Page 130 of Done Waiting

“That’s a relief. I’m glad she’s okay and didn’t go into premature labor.”

“Same, Jagger.” We hear Bryce’s footsteps and then he says, “I didn’t want the nurse in the room with Abby to overhear us. I’m in the elevator heading to get something to drink. How are you holding up, Jagger?”

I blow out a breath, filling him in on what has transpired and what we’ve found. Bryce immediately guides Jason on how to confirm if Benjamin Adler became Benjamin Cromwell. Sure enough, we get a hit.

“Listen, as soon as Abby and I can leave, I’m going to take her home. I have my whole set up there, and I’ll dig into anything and everything on Ben, as well as his dad, James Adler. What was Ben’s mom’s name?”

“Becky Adler,” I say.

“Okay, I’m going to guide Jason to get you guys started. What about Maddie’s friend, Ashlynn? Does she know Ben?”

“Good question. I overheard Maddie and Ashlynn talking about him, and Ashlynn didn’t seem to like him. She’s a student at Falls Creek College.” My gaze locks on Jason, who looks up at me from the laptop screen, eyes glimmering from excitement. He thinks Ashlynn is gorgeous and has been finding excuses to bump into her on campus, despite not being a student, as well as the coffee shop and gym she frequents. “Let’s go pay her a visit.”

Jason nods, returning his gaze to the laptop and continuing his research.

“What about that guy, Ryan, who was Maddie’s dad’s best friend? Doesn’t he work for the Falls Creek police department?”

“Ryan Walls. And yes, he does.”

“Jason, can you hack and get his phone number?”

“No need,” I say before Jason can answer. “We found it in Maura’s files.”

“Good. I can track it so it sends alerts to my laptop that Jason has, as well as both of our phones, Jagger. I can track any phonecalls he receives as well, including any towers they ping off, to give us his location.”

“Thanks, Bryce. You’re the best.”

“Thanks, Jagger. You know I’d do anything for you and Maddie.” His voice lowers. “We all really love her and want to see the two of you together. I’ll do anything to help you get her back.”

Emotion clogs my throat. I’m so fucking lucky to have these people in my life. But they pale in comparison to her.

Bryce changes the subject. “Abby was able to describe the van. I’m pretty sure it’s one of those 1978 GM utility vans. That may help with the license plate, even though it’s likely the plates or van are stolen. I’ll work on that. The two of you dig into Ben and his parents.”

“What about Maura?” Jason says. “Do we think his motive for kidnapping her was because of the foster home situation?”

“More than likely. I’ll dig into the foster family. Jagger, take pictures of the names from that file and send them to me. I’ll see what I can find on my phone, then once Abby and I are home, I’ll continue digging.”

Starting my truck, I put it in gear, heading for Ashlynn’s apartment. “Sounds good, Bryce. Keep us updated and we’ll do the same. We’re heading to Ashlynn’s right now.”

“Great. Talk to you soon.”

“Bryce. Give Abby a hug for me and tell her I’m sorry.”

Bryce chuckles. “No need. Abby has been so worried about Maddie. She wants your focus on her. You know she’d tell you to find her and bring her home if I was with her right now.”

A small smile curls my lips, despite the crushing agony that’s been swirling through me since I found out Ben has my baby girl. “Yeah, you’re right. She loves Maddie.”

“We all do. Now let’s find her and get her back home with you.”

I hang up, to overcome to say anything else. Jason’s hand squeezes my shoulder after I set my phone inside the cup holder in my center console. “We’re gonna find her and bring her home, Jagger.”

My eyes meet his. “Yes, we are. And I’m going to fucking destroy that motherfucker for touching her.”

51

MADISON

It seems like it’s been an eternity since Ben started ranting and raving at my mom about his father, and all the wrongdoings she committed by having him placed in that awful foster home.

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