That’s not true.
But even as she thought the words, her foot pressed harder on the gas and the car sped up. From the back seat, the two men laughed as if they were in on the world’s biggest joke. The road tore by, faster and faster, and the bend approached. She desperately wanted to lift her foot off the gas and slam on the brake, but she was frozen in position.
Garrett leaned forward again and the laughter died off. He spoke low and menacing in her ear.
“I’m coming to find you, bitch. You won’t escape me this time.”
***
She jolted upright to the sound of her cell phone ringing. Her face felt wet and tight, a sob building in her chest, even as she exhaled the cry. She pressed the balls of her hands into her eyes, trying to anchor herself in the real world and allow the nightmare to fade.
The ringing phone was insistent.
Jenna took another breath and reached out for her cell. The thought it might be Ryker calling flashed through her head, but the dream was still too present in her mind, and the idea sent a shiver racing through her.
But when the screen flashed in the late evening gloom, it was Detective Nick Harlem’s name that was showing.
A deepening sense of dread settled in her gut.
She answered the call, “Hello.”
“Jenna, hi, it’s Nick.”
She exhaled a breath and closed her eyes briefly, trying to get a hold on her emotions. “Hi, Nick,” she managed, though her voice was shaky. “Don’t take this badly, but I can’t say it’s good to hear from you.”
“No offense taken. I can’t say I’m too happy about calling you either.”
“So, what’s going on?”
“I don’t want you to panic, Jenna, but I felt you had a right to know.”
She clenched her fist. “Just tell me.”
“Garrett didn’t turn up to his parole meeting today.”
The news didn’t surprise her. She’d never once imagined Garrett sticking to any rules they’d dished out to him upon leaving jail. As soon as he’d found his freedom, he’d have started his search for her. Garrett was single-minded, and he wouldn’t give a shit if someone told him to be somewhere at a particular time.
“Jenna? You still there?”
She shook herself from her thoughts. “Yeah, I’m here.”
“Listen to me. It’s only a parole meeting. He could have gotten drunk and fallen asleep and missed it. It’s nothing to panic about. I just wanted to be upfront with you.”
She spoke, but her voice sounded distant. “Thanks, Nick. I appreciate that.”
“Okay.” He hesitated. “Well, stay safe, okay? And call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Nick. Bye.”
She hung up and put her head back in her hands. She’d never been more sure of anything in her life.
Garrett was coming to find her.
Chapter Nine
Jenna lifted her head from her hands. She couldn’t achieve anything sitting around feeling sorry for herself all night. She needed to do what she’d always done, and that was run. But how was she supposed to get on the move when she had no vehicle to do so?
Tomorrow. All she had to do was wait until tomorrow. Another twenty-four hours and she’d be out of here.
She forced herself to think rationally. If Garrett had only just missed a parole meeting, the chances of him having found her by now were slim. Yes, she’d been sensing him around, but that was only to be expected, given the knowledge that his release date had been approaching. Even though he’d gotten out early, the fact Nick Harlem had reported him missing a parole meeting must mean someone was keeping an eye on Garrett. It’s not as if he’d be able to board a plane. He’d have to hitch a ride, or steal a car—neither of which were easy options.
She pictured Ryker holding the bird, its tiny, frail body so limp in his hands. Had it been a wren, or had she been projecting? She saw a wren in her head, but mistrusted her own memory. Could it have been something as common as a sparrow? And the bang against the motel door could easily have been someone returning drunk and bumping into her door.
Chances were, Garrett was hundreds of miles away.
Her impromptu daytime nap had left her wide awake. If only she’d not been so vile to Ryker; he could be here right now, blessing her with that sexy smile of his, pushing his sleeves up his tattooed arms and giving her that knowing look that made her melt. She glanced over at her cell, wondering if she should call him. Her fingers tingled with her desire to do so, but she clenched her hands into fists, holding herself back. Even if Garrett wasn’t here yet, he would be soon, she didn’t doubt it. Calling Ryker would be utterly selfish. She would see him the next day to pay him for the work he’d done and retrieve her car. Then she’d be free to leave.