Page 45 of Echoes of You

“And how many seconds have ticked by since she hung up? It only takes one for her to get hurt.” My voice cracked, betraying my emotion.

Lawson sent a worried look in my direction but didn’t argue. “Let’s get to her then.”

We both began jogging. That was the thing with my siblings, we could give each other hell, even be at odds, but when the chips were down, we always had each other’s backs.

We passed the now-dark café and rounded the corner. Maddie stood there, arms wrapped around herself, staring at her SUV. She looked so small and vulnerable. As if the entire world were against her. I wanted to burn alive the person who’d done this.

My legs ate up the space between us, and I pulled her into my arms. I tried to be mindful of her injuries, but all I wanted was to hold her as tightly as possible and never let go. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“You were working.” The words were muffled against my chest.

“I don’t give a damn if I’m working. If something happens, I want to know.”

She let out a little huff of air. “I kind of called you. I called the station.”

“Not good enough, Mads.”

She pinched my side, but I didn’t miss the slight tremble in her fingers. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re overbearing?”

“Only every day for his entire life,” Lawson said as he strode up. “But, usually, those control issues come out with food.”

A laugh bubbled out of Maddie, and she looked up at me. “Am I equal to donuts in your life?”

The corner of my mouth kicked up. “No, you’re Boston cream pie status, all the way.”

Lawson let out a low whistle. “Shit, Maddie. I don’t think I’ve ever heard such high praise.”

She shook her head and extricated herself from my hold. I didn’t miss the slight wince as she did. “Are you hurting?”

Maddie gave me a sharp look. “I’m fine. Just a long day.”

One where she’d been on her feet for the entirety of it. Her ribs were probably killing her.

“I’ll grab your statement, and then we’ll get you home,” Lawson said.

Maddie sent a sidelong look at her SUV, nibbling on the corner of her lip. “I’m gonna have to get my car towed.” Her brows pinched. “Buying new tires was the last thing I needed.”

Lawson’s gaze lifted. “Your insurance should cover it.”

“But how long will that take?”

“We’ll get the report done today,” I said. “Take pictures and get them to your insurance company. I’ll have a word with them about moving swiftly.”

Maddie turned to me. “A word?”

“He means he’ll threaten whoever he talks to,” Lawson added helpfully.

“Way to throw me under the bus,” I muttered.

Lawson’s lips twitched. “Hey, it’s the truth.” His focus shifted to Maddie. “What time did you get off work?”

“I think I locked up right around four-fifteen.”

Lawson typed a few things into his phone.

“Did you see anyone around when you came out to your vehicle?” I asked.

Maddie shook her head. “Not that I noticed. Once I realized the tires were slashed, I looked around and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.”

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