Page 29 of Don't Look Back

“Hey, Zo. How are you?” His deep voice has me squeezing my eyes shut, letting a sense of peace wash over me. I don’t know why Uncle Mason has the power to make me feel safe, but he does.

“I guess that depends on if you found Jimmy,” I say softly.

An arm snakes around my waist and my back is tugged against Colt’s chest. “I want to talk to Mason before you hang up,” he whispers against my neck.

“Uncle Mason, can I put you on speaker?”

“Sure. Do I get to know who else I'm speaking to?” His teasing tone brings a smile to my face. I was so excited when he and Aunt Kelsey finally got married. I’ve always loved him and his teasing.

“I'm Colton Brown,” Colt says with a firm tone.

“Ahh, Sheriff Brown. It’s nice to officially meet you. Did something happen that you’re with… Leslie?”

“He’s my boyfriend.” I grin up at Colt.

“Well, shit. That makes me pretty happy. Does he know everything, Les?” Mason asks.

“I know all about Zoey and Jimmy. She told me everything this morning. I was planning on calling you later tonight.”

“This will make my job so much easier,” Mason murmurs. “I don’t know where he is, Zo. He hasn’t been to work in almost a week. No one seems to know where he is.”

“Uncle Mason…” I whimper.

A million thoughts are going through my head. This time he might’ve really found me. He could be in Maple Springs already, or he might be on his way.

“Having Colt aware of what’s going on is going to make things easier. I can work with him and Ollie. We’re going to keep you safe, Zo.”

“And if you can't?” I ask slowly.

“I’ve put my life on the line for dozens of people. Do you really think anything will stop me from protecting you?”

“You’re eight hours away from me,” I whisper.

“And I’ll be on the next damn flight if it will make you feel better. I can be there in four hours tops,” he growls.

“She’s moving in with me. I have a security system, cameras, and a well-trained German Shepherd. She’ll attack if she feels like Zoey or I are being threatened.”

“Good. I'm happy to hear that. I want you to text me later on tonight, Colt. I need access to you at all times in case I find him.”

“Do you think he actually found me?”

Colt tightens his hold on me and rests his chin on my shoulder. He presses a soft kiss to my cheek and lets out a small sigh.

I wonder if he’s already regretting inviting me into his home. Into his life. He deserves so much better than this. He belongs with a woman who doesn’t come with baggage.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I'm not sure how he could’ve found you, but you never know. I stopped trying to guess the bad guys’ next move after Kelsey was taken. Nothing surprises me at this point.”

“I miss you and Aunt Kelsey,” I whisper. “I just want to be able to come home and see everyone.”

“As soon as we catch him, I’ll make it happen. I promise, Zoey. But I did hear Sophia’s coming to visit you. Can she stay with you too, Colt? I'm not comfortable with her staying in Zoey’s house if Zoey isn't there.”

“Of course. Is she your daughter?”

“Nah, she’s another one of my beautiful nieces. The wild child of the bunch.” I can hear the smile in his voice. Sophia always tries to bust his balls, but he’s a good sport about it.

“Any one in Zoey’s family is welcome in my home.”

“Good, because if I find out Jimmy’s down there, I’ll be sleeping on your couch and setting up a remote office at your dining room table. Maddox might come too.”

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