She fell to the floor and curled into a ball protecting herself.
Adam continued his abuse.
Her body went numb and darkness pulled her under. Glorious oblivion.
Chapter 19
Saturday 4:00 a.m.
David had made a colossal mistake. Not giving Zoey the bracelet, he’d never feel bad about that. But not asking Jennie’s permission or at least informing her right away, for that he’d forever kick himself. Jennie had disappeared into the bedroom well over an hour ago. Time to grovel and hope that one day she’d forgive him.
The prescription dose of ibuprofen had kicked in. He’d take the dull aches over the intense pain any day. He hobbled down the hall to the bedroom. “Jennie?”
When she didn’t answer he called out again. “Jennie, are you okay?” He rested his forehead on the door. “Look, I’m sorry. I should have told you. I know that. Please, let me in.”
A shiver wove up his spine. “Jennie?” He tested the knob. It turned. He pushed the door open and halted. “Brandon, get in here!” he called over his shoulder.
The room sat empty. The comforter on the bed was slightly rumpled and the lamp on the side table was on. But it was the open window that made his knees buckle.
“Whoa.” Brandon caught his elbow before he faceplanted. “What’s going—oh.” His partner guided him to a chair in the corner of the room.
He dropped onto the seat. “She’s gone.”
“Good news, it appears she left on her own and not by force.”
“But why?” David knew. He’d shattered her trust in him. He stood and strode to the window.
“I see that look. Get out of your head, man.” Brandon joined him.
He shook his head. “I shouldn’t have gotten personally involved. And we all know I mess things up when it comes to that.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the GPS for Zoey’s wristband.
“You have got to let go of the past. Yes, you were late meeting with Brenda, but you didn’t cause her death. You need to forgive yourself and allow yourself to move on.”
He scoffed, “I let Zoey get kidnapped, and Jennie slipped out the window because of what I did.”
“Zoey was not your fault. And Jennie is dealing with her own baggage. She’ll get over it.” Brandon slapped him on the back of the head in a classic Jethro Gibbs move.
David rubbed the spot Brandon smacked. “Ouch. Dude. Car accident. Remember? What was that for?”
“For you being an idiot and wallowing in self-pity. Get out of your head and focus so we can find your girls.”
“After the way I let her down? I doubt I’ll ever have a chance with Jennie.”
Brandon raised his hand and David ducked.
“All right, man. I get the picture. Now quit smacking me.”
“As if I hit you that hard.” Brandon rolled his eyes.
“David! Brandon!” Rick yelled from the other room.
They rushed to their teammate.
“What’s up?” Brandon asked.
“Mags sent the update on our suspects.”
David pulled out chairs and sat. “What’d she say?”
