Once I had Jo’s personal stuff packed up, I took the suitcase and my bag out to the truck and tossed them in the back seat.I knew we had to hurry so we didn’t risk anyone coming back to finish what they started, but I needed a little more time to get things situated since I wasn’t sure when we would be able to return—if Jo even wanted to return.
I grabbed the boxes they had given me when I went shopping the other day and began loading them with nonperishable food and bottles of water.Then I grabbed the first aid bag I had seen in Jo’s room and added a few flashlights and packs of batteries.
I didn’t know what else Jo might want me to take, so I pulled out my phone and sent her a quick text.
Me: What would you like me to bring for you from the house?
Her answer came immediately.
Jo: Nothing.Leave everything there.None of it matters.
Jo: All I need is you.
Twenty-Three
Jo
By the time Dom returnedto the clinic, it was already starting to get dark.Dr.Foster had written down a list of helpful things regarding the cabin, like where the backup generator was and where she kept extra wood.I was thankful that she was offering us a safe place to stay, but I hated being on the run once again.
Dom returned with Keith and Axel, which was a relief because I knew they would make sure Dr.Foster got home safely and that no one followed her.I knew that someone had already been to the bar asking about me, so it seemed likely that they would also come to the clinic looking for me.
I sat in the truck beside Dom, chewing my nails nervously as we drove along the secluded road that would take us to the cabin.I didn’t miss the way he constantly checked his mirrors, making sure no one followed us, which only made it that much more real that we were in danger.
“So, umm, there’s something I need to tell you,” he said nervously, glancing at me while keeping his attention on the road.
“Okay.”I slowly drew in a breath and released it as I waited for him to spit it out.
“Someone was at your house.”
His fingers wrapped tightly around the steering wheel as if the thought of it angered him.
“There were several bullet holes in the stucco.Windows were shattered.But unfortunately, whoever did it was already gone by the time we got there.”
My heart hammered in my chest as I swallowed hard.If I hadn’t been at work, would someone have...
“When I went through the house, I checked every single room, Jo.I made sure no one was in there...”
