Page 71 of Done Waiting

Pulling my cell phone from my pocket, sweat rolling down my skin, I called Jason. He was full of questions when I said, “I’m in danger and need you to help me get out of here unseen.” I didn’t mention Maddie, knowing he’d only have more questions. I told him the building name I’d noticed when I carried her through the doors. “I’m in the basement.”

I heard him typing as I impatiently squatted down, catching my breath, my eyes watching Maddie. I didn’t give her a lot of ketamine, knowing that shit has some dangerous side effects, so I’m not sure how long she’ll be out.

“You’re in luck. There are some tunnels beneath the building. I’ll send you the picture and how to get there.”

“My truck is parked in a lot.” I described the buildings and what I’d seen when I backed in.

“You’re in luck, brother. When you come to this section of the tunnel where you can go left or right, take a right. Follow it, and it will bring you to Swanson Hall. It’s a short distance to your truck if you follow the hallway and go out the side door.”

“Thanks, Jason. I’ll update you as soon as I can.” Hanging up, I whispered to Maddie. “Here we go, baby girl. I’ve gotta carry you outta here.” I snuck to the door, quietly opening it and checking the hallway.It’s clear. Heading back to her, I lowered myself in front of her. Taking a few deep breaths, on the final exhale, I lifted her, leg and arm wounds screaming in agony. Gritting my teeth so hard I thought they’d break, I stared into her face as I stood, then carried her to the door. I checked again before carrying her out, moving as quickly and quietly as I could toward the tunnels.

My heart beat frantically as we moved through the narrow tunnels, the yellow lightbulbs swinging and casting eerie shadows as I carried her. Though Maddie doesn’t weigh thatmuch, I had to stop, resting her against the wall twice, just to take some of the strain from my arm.

Finally, we reached the end. I was soaked from sweat, breathless, and in agony as I entered Swanson Hall.You’re almost there, Jagger. You can do this. For her.My gaze dropped to her face and I whispered a vow to her. “He’s not getting you. I’m getting you the fuck off the campus and to my house, where I’ll keep you safe.

And that’s exactly what I did.

Maddie’s hand squeezing mine brings me back to the present. Her face is pale as she studies Abby, who is examining her. Her panicked gaze shoots to mine, her eyes so wide I can see the whites, body quaking beside me.

I lift our hands to my lips, kissing the back of hers. “You’ll be fine, baby girl. It’s just blood pressure, oxygen levels, and pulse. Abby wants to make sure you’re okay. She’s nothing if not thorough.”

She nods, staring at Abby’s face, looking unconvinced.

My fingers grab her chin, turning her head to mine. “Eyes on me, baby girl. I’ve got you.”

She has no idea how true those words are.

Even with two stab wounds, I got her off the campus, keeping her safe from her serial killer ex. I’ll continue to ensure she’s safe from that bastard, as well as anyone else who would try to harm her.

I’m delighted when her heavy breathing slows.

When Abby finishes and tells Maddie everything looks good, Maddie slumps in relief, a relieved smile on her face. I listen as Abby goes over everything, then gives her something to help with the nausea.

Once Abby finished and Maddie took the pill, I whispered in her ear, “Are you okay?”

She nods, giving me a soft smile. “I am now.”

Fuck. How she looks at me softens me, breaking down all my defenses.

“I need a cigarette quick. I’m gonna have Abby and Bryce stay inside with you.” Her face clouds from worry, and I squeeze her hand. “I’ll just be right out there on the deck. Bryce will get me if you need me.”

Maddie’s face relaxes and she says, “Okay.”

As I head toward the patio doors, Jason follows. I glance at Maddie, who is talking to Abby, a smile on her face. When her eyes meet mine before I step outside, I don’t give her warning looks or words. She looks pretty content to be here right now.

When the door closes behind us and we light up our cigarettes, I lean against the railing, staring at the woods. “Out with it, motherfucker. I know you have something to say.”

While my brother, Jason, is a tough motherfucker, he’s never been through the shit I have. His parents, my adopted parents, are wonderful people. Jason and I have been friends since elementary school, so he’s watched me go from a normal, happy-go-lucky kid to a monster filled with hatred and darkness. He’s never supported the idea of me torturing, then killing, Maddie, especially without any evidence she’d done anything wrong.

Jason takes a long drag from his cigarette, turning his head and blowing smoke in the opposite direction. “I like Maddie. So does Bryce and Abby.”

I nod, not saying anything, my head turned to his as I smoke, assessing him.

His blue eyes are serious as he locks them with mine “Don’t fuck this up.” His words are low, intended only for my ears. “Plans change, Jagger. Circumstances change. You can get your revenge without involving her.” He puffs on his cigarette, thenturns his head, blowing the smoke away from me. “You’re obsessed with her, obviously. You aren’t going to like hearing this, but I think it goes beyond what you need to do to get revenge.” He holds up his hand when I open my mouth. “You fucking saved her tonight, Jagger. Two stab wounds and you carried her through dark tunnels beneath the parking lot and out two fucking buildings to make sure she was safe from him. Don’t fucking try to tell me it’s just about revenge. You care for her and in the brief time I’ve been around her, I can see why.” I glower at him and he punches my uninjured arm. “I’m not after your girl, motherfucker, even though I love working you up.”

I flick him off, a smile curling my lips.

He laughs, unbothered, before he throws a look over his shoulder to the window behind us. “Look at her, Jagger. Who do her eyes keep darting to? Who does she look to for peace, comfort, and security?” Facing me he says, “You, motherfucker. She’s obsessed with you, too. Although it may be more than that but I don’t know her well enough to say.”

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