Page 18 of Finding Gwen

Jason then stood, nodding to our boss. “We’ll start putting together a profile based on what information we do have and reaching out to see who would be comfortable talking to us. Hopefully, it’ll help make sure if he does fuck around again, it’ll be the last time.”

After some profiling and a few interviews scheduled, Jason and I went to a coffee shop down the street from the station to grab a bite to eat. Walking in, the smell of coffee beans hit me and I could feel the energy immediately course through my veins. We ordered our things, stepping aside to grab a table and wait. I pulled out my phone, checking to make sure there were no messages from Gwendalyn. Even though I knew she had everything under control and was putting space between us, I could still hope.

“Tony?” My head snapped up at Jason’s voice. The concern on his face was genuine. “In all seriousness, how’s Gwendalyn?”

“I don’t know.” Putting my phone back in my pocket, I tried to keep the frustration out of my voice as I replied, but Jason has always been able to read my body language. My nerves were on edge and it was evident by my bouncing leg. I hadn’t been able to sit still since comforting Gwendalyn on the kitchen floor. She was scared, which meant I wasn’t doing my job. Add to that the fact that a trip to the warehouse hadn’t happened since the day I hired her, and I was wound tighter than Jack in the Box ready to pop open.

“Have you found the guy?” Jason asked.

“No. It’s like he fell off the face of the planet,” I groaned. “He hasn’t used any credit cards and he must have a new phone because finding a way to track him has been impossible. I had watched him leave that day, thinking I would be able to get a license plate, but all he did was walk.” Bringing my hands up, I scrubbed my face, shoving down the darkness that was threatening to surface at the mention of this fucker.

At that moment, our names were called. Jason jumped up, mumbling he would get everything before walking away. I tracked him as he flashed the barista a wink before returning with our food and drinks, putting everything down on the table.

“The good thing is, Oliver’s birthday has been a good distraction,” I muttered, reaching for my coffee.

“Oh man, I completely forgot about the little man’s birthday! When is his party again?” Jason asked, inhaling his food.

“Saturday. Gwendalyn has an entire itinerary planned down to the minute that I need to start cooking. Though I’m surprised she’s letting me after the breakfast fiasco.” I stared at my partner over my coffee cup. He laughed through the too large bite he had taken.

“Hey, I’d like to see you try to survive the hand I’ve been dealt, asshole,” I scoffed at Jason, setting down my coffee and shooting daggers at him.

“I’d love to show you how it’s done,” he winked. “If I was pining over a woman like that and knew she had even a sliver of the same feelings toward me, I’d be claiming her.”

“Well it’s a good thing you are in fact not in my shoes right now.”

“Maybe, but I may just have to shoot a shot with her on Saturday.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” I narrowed my eyes at him, unsure if he was being facetious or not.

“Wouldn’t I?” I was about to respond when our phones went off simultaneously. Knowing fully well what the notifications meant, we grabbed our food boxes and coffee before heading out the door. Our phones rarely got notified at the same time unless we were on a case. That meant the fucker had striked… again.

Chapter Twelve

Gwen

Planning Ollie’s birthday brought some joy back into my life. After Matthew showed up, I had been on edge, worrying that he would do something. Of course, my phone had blown up with texts from him, which I quickly deleted and blocked the number. Ivy had convinced me to file a restraining order and even tried to talk me into asking Anthony for help. I couldn’t do it, though.

Still, I refused to take Oliver anywhere where it would only be us, choosing to instead have playdates with friends as much as possible. Anthony’s neighbor, Katie, had been an amazing resource as of lately. I wasn’t sure if Anthony said something to her or if she had witnessed what went down on the porch, but the day after, she came over with a plate of cookies and her little one on her hip. Since then, we have had regularly scheduled playdates, and it has saved my sanity these last few weeks.

Today was all about Ollie, not all the crazy things that have happened. The little man was turning three, and I was going to make it special. Making my way up to Ollie’s room, I carefully carry the large bag of balloons up the stairs. He was still fast asleep, and I was excited to see the joy on his face when he woke up to all the balloons. Silently, I began scattering the balloons around his room, keeping a few to toss into his crib with him once I woke him up. I couldn’t help watching him sleep for a few more minutes. The peaceful nature of toddlers when they slept was unmatched.

Deciding it was time to wake him, I tossed the last few balloons into the crib with him before rubbing his back to wake him up. “Ollie, wake up, buddy.” Slowly, he turned over, colliding with a balloon that was bouncing around behind him. His eyes shot open and a huge smile spread across his face.

“Balloons!” Ollie grabbed one that had settled next to him and gave it a squeeze.

“Happy birthday, buddy!” Leaning over his crib, I lifted up him and his balloon, putting him on the floor amongst the dozens of others. Ollie’s laughter filled the room as he began tossing one after another into the air. I joined in, sitting on the ground next to him as I grabbed a balloon nearby and tapped it with an open palm. For just a moment, the world stopped turning, a perfect bubble of safety and love surrounding us. Something in my gut told me this was the first time either of us had felt this way in a long time.

Gathering him up in my arms, I couldn’t help but want to snuggle him, even with his protests of wanting to get back to the balloons. My gut twisted, remembering the countless number of fights I had with Matthew about wanting to start a family, but I quickly pushed it down. Today was Ollie’s day, and I refused to let it be haunted by my past.

“Are you sure you have everything handled?” Standing on my tiptoes, I tried to peer over Anthony to see how everything was cooking. I was barely tall enough to see over his shoulder, my flats that I had paired with my short sleeve sundress not helping matters. The weather ended up being the most perfect spring day, and I wanted to look nice. I had added leggings since chasing the tiny humans would be my main job today. Though now I was regretting the extra layer as a bead of sweat ran down my back. We were slightly behind according to the itinerary I had made for Anthony, but I reassured myself it would be okay.

I had made sure to invite everyone on the street as well as many of the children and their families that Ollie and I saw on the regular. Anthony had even invited some of his co-workers, especially ones with kids around Ollie’s age. I wanted this party to be perfect in every way. The little man deserves to feel celebrated and loved.

“Gwendalyn, I promise I have it handled.” The frustration in his voice had me pulling away.

“I’m sorry. I know I’m being a nag,” I mumbled. Turning around, I spotted Ollie playing with Katie’s daughter and took a step to walk away when a hand grasped my upper arm. My body went still, my heart racing as I slowly turned my head toward Anthony. He immediately released my arm, dropping his hand. My fingers twitched, wanting to reach out and hold it.

“I’m sorry,” he offered, his eyes softening.

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