Page 56 of Dolly

They take us back through town to the highway. It won’t be as easy to tail them once we hit heavier traffic. Dolly’s staying quiet, probably contemplating what she’ll be able to achieve once we have them alone in a quiet space. I wish I could join her daydreams, but there’s more traffic than I anticipated on the highway. My focus has to stay on Cathy’s car.

The exit for Lake Palos comes up, and I follow them down the ramp. The streets become too familiar, but I keep up with them, watching as they make every turn, being careful not to be spotted.

“This looks familiar.” Dolly breaks the silence. “I’ve been here before.”

“When?”

“I…I don’t remember. I was out of high school though, so maybe a year ago?” She wiggles in her seat.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry.” When her memories get jumbled, she gets anxious. It’s not her fault. So much of her time has been spent in the dark over the past months, and who knows exactly how much of her life has been hidden away from her. Locked in closets, cages, rooms—she may think some of her life was normal, but I’m certain none of it was.

They turn down Cathedral Drive, and my stomach twists. We’re on Cathy’s street. My mouth dries, and I have to force myself to slow down. I’m getting too close, too eager to find out who the fuck’s in that car. Why are they going to Cathy’s house?

The speed of the truck is barely registering on the speedometer. Cathy’s car pulls into her driveway and parks outside the closed garage door. I maneuver behind a parked car and tap the brake, stopping us four houses down. The soft purr of the engine fills in the silence as I focus on the doors opening.

The passenger steps out. The garage security lights flip on, casting his face in a spotlight, and my breath sticks in my throat.

The driver side door opens. The security lighting isn’t as helpful, but it’s enough—too much.

“Who is it?” Dolly asks when I stay silent. Betrayal has my tongue tied, my vocal cords paralyzed.

“Ken.” Dolly grabs my arm. “Who is it?”

“That’s Cathy and Todd.” I turn my gaze to Dolly. “My partner and the IT guy who sent us to find you.”

Dolly’s mouth drops open and her eyes widen as the severity of the information sinks in.

“Grab the toy bag.” I turn off the ignition. “We’re going to have some fun.”

“Are you sure we should go now?” Dolly picks up the bag, zipping it closed without putting her knife away.

“What better time?” I push open my door. “We have questions. They have answers.”

Dolly hops out of the truck as I round the front and wait for her to join me. Once she’s at my side, I lace my fingers with hers.

“We do this together.” I remind her, and she squeezes my fingers softly.

“Everything is together from now on.”

“Let’s go.” I tug her forward.

The house is quiet when we walk up the drive. Lights flicker to life in the living room, the kitchen. I know the layout. I’ve been to her house for dinner.

“I don’t understand how she’s here,” Dolly whispers harshly as we approach the front door.

“We’ll find out.” I have ideas now. I reach into the back of my jeans and pull out my gun, switching off the safety. “Stay behind me. I don’t know if she’ll have her weapon on her.” If she does, I’m a quicker shot, but I don’t want Dolly in harm’s way.

“Okay.” She adjusts her grip on the bag with her left hand while raising her right hand high, ready to strike with her knife at the slightest provocation.

I think I’m falling for her—fuck that, I think I’ve already fallen. She’s ready to rush into battle at my side, with me, for me. When have I ever been so loved before?

The door could be locked, but I don’t waste time finding out. Cathy’s got a shit front door. I’ve told her before to replace it, but she never listened. I kick the door in easily, shards from the doorframe spraying the front hallway. A squeak comes from the living room.

Todd stands next to the television, remote in hand, aimed at the screen, while Cathy sits on the couch. Color drains from her cheeks as her gaze lands on me.

“Shut the door, Dolly,” I instruct, aiming my gun at Cathy while stepping into the single-level ranch. They have nowhere to run that a bullet won’t reach before they get anywhere.

“Brian,” Cathy exhales my name. “Thank fuck.” She stands up from the couch, her hands splayed out in front of her. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She glances at Todd, frozen at the television set. “We all have.”

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