“I’m saying that Madison checked herself out over a month ago.”
“How did she do that?”
“All I know is she’s been out. I talked to Olivia. She didn’t know. No one has tried to contact Brooklyn.”
“What do you meanno one?” I asked. “My PI said Phillip was back in San Antonio.”
“I’m on my way to Olivia’s house, but I’m telling you that according to Olivia, Madison and Phillip are both MIA.”
I suddenly recalled the envelope Albert had given me. Reaching for it on the seat to my side, I ripped the flap open. A handwritten note was attached to documents.
Holding my breath, I began to read.
Van,
You told me if I ever needed another favor to first give you my divorce papers. Here they are. I need your help. I’m not crazy. Once Phillip learns I’ve left the facility, he will be coming after me and you.
He’s the one who needs to be stopped. Don’t go through with the wedding. You were right. We belong together, for us and Brooklyn.
I need you, Van.
I’m waiting.
Madison
“Van, are you still there?” Lena’s voice called through the truck speakers.
Fuck.
Attached to the note were divorce papers signed by Madison. Phillip’s place of signature was empty.
“Van,” Lena said again.
“She’s here. I just opened an envelope that was delivered to the front gate. Lena, Madison is here.”
“Where?”
I recalled Michael’s information on the DNA. “She was staying in the old cabin.”
“Is she still there?”
“Shit, no. I had it reinforced. Julia and I are marrying there in a few minutes.”
“Where could she be?”
My mind searched for answers. The guesthouse was now occupied by Michael and Albert. The house where she’d stayed the last time she came to me was gone, a Christmas tree farm now.
Fuck.
I’d forgotten about a promise I’d made to her years ago. I’d given her the answer on where to go. If she were on the property, there was only one option.
I put the truck in gear and turned the wheel. “I have to go, Lena. I need to call my security.”
“Van, where do you think she is?”
My heart pounded against my breastbone. “In the house with Julia.”
“Shit. Hurry.”