Fear, like I’ve never known, sends my heart rate skyrocketing. Sweat beads on my forehead as I close my eyes, trying to find some calm. “I can’t make that promise. But whatever this is, we’ll figure it out together. We’re a team. You don’t have to do it by yourself. Let me help.”
“I know, honey. Trust me. And I apologize now for having to tell you this over the phone when you’re so far away.”
“It’s okay, just tell me. You can’t imagine the worst-case scenarios running through my head right now.”
“Actually, I bet I can. Can you hold for a second?”
I don’t respond, and I hear a muffled female voice in the background. Then the sound of a door shutting.
“All right. So, there’s no easy way to tell you this so I’m just going to rip off the bandage. This is hard, so if possible, please let me finish before you start throwing questions at me, okay?”
“I’ll do my best. I love you, baby.”
“Thanks. I really needed to hear that, and I love you, so very much, and just so you know. I’m ready to set a wedding date if you still want to.”
I gentle my voice as much as I’m able before answering, “Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I?”
“I was abducted when I was four years old. The man held me and Mellie for three weeks before we somehow managed to escape. We were sexually and emotionally abused.”
My vision sheets red as I try not to explode. I’m not sure I do a good job of hiding my reaction from Mike though, when I catch him wincing.
“Baby…why didn’t you tell me?”
“Yeah, well, that’s the worst part. I don’t remember any of it, or I didn’t. I think bits are coming back now. Somehow, my parents made me forget. Mellie never did though and when she saw the press release about the Knights she tracked me down.”
“I can’t fathom how you must be feeling right now, sweetheart. Whatever you need I’ll make it happen. But what I don’t understand is why did you go there? I’m guessing you’re with her, right?” I should receive an award for keeping my voice calm even as my heart breaks for her—for them. So many of her reactions make sense to me now.
“Mellie heard that two little girls were taken a few days ago. We think it’s someone who either was groomed by our abductor or a copycat. But we have to save them. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try.”
I release the breath I’ve been holding, and it comes out in a loud whoosh. As I rub my temples to ease the pounding headache, I try to figure out what to say. I wouldn’t expect anything less from my woman, even if she hadn’t suffered through the same thing. But I also need her to stay safe.
“I understand, sweetheart. But please promise to wait until I get there. I’ll catch the first flight out. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need to you to stay safe.”
“But…”
“No. No buts. You won’t help them if you get hurt or worse. I’ll text you when I’m in the air. Please, Providence. I need you to promise me you won’t try to do this on your own.”
I don’t think I ever understood the phrase the silence is deafening until now. It’s exactly how I feel while I wait for her to answer me, and it’s taking too damn long
“Fine, but if you take too long to get here I’ll be breaking it.”
“Fuck, Providence. Are you trying to see me lose my mind?”
“Tony, this isn’t aboutyouorme. It’s about two terrified and hurt little girls. They’re being held against their will and God knows what is happening to them right now. All they want is to feel safe again. I refuse to make them wait a moment longer than they have to.”
I sigh heavily. She’s right, and I can’t fault her reasoning. “Fine. But don’t make any decisions until we know when I’ll arrive. Have you notified the local authorities at least?”
I already know she hasn’t. There’s no way they’d let her be involved at all, even more so because of her history.
“No, we haven’t. But Mellie tried before she came to Norfolk and they didn’t believe her.”
Fuck. Of course they didn’t. Local small-town dipshits. “Text me all the information you have. Your address, and another contact number just in case.”
“Say, please,” she snaps back. There’s my girl.
“Please, baby.”
“That’s better. I’ve got to go. Mellie’s mom is yelling that breakfast is ready. We’re staying with the Browns—Mellie’s family—in Woolridge. I’ll send you everything I have. Thank you for coming.”
