Page 83 of Absolution

The man pulls my arm, his voice pleading, and I stumble after him to the sidewalk as I thumb through my short contact list. It just says S. I tap the number and pray.

“Yes?”

I don’t recognize the voice. My voice shakes as I speak, and I swallow against the panic that threatens to engulf me.

“I need to speak with Salvatore,” I gasp breathlessly.

“Mr. Salvatore is in a meeting. Who is this?”

“Kerry. Kerry Jackson. Please! It’s about Cecilia! It’s urgent! She’s in danger. Please get him. Or Christian. Please!”

Silence. I’m just about to speak again.

“One moment, Miss.”

“Miss, the cops are on their way. Come inside.” The man leads me inside the cafe and pushes me down on a chair. I clutch the phone and listen to the silence. The man disappears behind the counter and then comes back with a glass of water.

“Miss Jackson. This is a surprise. Again.” Salvatore’s smooth voice makes me flinch

“I need you,” I whisper, my throat thick.

“What’s happened?” He’s suddenly not so smooth. His voice changing, getting sharper.

“Cecilia—” My voice breaks. “She’s been kidnapped. Please come.”

“Where are you?”

“They took her,” I whimper.

“Where are you, Kerry?”

I have no idea where I am. I look up at the man who has helped me, who keeps pacing, hovering anxiously as he repeatedly glances out the window.

“What’s the address?”

I repeat to Salvatore what he says.

“Someone will be with you shortly. Did you call the cops?”

I’m suddenly afraid that was a wrong move, but there’s no way hiding that, and even as I think it, I hear blaring sirens in the distance. “Yes.”

“Good. Cooperate with them. Stay where you are.”

“Okay,” I whisper to no one. The call has already been disconnected.

I clutch my midsection, my mind spinning. The imprint of the man who grabbed me lingers, making my skin shrink in disgust. I feel Cecilia in my arms, warm, trusting, happy. Or rather, I feel the empty space where she should be. It’s unbearable. Tears keep streaming down my face. A tissue has been pushed into my hands, but I’m too numb to care. I don’t know how to draw the next breath.

I want Christian here. I need him!

I almost jump through the roof when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number and for a confused moment I think it’s the kidnappers. It’s Christian.

“Kerry. Just stay put. We’re on our way. Don’t worry about the cops. Tell them everything.”

A police cruiser comes to a halt right outside, double parking outside the line of cars along the street, blue and red lights flashing. Two burly cops enter the little space.

“They’re here,” I whisper.

“Good. See you soon. Hang in there.”

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