Page 139 of Single Teddy
And his reaction, combined with Slade’s, made my stomach drop.
“It’s Bear. He…he’s missing.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
TEDDY
“What do you mean he’s missing?” I jumped off the chair and out of Wesley’s arms.
It wasn’t a great idea. The room started spinning, and I lost my balance, but I took a deep breath and focused on Slade and what he’d said. I had to.
“King took him to Mac’s room for a nap, and when he went to check on him, he…he wasn’t there.”
I stumbled back. This time it had nothing to do with my lightheadedness and everything to do with the knife that ripped through my stomach.
“Teddy!” Wesley called out beside me and put his hands around me. “Take it easy. You’re still injured.”
I shook my head.
“How? Is…is it him? Did one of those assholes take him? I swear to god if he’s in danger because of you guys?—”
“It wasn’t. King checked the CCTV outside our house. He snuck out the window. He was on his own.”
He what?
“I need to find him. I need to find Bear,” I said.
“I know. We do. But you’re not in?—”
“Yes, I am. I have to,” I said and started walking toward the door.
“Where are you going?” Wyatt asked.
“Where do you think? To find Bear,” I said.
Was that even a question? Had everyone lost their mind?
“Sit your ass down, Olson. You’re injured. We’ll go,” he replied, and I gritted my teeth.
“No. It-it has to be me,” I said.
It had to be. I was the one who had abandoned him. I had to be the one to find him and bring him home.
I turned my back on everyone and opened the door when I heard his voice.
“Teddy!”
I stopped.
He was the only one I’d stop for in that moment. The only one I’d listen to.
“You don’t have to do this alone.” Wesley approached me and took my hands in his, gazing into my eyes with compassion, though worry lines decorated his face.
He wasn’t just saying things to say them. He was being logical when I couldn’t think straight.
“I know,” I said. “But…”
“We’ll all help,” Slade said, and the others nodded. “You know it’s the best way to find someone anyway.”
