Page 38 of Panther's Magpie

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When it finally gets to me, my stomach churns.

It’s a picture of Aspen. She’s wearing clothes, thank God, but she looks drugged. There is a man on her chest licking it.

I feel like I’m going to throw up.

I close my eyes. “Meek, can you go get Maggie, please?”

I hate that I have to do this to her, but I need to know.

“Are you sure?” Meek asks.

“I’m sure. She’s the only one who saw her that night.”

He leaves the room quickly, coming back with a frightened-looking Maggie.

“What happened?” she whispers.

I beckon her over to me. She comes without question.

“I need you to look at this photo and tell me if it’s what Aspen was wearing the night they took her,” I tell her.

Her hand flies to her mouth as her eyes water.

I flip the photo.

Maggie collapses. I manage to catch her, pulling her into my lap.

“Shhh. Is that what she was wearing?” I ask her.

“Yes. That man is the one who had her. The one they called Monster.”

I look at the picture a little closer and realize she is right. That is Monster. From the angle, I couldn’t tell right away, but it seems Maggie would never forget his face.

I cradle her in my arms.

“She’s still alive. They wouldn’t kill her. Not if they are toying with us. We know what she was wearing now. Put out the picture to all our contacts. Any information leads to a reward. Church adjourned.”

The guys all nod but don’t say a word as Maggie sobs against my neck. They each stand, giving Maggie a worried expression. I love that they care about her too. She’s become part of this club without even trying.

I sit there and hold her as I lock away my own feelings. There is no room for me to lose my shit. I wish I could process my feelings the way Maggie is right now.

“It’s okay. She’s alive. We are going to get her back,” I tell Maggie.

She only cries harder. I know she feels guilty. I didn’t help matters when I accused her of leaving Aspen behind.

Truth is, I was scared for Aspen, and I lashed out.

I can’t do that anymore. I need to keep it together.

I need to be strong for Aspen.

For Maggie too.

CHAPTER

TEN

MAGGIE

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