Page 14 of Unlocking Hope

Three cops roared passed Cole as he drove to Paul’s house. His gut turned as an ambulance raced by. Cole pressed down on his gas pedal and called Zoey’s number. It went to voicemail. He quickly called Paul, but it also went straight to voicemail. The police could be heading anywhere, but Cole had a feeling that wasn’t the case. He didn’t know what he was about to walk into, and he might need Ian’s help.

Ian answered on the first ring. “Miss me already?”

“I was just passed by the cops and an ambulance. Zoey and Paul aren’t answering.”

“On my way.”

The tires to Cole’s SUV squealed as he turned the corner into the parking lot of Paul’s complex. His worst fear had come true. Paramedics were working on someone outside Paul’s apartment. He slammed his breaks and threw open the door. Yellow tape marked off the area, but Cole ran through it toward the paramedics.

“You can’t be over here, sir.”

Cole ignored the officer and ran faster toward the paramedics.

An officer grabbed him around the waist and yanked him back. “This is a crime scene, sir, you need to step behind the yellow tape.”

With a quick turn, he ducked out of the officer’s grip, and when he turned, he saw Zoey running down the sidewalk toward him. He let out a breath for the first time, stepping to the side. He ran toward her and threw his arms around her.

She was shaking, and her tears dripped onto his shoulder. “It’s okay.”

“Are you okay?” Cole stepped back and ran his hands down her arms.

“I didn’t get hurt, but Paul’s wound reopened when he covered me.”

He pulled her closer while he looked back at the apartment. Cops walked around the front window. Glass covered the front flowers and sidewalk. “What happened?”

“We were talking about Paul’s family when we heard tires squeal, and Paul threw himself over me. The next thing I know, the window shattered, and a large brick crashed through the front window.”

As Cole led Zoey away from the scene. The day was already warm, although not as humid as a typical summer day in Texas. Ian pulled in next to his SUV, jumped out of his truck, and rushed to Cole’s side.

“You must be Zoey.” Ian held out his hand.

Zoey’s brows came down in confusion. “Yes. Who are you? You don’t sound like Brock.”

Ian burst out laughing. “I’m lucky if I can even turn on my computer, much less hack a satellite or whatever he hacks. I’m Ian.”

Cole watched as his friend pulled Zoey in for a one-armed hug because Cole still hadn’t let her other arm go. He needed to touch her.

Someone followed us.That was the only explanation.Who knows what they’ll come at her with next time?“I think you’ve hugged long enough,” Cole grumbled.

“Cole,” Zoey said as she quickly stepped back and smiled at him. “Are you really being jealous of your friend who is happily engaged?”

“Maybe we should take a look at the damage,” Cole said, completely ignoring Zoey’s question.

Ian smiled at him, knowing exactly what his friend did. “We’ll need to get some boards to close up the window.”

The three of them walked over to the front of the apartment, making sure to stay to the side so they wouldn’t contaminate the crime scene. One detective was taking pictures inside the apartment while another was working outside.

“They aren’t going to stop until they have me.” Zoey let out a shaky breath. “I need to find a different place to stay or leave town.”

“Everything will be okay. We just need a little more time. I’ll call my friend in Fort Lauderdale and have them send a bodyguard out to watch over Paul once he’s released.”

“Don’t worry about boarding the window,” Ian added. “I can take care of it. You both have other things to figure out, and this will help me repay you for staying and cleaning up Bella’s house after she was attacked. I know the only thing you want to do right now is take Zoey to your house and make sure she’s okay.”

“Hello. I’m right here,” Zoey said, annoyance in her voice.

“We know you are here, and I’m not letting you run. Ian feels like he owes me for being a friend,” Cole said.

“You go have a good night. I’m going to talk to the police and see when I can board up the place. Do you want me to run by the hospital and check on Paul?”

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