Page 63 of Jackson

Sheepishly, I glance at him. "Yes."

He laughs, but it isn't out of humor—it's out of desperation and confusion.

"I'll help you."

I gasp at the words, an overwhelming sensation washing over me as I stare up at him. He's going to help me?

"What changed?" I whisper, fighting back emotion.

"I can't live with that monster any longer. I want him gone, and I want my freedom. If your club can agree to help me, I'll make sure they get what they want and have you returned safely."

"I promise you."

"Do you have a plan?" he asks. "Because he's getting angry and desperate, and if your club doesn't come to the party soon, he'll do something we can't come back from."

Like kill me.

"I don't really, but let's figure it out."

He presses his lips together. "I can get you out. He left me in charge of watching you because he thinks he has enough over me that I won't make a mistake. It wouldn't be hard for me to get you out of here."

I think on it, but I don't love the idea. It's not that I don't want to get out of here, it's that if he does get caught, he's going to die helping me, and I can't have that. No, in this, we need the club. They need to come to us and make Hound disappear.

He can't ever know Walker was helping.

"No, that's too risky for you. I have a different idea," I think out loud.

"Tell me," he urges, "We're running out of time."

"You're going to go to Jackson, tell him everything, and then he will have a plan to bring Hound down. I know he has one."

"He'll kill me on the spot," Walker shakes his head.

"Do you have a phone?" I ask.

He nods.

"Let me call him."

"I can't risk that; if Hound has any kind of tracking on my device, he'll know I made a call."

Dammit, he's right.

If Hound finds out he called Jackson, he'll get killed.

"Let me make a video," I say, my eyes widening. "A video explaining everything. You just have to show him. Jackson isn't a monster; he won't kill you on the spot. I know he won't."

Walker nods, reaching into his back pocket to pull out his phone. He switches it on, then points it in my direction. When he nods, I take a deep breath and speak. "Hey Jacks, it's me. I'm okay, I promise. I need you to help Walker. He knows where I am and he can help get me out, but you need to promise to help him. Please, Jackson, this is the only way. Please help him. I love you."

Walker clicks the phone off, then exhales. "Sit tight, I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Be careful," I tell him. "If Hound follows you..."

"I'll be careful," he assures me. "I'll bring food and water before I go."

I nod, and he turns toward the door.

"Hey, Walker?" I call.

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