Page 89 of Every Broken Piece
“They know I have money, but they don’t knowme. They don’t know that I’ll protect you with every penny of my wealth. That I’ll go to the ends of the Earth to make sure you’re safe.”
“Can you do that?”Don’t believe him. Don’t trust him. He doesn’t know what she’s like.
“I can. I will.”
“Why?”
His gaze circles my face as if he’s memorizing it. “I don’t think you’re ready for that answer yet.”
What does that mean? What answer?
He kisses my forehead. “I see the panic on your face. I know you’re ready to run, but we’re going to work on that flight or fight response.”
“All I’ve ever known is flight.”
“And how has that worked for you?”
I press my lips together because it hasn’t worked for me.
“We’re going to stand together and fight. Sandra fired her warning shot and we’re going to fire ours by calling Detective Hardwick and you’re going to tell her everything.”
I jerk back, forcing his hands to release me. “No.”
“No more running, Tess. No more lies. The police can help you and I’ll be with you every step of the way. They won’t take you away. I won’t let them.”
Chapter forty-three
Gabe
“Gabriel, if you fuck this up—”
“I’ll be there,” I tell Jack. “And I’ll be ready for the meeting. All I’m saying is that we’re leaving a few hours later than planned. The plane’s taking off at three instead of noon. I have my laptop. I’ll review everything on the flight.”
I’m pacing Tess’s small dining area, feeling the suffocating weight of Jack’s expectations. This meeting is big, and he’s right. I can’t fuck it up. But what’s going on with Tess, that’s even bigger, and I can’t fuck that up either.
I feel like I’m walking a tightrope with her. One bad foot placement and I’m falling.
I’m so furious at what happened with Sandra earlier that I’m still shaking, but I’m trying to stay calm for Tess’s sake because I know my girl. She’s ready to run.
Detective Hardwick left a few minutes ago. Tess told the detective about the phone call and the minty breath, but beyond that her memory is hazy at best. The police have a lead, at leastthat’s something, right? Hardwick can start with Sandra Jansen. If they can find her. But I can’t think about that now.
Motherfucker, I need a moment to process all this. I haven’t had a second to think since Sandra pushed her way into the apartment. I need to walk away just for a minute. I need to punch something. Preferably Sandra Jansen’s face, but a wall will do.
“Gabe? Are you listening to me?”
“Yes. Montrose. Meeting. I’ll be prepared.”
“That’s not what I was saying.”
Damn it. I need to focus.
“I swear to you. I’ll be there.” I run a hand over my face and pinch the bridge of my nose.
“You’re bringing her home?” Jack asks.
“Yes. Maybe.” I haven’t convinced her to come to Colorado with me and time’s running out.
“Yes? Or maybe?” Jack’s persistence is making my head pound. Tess disappeared into her room the minute Hardwick left, and Jack spectacularly timed his call as her door clicked shut. I pray she isn’t climbing out the fourth story window.
