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“They’ll be okay, babe,” Lincoln assured her on the ride home. She had been quiet since they left the restaurant. He knew how hard this was for her. She had been taking care of Lily for so long it was hard to let go. It would be good for both girls to spread their wings, Lincoln thought. Brook Hollow was a safe place.
“I know.” Her sigh was heavy and sad. If he wasn’t driving he would pull her on to his lap and comfort her. “I have to let go, cut the apron strings. I just worry. I promised Mama I would take care of her.”
He reached across the seat of his car and squeezed her hand. The radio was off so the car was quiet, just the way he liked it. “We sheltered Melanie for so long. It was hard for all of us to let her move on her own, but how else will they learn to live?”
“You’re right. I haven’t seen her that excited before,” Jessy admitted softly with a smile.
“Plus, don’t you think half the police force will patrol that area if Abel has anything to say about it?” He chuckled. “Men know how Abel is, and they won’t cross the line with those girls if they know what is good for them.”
Jessy giggled, sounding happier. “Okay. I am not going to worry anymore tonight. Tonight, we are going to my place, our place, I should say.”
“Oh yeah? And do what?” he teased.
She giggled. “Well, I did do some online shopping just to please you. It came in today.”
“A new dress?” He was a little confused as he turned the block. He was close to her house and he’d convince her to forget the fashion show and jump straight into some lovemaking.
Before she could answer a car with bright lights zoomed up behind him.
“Watch it, asshole,” Lincoln muttered grouchily.
“What is it?” Jessy asked nervously, turning to look behind her. She frowned when she noticed the bright headlights of the car behind them. “That jerk.”
Lincoln sped up and switched lanes. He had a bad feeling about this. “My cell phone is in the middle console, Jessy. Call Abel for me.”
“Oh God.” He could hear the panic in her voice. He was only two blocks from her house but her neighborhood was filled with families. If something happened, he did not want to bring violence there. She dialed. “What do I tell him?”
“Tell him we’re heading out to Highway Fifty and to hurry.” He kept going past her neighborhood and toward the outskirt of town where there was a less populated area and open road.
Lincoln heard her speaking into the phone. He kept his eyes in the rearview mirror. The car was close enough to ram him, but he was prepared for it. Jessy had her seat belt on, too.
“He’s on his way.” Jessy’s voice trembled with fear. He wanted to comfort her but he had to focus in order to keep her safe.
“I’m going to protect you with every breath I have, Jessy. Just hang on tight for me, babe.” His kept his voice even and firm, showing no fear. He had no fear for him. He was afraid if Jagger got to him he would get to Jessy. Abel better hurry.
The car behind him revved up his engine and hit his bumper. Lincoln was prepared, and although his car swerved slightly he kept control. Jessy grabbed the handle above the door and hung on tight.
“It’s Jagger, right? Why didn’t your brother know?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“I will find out. Maybe the detective in New York was dirty.” Lincoln felt nothing but fury thinking about a dirty cop putting Jessy in harm’s way for a bribe. “Abel would have known if Jagger was headed this way.”
The car hit him again, then a second car came out of nowhere, ramming the side of his car.
“Where the hell is the cavalry?” Lincoln said through clenched teeth. He heard Jessy scream.
“Keep your head down, Jessy. I don’t know if they are armed,” he warned. Another hit from both cars sent him in to a tailspin. Next thing he knew he was crashing into a light pole and seeing stars. He heard Jessy scream, but it sounded like it was coming from far away. He shook his head trying to clear the fog in his brain. He felt something wet dripping in his eyes.
“Help me, Lincoln.” His vision was blurry but he could see two dark shadows dragging her out of the car. He reached out for her hand. “Jessy!”
Chapter Fourteen
Lincoln woke with a start and a groan. He tried to grab his head but something held him down.
“Son of a bitch.” He groaned. His memory came back in a flash. He remembered Jessy screaming and calling out his name. If that asshole hurt her there would be no rock to hide under. Lincoln would find him and end him once and for all.
“See, Dad. I told you he was a tough son of a bitch.”
“Abel?” Lincoln opened his eyes, but the bright light hurt so he closed them again. “Where am I? Jessy?”
