both sat down.
“So, let’s talk about Ghost,” Ron began, his tone serious but gentle. “I don’t want you to worry more than you have to, but we do need to figure out what he’s thinking.”
Amanda nodded, folding her legs beneath her as she turned to face him. “Do you have any idea what he might be referring to?”
Ron ran a hand through his hair, thinking. “There were a few things left unresolved after everything with Russell. I thought we had it all under control, but Ghost has always had a way of seeing angles that others don’t. He might have picked up on something we missed.”
Amanda’s stomach twisted at the mention of Russell, but she steadied herself. “Do you think we should talk to him? Maybe get a better idea of what’s going on?”
Ron considered this, then nodded slowly. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. Ghost may be frustrating, but he’s never led us wrong. If he’s concerned, we should take it seriously.”
Amanda felt a surge of determination. “Then let’s do it. I don’t want any more surprises, Ron. If there’s something out there that could disrupt our lives, I want to face it head-on—with you.”
Ron reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. “We will, Amanda. We’ll handle whatever comes next together.”
As they sat there, hand in hand, Amanda felt a renewed sense of strength. Whatever Ghost had in mind, whatever loose ends still dangled in the shadows, she knew she wasn’t alone. With Ron by her side, she could face anything.
The shadows that Ghost’s visit had cast were still there, but they were now tempered by the light of their resolve. Together, they would find out what Ghost was worried about—and together, they would put an end to it, once and for all.