Page 122 of Done Waiting

“She was such a badass with that knife. The way she sliced Ben’s arm, then drove the blade into his thigh so I could escape. You would have been so proud of her.”

“I wish I—”

“She wanted to save me. I saw it in her eyes. She did it for you as much as me. She didn’t want you to lose me.”

“Abby, I—”

“Now we just have to save her from—”

“Abby, I fucking love her,” I scream, tired of being cut off. “Right now, I just fucking want her back with me, safe and sound.”

Silence hangs in the air, all three collectively holding their breath from my outburst. None of them know how to deal with me right now. I’m emotional as hell, not at all like my usual calm and collected self. But I’m desperate to find the only woman I’ve ever loved. And will ever love.

As I approach a red light, I press the brake, gliding to a stop. Closing my eyes, I do the one thing I did as a child when things were shitty. I prayed to my mom that I get to Maddie in time.I’ll die if anything happens to her.I can’t fucking live without her. I don’t even want to try.

And for the first time in my life, I understand how my dad felt when my mom died.

Jason’s voice penetrates my thoughts. “I know how much you love her, Jagger. We’re going to get her back.”

“We’d better,” I say between clenched teeth. “I’d die for that woman, Jason.” Tears prick my eyes, and I blink rapidly, trying to keep them at bay.

“You’ll get her back, Jagger,” Abby’s voice is calm and reassuring. “I know you will.”

“I have to. There’s no other option.” My words hang in the air, penetrating the line between us. The three of them have no idea I’d nearly killed myself once before, or they’d be losing their minds at the thought of what I might do if Ben kills her.

I heave out an aggravated sigh, staring at the light, pleading with it to change. I’m about ready to run the motherfucker.

Abby’s voice is full of quiet conviction. “Lovealwayswins, Jagger.”

The light turns green, and I gun the engine, accelerating. I don’t say anything to Abby, though her words have touched me. It’s not in my nature to be soft for anyone except Maddie. “Bryce, do you have my cell phone location?”

“Of course, Jagger. Do you still have eyes on the building, Abby?”

“Yes, I can see it. But I’ve got a bad feeling. Ben was aggravated as hell that his plans were falling apart. He didn’t like that Maddie fucked things up. When she answered your phone and started barking orders at him, he was shocked, then pissed. He didn’t expect her to come alone.”

“He’s spiraling,” I say, speeding down the road. “That’s bad for my girl.”

“I’m still behind them but can’t determine the license plate number. Should I try to get closer?”

My heart beats frantically inside my chest. “No. He’ll either speed away or go after you again. Stay far enough away that you can keep an eye on him.”

“Okay.”

“What road are you on? Anything identifiable you can make out, Abby?” Bryce’s calm voice comes through the line.

Abby tells him what she sees around her and ahead. The sound of Bryce’s fingers on the keyboard comes through the line, all four of us waiting with bated breath.

“Oh wait,” Abby says excitedly. Maddie was using her GPS in the car. I just realized it’s still on.”

“Good. I can access it.” A couple of beats pass before he says, “Got it. Okay, Jagger. Here’s where they are heading.” He gives me the information, and my mind spins frantically. Despite how fast I’m driving, I’m still about twenty minutes away from them.

“Any ideas where he may be heading, Jagger?”

My thoughts whirl. After a few beats, it hits me. “He’s heading in the direction of Maddie’s childhood home.”Why the fuck would he be going there?That’s way too fucking risky with other houses nearby. But as Bryce keeps tracking Maddie’s GPS and Abby updates us on the road and her surroundings, it becomes apparent that’s exactly where Ben is heading.Why?

“Okay, Abby. I will need you to follow my instructions so you can keep an eye on them without Ben seeing you. You’re going to turn onto the next street. There’s a spot you can park that the woods will help shield you, but you’ll be facing her front door.”

“Got it, Bryce. Just tell me where to turn.”

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