Page 71 of Absolution

I glance at my watch, counting how long it’ll take me to get back to Virginia Beach. “I’m gonna take off, I have a meeting with Drew in the morning, and I need to get a friend to do a little covert intel before then.”

“Please be careful and text us when you get there.” Kathryn doesn’t even ask this time; she simply hugs me like she’s wanted to before now.

“I will, promise.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Crawford’s brows are low.

I throw my arms around him, patting his back. “I’m good, but I’ll call if I need help.”

“Okay.” He returns my hug, and I turn for the door.

Doc and I are on the road before nine, I’m doing everything I can to keep my mind on the road and not on everything else. Including Scarlet. My heart thunders to life at the mere thought of her.

“I love her, Doc. I know we just met, and people will lecture me on the fact it’s too soon, but I don’t give a damn. I love her. Actually, I love them. I want a family, and I need it to be with Scarlet and Emmie.” I peek up at her in the mirror, and she barks.

“Then we’re in agreement, we’re going to ask Scarlet and Emmie to be a family. Just as soon as I figure my shit out for good.”

A few hours later, we park in our driveway. My chest tightens as I step out and stare at the place. This isn’t my home anymore, I don’t think it ever was, and even if I don’t regain all of my memory, I’m going to be okay.

Doc follows me through the door, as I flip a light on. The first thing I lay my eyes on in the place is my dining room table. My half-finished puzzle reminding me of who I am and of what I have to lose.

I pull my phone out and type out a text.

Creed: We’re here.

Crawford: Good to hear.

Crawford: Thank you.

Creed: I’ll let you know if I hear anything asap.

Crawford: Sounds good.

Crawford: I put in a few calls, nothing yet.

Creed: Good deal.

Creed: Thank you, Dad.

Crawford: My pleasure.

I hit the next number in the most recent. Two rings and I’m beginning to get a little nervous. By the third one, panic is setting in. Then, silence.

“Hey, Creed.” Scarlet’s voice is raspy and sluggish. I glance at the clock on the wall, realizing my mistake.

“I’m sorry, babe. I wasn’t thinking about the time, I’ll let you go back to sleep.”

“No,” she clears her throat. “I need to hear your voice. Talk to me, please.”

I kick my shoes off, working my way back through the house. I get Doc some freshwater and food, turning on her light and the one overhead off. “I prefer your moans over my voice.”

“Me too.” She murmurs. “I miss you and your body heat.”

“You put off some mighty fine body heat yourself, Scar.” I drag my shirt over my head, and unbutton my jeans, letting them fall to the floor.

“Are you in bed yet?” She whispers.

“I am now. How are you and Emmie?” My chest clinches with the thought of hurting or even scaring them.