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With Colin Maroney and his brother both out of the way, I feel confident that the danger has passed. I put Sal in charge of mopping things up while I’m out of town, with Dominic as his number two.
It’s time to get my wife back.
Obsessively, I check Ava’s location on my phone for about the seventh time today. She went out for breakfast earlier and did some shopping, and now she’s back in her hotel room. Perfect. I’ll be with her by nightfall as long as my flight doesn’t get delayed.
A news report from the TV in the corner catches my ear:“Thanks, Dave. I’m standing now outside the Bover City Carnival, which is closed today after scenes of shocking violence erupted last night. Authorities are now confirming multiple execution-style shootings, which are believed to be the result of gang activity. We can confirm that 43-year-old Colin Maroney, alleged leader of the Maroney Gang, is among the victims…”
“You know I was just there?” says the guy next to me, nursing his beer. “Two days ago. Came there with my kids, won some stuffed animals playing carnival games. Can’t believe what happened.”
I sip my soda water. “Yeah, it’s something,” I agree. “I was there recently, too.”
***
When my plane lands in Boise, the first thing I do is check Ava’s location. I’m pleased to see that she’s still in her hotel room. I head straight there from the airport, eager to see her. The whole time, I’m practicing what I’m going to say to her. How I’m going to apologize.
I need her to know that I married her becauseIwanted it. That ever since I met her, I haven’t been the same. That whenever I look at her, my heart feels like it’s going to burst.
It won’t be easy to admit any of that. I never have before. To anyone.
But she’s worth it. She’s worth facing my fear, accepting the risk of loss, of pain.
She’s worth everything I’ve done. And everything I’mgoingto do.
I booked her room for two, of course. And I reserved it with my credit card, which means all I have to do is go to the front office and ask for a key. I take the elevator, walk through the hallway, over the ugly carpet, and pause in front of her door.
We haven’t been apart for very long, but it feels like years.
I knock.
No answer.
After a minute, I knock again. Still nothing. Is there a light coming from under the door? It’s hard to tell.
Okay, well, that’s what the key is for. I slide the card into the slot, wait for the green light to flash, and open the door.
The room is empty. But I swear I just checked her location. Baffled, I pull out my phone, open the app, and stare at the screen.
According to the tracker, Ava is here. In this hotel. Maybe she’s at the pool, or on one of the other floors? I scratch my head, thinking.
And then I look over to the bed. My stomach lurches.
Sitting neatly on top of the covers is Ava’s tracker-collar, the metal cut open and bent. Next to it, a pair of bolt cutters.
I let out a roar of pure angst and frustration. All the stress, all the tension of the last few days, and now my light at the end of the tunnel is gone. And I only have myself to blame.
Steadying my breathing, I sit down on the bed. And that’s when I see the note that Ava left on the nightstand.
I amnotjust a prop to continue your legacy. I want a husband who values me, something you obviously never did.FUCK OFF.
My mouth is dry. I put down the note, hands shaking, and it’s like my heart is imploding in slow motion.
I want a husband who values me, something you obviously never did.
Whatever resources I need to use. Whatever favors I need to call in. WhatevergodsI need to pray to.
I will find my wife. I will make her mine again. And she will knowexactlywhat she means to me.
Chapter Fifty-Three
