Page 70 of Chasing Sarah

“Good.”

He gives me a sharp nod and strides away.

We worked a deal with a smaller hospital. They take the bodies to do with what they please – mostly for harvesting their organs and teaching – and we provide a sizable donation for their research department.

It reduces the chances of any law enforcement not on our payroll sniffing around. It’s also nice not having to find a dump site for the dead.

The clean-up crew finishes their work of sweeping the room of any blood. The scent of chemicals permeates the air. My knuckles sting with each flex of my fingers.

Declan clasps a hand on my shoulder. “Meet you at the estate.”

“Actually.” He meets my gaze. “I’m going to pick up Sarah.”

His brow arches slightly, a teasing smirk lifting the corner of his mouth. “Oh?”

“Fuck off,” I chuckle, bumping my fist playfully against his chest. “Getting her to finally agree to see me,willingly,was like pulling fucking teeth.”

He shrugs. “I honestly enjoy pulling teeth.” Declan laughs at my grimace.

“I’m picking her up in about an hour.” I remove my phone, checking the time.

Declan’s keys spin on his middle finger, jangling together. “I’ll go with you. Paige is avoiding me, and I’m done waiting.”

Together, we make our way to the SUV.

* * *

Stepping back, I slide my hands into my pockets and wait for Sarah to open the door to her and Paige’s apartment. Declan’s stance matches my own.

The squeal of the old hinges grates at my ears when the door opens.

Her hair is tousled from sleep and her face is clean of any make up. I smile when I see the lines on her cheek from her bedding.

“Morning,réalta.” I step forward, bending down to kiss her lips.

“You’re early,” she responds. Her cheek flush and she tries avoiding my gaze.

Side-stepping, she allows Declan and I to step inside. He nods a greeting at Sarah then quickly saunters to Paige’s room.

My brows furrow when Sarah’s eyes track his receding frame. The expression on her face is a mixture of concern and anxiety.

“Hey.” I lightly grip onto her elbow, pulling her gaze. “Everything okay?”

Her eyes begin pooling with tears. She swallows tightly.

“It’s nothing,” she whispers, blinking rapidly.

I stop her head from dipping by gripping her chin with my forefinger and thumb. “Talk to me,” I plead quietly.

Anguish is etched across her face, and she chews the inside of her cheek. “It’s Paige.”

My eyes flick quickly down the hallway before returning to her. My expression must expose my confusion because she begins explaining some parts about Paige’s past that seem to linger and infect every happiness that she seems to find.

I know she is leaving a lot out, but it’s clear Paige’s past hurts Sarah just as deeply as it does her.

Declan had mentioned searching for someone in Paige’s past, some guy named Mark, but I wasn’t aware just how significant their previous involvement was.

Without another word, she ventures down the hallway.

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