Page 22 of Missing Marcus

14

Gabrielle stiffened at his words. She turned her head toward her window. “You fathered this child,” she admitted. “I never planned to keep the baby from you.”

“You’re six months along. When did you plan on telling me?” he asked, confused.

“It’s not as if you’d believe me anyway. Let’s pick up the meds. I’m tired and I want to get a few things for the hotel.”

“Damn it, Gabrielle. I only found out yesterday and by complete surprise might I add.” When she didn’t respond, he started the truck and returned to the pharmacy.

When he parked, Gabrielle opened the door. “I need to use the bathroom,” she explained quietly as she slid from the seat. Knight tried to help her, but she brushed him away and avoided his gaze.

He let out a frustrated sigh as he escorted her to the restroom and went to the pharmacy for her meds. Gabrielle used the bathroom and washed her hand. The blood coated the towel, and she added a few paper towels to the wound, hoping to soak it up until she settled into a hotel. When she stepped out, Knight paced back and forth as she ignored him and entered the first aid aisle. Picking up a bottle of acetaminophen, Gabby searched for bandages.

“Don’t purchase them. We’re going somewhere else.” Knight placed the bandages on the shelf. He walked to the register and she swiped her card, unwilling to allow him to pay.

“Where?” she asked as he coaxed her from the store.

Knight opened the bottle, handing her two pills before pulling out of the parking lot. He warily glanced at Gabby. “I’m taking you to Bryanna’s.”

Gabby adamantly shook her head. “No. Bryanna hasn’t returned a single call from me,” she refused.

“Listen before you get upset. Bryanna invited you,” he informed her, keeping his eyes on the road.

“Humph,” Gabby said, trying to cross her arms, but her shoulder hurt, and her arm became increasingly uncomfortable. Tears sprang in her eyes as she recalled how she and Bryanna became such close friends. When she needed her the most, Bryanna refused to answer calls.

“Hey, she misses you. Did you know she’s expecting, too? She and Saint marriedandhave a little girl they call Nugget. Cutest little doll you’ve ever laid eyes on. She has Saint wrapped around her finger,” he babbled.

When she didn’t respond, his brow creased in concern. A rapidly approaching car caught his attention. “Hang on, Gabby,” he warned her as the car rammed into the back of his truck.

Gabby tried to turn to see what hit them as Knight evaded the car. Making a sharp left and a quick right, on the streets, he pulled into a parking lot and shut the truck off.

“Why did you stop?” Gabby cried.

“Because they know my vehicle.” He took out his phone and dialed Saint.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Got a tail. I’m in a parking garage with Gabby. I need Doc and another ride,” he reported.

“Pin me the location and hang tight. We’ll be there soon,” Saint disconnected the call.

“We need to go. Please Marcus, it’s all my fault. You aren’t involved in this. Let me go and they’ll leave you alone,” she panicked. Struggling to remove her seatbelt, Gabby tried to leave the truck.

Knight cupped her face. His dark green eyes held hers. “Listen to me. Nothing will happen to you, this baby, or me. Saint will come.”

Gabby scanned the parking lot. “What if they show up? Promise me you’ll leave. I can’t keep up. I’ll only hinder you.”

“Breathe, Gabby,” he whispered. “Remember the baby. You’re not supposed to stress out,” he reminded her. Unbuckling her seatbelt, he moved her closer, while he scanned the parking lot.

He pulled her to his side and her head lay on his shoulder. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down for the baby’s sake. She inhaled his scent and listened as his steady heartbeat calmed her.

Twenty minutes later, his phone rang. “Knight,” he answered.

She heard Saint’s voice come over the phone. “We’re a mile away. We’re coming with three trucks. One will stay on the street. Two will enter the garage. We’ll cover Gabby first. Grab whatever she needs and enter the second truck.”

“Got it.”

He tugged his coat over her. “When they arrive, they’ll help you out. It’s Saint, Bryanna’s new husband, and his security team. Don’t worry.”

---