Cracking my eyes open, I scanned the room for anything that could help me. Hope bloomed in my chest when I saw the weapon my grandfather made a few feet away.
I slowly and painfully dragged myself across the floor until I could wrap my hand around the handle. Then, I pushed myself up using the wall for support. With the last bit of strength I had, I swung the club at his head as hard as I could, hoping to pierce his skull with the protruding screws. My aim was true, and a sickening thud echoed through the room when it made contact with his head.
I screamed in pain while he stumbled backward and fell to the floor. Then, I did the same.
18
LANDON
Lance and I were watching a movie at my apartment when my phone rang with Game’s name on the screen.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Hey, man, is Blakely with you?” he asked.
“No, should she be?” I asked in confusion.
“She said she was going to the grocery store earlier, but I haven’t been able to get in touch with her all day. She’s not answering my calls or texts,” he explained.
“That’s not like her,” I said.
“I know. That’s why I called. Can you go over to her house and check on her?”
“Yeah, I’ll go right now. I’ll call you in a few minutes.”
“Thanks, man.”
“What’s going on?” Lance asked, already on his feet.
“Blakely’s not answering her phone, so I’m going to go over and see if she’s home.”
“I’ll go with you,” he said and followed me out the door. Normally, I would have walked to her house, but I didn’t want to waste time in case something was wrong, so Lance drove us over in his truck.
Her car wasn’t in the driveway, but I knocked on the door anyway. When she didn’t answer, I used my key and let myself in.
“Blakely!” I called out. “Are you home?”
I started to go inside, but Lance stepped in front of me with his gun drawn and told me to wait outside. I shook my head. “I’ll stay behind you, but I’m going in with you.”
Thankfully, he didn’t argue with me, and we quickly cleared the house. Even though there was no sign of trouble, I had a bad feeling. “We need to go over and check the office. Something isn’t right.”
“After you,” Lance said.
I took off running across the yard to Stuff It with Lance right behind me. When we reached the gate, I entered my code to open it and cursed the damn thing for being so slow. As soon as it opened wide enough, I slipped through and bolted for the front door. Lance caught up to me and pushed his way in front of me. “Let me go in first,” he said quietly and pointed to a car I hadn’t noticed parked off to the side of the office.
Lance entered the building and scanned the area. I stepped inside behind him and immediately noticed Kalen in his car seat on the floor. He wasn’t actively crying, but it was obvious he had been. His little face was red and covered in snot and tears.
“Take him outside and call Game while I check the rest of the building,” Lance said quietly. “If you hear something, get him out of here.”
I didn’t want to, but I agreed with a reluctant nod. “Please be careful,” I whispered. Then, I did as he said and took Kalen outside. I walked around to the side of the office to shield us from view and took Kalen out of his seat. He nuzzled against my chest and whimpered while I held him close and called Game.
“Did you find her?” he asked as soon as he picked up.
“No,” I said quietly. “You need to get over here right now. We found Kalen alone in the office and there’s an unfamiliar car parked outside. Lance is still inside looking and I’m outside with Kalen.”
“I’m on my way,” he said and ended the call. But the relief I’d hoped for at hearing his words didn’t come. Instead, I stood there scared as hell, holding Kalen and feeling completely helpless.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard Lance call my name. I stepped out from my hiding spot and saw him standing at the front door. “She’s upstairs,” he said and motioned for me to come inside.
