“I-I managed to get off to the side of the road. But…”
“Fern.”
“I might have just seen that truck.”
He took off running for his truck and leaped behind the wheel. “Stay in the vehicle. Lock the doors. I’m coming. Give me your location.”
Her voice shook as she rattled off the name of the road. “Hurry, Crew. I…need you.”
His heart hammered. Dammit, he had to get to her—fast. He had to protect her.
An image of Conner, stuck in the seat with no way to get the help he needed, flashed through his head. He couldn’t let that happen to anyone else, let alone Fern.
He jammed the gas pedal to the floor and sped toward Willowbrook, almost wishing the truck had wings so he could reach her faster.
“Stay on the phone with me, honey. I’m going to put you on hold for a minute while I call the guys.”
“Okay.” Her voice came out small.
With an unsteady hand, he switched to another line and called the office.
“Black Heart Security.”
“It’s Crew. Fern’s in trouble.”
“Fuck! It’s Gray. What’s going on?”
“Her car broke down on the way to a job site. Theo cleared her to go. She just saw the truck that’s been following her.” His voice came out low as he barely harnessed the roar gathering in his throat.
“I’m getting her location now. Okay. Upchurch is in the vicinity. I’m sending him. He’s driving one of the ranch trucks.”
A measure of relief splashed through his system, leaving him hot and cold in turns. “Copy. I told her to stay on the line with me. I’ll keep talking to her until he gets there.”
He switched lines. “Fern. You there, honey?”
“Yes,” she breathed out.
“Have you seen the truck again?”
“No. But I’m watching all my mirrors.”
“Good. I want you to keep an eye out for one of the ranch trucks. It’s black with the Black Heart logo on the side. A guy named Grant Upchurch is in your area. He’s going to help you.”
“All right.”
“They call him Church. He’s a good guy.”
“He’s a friend of yours?”
Good. She was talking. He needed to keep her distracted.
“I haven’t known him long, but yeah. I’d lean on him if I needed help.”
“Is he in the therapy program?”
“No. He’s working at the new military training facility. I was up there a few days back, helping unload supplies.”
“I see. Crew?”
