Page 91 of Beyond Oblivion

“They’re just… sitting there?” Trenton asked, moving toward Hazel.

“Yep. Not moving,” she answered, crossing her arms, the broom forgotten in her hand.

Trenton peered outside, his gaze narrowing as he squinted into the night. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to brush away the cold feeling prickling the back of my neck. I’d told myself not to let my imagination get the better of me, but it was nearly impossible. With the likelihood that Madison was back in town—chaperoned by an unknown group—even the smallest things felt like potential threats. The sight of two cars idling in the shadows, still and waiting, made a chill creep up my spine.

“It’s probably nothing,” I said, almost too quickly, mostly to convince myself. “Did Lachlan ever say what kind of car came for Madison that night?”

Trenton shook his head, eyes still on the parked cars. “No. I’d remember if he did. They may just be random people meeting up, but I’m treating everything odd as an imminent threat. Baby, get my phone. I’m calling Lach.”

There was something in his voice I couldn’t read—some edge I’d missed. I was about to ask him more when he blinked and jerked back slightly. “Wait. Isn’t that Lachlan’s truck?” He pointed to the opposite end of the lot, where a lone vehicle was parked.

I swallowed, unable to peel my eyes from the SUVs. As if reading the situation, the two parked cars suddenly took off, tires squealing as they disappeared around the corner, leaving a strange stillness behind, but only for the few seconds it took for whoever was in the truck to decide to tear off after them.

Trenton cursed under his breath, grabbing the door. “Stay here,” he ordered, throwing the words over his shoulder as he sprinted outside, chasing after the vehicles with a reckless determination that made my heart pound.

I lowered myself into the closest chair, my gaze darting between the door and Hazel’s tense silhouette. She slowly let out a breath, her arms falling to her sides, the broom clattering against the floor.

“It’s her, isn’t it?” I whispered, almost afraid to say it aloud. “Madison.”

Hazel didn’t answer, but her eyes were wide and unsure. “I thought it was just an overabundance of caution,” she said quietly. “I mean, I believed you; she made that scene at the restaurant, about the altar or whatever, and her concocting that delusional plan to steal your husband. That she’d keep coming for you wasn’t on my bingo card. But if Lachlan’s chasing people down… maybe it’s worse than we thought.”

Her words lingered in the air and then disappeared into the darkness, filling the room with a palpable unease, thick enough to taste.

Several minutes passed, each tick of the clock above the reception desk echoing in my chest. Then, just as the waiting became unbearable, the door burst open, and Trenton strode in, his face flushed and determined. He didn’t say a word, heading straight to the counter and fumbling for his phone.

Before he could press a button, a loud knock on the door startled us all, the sound sharp and sudden in the quiet shop. I felt a jolt run through me, like someone had slammed a hammer against my chest. Trenton’s hand froze over his display, his gaze snapping to the door.

I followed his stare, relief washing over me when I saw the face outside the glass—a younger version of Trenton, a bit taller, with sharper features and a steady, familiar presence. Travis Maddox stood just outside wearing his red ballcap backward, looking like he’d come straight from the gym. A dark, sweat-dampened T-shirt hugged his shoulders, his gray athletic shorts were slightly wrinkled, and there was a gym towel still tucked into the waistband. Even though he looked like he’d been pulled away mid-workout, he appeared unfazed.

Trenton let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing as he moved to unlock the door. “Jesus, Trav. I was two seconds away from turning this lobby into a human demolition derby. What the hell are you doing here?” he asked, pulling his brother inside. He sucked in a breath, scanning Travis’s face, still healing from what looked like a serious beating. “What the fuck happened to you?”

Travis stepped in, glancing around the shop with a casual confidence. “Had to break up a brawl at the gym last week.”

“So, you weren’t sick for the announcement? Who in Eakins could beat your ass that bad? Trenton asked.

“It was a lot more than one, and you should see the other guys.”

“Jesus Christ, brother,” Trenton said, still in shock.

“We need to focus. Lachlan sent me,” he said simply, his voice even. “I’m supposed to follow you two home. Make sure you get there safe.”

A knot formed in my stomach. I glanced at Hazel, who was watching the exchange with an intensity that mirrored my own unease. I could see the questions forming on her lips, the uncertainty and confusion, the slow, creeping fear we’d all felt the moment she’d noticed the SUVs.

“Hazel,” Trenton began, his voice careful. “Maybe we should follow you home, too.”

She crossed her arms, her expression defiant. “I’m not scared, Trenton.”

Travis’s eyes darted to her. “They’re not after you, but you should go now.”

It was the way he said it that finally made her pause. “Who the rickety fuck arethey?” she asked. “And why are you trying so hard to look cool and collected?”

Travis raised one brow. “This is just my face. I’m beautiful and stoic, okay?”

Hazel rolled her eyes, unimpressed. “That face ain’t so beautiful these days.”

Travis touched his chest. “That hurts, Hazel.”

“There were two cars,” Trenton muttered, running a hand over his buzzed hair, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. “Who’s to say they weren’t planning on following both of us home?”

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