Page 42 of The Finder

It was quiet for a while before Emma heard a commotion out front. Garrett had arrived.

Chapter 24

She couldn’t hear anything at first, then she heard Garrett’s angry voice. “I will kill everybody in this shop if you don’t let me get to her.” She heard somebody say something but she didn't know what. Then she heard Garrett again. “Try me.” She felt like she should stand up and say something so he didn’t get arrested or shot, but her legs felt like jello.

A moment later, Garrett was in front of her. His eyes scanned her body, searching for injuries. “Are you okay?” he asked in a low, furious tone. Emma simply nodded. “Let’s get you out of here,” he said. He put his hand on her elbows and pulled her to her feet. She swayed but managed to steady herself. He kept his hold on one elbow and led her around the corner. “Don’t look,” he said.

But it was too late. Her eyes took in the sight of the two men. Their eyes were open, staring lifelessly at the ceiling. One had a hole in his chest; the other had his neck turned at an angle that was all wrong. There was blood everywhere. Nausea rose in Emma’s stomach at the same time her legs went weak. She emptied her stomach onto the floor. Garrett pulled her along. She threw up a second time. By now, her legs were no longer holding her up. Garrett was dragging carrying her across the shop. Nobody stopped them as they left.

Max opened the door for them when they got to the front door, and Garret led her outside right to the waiting car. He opened the door and placed her inside. Emma put her head against the seat and closed her eyes. She heard Garrett say something to Max, who was now in the driver’s seat. Then he was gone. Emma closed her eyes, willing the images to clear from her mind so her stomach would calm down.

“Are you okay?” Max’s gruff voice asked.

“Yes,” she whispered but the word sounded garbled even to her own ears.

Just a few minutes later, Garrett opened the passenger seat door and slid in. “Let’s go,” he said to Max. “Helen’s okay.” He turned to face her. She was aware that he was talking to her, but she couldn’t focus on what he was saying.

“She’s in shock,” she heard one of them say; she wasn’t even sure which one.

Emma tried to just block out all sounds. Her ears were still ringing and her stomach rolling. Eventually, the car came to a stop. She opened her eyes when her door opened. Garrett leaned over her and unbuckled her. The next thing she knew, he was lifting her out of the car. She protested, but he didn’t acknowledge her. He carried her inside. “Is she okay?” Emma heard Madison ask.

“She’s in shock. I think she’s okay, but I need you to check to be sure,” Garrett said. “Kyle informed you what went down?”

Emma didn’t hear Madison’s response. “I need you to stay here and be with Emma,” Garrett said. “Max and I will head to the police station and sort out this mess. I’ll make sure the guys get home tonight.”

Madison said a few more words that Emma didn’t catch. Emma’s stomach was rolling again. She felt like she was going to be sick again. She stood up and shakily made her way to the bathroom. She leaned over the toilet for a few minutes, but when nothing else came up, she decided to brush her teeth. She splashed cold water on her face and brushed her teeth. The minty taste helped to soothe her stomach. When she came out of the bathroom, Garrett stood in the hallway on the phone. “Yeah,” he said and hung up his phone. He walked over to Emma. “I have to go. Another of my guys is going to come stay with you and Madison. He’ll make sure you’re safe.” Emma nodded but didn’t meet his eyes. He put a finger under her chin and lifted it. He looked deep into her eyes, searching for what she didn’t know.

“I’m good,” Emma said.

“It’s okay to not be strong all the time,” he said in a quiet voice. “Get some rest and eat something. That will help.” A moment later, he was gone. Max followed him out the door. Emma sighed and went down the steps.

Madison came towards her and gave her a hug. “You okay?” she asked, then grimaced. “Of course, you’re not okay. That was a dumb thing to ask. Can I get anything for you?”

Emma shook her head. They both took a seat on the couch. “Have you heard from Kyle?” Emma asked.

“Not since he first told me what happened. I’m so sorry that happened, Emma. That must have been terrifying,” she said in sympathy.

“It’s not something I would ever want to be a part of again; that’s for sure,” Emma said.

A knock sounded at the door, and Madison went to get it. Madison returned with a man behind her. “Emma, this is Wyatt.” Emma looked at the man. Like all the other guys she had met, he was just as tall and handsome. He wasn’t as bulky as Max or Garrett, but he had muscles just the same.

“Nice to meet you, Emma,” he said in a kind voice. He put out his hand. Without thinking, Emma put her small hand in his large one. A bright light exploded behind her eyelids, and she yanked her hand back. Wyatt looked down at her in confusion. Emma didn’t have an answer for him. She was just as confused as he was. She had no idea what was going on or what to do to stop it.

“I’m going to work on dinner,” Madison said.

“I’ll help,” Emma said as she stood up.

“You don’t have to. You can rest,” Madison said in concern.

“I need something to focus on,” Emma said.

“All right. Then let’s get to work. We’re making fajitas tonight,” Madison said as she began pulling pans and ingredients out. “You start on the peppers and onions,” she said, handing Emma a bag of peppers and a bag of onions. “I’m letting you off tonight because of the day you had, but tomorrow, it’s back to working out.”

Emma nodded. She was grateful for the break. Madison turned on some music, and they got to work. Emma was glad she didn’t have to talk.

They had just finished when the door opened and Kyle, Levi, Max, Liam, and Garrett walked in. “Perfect timing,” Madison said as she walked towards them. Kyle opened his arms and she stepped in them.

“It smells good in here,” Liam said. He snatched a pepper off the tray. Emma smacked his hand.

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