Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
“So do you. Promise me you’ll think about what I said?” he asked.
“I will.” She had a feeling that’s all she’d be considering.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlie sat in her favorite club chair in Jared’s living room, sipping warm vanilla-and-chamomile tea. She sighed, with as much contentment as she could have, living on edge, waiting for something to happen so her life could go back to normal.
She’d given a lot of thought to what Leo had to say and she knew he was right. Besides, if she trusted Jared to keep her safe, she’d already handed him the keys to her heart. She just hadn’t told him yet.
Earlier tonight, she’d met with Fallon, Noah, and her girls so she could spend time with them even if they couldn’t sleep home yet. Mia had sat at a table beside her the whole time, refusing to join them, keeping an eye out while they ate. Her plans allowed Jared to work late tonight, something she knew he’d needed to do.
She’d arrived home earlier than him and Mia’s shift ended before he returned. She promised she’d stay behind her locked and alarmed door and swore to Mia that Jared would be home soon. Mia left and she waited for Jared.
Taking a sip of tea, Charlie thought back to dinner, her precocious daughters and their behavior.
“Why can’t we come home with you, Mommy? We miss you at night.” Dylan spoke in a sad voice that broke Charlie’s heart and made her want to throttle her brother for somehow involving her in his mess.
“I miss you too, honey. But we explained why.”
“Because Uncle Dan is in t-r-o-u-b-l-e,” Dakota singsonged. “And you don’t want us around in case he comes over.”
It had seemed like the simplest explanation at the time. One that wouldn’t frighten the twins by indicating Charlie might be in danger.
“Someone needs to punish him,” Dylan said, her tone mulish because she wanted to be with her mom.
“He’s a grown-up. Nobody is going to punish him,” Noah said. “He just needs to get some help.”
Charlie nodded.
Fallon cleared her throat. “Who’s finished with their burgers?” she asked. They were eating at everyone’s favorite old-fashioned diner.
“Did you know that mother monkeys slap or bite their babies when they’re bad? Maybe someone should bite Uncle Dan’s—”
Charlie’s gaze swung to Noah’s, her eyes wide. “Dakota, what do you want for dessert?” she asked, quickly changing the subject while every adult tried not to laugh.
Her cell rang, taking her out of her memory, and she grabbed the phone. The screen said Unknown Caller.
She took the call and put the phone to her ear. “Hello?”
“Charlie?”
She recognized her brother’s throaty whisper. “Dan? Where are you? Why is your phone disconnected? What’s going on?” She shouted the questions at him.
“I don’t have much time. Just listen. I know I’ve been a shitty brother and I’m sorry.” He sounded winded and scared and her heart began a rapid gallop in her chest.
“Dan? Where are you?”
“I’m in hiding. Those guys caught up with me. They jumped me and beat the shit out of me. I got away but I’m in serious trouble. If you don’t see me again, just know I love you.”
“Don’t hang up!” she shouted. “Daniel Gregory, you tell me where you are now. I’ll come get you.” She was not going to lose him, too. No matter what he’d done, he was her brother and he sounded like he was giving up, something she refused to accept.
“Absolutely not.”
“Then call the police.” It was time he faced the consequences of his actions, whatever they were.
“I can’t. I don’t want to end up in jail.”
“What. Did. You. Do?” she asked, rising and pacing back and forth in the family room.
He expelled a harsh, pained breath. “I was the getaway guy in a robbery where the clerk was killed. But I swear I didn’t know they’d shoot him! When I found out, I ran.”
Oh my God. Her hand rose to her throat, feeling the pulse beating at the base. “Let me come get you.” Somehow she’d talk him into turning himself in, but at least he’d be safe behind the alarm in this apartment.
“No!”
“Please, Danny. I won’t even get out of the car.” The car she didn’t have. But she could take a rideshare and call Jared on the way and ask him to meet her. She’d just have the driver wait until Jared arrived. “Just tell me where you are. I can help you.”
He hesitated and all she heard was the sound of his heavy breathing. Finally, he said, “Fine.” And rattled off an address she memorized.
“Just sit tight. I’m coming.”
Her insides shaking, hands trembling, she put the address into her phone. She didn’t know the area but was aware enough to realize it wasn’t in a safe part of the city, almost near the Bronx.
Tears in her eyes, she dressed quickly, pulling on a pair of leggings and an old sweatshirt she’d brought with her to Jared’s.