Page 102 of Before and After

“Come on, you two,” Tessa said. “Let’s get you inside and find some hot chocolate.”

I let her lead us inside, still feeling numb.

Blake had taken Ollie. He was messing with me. He’d touched my kid.

I couldn’t think about him right now. For now, my focus needed to be on Ollie.

Chapter 26

Caden

Ilet myself into my suite.

My shoulders were tense. I hadn’t found Moreland.

The ESG were in their rooms, and I’d paid them a visit. Blake Moreland hadn’t been there. They’d claimed they hadn’t seen him. That he was in town, and nowhere near the Halloween Spooktacular.

The asshole was clearly enjoying his sick game. He’d focused on Allie and was having fun tormenting her.

Fuck, if he’d hurt Ollie…

This was my fault.

I was supposed to take care of Ollie and I’d failed him. I’d failed Allie.

I saw Tessa and Ro sitting on the couch. They rose.

“Hey,” Tessa said.

“No sign of Blake Moreland.” I glanced at the closed bedroom door. “How are they?”

“Fine. A hot shower and fresh clothes did the trick. Thankfully, Allie had some clothes in her locker, and Ro found some things for Ollie. They’re sleeping.”

“Good.” I slid my jacket off. I’d ditched the ridiculous hat ages ago. “Thanks for looking after them. You two should get some sleep. I’ll watch over them now.”

“She doesn’t blame you,” Tessa said suddenly.

I felt my muscles tensing up. I didn’t respond.

“She was panicked, Caden, and not thinking straight. Her entire focus was on Ollie.”

“I know.”

“You saved a girl’s life,” Ro added.

“It was a ploy so I’d take my eyes off Ollie. It worked. It was just dumb luck that Moreland didn’t hurt him.”

It could’ve been worse. For a second, I thought of Wells and my team, and the day we’d run out of luck.

“Caden, Ollie is fine. Allie is fine.” Ro’s voice rang with authority. “Tomorrow, we’ll find Blake Moreland and end this sick game he’s playing.”

I gave him a clipped nod.

Tessa eyed my face and sighed. “Get some rest. Everything will feel better in the morning.”

There’d be no sleep for me. I already knew that.

After they left, I walked to the bedroom and cracked open the door. Allie was curled around Ollie in the middle of my bed. They were both asleep.