Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Checking In

Ripley's POV

Ripley had been relieved when Jake offered to let her just stay. He seemed as reluctant for her to return to her own home as she was. It helped that tugging feeling feel more settled in her chest.

When she had gotten Cory's text, she was tempted to ignore it. She had no desire to address his pleading.

But she felt bad for him.

His parents still hadn't shown back up. Ripley was beginning to get worried, honestly.

For that reason, and that reason alone, she decided to respond.

"I don't like the way this feels," Jake warned.

"I'm not gonna lie, I don't feel great about it either," Ripley admitted.

"Then don't go. He won't fill out a missing person's report for his own parents. He's not willing to do everything in his power to find them, he can't be that torn up about it," Jake buckled his belt around his waist.

"I just have to be sure he's alright. Maybe I can convince him to finally go to the police. He has trust issues, Jake." Ripley picked up her truck keys.