Going to Glenwood
Springs to look for Colin.
I read the text from Bryce again for the umpteenth time since it had dinged four hours ago. I’d texted back a quick “Be safe, I love you,” and that was that.
My feet itched to move, to run to my car and chase Bryce and my oldest brother all the way to Glenwood Springs.
But I’d promised Talon I’d stay with Jade.
Jade was fine. She said so herself. The cramping was normal, and her ultrasound had shown that the baby was healthy. She wasn’t bleeding, her blood pressure was normal. Everything was A-okay.
No.
No. No. No.
I couldn’t leave. She’d promised Talon she’d stay in bed, and I’d promised I wouldn’t leave her alone.
I sighed, placing Jade’s sandwich plate in the dishwasher. I’d just checked on her, and she was sleeping. We’d been home several hours, and all was fine.
The house was so big and quiet without Talon and the boys here, so I jerked in surprise when the doorbell rang. I shut the dishwasher and walked to the door before it could ring again and disturb Jade. Chills erupted on the back of my neck. It was dark, and Jade and I were alone.
I drew in a deep breath, gathering my courage. I looked through the peephole—
I opened the door. “Colin! What are you doing here?”
“I need to see Jade,” he said. “Quickly. I don’t have a lot of time.”
“What’s going on?”
“I’ve got someone in the car. He’s skittish, and I don’t want—”
We both looked toward the sound of a car door. A man with dark hair and olive skin walked toward us.
“Who’s that?”
“You were supposed to stay in the car,” Colin said.
“Sorry. I’m not sure I trust you quite yet.”
“Trust him? Who the hell are you?”
“Marjorie,” Colin said, “this is Cade Booker.”
I gasped, my jaw dropping.
“Also known as Justin Valente.”
I gulped. “Colin, this man is dangerous. What the hell are you doing?” I quickly scanned Booker. “He’s armed. Probably in three places.”
“Only in one place,” Colin said. “Show her.”
He pulled at his jeans to reveal an ankle holster.
“He’s the one who—”
“I know,” Colin said. “He’s not here to hurt anyone. I promise.”
“Sorry. Don’t trust him.” I reached for my phone in my pocket.