Page 59 of Don't Look Back

“You’re not touching her. If you want me, fine, but you can't do anything to her.”

“And why would I agree to that? Your family has worked hard to keep you hidden. I’ve spent years looking for you.”

I open my mouth to respond, but I don’t really know what to say. He has no reason to listen to me. No reason to give me what I want.

Before I can respond, Jimmy’s shoved into my door. His face is pressed against the glass and I can see the furry in his eyes. He’s never been this mad. If he gets his hands on me, he’ll kill me. I know it.

“Don’t move a fucking muscle, asshole,” Colt growls. “Thanks for saying you’d go after me, that will really help me put you away. Oh, plus the plan to murder an innocent woman and tie up another. I think you’ll be put away for a long time.”

“You’ve got nothing on me,” Jimmy hisses.

“Nah, Jimmy. I’ve been tracking you for years. I have so many things on you. I was willing to leaveyou alone, as long as you didn’t go near Zoey again,” Mason’s voice is loud enough for Jimmy to hear it even with the window only cracked open. His eyes widen before narrowing into slits. “You made a big mistake by going after her. You’ll never see the outside of a prison again if I have it my way.”

“Put your hands behind your back,” Colt commands as he grabs one wrist and secures it in a handcuff. He gets the other one attached, then grabs the back of Jimmy’s jacket and tears him away from the car.

Pecker pulls his squad car up next to mine and they lock him in the backseat. As soon as he’s secure, Colt opens my door and tugs me out of the car. I crash into his chest as a sob racks my body.

“It’s ok, baby. I’ve got you and he can't touch you anymore. You’re finally safe.”

Chapter 33

Colton

The second Pecker answered the phone, I knew something was wrong. I knew Jimmy had found Leslie and he was going to stop at nothing to get her.

I’ve always been able to stay calm and clear headed in emergency situations and that made me great at my job… but today I lost it. I had a hard time staying focused on anything other than how terrified Leslie must’ve been.

I almost made countless stupid errors, but Pecker jumped in each time and stopped me. He had my back and I won't forget that any time soon.

When Leslie’s car came into view, I wanted to jump for joy. Those feelings didn’t last long. As soon as I saw Jimmy get out of the car and stomp over to Leslie, I felt like I was going to be sick. My heart ached so much at the thought of something happening to her. I'm not sure I would’ve survivedthat.

But the sound of those cuffs clicking into place and Jimmy’s muffled curses once he was stuffed into the back of the squad car was the best thing I’ve ever heard.

Having my girl in my arms and knowing she’s finally safe and free to live her life is the greatest gift I could get this Christmas.

“Pecker called Jared. He’s going to come get Jimmy and take him to the county lockup for me.”

“You don’t need to do that.” Leslie swipes at her cheeks with her sleeve and sniffles.

“If you think I’m leaving you in the next twelve hours, you’re crazy. I might even take off tomorrow and let the town be without a sheriff. Jimmy’s the worst trouble we’ve seen in decades in Maple Springs. With him behind bars, the town will be fine for a few hours.”

“I'm so sorry I'm the reason he came here.”

“Nah, don’t be sorry. You’re not at fault for anything. Plus, he didn’t seem to do any damage other than freaking you out and admitting to his future plans. It could’ve gone badly, but it didn’t. We’re all fine and we’re going to continue being fine.”

“What if he doesn’t stay in prison?” Leslie whispers as we’re lying on the couch at home a few hours later.

“According to Mason, I don’t think Jimmy will be able to sweet talk his way out of this again. Mason was recording him while he was threatening you and Sophia too. He’s been stalking your family members for months, trying to figure out where you are. I'm shocked he didn’t try to make contact with any of them… Exactly how scary looking are your uncles?”

She grins up at me as she grabs her phone off the coffee table and pulls up a photo. She holds the phone out to me and my eyes widen.

“Who are these guys?”

“Uncle Wes…” She points to a massive man with more muscle than I could ever dream of having. “Uncle Mason…” She points to another large man who I wouldn’t want to mess with. He looks like he could tear you in two with his bare hands. “My dad and Uncle Steve…” She motions to two normal sized men who don’t look particularly intimidating. “And the rest are Sophia’s Uncles. Well, pseudo-uncles.”

“Yeah, I'm kinda glad you live so far away from home.” I chuckle and shake my head. “Some of those guys are scarylooking.”

“They’re all harmless teddy bears.” She smiles.

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