Page 125 of Broken
“We’ll walk you out,” Naomi said.
Outside, Keith placed the carrier in the back seat and secured it with the belt. “He’s probably going to whine. He’s never been separated, but he’ll be fine.” Keith gave her a hug. “Love you, Jack.”
“I’ll email you the shots he’s gotten,” Naomi said. “He’ll need a few boosters. I’ll include the vet’s contact info if you want to use her. She’s really good.”
“Is she nearby?”
“Just on the other side of Alexandria. Where are you?”
“Arlington, but I might be moving to McLean. Jacqueline climbed in the SUV and lowered the windows. “I’m a dog mama. Is that crazy or what?”
Rather than go home, she headed toward Prescott’s.
For the past ten years, she’d been paranoid, with good reason. After running into Lou again, she didn’t want to be alone.
Maybe moving into Prescott’s house isn’t such a bad idea.
* * *
Prescott
Prescott founda local soccer club for tots and filled out the enrollment form, read Ethan his favorite dinosaur book, encouraged his nephew to poop in the toilet—even prepped for dinner. Despite being efficient and productive, his thoughts kept wandering to dark places.
If the killer was going after the former head of ALPHA, no one was safe. He and Jack needed to step up their efforts. The frustration he carried around on a daily basis had morphed into full-blown agitation.
Fuckingfind him before he kills again.
“Someone is outside,” Ethan called out. “The bell rang.”
Ethan stood in the foyer, pointing at the front door.
“Ethan, you’re very smart for not opening the door.” He whisked him into his arms. “Let’s check who’s outside.”
“Computer, who’s out front?” Prescott asked.
“Jacqueline Hartley,” the computer replied.
Ethan looked around. “Who talks?”
“That’s my computer.”
Prescott swung open the door and his heart kicked up speed. Jack stood there looking smokin’ hot in a dark, red shirt and torn jeans, her hair in a ponytail. That familiar hit of adrenaline spiked through him, easing his anger.
Her eyes softened. It was subtle, and it was over too soon, but he caught it. Was he having the same intense effect on her that she was having on him?
“Hi,” she said. “Am I too early?”
The puppy barked. Prescott eyed the dog carrier at her feet.
Ethan gasped. “Do you have a dog?”
“Are we doing the right thing?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” he replied. “Come on in.”
Again, the puppy barked.
When Ethan’s face exploded in joy, Prescott couldn’t help but smile.
