Page 92 of Sighs By the Sea

“I guess next time I’ll know.” I rise to my feet, bringing Georgie with me. Snuggling into him, I kiss his cheek before dropping him playfully on the couch. “Okay, I need to get back to work.” I wink at Grayson. “Love you guys.”

A chorus of ‘love you, Maggie’s’ sounds behind me, with even Mack joining in. My face beams. I could definitely get used to this.

Once I’m at the hospital, all humor is gone. I stand vigil outside Suze’s room, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Hours were spent getting details from her. The more I heard, the more my heart broke. The woman hasn’t had an easy life for years. But everything she said was another weight lifting off my chest. She had names and dates. Especially the loan shark information. They love turning on people that don’t pay. It’s the ultimate middle finger. All of it was evidence for keeping Don in jail whenever we find him. Once Suze was worn out and sound asleep, I left her alone.

But overall, my work isn’t finished. In the hall, I make several calls, my voice steady as I organize a treatment facility to come pick up Suze as soon as she’s given the all-clear. I was present when the doctor did an ultrasound, and the little girl is alive and well, growing like a weed, according to the doctor.

There’s a beautiful facility that agrees to help, only an hour outside the city. The best part is that their records are sealed to the public, so Suze will be safe from Don. Finally, I call into the station and put an APB on Don’s car, though I don’t have high hopes for that. Someone like Don wouldn’t be careless by driving the same vehicle after a shooting.

With everything in motion, I leave the hospital, my mind preoccupied with the next steps.

As I walk through the hospital’s sliding doors, my phone rings with an unknown number flashing on the screen. Hesitantly, I answer. “Hello?”

“Maggie?” The voice is unmistakable, albeit filled with fear. It’s Vanessa, my sister.

“Vanessa, what’s wrong?” My heart races, a sense of dread washing over me.

Before Vanessa can reply, a man’s voice cuts in, “Fuck me, you're stupid. I’ve had her for days.” Though I’ve never heard his voice before, there’s only one person who would be motivated to do this—Don.

My blood runs cold. Vanessa’s innocent unanswered calls and texts suddenly make much more sense. But I quickly regain my composure. Guilt can come later. After I fix this problem. “Okay, asshat, I’m an idiot. Tell me what you want.”

But my fury only spurs Don into a tirade of curses and threats. I hear a thump and Vanessa’s cries, a sound that tears through my heart. I begin to hyperventilate, my thoughts spiraling.

“Okay! Jesus, Don, okay. I’ll do what you say. Just please, don’t hurt her,” I plead, my voice breaking. The facade is gone. I need to show my fear; it’s what he wants.

Don spits out an address in San Diego and hangs up. I stand frozen outside the hospital, the phone still pressed to my ear. Panic and fear grip me, rendering me momentarily incapable of movement. My plan to keep Grayson out of harm’s way worked. Maybe too well. Don couldn’t get to him, so he’s getting to me instead.

Smart. I should have anticipated this. Should have insisted Vanessa had protection too.

What am I going to do? I can’t risk Vanessa’s life by not going. But I know going might make everything worse.

I force myself to move, my steps mechanical as I head back to my car. I need to think, to plan. But everything feels slow, the world swirling around me in confusion. Usually, I would call Harry, get some of his wisdom. But he’s in the hospital. How the hell am I going to figure this one out?

Grayson

Ipace the living room, my mind racing. It’s not like Maggie to go this long without checking in, especially when she’s working on something as critical as this case. I pull out my phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I dial her number. The call goes straight to voicemail. Hanging up, I nearly throw the phone at the wall but settle for a frustrated growl. She wouldn’t leave me hanging like this. We both know that’s too dangerous right now, especially after the night we had.

“Grayson? What’s up?” Sam’s soft voice asks. She’s at the table, putting together a puzzle with George.

“It’s Maggie. She hasn’t checked in. I can’t get a hold of her,” I say, my voice tight with worry.

“Hey, Georgie, why don’t you go pick a movie?” Sam suggests, rubbing his back. He hops down from the table without a worry in the world and practically skips away. Lucky kid—not a care in the world except maybe which snack to munch on next. Once he’s gone, Sam motions for me to come into the kitchen. “She’s a cop, Gray. This is probably normal.”

“Like you would know,” I snap back. My eyes widen briefly at my own tone, but if she’s upset by it, there’s no sign. Probably because she knows my bark is worse than my bite.

“I wouldn’t know. You’re right.”

My face softens at her calm tone. “She wouldn’t leave me hanging, Sam. I just…” I flex my jaw, tightening my fists. “I know something’s wrong.”

A weak smile flickers on her lips. “I know I’m just your boss, but can I give you some advice?” Advice is necessary at this point, or I might do something crazy, so I nod. “Go.”

I actually shake my head, sure I heard her wrong. Her gaze is steady, no hint of joking or teasing. She’s saying I need to trust myself. If I feel like something’s wrong, something probably is. That level of trust she has in me and in my relationship with Maggie is a little terrifying. But I don’t bother asking for more encouragement. I don’t want to be talked out of this.

My keys are on the entryway table, and I hurry over. “I won’t be back until late,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Sam nods, her eyes filled with unspoken understanding. “Be careful,” she says softly. I almost expect her to say, “And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” but I doubt there’s much Sam hasn’t done. She's a bit of a wild card.

I don’t look back as I head out the door, my mind singularly focused. George is with Mack and Sam. He’s more than taken care of; he’s protected. There aren't many people that would try to cross Mack. He really is a giant. I jump into my car, the engine roaring to life as I speed off toward San Diego. There’s no real reason to think she’s there, other than a gut feeling. Suzannah said that’s where Don was going. And again, I can’t explain it, but I know he’s behind this. It’s the pull. On the way, I text Greg, hoping he can help.

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