“Good. After we finish here, we’ll swing by your house and grab what you need.” I turned to Jackson. “Are we starting this immediately?”
He nodded. “You are. Take a work laptop on your way out, and I’ll call later tonight to see how things are settling.”
Details settled, I got a sudden spike of apprehension. I hadn’t lived with a woman since Sadie, and she still left a bitter taste in my mouth.
However, this was aprofessionalarrangement, one where Penelope had to remain firmly within the “no banging zone.”
In saying that, I had a feeling the already-messy situation was about to get a whole lot more complicated.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
Penny
Sitting in a quiet room with Mia, the sketch artist, I tried my hardest to push my irritation aside and focus on the task.
She wanted me to describe every little detail of Psycho Killer’s face, and I hated that I had to force myself to scrutinize every line and marking when all I wanted to do was forget.
I had to hand it to Mia, while she was thorough with her questions, she didn’t press when she sensed I was struggling. Her friendly smile and kind pale eyes helped settle my nerves, and I welcomed the comfort of her presence.
While it had only been a day since finding freedom, the finer characteristics of his appearance were already faded at the edges. The lack of clarity brought unease where I began to second guess the description I gave. That was, until Mia turned her sketch pad and showed me the drawing.
The visual representation of my captor took my breath away. I pressed a hand to the aching spot and closed my eyes, trying my hardest to fight off the unexpected anxiety.
Mia flipped the sketch face-down and set it aside. “There’s likeness, then?”
I nodded as my mouth worked open and closed. “There is. Too much…”
She smiled softly and took my hand in hers. “What you’re doing is incredibly brave, Penny. It takes courage to do what you just did, and rest assured, it will help Jackson’s team find this guy.”
“Can I go now?” I stammered.
Mia stood. “You’re free to go, hon. I’ll pass this onto Jackson once you’ve left.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, then rushed for the door with my head down.
I needed out. Needed fresh air and to feel the breeze on my face. To be out in the open with no walls surrounding me, where I could run in any direction and not become trapped.
I all but threw myself through the exit doors of Cole Security and sucked in a deep lungful of air. My fingers gripped the wheelchair ramp railing as I focused on calming my breath. Slowly, the squeeze eased and the grips of panic released, allowing me to breathe a little more freely.
After regaining control, I straightened and expelled a heavy sigh. I just wanted the entire ordeal to be over. So much for being found, then moving on. I was already having a hard time trusting Paul, and his little stunt further rocked those shaky foundations.
The glass entry door behind me opened, and brought Paul and Dante into my outdoor bubble.
Much to my surprise, my father extended his hand to Dante. “Look after my little girl.”
“You know I will,” Dante stated, engaging in the firm handshake.
Dad then kissed my cheek. “Stay safe, Bunny. I’m only a call away.”
I walked with him to the trunk of his car. “I know. But I’m sure everything will be fine. I’m just glad I’m not being sent away.”
His expression softened. “If you change your mind, let me know. I’ll have you in Virginia in a heartbeat.”
I lifted out my overnight bag from the trunk and stepped away. “Not happening. At least this way I can still see Vivi and Lydia.”
Paul pursed his lips. “Don’t make me regret this decision, Penelope.”
Ever-present disappointment washed through me. Without either of us saying goodbye, and me now nursing a bad mood, I waited for him to drive away before striding toward the Hummer Dante drove yesterday.