Page 69 of Into the Shadows

I’ll have to dig into that one at a differenttime. Dad pulls into the clinic’s parking lot a few minutes later. Dr. Upton’s car parks next to ours, and we walk inside together. Caroline’s whole demeanor has changed since he got here. Instead of being her bubbly self, she’s withdrawn. I’m not sure if that’s because she’s embarrassed or if she’s trying to hide her relationship with the man.

“Okay, Miss Jackson?—”

“I am for real… Sorry. Couldn’t help it.” I grin. You hear the Outkast song enough times, and it sticks in your head. Mom would change the lyrics as if she were talking to Grandma, so all it takes is the right cadence, not even the right lyrics.

He chuckles. “Let’s getcha checked out.” Dr. Upton swoops his blond hair back off his forehead, his brown eyes warm and kind. He checks over the lump on my head, making me wince at the prodding. Then he goes down his checklist for concussions. I highly doubt I have one. I’m not even sure I truly lost consciousness. The pain was blinding enough to stop my breath.

The longer it takes, the more antsy I get. I want to check on Teddy. He’s probably beating himself up for tackling me. I need to set him straight to keep him from ruining what we’ve been building. He’d sacrifice his happiness for me if he felt it would save me. Too bad for him, he’s become a necessary part of my life. I won’t give him up for anything. I’ll take the nightmares, the triggers, whatever he’s got. He’s mine just as much as I’m his.

“Have you heard anything from Noah?” I ask Dad.

He shakes his head. “He hasn’t been able to find him.”

My eyebrows furrow. “Like he can’t get him on the phone?”

“No, as in he’s not at his house, the gym, or anywhere in town. They’ve looked all over for him.”

“That doesn’t make sense. A man can’t just disappear at the drop of a hat.”

“A Special Forces Marine could.”

Dad has a good point. The chances Teddy hightailed it out of town are high. He wouldn’t believe he’s worthy of staying here if he thought he messed up.

Except…something niggles at the back of my head. I can’t see him running. Not when we’ve built our relationship on truth and no small amount of love.

But where would he go?

I jump off the table. “I’m good to go, yes?”

“He hasn’t finished checking you out yet,” Dad protests.

Dr. Upton tilts his head. “You don’t meet the criteria for a concussion, but it would be good to stay alert for any dizziness, extreme exhaustion, or any odd behavior you wouldn’t normally have.”

“Got it. I can keep an eye on it.” I grab Mom’s arm. “I have to go.”

She presses the keys into my palm. “Go. We’ll have Noah come get us.”

I race out of the clinic and to Mom’s SUV. I’ve got a hunch about where Teddy might be, but I’m not positive. If he’s not there, then I’ll know he left town.

Chapter 39

Teddy

“Teddy? You home, man?” Footsteps come down the hallway. “Sorry to barge in on you. Lottie wanted me to check on you.” He pauses. “I’ll understand if you don’t feel like talking, but call out if you’re home.” More footsteps echo around my house as Noah searches to find me.

He won’t. No one has ever found me here.

I remain silent. I can’t talk to him. Or anyone, for that matter.

“His truck is parked outside, but he’s not here.” Pause. “Yes, I walked through the house.” Pause. “Okay, I’m going back to the park in case he’s still at the fair.”

My front door closes, and the tension in my shoulders releases.

Meow.

I scratch Loki’s head. He’s stayed in our hiding spot with me since I got home. I’d probably still be catatonic if it wasn’t for him. I was moving on autopilot for a while. My movements from the fair to home are a blur. It was as if my brain told me to find safety at all costs. That’s how I ended uphere.

Now that I’m a little more aware, my memories keep bouncing from tonight to the roadside IED.

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