Chapter 9 Meanwhile , in the other car , Ryders heart skipped a beat .
That fleeting glimpse had he seen me , or not ? His friend , Simon Jones , noticed his distraction .
What are you looking at ? Simon Jones glanced in the rearview mirror , surprised .
Whoa , thats a Quantico vehicle .
Whats it doing here ? He chuckled .
Someones kid got into Quantico .
Thats a big deal .
Ryders face tightened .
His voice was low .
I dont know .
For some reason , that glimpse had sparked a deep unease within him .
It felt like his chest had been hollowed out .
Hed never felt this before .
One thought dominated his mind : he needed to see Id spent Christmas Eve alone , heartbroken .
It was his fault ; he hadnt planned properly , hadnt considered me .
Luckily , hed been granted leave ; he could spend time with me .
The thought of me made him press harder on the gas pedal .
Simon Jones leaned forward .
Ryder , why are you speeding ? Ryder ignored him , eyes fixed on the road .
At the base entrance , he practically flung himself out of the car.
Opening the door , getting out , slamming the door one fluid motion .
it was all 11:37 < Chapter 9 Menu Simon Jones , still in the car , watched him go , completely baffled .
Ryder rushed home , bursting through the door .
The festive decorations met his eyes colorful lights , paper cuts , the cheerful atmosphere of the Christmas .
A stack of neatly arranged gifts sat on the coffee table .
Just like every year .
Except … Claire wasnt there , dressed in new clothes , smiling , waiting for him .

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He glanced at my room and thought that I was probably still asleep .
Id likely stayed up late .
I believed staying up on Christmas Eve brought good luck .
Every year , Id fight sleep , even when my eyes were drooping , until he made me stop .
Stubborn little thing .
A gentle smile touched Ryders lips .
Let me sleep .
He could visit his father later .
As he sat down , about to sort through his things , his eyes fell on a letter resting amidst the gifts .
His right eyelid twitched .
He picked up the letter , unfolded it .
His smile froze .
The paper crinkled in his grip ; his breath hitched .
Claire ! He practically lunged towards my room .
It was empty .
< Chapter 9 Menu The bed was made , pristine , as if no one had slept there .
Something exploded in Ryders mind .
His pupils constricted .
He rushed into my study .
It was empty too .
My beloved machines , gone ! The signs matched the letter Id left : I was gone .
Ryder stumbled backward , disbelieving .
Outside , the base buzzed with festive activity .
But Ryder looked as if hed emerged from an ice cave .
Mrs.
Gable , Mr.
Lee , have you seen Claire today ? His voice was urgent .
The couple were confused .
Claire ? No , we havent seen her today .
Only last night when she came home .
Thank you .
Ryder Landon , Come in and have something to eat … Ryder didnt stay , continuing his frantic search .
But no one had seen her .
His heart plummeted .
Then , he remembered something !