Page 89 of Missing Marcus

Knight smiled. “Fine. We need to take you to the bathroom before the funeral luncheon starts. You know how long it takes you with your injuries.” Gabby turned around slowly, giving Matthew a view of her office.

“I understand. But I’ll be frustrated if I forget anything. Let me get my bearings and we can head to the bathroom. There’s a larger bathroom downstairs and you can help me.”

She sat at her desk, opened her drawers and pretended to go through the files.

“I’ve worked on these. I’m only missing the ones Jackie promised to bring me. I’ll ask Thomas if he can email me the files since we’re on a time constraint. I swear I’m already getting tired.”

Knight helped her to the elevator and they took it to the floor below. When they entered the bathroom, he put his fingers to his lips. “Here let me help you.”

He motioned for her to use the bathroom, and she furiously shook her head. Rolling his eyes, he held the water bottle up and held a hand to his ear. Somebody listened to their conversation. She moved to the toilet, fuming as she lifted the black maternity dress Bryanna let her borrow. She motioned for Knight to turn his head and the bastard laughed.

“Darling, you’re expected to say a few words for your friend. If you don’t hurry, you’ll be late.”

Her mouth firmed as she glared at him while peeing. Finishing up, she washed her hands. “I’m ready. I need a moment to collect myself before going inside. Can we get a bit of air? These things never start on time.”

“If you wish,” Knight replied as he set both water bottles on the sink.

They exited the bathroom, as Matthew slipped inside to pick them up for testing and bugs.

“You have exactly five minutes to download what you need and put the drive back into your cast. Drop your purse beside your boss,” Marcus instructed as he unzipped her purse. “You’re doing good, sweetheart.”

She rushed inside and sat at the computer while he watched the door. Her fingers flew through the files as she searched and saved.

“Gabby.”

“I’m almost done.” She pulled out the drive and stuck it inside the cast. Knight helped her up as he pressed something inside his ear. “Tiger’s ready.”

She glanced at him, confused as to why he muttered the phrase. He peered at her sheepishly.

“Let’s get you to Jackie’s luncheon. You’ve done your part. Now, pay tribute to your friend.”

When they returned, the employees all gathered around a beautiful centerpiece. An employee passed out drinks as everyone waited for her boss to begin. “Today, we gather to honor one of our employees. Jackie was a hard worker, a wonderful person who cared for us when we fell sick and kept us on our toes. When Gabrielle Hutchins joined our firm, Jackie took her under her wing and became her assistant. As we all know, Gabrielle suffered a car accident recently, yet she insisted on coming to say a few words about our friend, colleague and associate.”

A slight pause filled the room as Knight escorted Gabby to the podium.

Pulling a tissue from her purse, Gabby took a shaky breath. “When I first started at the firm, Jackie greeted me and made me feel welcome. During my first week here, she discovered my pregnancy. She became like a second mom, insisting I ate regular meals, brought me dinners for the nights I worked late, and became my confidante.” Gabby dabbed her eyes and inhaled. “Seattle can be a lonely city when you’re all alone. Jackie made me feel loved and took away my fears and anxiety. She even attended a couple of doctor appointments with me while my husband served in the military. Jackie held my hand when I heard our child’s heartbeat for the first time. I will always cherish the memories.” Gabby held her sparkling apple juice in the air. “To Jackie. May you always know how much you mean to me. We will miss you deeply.”

The group held up their glasses in a silent toast as tears ran down Gabby’s cheeks. Knight held her arm to escort her back to the chair as Mr. Wilkinson approached, taking Gabby’s hand. His hand felt wet, almost too sweaty. Her purse slid down her arm, falling to the floor, spilling all the contents. Marcus knelt to pick up all the items scattered across the floor. “Oh my,” she bit her lip.

“I’ve got it,” Marcus assured her.

“I’m so sorry,” Gabby peered at Mr. Wilkinson, embarrassed as they waited for the return of her items.

“It’s all right. Excellent toast, Gabby. Jackie carried the same sentiment about you. I believe you became like a long-lost daughter to her.”

“Thank you. I’m afraid I’m not feeling well. Perhaps we should leave.” Her chest felt heavy and she suddenly felt clammy and leaned toward her husband.

One glance in her direction sent Knight into motion. His arm went around her and the crowd parted as he partially dragged Gabby to the truck. He buckled her in while he spoke into the coms. “I need Doc, something’s wrong with Gabby.” He listened to instructions as he peeled out of the parking lot. He gripped her hand. “I’ve got you, sweetheart. Doc’s around the corner.”

He turned into a parking garage, jumped out of the vehicle, and ran to Gabby’s side. Doc and Saint pulled up alongside him. Jerking the door open, he unlatched her seatbelt and put the seat down.

“Move out of the way, Knight,” Doc ordered.

He ran to the driver’s side and climbed in, gripping her hand.

Doc took her blood pressure. “Did you eat anything?”

She shook her head. The car seemed to spin, and their voices sounded far away. Gabby closed her eyes to prevent dizziness.

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