Page 49 of Save Me
“Thank you for understanding,” she said, looking down at her hands.
He walked over and took her hands in his, then pulled her to her feet and held onto her. “Always,” he said into her hair.
They waited until the crowd died down outside of his apartment. When there were only a few stragglers outside, they rushed to the Jeep and drove away as quickly as possible.
The drive back to the Keys was quiet. He’d called his parents, and they suggested they come stay the night at their place since Emma was already fast asleep.
When they arrived, Amber crawled in bed with her daughter, and he sat up with his dad and was filled in on both cases.
Rebecca Clint’s body was discovered by a cleaning crew. The building she was found in was under construction, not abandoned.
“There were construction cameras everywhere,” his father said with a slight nod. “We have him.” He showed him the photos on his phone. “There’s a statewide manhunt right now.”
“Why wasn’t this on the news?” he asked, looking at the grainy image.
“We don’t want to spook him into doing something drastic,” his dad answered. “For now, go on up, get some rest.” He nodded to the stairs. “Be with your family.”
Brock paused and then smiled. “They are that, aren’t they?”
His dad laughed. “Son, that woman and child already know that you love them. Just make sure to tell them. Soon.”
He stood up and hugged his father and then did what he suggested. He crawled in bed with the two girls that he loved.
He woke to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and realized that the bed was empty. Crawling out, he showered, dressed, and walked into the kitchen just as Amber set a large pan of rolls on the countertop.
“There he is. Amber was just telling us how much you love these,” his mother said cheerfully. He liked that his parents had gotten on board immediately with calling her Amber instead of Crissy. It was just one more reason to love them.
“Morning.” He walked over and kissed his mother on the cheek, then did the same to Amber.
“Me too,” Emma called out from her chair at the table.
Laughing, he walked over and picked her up and rained kisses over her cheek as she giggled.
“Did you miss us?” he asked Emma.
“So much.” Emma giggled. “Grandma Kimmy let me have cookies and ice cream.”
He smiled over at his mother. “Did she? Did you eat a whole lot of cookies?”
“No.” Emma giggled. “I only had one.” She held up her little finger. “I wanted four.” She switched her fingers and, after some effort, finally held up four fingers. “I’m gonna be three soon.”
He smiled at the tiny digit, then kissed her again. “I know.” He smiled and sat next to her. “What kinds of presents do you want?”
“Books!” Emma cheered loudly, causing everyone to laugh.
“I have a box of books that are too young for Ellie and Celia upstairs. They’re probably just right for you though, Emma,” his mother said as she set a plate of cinnamon rolls on the table.
Just then his father stepped into the room, and instantly Brock knew something was wrong.
“What?” he asked, breaking into the happy conversation.
“It’s nothing,” his father said cheerfully. “Amber and Brock, let’s step outside for a moment.”
Amber dried her hands on a hand towel and then followed him and his father outside on the back deck.
Brock wrapped his arms around Amber and held on.
“Your ex-husband broke into your place early this morning shortly after you two arrived here,” his father said clearly.
