Please, please, please.
A key goes into the lock of the front door, and my body deflates, tears threatening to spill.
“Good morning, baby.” Garrett steps into the cabin carrying what looks like a bag of groceries, and my stomach rumbles. I haven’t eaten or drank anything in twenty-four hours. My mouth is dry, and my stomach hurts.
“Fuck. It’s cold in here,” he notes.
I keep my mouth shut, too afraid to speak and say the wrong thing. My eyes catch the gun on his waist.
“I have a blanket in the car I’ll bring in later. I can’t stay long, but I brought you a sandwich and some water.” He places the bag of groceries on the counter, pulling out its contents.
“Are you going to greet me or continue to ignore me?” His head whips in my direction and his eyes narrow.
“S-sorry.”
Grabbing a sandwich and some water, he makes his way over to me. “You don’t have to fear me, Hadley. I’m going to take care of you,” he says, bending to place a kiss on my cheek. I try not to flinch when his lips graze my skin.
“Here.” He unwraps the sandwich, bringing it to my lips. “Eat and then I’ll let you use the bathroom before I need to leave.”
I eat in silence, taking each bite offered to me. When it’s all gone, he brings the bottled water to my mouth, and I guzzle as much of it down as I can.
“I’m going to untie you now so you can use the bathroom. Don’t fucking try anything or I will shoot you. I don’t want to hurt you, but I can’t let you get away. I’m the only one who can keep you safe.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
“Good.” He unbinds my hands and feet before leading me to a door inside the cabin. “There is no running water, so you justhave to make due. I’ve already boarded up the window, so don’t think you can escape.”
“I told you I wouldn’t.” My voice wobbles with the lie.
“Just go pee so I can leave. They are expecting me to help them find you.”
I suck in a breath knowing West is out there trying to find me. I’ve been so worried everyone just thought I ran.
I use the bathroom quickly and then let Garrett lead me back to the chair.
After he leaves, a surge of hope flares through me.
West is looking for me.
It’s officially been twenty-four hours. I’m running on basically no sleep, and my body is exhausted and sore from searching all day and night.
The APB is out for Adam, and we have every town and city along the river on lookout. I had to come clean to Cade and the rest of the station about Jade’s past. I hope she will forgive me, but they needed to know about Adam and why he was here.
This morning, I got in touch with Nick Pierson, the officer who helped Jade all those years ago. He was shocked to hear from me, but I wasn’t shocked to learn that Jade had spoken with him the other day. When I filled him in on what’s happening, he offered to come ASAP, and I graciously took him up on it. Maybe having someone who’s worked a case on Adam before will help us locate Jade faster.
I think back to that first day I brought Jade for dinner and the story she shared with Maysie. I know she sees Nick as a father figure, and even though she hasn’t spoken with him until recently, I’m glad she’s always had someone who watched out and cared for her.
I wish it was under better circumstances, but I’m looking forward to meeting the man who saved her and thanking him.
“Here. You should eat something before you head back out.” Sarah shoves a paper bag in my chest, and I see she looks just as worn as I do. Her eyes are bloodshot, and her hair, normally styled, is a mess on top of her head.
I hope Jade knows how hard we are all trying to find her, and how much we love her.
Love. The word squeezes around my chest.
I never even got to tell her I felt that way.
“Thanks,” I say, barely able to get the words out past the lump in my throat.
