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“Honestly, I feel like I’m in the witness protection program. I left my cellphone at the hospital, and I’m carrying cash so my cards can’t be traced. I want to go to school, but I’m scared to go out in public.” I slap my forehead. “What the hell can I do?”
Harper lies down beside me and taps my nose. “You’re going to stay here until you figure it out. I’ll make sure you have access to my laptop, and you can do your courses online. That way, you don’t have to go to class and chance him finding you.” She stops and purses her lips. “You don’t think he’ll hurt you, right?”
I shake my head emphatically. “No. He might be crazy, but that’s one thing I’ve never had to worry about.”
“Good, because my ninja skills are rusty, bro.”
A smile tugs at my mouth. “I don’t know how I’d survive all of this without you.”
“Shit, me either.” She grins back at me. “You can thank me by naming the baby after me.”
“I think I can make that happen.”
Chapter32
Hayden
“State vs. Johnson,”the bailiff announces.
I sit with my leg bouncing underneath the table, ready for this case to end. The uncomfortable wooden chair only adds to my agitation. I didn’t want to leave Calista for any reason, but going to jail isn’t on my to do list. I need to play by the rules for once.
Especially after torturing and dismembering Thomas Russell.
Despite my foul mood, a smile tilts my lips. Hearing him scream was music to my ears, before I cut his tongue out. Even so, it’s a song I’ve put on repeat in my head. He suffered just like I said he would. If Calista hadn’t been waiting for me in the hospital, I would’ve peeledallof his skin off, not most of it…
The judge’s voice, high-pitched and nasally, brings me out of my musings. I run my gaze over her and then the jury, taking in their bored expressions while silently commiserating.
My thoughts veer back to Calista within a matter of seconds. I replay our last interaction at the hospital, and my gut twists. The uncertainty and hurt in her gaze as she looked at me from the bed still kills me. I have to make her understand that I’m done with taking the law into my hands. I meant it when I said she was my reason for living.
Revenge and justice don’t compare to love and devotion.
By the time I stride through the hospital doors several hours later, I’m ready to get on my knees before Calista if she’ll promise not to run. I saw the wariness in her eyes, and I haven’t been able to dismiss it. Instinctively, I know that’s the reason I’ve been on edge all day and why I sprint down the hallway to her room instead of walking.
My sweaty palm glides along the handle as I turn it and push open the door. My gaze immediately lands on the empty bed, neatly made as if it’s been vacant for some time. A spasm hits my chest when I spot a cell phone sitting atop a white envelope.
With shaking hands, I pocket Calista’s abandoned cell phone and pick up the envelope with my name written on it. I open it quickly, despite the trepidation gnawing at my insides. The sensation worsens at the string of pearls I find inside. It’s accompanied by a handwritten note.
Hayden,
I need time to process what’s happened. My past. You. Everything. When I’m ready to talk, I’ll contact you. Take care.
~ Calista
I sink onto the bed with my stomach in knots, clutching the small piece of paper… the only piece of Callie that I have left.
For now.
“I’ll always chase you,” I say to the empty room. “You can trust that.”
If she thinks I stalked her before, she has no idea what’s coming.
Chapter33
Calista
“Dude,I can tell you’re thinking about him again,” Harper says, pointing her lollipop at me. “I guess it’s not the end of the world since you’re going to be his baby momma.”
I groan, thinking about my tattoo. “Don’t remind me.”
