He answers on the second ring, groggy and annoyed. “Cody. I just worked a double. You better have a damn good—”
“What would a tracker look like on a car?” I cut him off.
There’s a pause and rustling. “Wait, what? Why?”
“Because I asked.”
He sighs, voice sharper now. “Usually black. They’re small. Magnetic, under the bumper, behind the license plate, or by the wheel wells.”
“Thanks.” I hang up before he can finish another word and crouch beside her car.
I run my hands along the bumper, behind the plate, near the tires. There’s nothing out of the ordinary. No blinking lights. Just dirt, rust, and a little road grime.
I stand up and look around. The streets are dead, as usual.
I head back in and pay my tab, and hers, before I sit back down with her.
She swallows her last bite, her hand naturally drifting to her belly. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re not.” My voice is firm, final.
She swallows. “Okay.”
She looks over to Margie, raising her hand slightly for the check.
“I already paid.”
Her eyes flick to mine. “Why?”
“Because twelve dollars isn’t going to send me into a financial crisis.”
“Well, I’m going to pay you back,” she assures me.
“Good luck with that,” I state, and watch her roll her eyes before she strategically gets out of the booth.
I slide out too, giving her a bit of space. Just a half-step back, enough not to crowd her. I don’t reach out to help, even though I want to. Mason told me once you never touch someone who’s been physically assaulted unless they ask. I never thought I’d have to use that advice, but here I am.
We walk toward the door and catch Margie’s eye on the way out. She gives me a nod; no words needed.
Karissa doesn’t say much as we cross the parking lot to my truck. I suggested we come get her car tomorrow, especially if she needs gas.
I toss her bag in the back and open the door for her. Given that the running boards are just about at her waist, I end up having to help her up and in.
Once we’re on the road, silence settles between us, but it’s not uncomfortable.
I drive slowly, hands steady on the wheel, throwing glances her way every now and then to make sure she’s okay. She’s staring out the window like she’s trying to memorize every turn, just in case she needs to retrace her steps. I hate that.
“There’s no way he’s gonna find you here. I promise you’re safe; you can trust me,” I assure her.
She doesn’t answer verbally. She just nods and presses her hand against her stomach again, like it’s the only thing keeping her grounded.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to walk away from everything you’ve ever known, carrying a child with all that fear inside you. To not know where exactly you’re headed, only knowing you have to leave.
Out of all the roads she could’ve taken, she ended up here, with me. And I know it wasn’t just coincidence…God’s got His hand in this. Big time.
And I don’t take that lightly.
Chapter 2
