Stryker

“We came here hoping you’d be able to help us in some way.” Carter rested his arms on the table. “But all I know right now is that it isn’t safe for Millie and Evie to be anywhere where they can find them.”

“And you,” Millie whispered and grasped hold of Carter’s hand. “You can’t go back. They’ll know.”

“I have to go back, Millie. I can’t leave him alone.”

“Then let me call my dad. I know he’ll help.”

Carter shook his head. “I wish I could say yes, but if you do and something goes wrong, then it might fall back on you and I won’t allow that. You have to be safe in order for me to do this. Do you understand me?”

I certainly did as I looked at my stunned friend who just nodded in response.

“I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

“You won’t be doing nothing, Evie. You’ll be staying safe for Stryker. And that is everything to him.” Carter tried to comfort me, but I wasn’t sure anything could unless I watched Stryker walk into the room, right now.

“Let me check my cell, it’s been buzzing in my pocket since we arrived.” I pulled it free, and froze. My eyes met Carter’s. “It’s from Patrick.” My hands shook. “He say’s he wants to meet later today. He wants to talk about Stryker. I have sixteen missed calls from him.”

“Don’t panic. If he calls again, answer and listen to what he has to say. Just don’t stay on too long. We don’t want him to track you.”

My eyes widened because I hadn’t even given thought to being tracked. “Okay.” I tried to smile but I think it came off more as a wince. “He knows me, and he’ll know that I’ll meet him because he mentioned Stryker.”

“I’ll go with you,” Millie offered.

“No way,” Carter stated. “Millie, you are going nowhere near Declan or Patrick. I can’t help if I’m worried about you.”

“Evie is my best friend so of course I’m going to go with her for back up.”

Carter growled. “Like hell.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“Children,” I shouted. “You’re both being ridiculous. Millie, when and if I meet Patrick, I will go alone, but I’ll make sure it’s a public area. Carter, please just concentrate on helping Stryker.”

“I don’t like any of this.” Carter ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

“Everyone is welcome to stay here for as long as you need to,” Peter offered. “My wife will be home soon and I know she’ll be happy to help you in anyway that she can.”

“Thank you. I’m going to leave the girls here.” Carter stood and shoved his chair under the table. “Millie, walk me out.” Carter bent and whispered, “Stay safe,” into my ear.

I watched them leave the kitchen and turned back to Peter who watched me. “You really do love my son.”

It wasn’t a question, more of an observation so I stayed silent.

“You don’t like me, do you?”

I sighed. “I came here not expecting to, but you’re a surprise. I believe what you said and I still want to be angry with you because of Stryker, but I can’t get there. It’s obvious that you still love your son, and I want him to be here. I want him to see that room, this house. I want him to have a life with me.”

My tears came quicker than I could wipe them away.

Peter moved and crouched down beside me with a handful of Kleenex shoved toward me.

“Thank you,” I mumbled.

“All the other times he had no idea that I was here or even trying to help get him free. Now he knows that you’re here waiting for him, he’ll try as well.”

“I know.” I smiled through my tears. “I’m just afraid that he’ll try too hard to get to me and something bad will happen to him.” I shrugged and wiped my face.

“Let’s try and be positive.” He stood. “Now, are you hungry because I know that I am.”