Page 61 of Shared By Her Brother's Best Friends

“Don’t say that… Emma it—”

“Please, Jax, I know you’re trying to help. But just don’t,” I say, interrupting him.

He nods, remaining silent, but I can’t even let myself appreciate his kindness and how he respects my choices. I’m too consumed.

“Jax, please… can you go back inside? I just need some time alone to think.”

He hesitates so I continue, “Please. I promise I won’t go anywhere, maybe just to sit on a bench in the park over there,” I say pointing. “I just need to be alone for a moment.”

He studies me and I can tell he’s battling with what he wants to do and respecting my wishes. If it was Mason here, I’m sure he’d refuse. But Jax is different and after a moment of internal struggle, he nods.

“Okay, but call me if you need anything at all. If you’re not back inside in ten minutes, I’m coming back. Okay?” he says his green eyes studying my face.

“Fifteen. I’ll come back inside in fifteen minutes.”

“Alright. Everything will be okay, I promise,” he says kissing me gently on the lips before going back inside with one final lingering look back.

I walk over to the park, feeling numb and lost, allowing the sounds of the world going on around me to come in. It seems insane that people are going about their daily lives as if nothing’s changed when my entire reason for living is crumbling around me.

The sound of my phone pings, and I immediately pull it from my purse, praying for a dot of light in the darkest day.

Max is safe. Come alone. One hour.

This is your only chance. If you tell anyone or don’t come alone, you’ll never see your son again.

The text is from an unknown number.

A location pin follows. It’s almost forty-five minutes away.

I get up and sprint over to the parking lot, scrambling in my bag for the keys, feeling grateful that Jax put them in my purse. If I had to ask for them, he’d never let me go alone and I can’t risk not following the kidnapper’s orders. Although I hurriedly send him a text telling him I’m going to the hospital to see Jacob and to keep me updated on the interrogation. I hope he’ll buy my lie. As guilty as I feel for telling it, I need to buy myself more time. If Jax finds me gone in ten minutes and the guys somehow catch up to me before I have Max back safely the kidnapper might follow through on their threat.

As I get in the car and turn the ignition, a thought occurs to me. In any movie I’ve watched about kidnapping, you have to ask for proof of life. I hate to even entertain the idea that Max is already gone, and this is a plan to lure me there to kill me too, but I have to get confirmation that Max is safe.

How do I know you really have him? I need proof that he’s unharmed.I frantically text back with shaking hands.

The phone rings and I answer it immediately, “Hello? Who is this?” I ask hoping I can somehow reason with the kidnapper.

“Mommy,” I hear Max’s confused and frightened voice.

“Maxi! It’s ok Mommy’s coming. Can you—”

But before I can say anything else the phone is hung up. I try calling back right away but it just goes to voicemail.

With no time to waste, I drive away.

I’m the only person who can help my boy now. I will do whatever it takes to save him.

Chapter 34

Ty

I’m no stranger to police interrogations. But even still, I’m tired and frustrated by the time the police have finally finished making me repeat my story. Since Danielle’s death, I’ve been wary of the cops especially since in my mind they’ve been more vigilant and concerned with the Iron Serpents’ business than they ever were with the gangs responsible for her death. Perhaps if they’d done their jobs properly back then, she’d still be alive. Being back in a police station brings up memories of that fateful night that I’d rather stay buried.

But if it helps reunite Emma with Max, I’ll willingly embrace the pain.

When I come out of the interrogation room, I head to where the others are waiting. Only Jax and Bess are in the waiting room. They look anxious, but not unduly so.

“Hey, guys. Where are Emma and Mace?” I ask.

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