“Listen to me carefully, Riggs,” Blackwood adds, voice hardening to granite. “I’ve got my people moving in, but your holiday fun is over. You need to get her somewheresafe—”
“I’m on it,” I snap, adrenaline roaring.
“Do it quietly to avoid spooking him.”
“I hear you.”
“Do you? He’s unhinged, Riggsby. He won’t stop till you’re out of the picture and she’s his again.”
“Over my dead body,” I grumble.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
I hang up without another word. I need to get my girl out of here…now.
My heart slams against my ribs as I fling the door open.
The music hits the second I step inside, but instead of the carefree mood, it’s made the potential for danger that much stronger.
I push through people laughing as drinks spill. Grunts and annoyance flare through each person I push through. Scanning the dance floor, I spot Greer and the group of people Wren was dancing with earlier. But she’s not there.
My pulse spikes as fear sends chills through my body as if I were plunged in a cold bath.
I move deeper into the crowd, eyes darting as I catalogue every face. Skimming the bar, I come up empty.
I slam my hands on the table, startling Heath and Levi.
“Where is she?”
They blink at me.
“Who?” Heath asks, and I could punch the ignorance off his face.
“Where is Wren?”
Levi tips his head backward. “She went out back to look for you. Thought you were having a smoke.”
The words barely register before I’m moving again. Levi’s pushing off his seat and following me, but I don’t stop to fill him in. My manic state should be enough to bring him up to speed.
I slam through the door. A loud crack sounds from where the back hits the brick.
A group of smokers gathers off to the side.
“Have you seen Wren Drummond?” I place my hand in the air. “About this tall, red dress.”
They shake their heads.
Fireworks crack in the sky, and I fight the anxiety threatening to pull me under. This isn’t the time to have a panic attack over the sound of explosions.
I spin in a slow circle, scanning the janky patio, the alley leading to a parking lot and Main Street.
Nothing.
Another firework detonates overhead, and I feel my heart crack with each explosion.
For the first time in a long time, I’m scared.
“She’s gone.”
