He gives me a kind look. “I’m sorry, but he’s an adult and I can’t tell you any information. However, at this time, we do not believe you’re involved and you are not being detained.”
That answers nothing.
I’m back in the house, standing here, feeling lost and confused. Killian’s gone. They took him—somewhere. I was only told that he’s being held and has to see the judge on Monday.
Two fucking days from now.
Two days where he’s going to be God knows where while I have no information.
The house is wrecked. Things were moved, left strewn around, and I sink into the couch and put my face in my hands.
I have to do something.
I have to get help, but, of course, I don’t have my car.
On the counter are Killian’s keys. I grab them and rush out. I need to find Everett or Miles or Lachlan. They’ll know who to call, a lawyer or someone.
On the ride, I make a phone call I’m not sure I should.
“Hey!” Meredith answers.
“Mer,” I say her name and my resolve crumbles. I cry. Tears pour from my eyes and thankfully I’ve reached the center of town so I can pull over.
“Tessa? What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Did he react badly?”
I sob, full-on shaking sobs. My chest heaves as the last few hours crash through me. Wave after wave of the fear, sorrow, terror and pain of watching the car drive off with Killian takes me under.
Each breath is painful, and I hear Meredith through the phone, but I can’t answer. “Oh my God, what is wrong? Where are you? Tessa! Jake—help!”
Then Jake is on the line. “Tessa, I need you to take a deep breath.”
I try but it’s impossible. As I inhale, I almost choke on it.
“No, Tessa, listen to my voice. Make a fist and rub your chest in circles. Can you do that?”
I can’t answer verbally, but I nod, even though he can’t see it.
I do as he says, making deep circles against my chest. I can feel my body starting to respond, and my breaths must even out a bit because his voice is low and soothing. “Good. Keep doing that. Slowly. When you can, take a deep breath in and hold it for three.” My hand continues the motion, and then I inhale deeply and count.
One.
Two.
Three.
“Good, now let it out for three.”
I exhale.
One.
Two.
Three.
“Again,” he says. We do that four more times. “Tessa, can you tell me where you are?”
“I’m i-in Ember F-Falls. The FBI came and took Killian. I don’t kn-now what’s happening.” I choke out, stuttering on certain words.
