Page 114 of Undone

Noah crouched beside her, offering a reassuring smile. “I think she’ll love you.”

I smiled at their interaction, but something in the air felt off. I glanced around the space, my eyes briefly locking on the security guards stationed at the far ends of the room. Their gazes constantly scanned the crowd, alert and calculating.

Sawyer showed his passes, and a staff member ushered us down a long hallway. After a quick security check, we entered the room where Ellie would be signing autographs and taking photos. The floor was lined with people eagerly waiting their turn to meet the woman they idolized.

Gracie’s grip on my hand tightened as we turned the corner, her breath catching at the sight of the crowd. She was practically vibrating with excitement as we reached the front of the line. The staff signaled for us to approach.

The room itself was full of celebrity glamour and the humdrum of event logistics—glossy promotional posters of Ellie on the tables, with oversized banners behind her, swaying slightly with the air conditioning. Behind the tables, Ellie herself stood like a beacon.

“Next!” a voice rang out, and the six of us moved forward. The woman behind the counter waved a hand. “Three at the table at a time,” she said, glancing at us. Then her gaze shifted to Trent and me. “You three,” she said politely, gesturing to a spot beyond the tables, “if you could wait over there, please.”

Ellie tossed her blonde hair behind her shoulders, greeting Gracie with a radiant smile as Trent, Sawyer, and I walked to where the woman had instructed.

Ellie’s expression lit up at Gracie’s beaming face. Gracie let out a small gasp, and I couldn’t help but grin.

“Hi! What’s your name?” Ellie asked, leaning forward with a warmth that instantly put Gracie at ease.

“G-Gracie!” she squeaked.

Ellie’s smile widened. “Well, Gracie, it’s so nice to meet you. I just love your outfit!”

She reached out to take Gracie’s hand for a photo when another odd prickling sensation washed over me. Something still felt... off. I forced myself to shake it off, to focus on the moment.

“Hey, you have to wait in line until it’s your turn,” a security guard said, his hand hovering over his radio.

I turned to see what was causing the commotion, and my breath caught in my throat.

John.

He was standing next in line. His hair tucked under a low baseball cap, and he’d grown out his facial hair, but that walk, that presence… He was draped in all black, the edges of a VIP badge glinting as it swung from his neck. My heart slammed against my ribs, the world tilting for just a moment as I struggled to process if it could really be him.

“Fine, I’ll wait.”

A chill ran down my spine. My blood went cold. I fought the urge to react, to move, to act.

I couldn’t be sure. Maybe it wasn’t him. Maybe I was overthinking this, overwhelmed and paranoid.

He stood there, arguing with the security guard. I glanced at Noah, trying to gauge if she’d noticed, but she was focused on Gracie, her smile wide, her attention completely on her. Dotty stood next to them, her eyes fixed on Gracie and Ellie. Trent stood next to me, his demeanor alert but unaware, and Sawyer stood beside him.

I clicked my tongue, drawing their attention. Sawyer turned to me, his eyes narrowing as I subtly nodded toward John. Trent tracked the movement, the unspoken message passing between us.Be ready.

They both glanced over, their gazes scanning toward John.

I moved subtly to stand closer to Noah and Gracie, but a guard next to me held his arm out.

“You have to wait here,” he said.

My fists curled at my sides, but I forced myself not to react, barely holding myself in check. I couldn’t make a move without tipping him off.

“Gracie, Noah. Come here.”

Both of them looked at me, confused. Neither moved.

“I’m fine, Daddy,” Gracie said, her voice full of innocence.

Noah’s brows knitted at my clipped tone, but she didn’t press, her focus remaining on Gracie. My mind raced, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I tried to think of a plan in case this was the worst-case-scenario.

What’s the best way to keep them safe? How can I get them out of here?

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