Page 48 of Betting on Lizzie

“Let’s go,” she said. “You’re driving.”

“I’ll get you the money,” Ben said. “But leave Lizzie out of this.”

“Marty said she knows about us now, so she’s involved and has to come. Can’t risk her calling the cops.”

“It’s fine,” Lizzie said, laying a hand on Ben’s arm.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “She was just here when I got home. I have no idea what’s happening.”

“We’ll get her back. Don’t worry,” Lizzie said. “I have to get my dog some water before we go.” She slid past Jenna into the kitchen and searched for a bowl, moving around in a way that pushed Jenna out.

Lizzie must have known Jasper had a water bowl, but she seemed to have a purpose, so Ben didn’t say anything. Jenna moved to the door, where she waited impatiently.

Lizzie filled a bowl with water and left it on the floor. “All right. I’m ready.”

When Ben looked back, he noticed only his phone remained on the counter. Lizzie had used getting water for Charlie as a ruse to retrieve her phone. Thank God one of them was thinking straight. He made eye contact, and she gave a curt nod. Ben ushered Jenna out before she had a chance to turn around.

“I’ll have to stop at multiple ATMs. There are limits to how much cash I can withdraw at one time.”

“Fine,” Jenna said. “Let’s just hurry.”

They walked to Ben’s car. He got in the driver’s seat, Jenna took the passenger seat, and Lizzie hopped in the back.

“You sure this guy won’t hurt Maya?” Ben asked.

“I hope not,” Jenna said. “I really screwed up, Ben. I never should have told Marty about her. He’s not a nice man.”

“What kind of trouble are you in?”

“The kind I made for myself,” she said sadly. “I wanted to get out of Knoxville so badly that I left my baby. Who does that?” Tears fell into her lap.

“After we pay this guy and get Maya, maybe you could go back and get your life together.”

“Always telling me what to do,” she snapped, her mood changing instantly. “Pull over here. Go get the money.”

Ben pulled into a bank parking lot and got out to use the machine. “It would only give me two hundred,” he said, getting back in the car. “This is going to take forever.”

“Well, if you want to see Maya again, I guess you’d better get a move on.”

It took all his self-control not to explode. How dare she put their daughter in danger and then be so caviler about it?

Anger danced with fear, and both consumed him. Just get the money and save Maya, he thought, speeding off to the next ATM.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Lizzie could understand why Ben was barely holding it together. If she read him right, he was equal parts terrified for Maya and livid at Jenna. Lizzie also worried, but knew she had to keep a level head. Ben could worry about the money while she figured out how to get help.

She had discreetly tucked her phone into her boot and was just waiting for a chance to text without getting caught. Jenna was frazzled—either high at this moment or permanently impaired from prolonged drug use. Thin and weak, she had a look of desperation and hopelessness that came from years of using. Lizzie prayed that meant it would be easier to hide what she wanted to do.

“Where are we going?” Lizzie asked.

“Simmons Street Motel,” Ben said. “On Trent Boulevard.”

Jenna remained quiet while Ben collected money as fast as he could from every ATM they passed. When they stopped at the Horizon Bank, Lizzie had an idea. Her sister Daisy had been robbed at this very ATM. It was where she’d met her husband, Noah, who’d been a cop for years. Since Lizzie couldn’t call 911, Noah was her next best option.

When they hit a patch of road with no streetlights, she pulled out her phone and one-hand texted Noah. He was no longer on the force but would know what to do.

simmons st motel 911

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