Page 47 of Echoes of You

A slew of curses slipped from my mouth. That waste of a woman was supporting the man who had terrorized her daughter. Hell, I was sure he’d done the same to her.

Pain carved itself into Maddie’s face, so deep and raw I knew it was the kind you never recovered from. I closed the distance between us and held her against me, doing everything I could to stuff down my anger. She didn’t need that from me right now.

“I’m so sorry, Mads.”

She burrowed deeper into my hold. “I didn’t think they’d give him a shot at getting out early. I thought for sure he’d have to serve his entire sentence. I always write a victim impact statement when they consider parole. I just thought…”

Her words trailed off. She thought the system would work to protect her, but it had failed too many times to count.

“He’s not getting near you.” Each word was a promise and a vow.

“I’ll call and find out what’s going on,” Lawson said. His gaze swept over Maddie in my arms, his jaw tight. I knew he hated this almost as much as I did. He’d always seen Mads as a younger sister, and it killed him what she’d been through. “We also have to consider one other thing.”

Maddie looked up at him in question.

“Are you sure your ex is still in Atlanta?”

Maddie stiffened in my arms, her gaze turning slowly to me. “Did you tell him?”

“Mads—”

She jerked out of my hold. “That was private, Nash.”

“I know, but—”

“But nothing. I told you that in confidence. Told you I didn’t want anyone else to know.”

“He didn’t want to tell us,” Lawson broke in, trying to help.

“Us?” Maddie gaped.

Lawson winced. “Roan, Holt, and I could tell you were injured at dinner. We knew something was up and hounded Nash.”

Her hands fisted at her sides. “You didn’t have any right to share that, even if they are the nosiest bunch of fools I’ve ever met.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. I knew she wouldn’t be happy with me for sharing, but I hadn’t expected a reaction this extreme.

Maddie let out a ragged breath. “It’s done now.” She turned back to Lawson. “I just saw a social media post that showed him in Atlanta at a function this morning. And slashing tires isn’t really his style.”

Lawson nodded slowly, not uttering another word.

“Is that it?” Maddie asked. Her tone wasn’t sharp, not even annoyed. It was flat. Empty. As if all the life had drained out of her.

“I think we’re good for now. I’ll have the police truck tow this to the shop for you.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Still no emotion in her voice. Everything about her was a blank mask. I hated it.

“I’ll take you home,” I offered.

Maddie opened her mouth to argue and then gave her head a little shake. “Sure. Thanks.”

She started toward the station, not waiting for me.

Lawson sent me a concerned look. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to throw you under the bus.”

“It’s not your fault.” It was mine. I’d let Maddie down again.

15

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