Page 119 of Undone

Trent stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “We got her. Dorian needs you here.”

The thought of leaving her, even for a moment, felt like a betrayal, but I could see the determination in Dotty’s eyes. She was right. Staying here could put Gracie in even more danger. With a heavy heart, I finally nodded.

“Just for now,” Dotty promised, her expression softening.

“There’s a room with a couch you can use for now, until the police arrive. They’ll want to question everyone,” a guard informed us.

Gracie looked up at me, her small face trembling, and my heart shattered a little more. “Noah, I want to stay with you.”

I crouched beside her, brushing the hair from her face, my fingers shaking. “I know, G, but you’ll be with Dotty and Trent. They will keep you safe. I’ll come find you as soon as I can.”

“What about Daddy?” she asked, her voice shaking. Her eyes glistened with tears, and I fought back my own as I forced a smile despite the ache in my chest.

“It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

I only hoped I could keep that promise.

“I love you, Noah,” she sobbed.

“I love you too, G.” My eyes stung and I hugged her tight.

Trent led Dotty and Gracie to the room. My stomach churned, but the urgency of the situation left no room to waste time. Mayhem swirled around us as people hurried around, voices rising in confusion. Sawyer stood next to me, his expression serious as he surveyed the chaotic room, the weight of the moment heavy on his shoulders.

“The tunnels can only lead to two exits, and John will likely be making his way through them,” he said, cutting through the noise. “I know this layout—we can set up teams at the exits. It might be the best chance we have to catch him.”

“What if something happens to them?” I asked, my voice tight with anxiety. The very thought twisted in my gut, a sharp reminder of how quickly everything could go wrong.

Sawyer met my gaze, determination igniting in his features like a flame. “We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. We’ll find him, Noah. We’ll bring him back.”

His confidence was a lifeline I desperately clung to. Sawyer was always the goofy, fun one until it was time to get down to business, then it was like a flip switched, and he was all go-mode.

We moved toward the security team that had already gathered, talking through a plan on their own.

“Look, I’m a lineman for San Francisco. I know the ins and outs of this stadium better than anyone. I can help lead the search in the tunnels,” he said, his tone firm, earning nods of acknowledgment from the officers gathered around.

One of the security guards raised a brow, skepticism etched on his face. “This isn’t a game, man. We need to prioritize the safety of everyone here. You could put yourself in danger. Most of the stadium is already cleared out, with only a few people left who are now on lockdown, but we still need to ensure their safety and get Ellie back.”

Sawyer shook his head, his jaw clenched with determination. “We need to get my brother back too.Dorian. That’s his name,” he spat. “I’m not leaving without him. I’m an asset here, not a liability.”

Their faces contemplated the situation. I pushed my anxiety down as the security team eyed me, trying to understand my place here.

“You’re going to have to drag me out of here before I leave without him,” I insisted, locking eyes with the lead guard. “I won’t let him go in there alone,” I said, each word laced with raw desperation.

The lead guard, Officer Ramirez, paused. “We can’t let you both out there. Someone could get hurt.”

I stepped forward. “I’m not asking for permission to go alone. I’m asking to help. I’m not staying here while Dorian’s out there in danger. Let me help.”

Sawyer’s voice was stern. “We’re both going.”

“I can’t put you both in danger,” Officer Ramirez shot back, his tone sharp. “We have enough problems without risking more lives. Half my team is already busy tending to the wounded until we get backup.” Gesturing to Sawyer, he said, “He’s someone I can make an exception for, but you need to stay behind.”

My heart pounded, frustration surging. “I’m trained in first aid. CPR, too. You’re low on officers, and we both know you’re going to need help. While you’re handling the critical stuff, I can assist. Odds are, he is going to hurt one of them. We both know your team is going to prioritize Ellie, so let me help.” I paused, noticing the doubt still in his eyes. “I know John better than anyone here, and I can talk him down.”

Officer Ramirez looked at me, his jaw clenched. He glanced at Sawyer, who stood there with his arms crossed. Ramirez’s eyes softened, but only for a moment, before his shoulders tensed again.

He contemplated it, rubbing his hand on his jaw. “Fine, but I’m not here to babysit anyone,” he muttered. “The second I say it’s too dangerous, you listen. No second chances. Got it?”

“Understood,” I replied, the flicker of determination in my chest swelling into full resolve.

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