Page 33 of No Turning Back
“Shit. Who did that?” Jace exclaims.
“Watch your mouth, kid,” I tell him as something on the ground catches my eye.
“How did that happen?” Lydia asks from behind me, but my eyes are focused on the machete lying on the ground. “Oh my God! Is that?—”
I move away from them and call my mom. I want to call Tucker, but I have to make this call first. The memories flash behind my closed lids as I hold back the tears threatening to come out.
“Mom, all my tires have been slashed and there’s a machete next to my car. A bloody machete,” I croak out as soon as she picks up.
“Call the police and Tucker. I’m on my way to Mari.”
I knew she would know what to do first. My baby is vulnerable and needs to be protected.
I dial Tucker after asking Lydia to call the police.
“I just called my dad. He and my grandpa are on their way too,” Jace says, and just nod, not caring. I need Tucker.
“Hey, spitfire. I’ll be heading to the house in a bit.”
He started staying most nights after we made love that first time last week. I can’t stop the sob from coming out.
“T-Tucker, my tires have been slashed.”
“I’m on my way, baby. Get security and call the police.” He hangs up, and I turn to see security approaching.
“I called Sergeant Whitlock with the Tennessee State Troopers,” Lydia says. I shake my head in confusion. “What? If I have to help him, I’m going to get perks out of it, such as immediate help.” She shakes her head back at me.
Moments later, the parking lot is flooded with red and blue lights. Sergeant Whitlock is out of his truck and heads straight toward Lydia.
“Are you okay?” he demands as his long legs eat up the distance between them.
Jace moves closer to me, as if he’s going to protect me. It doesn’t comfort me, but it makes me think of what Tucker would do.
“I’m fine, but Sydney’s car has been vandalized.” She points to me as she turns away from him. His eyes move up and down her body, checking her over.
“You called me for that?” he asks in shock and looks at me confused.
“Well, yeah. I wanted someone to come help us right away. What if the perpetrator is in the area watching us? Look at the knife they left behind.” She points at the machete.
Her words must work because he’s beside her immediately, grabbing her hand and pulling her to his truck.
“Come on, Sydney. You too, kid,” he hollers at Jace and me.
I move away from my car toward where they’re standing by the open passenger door of his truck. He lifts Lydia up into the seat and stands guard, his body tight and his hand near his holstered gun.
“Do you have any enemies?” he asks me, then turns to Lydia. “Or is this the ex?”
“Not my ex, although he could be mad at Sydney for helping me and the kids hide from him.” She must realize it’s a possibility because she calls her nanny, Krystal, to check on the kids.
The sergeant looks back at me, and I just stand there looking at the machete. I’ve seen some like those numerous times. I know who uses them. But we thought they wouldn’t come here because I’m so far away. No one over there would have seen the news report. My attorneys double-checked. Sensing my turmoil, Jace moves even closer, his body practically touching mine.
“Well, are you going to answer me?” the sergeant barks at me.
“Hey, watch it man. Can’t you see she’s in shock.” Jace tries to step between us.
“Kid, back off. I need to question her.”
“You don’t need to be an ass about it. I’m calling an attorney for her.” Jace pulls out his phone.
