Page 37 of Redemption

He scrubs a hand over his face. “I don’t know what to think anymore! Just please tell me what I need to do to make you smile again, and I’ll do it. I don’t know how to make this better, and it’s breaking my heart, Pres. Just tell me what to do!”

I turn toward him when we reach the front porch. “I wish I knew, Beck. Right now, all I want is for you to go back to work so I can go back to sleep. If I’m asleep, it doesn’t hurt as bad.”

I stiffen when he pulls me into his arms. “Call me if you need anything. Anything. My phone is never leaving my side again.”

I nod in agreement as I pull out of his embrace. As I’m opening the screen door, I say, “I need more time, Beck. Just give me more time.”

“I love you, Pres.”

If only love were enough to save our baby.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Presley

It’s been almost three weeks since I’ve left New York, and I’ve yet to hear from Sebastian. I’m so on edge with the uncertainty. I feel like he’s going to jump out at me at every corner. But then again, patience is not my husband’s virtue. You’d think if he was coming for me, he would’ve done so by now. I’ve kept my phone turned off for the most part, but Sebastian hasn’t even tried calling my parents. Is it because he’s too busy managing a scandal? I’ve been checking online, and there hasn’t been a single mention about his tryst with his second-in-command. I don’t get it. If someone took the time to send me that video, there had to have been a reason, right? I don’t have any friends in New York. No one would’ve sent that to me out of loyalty, so the only thing I could think of was whoever it is, wanted Sebastian to know that he’s being watched. That he’s been caught with his pants down. Literally.

I blow out a breath, fingering the business card in front of me. Okay, I can do this. I have to go with my gut that Agent Simmons is on my side. I look around my father’s office to ensure I’m alone before picking up the phone. Shaking my head about the fact my parents still have a landline, I dial his number.

“Agent Simmons.” He picks up after the first ring.

I clear my throat. “Hi... uh... I don’t know if you remember me, but—”

“Presley? Is that you?”

My jaw drops. “How’d you know?”

He chuckles lightly. “Your maiden name on the caller ID was my first clue, but you have a distinctive voice. I can tell you try masking it, but you still have a slight southern lilt at the end of certain words. I’ve lived in New York my entire life, so it stands out. Now, since you’re calling, I’m assuming you’re ready to talk?”

Crap, I forgot about caller ID.

“I...” I swallow, trying to alleviate the sudden dryness in my throat. “Um... I was hoping you could help me with something.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Well, it’s been almost three weeks since I’ve been gone.”

“You mean since you’ve been staying at your parents’ house?”

The man’s done his homework. I shouldn’t be surprised; he does work for the FBI, after all.

“Right.” I nod, even though he can’t see me. “And I haven’t heard from my husband once. There’s no doubt he’s figured out where I’m at by now. My phone’s been off, but he has my parents’ numbers. I think maybe even my brother’s, too. He’s had plenty of opportunities to reach out to me, yet he hasn’t. I was hopin’ you might know why. Is there something going on that’s keeping him occupied?”

“Something like trying to prevent a scandalous video from getting into the wrong hands?”

“You know about the video?!”

“Yes, I know about the recording of your husband engaging in a sexual act with the deputy mayor.”

“How?”

“Presley, I need you to hear me out before you say anything.”

I frown, not liking the direction this conversation is heading. “Okay...”

“I know who forwarded that video to you.”

“Excuse me?” I couldn’t have possibly heard that correctly.

---