Chapter 20
Kelcie
For the first time in my life, I’m driven by a desperate need to get away from Verona.
With the radio on and an old Kenny Rogers song blasting in my ears, I struggle to focus on the slippery road. My thoughts keep jumping from one thing to another, and my emotions feel like they’re stuck on a crazy roller coaster ride.
I have no idea how long I’ve been driving when a news broadcast comes on. I turn the volume down, and when the car slips on the ice, I quickly grab hold of the steering wheel with both hands.
For what feels like the hundredth time since I found out Levi is related to Wesley Porter, my heart breaks into a zillion unrecognizable pieces.
How could Levi do that to me?
How could the man who was so patient and understanding with me lie to me every day?
I hear Levi’s name on the radio and turn the sound up again.
“... the bestselling author ofThe Elimination Projectis related to Wesley Porter, a convicted murderer. More about this at five. Stay tuned for ...”
I switch the radio off, and just then the tires slip on the icy road, and my car begins to slide.
“Oh God!” I grab the steering wheel tightly, but there’s nothing I can do as I slam into the embankment on the side of the road. Snow splatters all over my windshield, and the car jerks before the engine stalls.
Breaths burst over my parted lips, and I blink through the shock. The next second, I burst out into tears and begin to ugly cry. I lean forward and press my forehead against the steering wheel.
Agonizing sobs rip through me, and it feels as if I’ve lost all reason for living.
A knock on my window startles the crap out of me. I quickly wipe my cheeks and try to rein in the tears before I let the window down a couple of inches.
“Are you okay?” a man with gray hair and a Santa Claus beard asks. “I saw you go off the road.”
I nod, and my voice sounds like it’s been put through a grater as I reply, “I’m fine.”
“Is there anyone I can call for you?”
I reach over to the passenger seat and pick up my bag. Digging my phone out, I check that I have a signal, then say, “You’re so kind, but I’ll call my brother.”
“Okay then. Take care.”
“Thank you for checking on me.”
When he walks away, I let the window up to keep the cold out.
I slump back in my seat and stare at the pile of snow on the hood of my car. Only then does a trembling creep deep into my bones.
White puffs of air come from my mouth, and somehow I think to start the engine again so the heat will work.
It takes a minute or two before I’m able to calm down enough to dial Jordan’s number.
After a few rings, he answers, “Hey, what’s up?”
“I need you ...” I suck in a desperate breath before trying to continue.
“Kelcie!”
“I need you.” I burst out in tears again and have to squeeze the words out. “I crashed into an embankment. I don’t think I can drive further. Please come get me.”
“Send me your location,” he says, his breaths rushing over the line. “I’m on my way.”
