Picture frame.
Keyboard.
Stapler.
Lamp.
Flowers.
I focused on five things in the room, saying the names out loud until my heart stopped racing.
The time on the wall clock read 8:30.Damnit. Right now, I need to focus on my job.
It was juvenile to think for a instant that Charles had given up. He’d been plotting, and somehow he got my new number and knew about Parker. Danny hadn’t given a single update in weeks. He was determined to stay in Miami until he found a solid lead. Danny was sure there were some cases of missing women that had to be connected to Charles, as they fit the profile he was building.
No matter how long I stared at the slide deck in front of me, I couldn’t bring my mind to focus on the meeting. The pressure I felt on my chest wouldn’t allow me to sit through a presentation. I quickly typed out an email, excusing myself from the meeting, and sat on the loveseat by the door.
Pulling out my phone again with only one person in mind.
“What’s up, baby? I’m about to walk into a meeting.” Parker’s smooth voice came through the line, the sound of it wrapping around me like a steadying hug.
I’d been doing a good job managing my emotions, but the sound of his voice broke me.
“Parker,” Tears flooded my vision, and my voice came out watery.
“Evelyn, what’s going on? Talk to me.” I could hear the concern in his voice, and my tears flowed more freely.
I’d been waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it finally did. The moment I made the decision to choose myself, life, and happiness, it was like Charles got a push notification to come and take it away from me.
“He texted me. I don’t know how he got this number, but he knows about you.”
“I’m on my way.” He sounded like he was running.
“No, no.” I stood, walking back to my desk and picking up my bag. “I’ll just ask William to take me back. I cancelled the meeting already.”
“Baby, please don’t fight me on this. You said you’d try to let me in. I’m coming to you.” His plea made me drop my bag on the floor and return to the couch.
My shoulders dropped as I blinked tears from my eyes, exhausted from the roller coaster of emotions. “Okay. I’ll wait here for you.”
Parker bargedthrough the door of my office within twenty minutes of us hanging up. I was lying down with my eyes closed, trying to combat the unsteady feeling that had my stomach in knots. The sound of the lock clicking nearly had me jumping out of my skin.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” he said, taking a seat on the couch and gathering me in his arms. Smoothing my curls from my face, he cupped my chin. “Are you okay?”
His honey eyes were filled with worry, and his brows were furrowed as he took me in.
“I’m alright. Shaken, but alright.”
“We need to tell Danny about this.”
Letting go of my chin, he pulled out his phone from his suit pants.
We looked at each other as the phone rang. After the fourth ring, I was sure Danny wouldn’t answer, but when he switched the call to video, neither of us was prepared for the sight.
Danny was sitting in his car, smoking a cigarette with a black eye.
A string of curses left Parker’s mouth while my eyes widened in shock.
“You should see the other guy,” Danny muttered between puffs of smoke.
