Page 56 of Missing Marcus

When she finished, he placed the dish into the sink and helped her down. “Can we sit in the living room? Saint gave me an update on the investigation.”

He followed her, noting she took the overstuffed armchair to keep from sitting beside him. He sat on the corner of the couch and took her hand. She started to pull away, yet something in his expression stopped her as she gazed at him expectantly, waiting for the news.

“There’s no easy way to tell you this. Please stay mindful of the baby. They found Jackie and her car in a lake outside of Seattle,” he gently told her. “It’ll take a few days to confirm her identity, but they discovered her purse and briefcase with her.”

Gabby’s hand shot to her mouth as she absorbed the information. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I never should’ve asked her to retrieve those files,” she sobbed. “I killed her.”

“No.” Knight said firmly. “You didn’t do anything. Those bastards who steal innocent people and sell them for some sick individual’s pleasure did it. You can’t blame yourself.”

“She was my only friend,” she whispered. “When Bryanna refused to speak with me, Jackie mothered me. She made me feel like someone cared,” her voice trembled.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he said gently. He picked her up, ignoring her stiffening, as he sat in the chair and placed her in his lap. Grabbing a tissue from the side table, he held it as she blew her nose, then took another to dab her eyes. He placed a third in her hand. “I’m the reason why Bryanna refused to speak with you. It’s my fault you felt all alone. I’m glad Jackie cared for you. I’ll always remain grateful to her for watching over you when I acted like a butthead.”

Her body wracked in sobs as he coaxed Gabby’s head onto his shoulder and rubbed her back soothingly. “I know it’s terrible to lose Jackie, but if she were here, she’d want you to think about the baby.”

She nodded jerkily. “She always plied me with yogurt and cheese. Jackie set an alarm to check how much water I drank and if I ate my meals.”

Knight listened to her describe her friend. “She sounds like a special friend when you needed one.”

“Do you think they will hold a funeral for her? I don’t care what you say, I want to attend,” she demanded as she dabbed her eyes.

“It’ll take some time to identify her body and do you know if she has any family?”

Gabby shook her head. “She mentioned a sister back in Ohio. I don’t think they got along. Jackie said she hadn’t spoken with her in years. Do you think Matthew can find her?”

“I’ll ask Saint,” he assured her. “Do you want to lie down for a bit? I didn’t want to tell you because of the baby. But I didn’t want you seeing something on the news or hearing about it from someone else.”

As if realizing where she sat, Gabby stiffened and attempted to rise.

“Hey, let me hold you until you feel a bit better, no strings attached. It’s me comforting you and not expecting anything in return.”

She gazed into his eyes as if searching if he played a trick. Gabby didn’t even trust him to console her.

“If you prefer, I can ask Bryanna and her friends to come over. I’ll go speak with Saint,” he offered as he brushed the hair away from her face.

She rose and his arms fell to the chair as he watched her head toward her bedroom. He texted his sister.

Can you come and stay with Gabby? I informed her of her friend’s passing.

Three dots appeared and then she responded.

I’m with Kassie, Catherine, Lizzy, and Tess. We’re waiting for Samantha and Claire, then we’ll drop by the cabin.

I’ll stay until you arrive.

See you soon.

Bryanna texted.

Knight stuck his phone back in his holder. He swiped at his jaw. Fighting the urge to stay even after the women appeared. He wanted to support his wife.

He knew in his gut, losing Gabby meant he made the biggest mistake of his life. Without any clue on how to dig himself out of the hole he created, Knight swallowed his pride and texted Saint.

I need some advice. Do you have time to talk?

A minute later, his phone dinged with a response from his brother-in-law.

I’m at the team building. Meet me there.

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