Page 120 of Missing Marcus

“I’m reading about a wizard and a dragon. It has magical powers. LJ says it’s not really a dragon ‘cause they don’t exist. It’s a helicopter disguised as one.” The little girl rolled her eyes. “Boys. He has no imagination.”

“Nugget,” Bryanna warned.

“I’m going.” She gave up stalling and wrapped her arms around her mama’s neck. “I love you, Mama.”

“I love you, too. I’ll be up in a minute,” her friend assured her daughter before turning toward her.

“Drink your tea. She’s a fast reader. We’ll break out an apple pie and homemade ice cream when I come down.”

“I’m fine. Take care of your daughter. We have all night to chat while the men are gone. I know I won’t sleep until Marcus returns anyway.”

“Don’t worry about him. Saint mentioned he’s only observing.” Bryanna struggled out of the chair.

“I’m excited for him. His text included emojis. You know he must be excited to use those.” Gabby laughed.

Bryanna shook her head. “I’m glad you two worked it out. You make him happy. When he moved here, he seemed lost and angry. When he drove you here tonight, he smiled the entire time. Thank you for giving him another chance.”

Gabby rubbed her tummy. “We gave each other another chance. I love him even when he’s a butthead.”

“Thank goodness. If he acted any more stupid, I thought about bringing out my bat and giving him a couple of whacks across his head.” She laughed as she climbed the stairs. “I must be getting cranky. I may need grounding tomorrow,” she said dramatically as she made her way to her daughter.

Gabby’s phone rang in the kitchen and she struggled to rise and get to it before it stopped ringing. Fearing it might be Marcus checking on her during the raid, she didn’t want to miss him.

“Hello,” she answered breathlessly.

“Gabby? Gabby is it you?” a woman asked on the other line.

“Yes,” she answered as she attempted to recognize the voice.

“It’s me. It’s Jackie.”

“Jackie? How? They said you died,” Gabby exclaimed, trying to make sense of how her friend was alive.

“They’re trying to kill me. They shot another woman and put her in my car. I have the files. I know why you asked for them. Please can you meet me? I’m scared,” Jackie cried into the phone.

“My husband went to Seattle. I can have him meet you and bring you to me. You’ll be safe here,” Gabby assured her.

“I don’t have much time. I escaped and they’re searching for me. I’m not in Seattle. I’m in Redmond.”

Gabby calculated the distance between Serenity and Redmond. She could get to Jackie before Marcus.

“Tell me where you are,” she demanded as she grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil.

Jackie paused. “I’m at a gas station. Here’s the address. Hurry, Gabby. If they find me, they’ll kill me.”

“I’m leaving now. I’m in my husband’s truck. It’s navy blue. Give me about twenty-five minutes.” The call disconnected and she heard Bryanna upstairs reminding Nugget to wash behind her ears. She scribbled a note, leaving it on the kitchen table. Grabbing her purse, she rushed out the door, thankful Marcus gave her a key to his truck.

She backed out of the driveway and pressed on the gas, worried for her friend. It seemed like forever before she made it into town. She turned where the GPS led her. She pulled into the gas station and drove around the back. Jackie stood against a tree, with her arms crossed, gathering the thin sweater closer to her body. Gabby pulled the vehicle to a stop and leaned over waving to her.

Jackie searched both ways before running to the truck and jumping in. “Drive,” she ordered.

Gabby took off and turned back onto the street.

“Take a left here,” Jackie commanded roughly.

“No. We’re returning to Serenity. My husband and his friends?—”

Jackie removed the gun from her purse and Gabby’s heart leaped in her throat. “I said turn left up here.”

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