I clench my teeth at the news while taking a breath.
"Now, you and I both know she's not allowed near him. Not with the TPO in place. You did the right thing by making theschool aware of this and giving them a copy. Even without that, they wouldn't have given him to her without not just verifying her ID, but also she has to be on the pick-up list you gave them."
I nod in agreement. I did know all of this.
"She took off before you got there?" I snarl, making sure I heard him right.
"Unfortunately, she was gone before we got there. However, now that she's pulled this stunt, after evading us for a week now, we'll be issuing a warrant for her arrest for not only violating her PO, but running from law enforcement as well. I've already contacted her probation officer. She'll be going back to prison once we find her."
I let out a heavy breath, some weight I'd been carrying falling away. Megan will be going back to prison.
"First, we have to find her." Sheriff Holloway grunts, deflating the hope I was starting to feel. "Do you know where she might be?"
"Honestly?" I give him a look of question that he nods to. "I don't know where she'd go or with who. I've done everything I can to protect my son from her and keep him away from her. He's all that matters in this."
"I understand," he agrees and sighs. "When we have her in custody, I'll give you a call."
"I'd appreciate it." I nod and stretch a hand out to him. He takes mine, shakes it, and heads back to his SUV.
"Bitch tried to take my son from school," I mutter more to myself than anyone, but Maddox steps to my side. He crosses his arms over his chest.
“It’s only a matter of time before they find her, and when they do, she’ll be out of your hair once and for all.”
"I'm gonna go get Dash." There's no way I can leave him there the rest of the day without worrying. This couldn’t happen at a worse time, not after just days ago of me getting into itwith Maddox. Again, my personal life is getting in the way of my work. But my son is more important than anything else, even my job.
The time frame of how long it'll take me to get to him is already swirling through my head. "I know I need to get shit done around here. I’m not trying to be a slack ass, but I have to know for myself he’s safe."
Maddox isn’t quick to respond, then he finally nods. "Go get your son.”
"Thanks, Mad." I turn on my heel, already pulling my keys from my pocket.
I jump into my truck and start it. Putting it in gear, I circle and head back down the lane. Gravel flies behind me as I speed down the lane. I need to get to Dash, but first, I’m picking up the one person who can calm me right now.
Turning back to my house, I find her still on her knees in the flowerbeds. I come to a stop and throw my truck in park, slamming my door open.
Delaney’s eyes come to me as she stands. “Everything okay?” she asks, watching me closely, her brow furrowing with concern as she takes in my expression.
“No,” I tell her, shaking my head. “We need to go.” My mind races with scenarios of what Megan might do next. She's always been unpredictable, which makes her dangerous. I should have known she'd try something like this—showing up at the school, trying to take Dash. She’s already proven that a restraining order means nothing to her.
“What happened?” she asks, already moving toward me.
"Sheriff Holloway just left. I'm heading to town to get Dash from school."
"Okay, let's go," she says, brushing her hands off on her jeans.
I nod and help her up into the passenger seat. My mind is all over the place. However, one thing about this woman that’s clear is she adores my son and will do anything for him without question. I hadn't even told her what happened, and yet as soon as I tellher I need to go get my son, she doesn't hesitate or question me about it. Just says, 'let's go'.
In times like this, I realize more and more about her and why she draws me in. It’s that part of her that calms me. She’s selfless. Caring. She doesn’t question things in times like this. Not right away, not when she can see that I’m fucked in the head.
All that is her, and she’s got me falling more each day that passes. Hell, I’m more than falling, I’m already there.
Chapter Twenty-One
Delaney
"Can you tell me what's going on?" I ask as Tyler flies down the road, hands fisting on the steering wheel.
"Megan tried to take Dash out of school," he clips out, his tone harsh.
