Page 111 of Missing Marcus

Marcus rubbed his eyes. He vowed to let her go. If he changed his mind now, would she consider it another broken promise? It seemed as if he screwed up daily. He didn’t want to hurt her any more than he already had. It felt selfish to tell her the truth now.

When they arrivedat the hotel. He helped her out of the van.

“Shadow checked us in. We’ll get you settled quickly and you can take a nap.”

She nodded, the exhaustion and stress showing in her expression.

When they entered the room, he turned down the bed and knelt to remove her shoes. Kicking himself for forgetting to bring her pillow along, he devised a pillow support system for her. Her hand rested under her cheek as he pulled the cover over her.

Setting the alarm, giving them time to dress, before Wolf arrived, he lay beside her. She snuggled into him.

“How long do you think it’ll take tomorrow?” she asked quietly.

“The attorney said we’re on the morning docket at nine,” he replied. “I requested we go early under the circumstances. Kassie’s godfather’s attorney called the courthouse and spoke with someone. I imagine we’ll be one of the first.”

She nodded.

Marcus rubbed her back, noticing the tense muscles and pondered whether she doubted this divorce. Unsure if he should ask, he kept quiet. Too much passed between them.

Before he knew it, his alarm went off. He hadn’t slept, worried about the next day. He woke Gabby and helped her dress. Shadow and Patch hugged Gabby and said goodbye. Wolf’s team planned to escort them the rest of the way.

Wolf and Abe smiled as Marcus helped his wife down the stairs.

“Gabrielle, you’re glowing. Caroline wanted me to tell you she wanted to come. She got stuck working on a project.” Wolf hugged her gently and shook Knight’s hand.

Abe squeezed her. “Alabama wanted to come. One of the kids came home sick. She sends her love, and they plan to fly to Seattle for a girls’ weekend.”

“Tell them to let me know when. I miss them,” Gabby said as Wolf led them to a dark vehicle.

“The team checked out the hotel. Dude has the entrances and exits covered. Cookie already reserved your room in the computer system under an assumed name.”

Abe passed him a photo ID and a credit card. “Courtesy of Tex. There’s one for Gabby, if needed.”

“I’ll call him and thank him this evening.” Knight put the items in his wallet.

Both men laughed at his statement. They pulled up to the hotel.

“We have eyes on you all night. Try not to leave the rooms. They have a connecting door. Gabby, it’s important to leave it unlocked so Knight can get to you if there’s an emergency. We don’t want the hotel staff coming in and out of the room. We took the liberty to order dinner for you. Abe will bring it up. He’ll knock six times and leave it at the door,” Wolf instructed as Abe exited the vehicle, covering her until Knight flanked her opposite side.

Gabby showeredand pulled her hair back into a professional bun. Knowing how Marcus loved playing with it, she opted to pull it up. She didn’t think she could bear his tender touch after tomorrow.

Marcus knocked on her door before entering. “Abe brought us dinner. I wanted you to eat while it’s hot.”

Gabby followed him to his room, where he set the table and placed the food in the middle.

“Pick out what you want and I’ll take whatever. They ordered a selection, not knowing what you might feel up to eating.”

Gabby went through the items and found a piece of grilled chicken and broccoli. She sat down and cut it into pieces.

“Do you want milk? I forgot to ask them to pick up some,” he explained.

She shook her head. “No. I’ll drink it with breakfast in the morning. Water’s fine.” She waited for him to talk to her. The longer she sat there, the more furious she grew.

He passed her a bottle and took one for himself. Gabby picked at her food. They silently ate while listening to hotel room doors slam as people walked down the hall. Knight seemed to watch her like a hawk, making her nervous. When she couldn’t stand it anymore, she stood.

“I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” She walked to her room and when she placed her hand on the knob, Marcus’ hand covered hers.

“Tell me you want this and I’ll go through with it without a fight. If you feel anything for me, Gabrielle, I need to know. I’m aware I’ve made mistakes.”

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