What if she’s hurt? Her torn open shoulder flashes through my mind. I press the pedal down further.
I zigzag my way back and ease into the dark loading area, knowing enough not to make any kind of scene. I put the SUV in park and switch off the lights, sitting in the same spot where Ryder left me.
The silence fills with the sound of my heartbeat. I glance around, but see nothing.
Then, I spot her walking down the loading dock, holding—
What the hell?
I push the door open, but Ryder shakes her head, and I quickly close it. She opens the back passenger door, lifts a. . .child inside, then quickly slides in.
“It’s ok.” Her voice is soft and soothing.
I stare, unable to move. I watch her grip the hand of a boy wrapped in a towel.
“It’s ok. He’s going to help us. Ok? Remember what I told you?”
His young body shakes so badly it looks like he’s convulsing. Ryder puts her arm around him.
“I need you to take us somewhere.”
My eyes snap to her, but my brain is unable to make sense of anything.
“Cole.” Her firm, gentle voice is a shock to my racing mind and stalled lungs, forcing me to breathe and halting all the thoughts I can’t seem to piece together. “Drive. I need you to head out of town. Can you plug in an address?”
My eyes drift over her. Her shirt is torn, blood smeared on one side, and her cheek is red and puffy.
Shit! What the fuck?
I twist further in my seat, reaching for her—
“Matthews.” My name comes out as a command. “Give me your phone.”
I nod, handing it over. I put the car in drive and follow the programmed route, glancing at the rearview mirror to see Ryder tuck the boy closer to her, his little body still shaking.
“The big guy up there,” she says softly. “He’ll take us to that place I told you about. It’s a safe place. Ok?”
His auburn curls nod ever so slightly.
“You know what else?” Ryder’s soothing tone fills the intense quiet, and I need it to calm something ricocheting through me. “He’s got brothers about your age. He won’t hurt you. Not him or anyone else. All right?”
He doesn’t respond this time, but she keeps talking.
“Want to know something crazy? He’s a football player. Do you like football? He’s been teaching me how the game works.”
A subtle, shaky nod.
“Well, don’t tell him, but he’s pretty good.”
I drive, gripping the steering wheel so hard my palms ache while my heart pounds to the rhythm of confused rage. It’s so loud it almost drowns out Ryder’s gentle voice, filling the space all the way to our destination. My mind is consumed with nothing but the alarming revelation that Ryder saved this boy from—
I stop, unable to go further without throwing the door open and emptying my stomach, thinking of the possibilities.
I take slow breaths, focusing on driving until I have a minute to absorb what I’m witnessing. I stop at a tall metal gate, but beyond is a large, white stucco house lit in the dark. As if we’re expected, the gate opens, and I pull into a long driveway and park.
Ryder climbs out, reassuring the boy again. “Remember, I told you about Kerry and Jos. They’re waiting inside for us, and I promise they’ll make sure you’re safe. You won’t be alone, not for a second. Ok?”
She reaches for him, and he shies backward. Ryder stops, giving him a second.
