The police officer's eyes widened, but he nodded, un-cuffed me, and handed me his cell phone.
I dialed the number, the phone ringing a few times before someone answered. I didn’t waste time, knowing every second from here counted.
“I’d like to call in my favor.”
“It’s done.”
“Thank you.”
“You know what this means, though, right, Maddox?”
“Yes. I’m aware. I have to, though. Becca needs you more.”
“It will be done within the hour. Good luck on the inside.”
“Thanks. Don’t tell Darcie.”
“She’ll hate you for this.”
“It’s better this way,” I said.
He sighed, and I knew he was weighing his words. “I wish it could be different. I have the information you sent. I’ll try to get you out quickly.”
“I know. But we both know how these things work. If Becca’s safe, I’ll wait as long as I have to.”
“You have my word.”
I hung up. Nothing else needed to be said, and handed the phone back to the officer. He cuffed me again but was more gentle this time.
Every officer from Alabama to Mississippi to Georgia knew what those words meant. But once I was on the inside, I was on my own.
I only hoped Darcie wouldn’t forget me.
Diary #11
Dear Mom,
I know something has gone wrong with Maddox’s mission. While we didn’t talk every day on the server, we checked in with one another. I haven’t heard from him in a month now, and I’m worried.
But I know he wouldn’t want me to be. So, I’m trying to go about my days, living my life here in Nashville.
I can’t believe I’ve lived in the city for a year now. Life is going well, and history makes me nervous, but I’m trying not to let that stop me from living it.
Speaking of, I’ve let Candi set me up on a date.
I’m a little nervous, but I think it’s time, as hard as that is to admit. I’m not giving up on Maddox, but I can’t wait and he told me not to.
Dad still hasn’t responded, but I know he’s seeing them, and that’s enough for now.
Love you,
Darcie
Twelve
DARCIE
Blotting my lips, I smacked them together as I finished with my lipstick. Cherry red tonight. I was ready to dance and flirt with all the boys. My confidence had soared since I became a cam girl. Self assurance wasn’t something I’d ever thought I’d need, having always been confident in who I was before Agonizer stole it.