27. Colton

Chapter 27

Colton

"Bennett," Mason answers on the first ring.

"Hey, Mason. We might have an issue. Snow, my German Shepherd, is on high alert. I checked the perimeter of the property and checked every door and window to make sure they're locked. She's pacing the living room, but I don't see anything." I run a rough hand through my hair and try to think of what else I can do.

"Shit. I've been checking everywhere, but no one seems to know where this prick is."

"I'm nervous he's here and we haven't spotted him yet."

"How's Zoey? Is she freaking out?" Mason's voice softens when he talks about his niece.

"She's not great, but she's trying to stay strong. We're babysitting my niece and nephew," I keep my voice down, hoping Riley won't hear me over the music playing while she dances around the playroom.

"That explains the kid's music in the background." He chuckles. "Should I come up there? It's not an issue."

"I don't know," I answer honestly. "I'm nervous, but Pecker and Jared have my back. Leslie let me fill both of them in about what's going on. I think having Sophia here is making her more cautious."

"I'm sure it is. She moved because she wasn't willing to stay in Philly and potentially put her family members at risk. She'll always put others before her own safety. Remember that."

"I had a feeling." I sigh and scrub a hand down my face. "In the morning, I'll make some phone calls and visit some businesses he could've passed through. Pecker's on duty tomorrow, so he can help me too."

"Jimmy's a complete idiot in the real world, but something tells me he's smart at staying hidden."

"That's what I was worried about."

"I'll do more digging tonight and see what I can come up with. I don't have much to go on since his car and phone are at his house. He's trying to slip under the radar which makes me think he knows where she is. I fucking hate this guy."

"I'll protect her with my life. I'm not letting him touch her again."

"What do you have planned for tomorrow?" I ask as we lay in bed.

Leslie's cuddled up against my side with tension wrinkling her forehead. I hate seeing her this scared, but I can't do anything until the morning.

"I need to go to the grocery store to get some things for Christmas at Skylar's house either tomorrow or the next day… Is it ok for me to go?"

"Yeah, you'll have Sophia with you. Just go during the day and call me when you leave the house and when you get home."

"This is serious, huh?" She places her hand on my chest and peeks up at me through her lashes.

"I'm not sure, but I'm not willing to risk you, babe. If you want to just make a list, I can swing by the grocery store on my way home. That way you don't need to go at all."

"No. I'm not letting him dictate every move I make. I don't want to be confined to the house until he's found. I'll be careful and pay attention to everything around me, but I'm going."

"Ok. Can you share your location with me on your phone?"

"You're really cute when you're protective." She grins up at me.

"Well, I finally have someone in my life I want to protect. Nothing is going to stop me from trying to keep you safe. Nothing."

"I love you, Colt. I don't know what I did to deserve a man as amazing as you, but I don't plan on letting you go." She pushes up so she's leaning on her side and presses her lips against mine.

"I love you too, Zoey." I brush a strand of hair behind her ear and stare into her beautiful eyes. "I want to take you out again tomorrow."

"What are we going to do?"

"I want to take you ice skating." I wiggle my brows. "Have you ever been?"

"I've gone a time or two, but I'm not great."

"That's alright. I think it will be nice to relax and have fun for a little bit, we definitely deserve it right now."

"Are you sure it will be ok being out in public? "

"It's probably the safest place we can be." I press a soft kiss to her forehead. "Get some sleep. I need to be up early tomorrow."