37. Maggie

Maggie

W hen I see how they're sitting, a small pang of jealousy rushes through me. But when our eyes meet, I see the raw emotion in Grayson's gaze. His struggles with the situation are evident in every wrinkle on his face.

The paramedics arrive behind me, bringing a stretcher inside. I help them get Suzannah loaded up and then head back inside.

As soon as we're alone, Grayson lets a few tears fall. "Maggie," he says, his voice shuddering. "She's so broken." Hearing the strain in his voice, my heart wrenches. Suddenly, my small freakout this morning feels trivial. I cross the room and wrap my arms around him. "I know, Gray. But we're gonna help her. I promise you, she will be okay."

We hold each other for a long time, and I breathe in the scent of his soap that has already become so familiar and comforting. I snuggle further into his neck, kissing lightly, wanting all his pain to go away, even if only for a moment.

There's a moment of guilt, but I quickly suppress it. Grayson's life has moved on, and so has Suze's, albeit down a twisted path that will always intertwine.

The chapter of his life with Suze is done, and I hate what it has left behind—a trail of heartache and betrayal swirling in a confusing maze simmering just beneath the surface. But in its place is a new chapter that I am determined to be a part of. I want a life with George and Grayson. Everything. Together.

I can picture George in the house, running around with his cousins, while Grayson and I snuggle up together on the couch. God, I want that.

"You okay?" I ask.

He laughs as he pulls me toward the couch. "I should be asking you that. I know this is a lot."

I blow a raspberry. "I'm cool as a cucumber, babe."

"You're amazing," he says, his voice filled with warmth.

I playfully roll my head back. "I know, and I expect payment for it."

He raises a brow. "Oh? When should I deliver it?"

My arms go around his waist, and I look deep into his eyes, enjoying the reflected affection shining down on me. "Tonight? Georgie will have his own bed…" I let the request linger, tracing a finger on his chest.

"I'll pencil you in, Detective." His voice has reached the low rumble that seems to settle right in my core, heating my body with anticipation.

"I look forward to it." I kiss his nose and hook my leg over his lap. His cock hardens instantly, and I rub myself against it. "I should get back to work," I say as he kisses my neck.

"Hmm," he murmurs, clearly not wanting to let me go.

"Really," I say, with even less conviction.

"So go," Grayson says, pulling my shirt down to expose my collarbone. His lips suck on the newly exposed skin, and I let out a long sigh. Just as I'm about to suggest we sneak into our room, George bounds out, tugging Mack behind him. I squeal and jump off Grayson's lap, tossing a pillow at him in the process. I guess I'm not really used to having a kid around yet.

"Maggie!" He hops into my lap, and I let out a loud oof. Mack is snickering in the hall, but I ignore him.

"Hey, Champ. How's hanging with this lug?" I flick my head in the direction of Mack, and Georgie nods.

"Macky told me about a movie. He says it's the peep of cinnamon, and we need to watch it."

Mack laughs. "Peak of cinema."

"Yeah? What's the movie?"

"Goodfellas," Georgie says.

I shoot Mack a glare. "That's not a movie for kids."

"Definitely not," Grayson agrees, the pillow still covering his lap.

"He asked my favorite, what was I supposed to do?" Mack asks.

I cough out, "Lie!" drawing a tiny smirk from Grayson.

"I guess next time I'll know." I rise to my feet, bringing Georgie with me. Snuggling into him, I kiss his cheek before dropping him playfully on the couch. "Okay, I need to get back to work." I wink at Grayson. "Love you guys."

A chorus of ‘love you, Maggie's' sounds behind me, with even Mack joining in. My face beams. I could definitely get used to this.

Once I'm at the hospital, all humor is gone. I stand vigil outside Suze's room, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Hours were spent getting details from her. The more I heard, the more my heart broke. The woman hasn't had an easy life for years. But everything she said was another weight lifting off my chest. She had names and dates. Especially the loan shark information. They love turning on people that don't pay. It's the ultimate middle finger. All of it was evidence for keeping Don in jail whenever we find him. Once Suze was worn out and sound asleep, I left her alone.

But overall, my work isn't finished. In the hall, I make several calls, my voice steady as I organize a treatment facility to come pick up Suze as soon as she's given the all-clear. I was present when the doctor did an ultrasound, and the little girl is alive and well, growing like a weed, according to the doctor.

There's a beautiful facility that agrees to help, only an hour outside the city. The best part is that their records are sealed to the public, so Suze will be safe from Don. Finally, I call into the station and put an APB on Don's car, though I don't have high hopes for that. Someone like Don wouldn't be careless by driving the same vehicle after a shooting.

With everything in motion, I leave the hospital, my mind preoccupied with the next steps.

As I walk through the hospital's sliding doors, my phone rings with an unknown number flashing on the screen. Hesitantly, I answer. "Hello?"

"Maggie?" The voice is unmistakable, albeit filled with fear. It's Vanessa, my sister.

"Vanessa, what's wrong?" My heart races, a sense of dread washing over me.

Before Vanessa can reply, a man's voice cuts in, "Fuck me, you're stupid. I've had her for days." Though I've never heard his voice before, there's only one person who would be motivated to do this—Don.

My blood runs cold. Vanessa's innocent unanswered calls and texts suddenly make much more sense. But I quickly regain my composure. Guilt can come later. After I fix this problem. "Okay, asshat, I'm an idiot. Tell me what you want."

But my fury only spurs Don into a tirade of curses and threats. I hear a thump and Vanessa's cries, a sound that tears through my heart. I begin to hyperventilate, my thoughts spiraling.

"Okay! Jesus, Don, okay. I'll do what you say. Just please, don't hurt her," I plead, my voice breaking. The facade is gone. I need to show my fear; it's what he wants.

Don spits out an address in San Diego and hangs up. I stand frozen outside the hospital, the phone still pressed to my ear. Panic and fear grip me, rendering me momentarily incapable of movement. My plan to keep Grayson out of harm's way worked. Maybe too well. Don couldn't get to him, so he's getting to me instead.

Smart. I should have anticipated this. Should have insisted Vanessa had protection too.

What am I going to do? I can't risk Vanessa's life by not going. But I know going might make everything worse.

I force myself to move, my steps mechanical as I head back to my car. I need to think, to plan. But everything feels slow, the world swirling around me in confusion. Usually, I would call Harry, get some of his wisdom. But he's in the hospital. How the hell am I going to figure this one out?