Cole’s POV

The water was still now. Calm, undisturbed.

A few hours ago, Emily had been swimming in that pool, her hair slicked back, droplets sliding down her skin. I was absent when she went out to swim but I knew exactly what she looked like. Now, the pool was empty. Just like the house. Just like me.

I leaned against the balcony railing, gripping it tight. The clock on my phone read 11:07 PM. Four hours since she left. Four hours since her father had forced her to go.

And I had done nothing.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand down my face. The weight in my chest had...