Page 67 of Missing Marcus

“Hey, asshole.” Patch fell in line beside him as he walked toward the hospital’s entrance. “How did it go today?”

Knight glanced over at him and smirked. “Your woman’s something else.” He watched as Patch puffed up in pride at Claire. “She told me a little about her former patient and her legs.”

The man beside him frowned. “Did she appear in pain?”

“I’m no expert. She only said they ached.” Knight replied as they walked into the parking lot.

“I’ll check on her at lunch. Leo asked you to join us at PT at 0500 at the facility tomorrow.” Patch walked past him and stood by his truck.

Knight’s eyebrows shot up at the invite. Taking Claire’s advice, he nodded. “I’ll see you then.” Climbing into his vehicle, he turned onto the road to the cabin. Maybe the mountain offered him the serenity he needed to find his way back home.

***.

Wednesday morning Gabby lay still under the blankets. She didn’t want to face the day. Maybe if she kept her eyes closed, she might deny the date a bit longer. It felt even worse knowing Marcus lurked somewhere in the cabin.

Unable to resist the urge to pee, she crept from the warm bed and entered the bathroom. She washed her hands and pulled her hair back from her face. She tossed and turned all night, dreading the arrival of the morning. Groaning, she noticed the bags under her eyes and her hair stuck up in every direction. The oversized jersey of the Seattle Seahawks stretched across her boobs, the only reminder of Knight she kept. She didn’t need fancy lingerie when she wore his favorite jersey with nothing underneath.

She shook her head to prevent herself from thinking of the man she planned to divorce nine days after their fourth anniversary. Turning on the shower to warm, she placed the plastic sleeve over her cast. Working with one hand sucked, but she shaved her legs, applied a face mask, and moisturized her body with the lotion from Samantha’s spa. The scent of vanilla filled the air and calmed her as she wiggled into a pair of maternity leggings and a pretty pink top. She straightened, then curled her hair, scooping it up on the side with a barrette. Biting her lip, she glanced at her image in the mirror. Why did she need to dress up on the day she wished to forget?

She put off leaving her bedroom long enough. Gabby decided to turn in some work. Matthew installed a program to prevent anyone from tracing her whereabouts. She attempted to work over the last few days, while Marcus spent time at the facility. When he returned, he brought meals with him and they ate together at the bar before she retired to her lonely room.

Entering the kitchen, she halted in surprise to find a simple bouquet of wildflowers in a vase sitting on the coffee table. A note sat beside them. She reached out with her hand and touched the pretty blossoms before leaning in and smelling their sweet fragrance. Picking up the envelope, she opened it and read.

Gabrielle, I know this doesn’t make up for the last year, but I didn’t want to miss another one without expressing how much you mean to me. I respect your decision to proceed with the divorce; however, it won’t stop me from reminding you how much I care about you. I’m excited to begin the journey of parenthood together and can’t wait to meet our child. Love, Marcus

Tears pooled in her eyes and she hastily swiped them away. It was only flowers. She stared at them a while before deciding to leave them on the table. Maybe he dreaded today as much as she did since he didn’t appear anywhere in the cabin. It felt almost like a relief not to have to face him.

Pulling her computer out, she messaged her assistant. The office planned a small memorial luncheon for Jackie on Friday and she wanted to attend. She doubted the team’s enthusiasm about her going, but it didn’t feel right after all Jackie had done for her. With the women throwing Bryanna a baby shower, Saint volunteered to take her into town to find a gift and she planned to ask him about taking her to the gathering for her friend.

Her stomach growled, reminding her to eat. She rose from the chair and entered the kitchen, setting the kettle on the stove for tea. Opening the fridge, she stared at the selection. Marcus must’ve done some shopping. She noticed her favorite apple juice replaced, a container of cut-up veggies, and a selection of her favorite fruits sat in a bowl with a note attached, saying ‘washed.’ His thoughtfulness surprised her. Gabby finished making toast and tea before heading back to the living room. She set her plate on the side table as she adjusted the computer over her growing belly.

The lock to the cabin disengaged and Knight walked inside. He smiled on seeing her.

“Good morning,” he greeted her, removing his shoes and crossing the room to where she sat. “Happy Anniversary.”

“Good morning,” she murmured as she took in his dress shirt, which stretched across his chest and showed off his muscular arms. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”

“You’re welcome.” He leaned down, peering into her cup before taking it into the kitchen for a refill. The scent of sandalwood drifted in the air from his cologne as he left, sending butterflies to her stomach. Checking to see if the water remained hot, Knight poured her another cup and one for himself, bringing it into the living room.

“Do you plan to work today? Would you like to go into town for dinner tonight for a change of scenery? Bryanna mentioned a place in town called Ty’s,” he gently suggested.

“I can’t. Saint volunteered to take me into town. They planned a shower for Bryanna on Saturday. I want to find her a present. My assistant emailed the details of a luncheon the firm plans to have on Friday for Jackie. She didn’t have many friends and it’s important for me to attend.”

“You know it’s too dangerous for you to go. Whoever tried to kill you might be watching to see if you’ll come,” he reminded her. “Jackie would understand your reasons for skipping it. You said yourself she mothered you and the baby. Putting yourself in harm’s way seems like the last thing she’d want.”

A single tear slid down her cheek. “I know. I feel guilty. She showed me such compassion and loyalty and I asked her to bring me those files. If I only kept my mouth shut…”

Knight tilted her chin with his forefinger until her gaze met his. His thumb swiped away the evidence of her grief. “I’m sorry you lost your friend. Even if you didn’t ask Jackie, the person trying to hurt you, would want to tie up loose ends. She worked as your assistant and was privy to all your files.”

At a loss for words, she nodded. The computer slid, and she lifted it back on her stomach. “With everything happening, I forgot to ask about renting a car for the drive to California. I don’t know how to do it without using my name, and it’ll cost a fortune for a last-minute reservation,” she groaned.

“Always the accountant,” he chuckled as he removed his hand. “I spoke with Saint. Leo suggested we borrow one of the team’s vehicles. They have a minivan. It’ll be more comfortable for you and I can escort you to and from. I called Wolf. He and Abe will meet us at the hotel as long as they don’t spin up. They’ll act as our backup while we’re in town. I booked two rooms at a hotel under assumed names. No one can track us.”

Shifting uncomfortably, Gabby refused to meet his eyes. She demanded he not interfere with the divorce, but it hurt how he planned everything efficiently. “Don’t you think us traveling together under the circumstances might feel a bit awkward? I’ll feel better if Saint escorts me.”

“Gabrielle. We share a child. Regardless of what happens, I’ll always care for you. I’m not stupid and I know I put us through hell. We have two choices. We can make this feel incredibly hard or try to remain friends. I know you don’t have any reason to trust me, and I hope to earn it back. How about I text Saint? When you finish your work, I’ll drive you to town for shopping and dinner.”

“Okay,” she reluctantly agreed. The need to leave the cabin and feel some sense of normalcy tugged at her.

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