Page 81 of Before and After

Ro pointed a finger at me. “You can’t kill them.”

“People keep saying that.”

“We need evidence. Then we’ll let the police do their job.” Ro touched Allie’s shoulder. “I’m really glad you’re all right, Allie.”

“Thanks, Ro, me too.”

“Did you see the people who took you?” I asked.

She shook her head, frustration on her face. “They grabbed me from behind, then blindfolded me.”

“Did you hear them? Was it Moreland?”

She shook her head again. “I don’t know. They whispered. I couldn’t recognize their voices. I can’t say for certain it was Blake.”

Dammit. These fuckers were careful.

Her face fell. “God, they’re going to get away with it, aren’t they?”

I ran a hand over her hair. “No, they won’t.”

“Why would they do this?”

“To warn you off.” I pulled her close again and met Enzo’s gaze.

“She was getting too close,” Enzo murmured.

I looked at Ro. “She needs to get checked out.” She’d also need to give a statement to the police. We had no evidence that the ESG were responsible, but I wanted this on the record. I’d call Sanchez in the morning.

“No.” She shivered. “I want to go home and just put some ice on my face.” She grimaced and lifted one hand. “And take some painkillers.”

Her palm was scraped. I fought back the urge to find Moreland and ram him headfirst into a wall. “You’re going to the hospital.”

“Caden, please.” She lifted her face. “I’m not bleeding and nothing’s broken. I want to go home.”

I ground my teeth together.

“Please.”

I couldn’t say no. “Dammit. Fine.” Keeping an arm around her, I lead her out to the Yukon. Hugh and Ro got the front while Enzo and I got in the back with Allie.

As we drove, she leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I fucking liked that. I still wanted to charge into the ESG’s rooms and rip some heads off, though.

She shifted against me, and I wrapped my arm around her.

She needed me more. She was coping okay, but shock could hit her at any moment.

I’d be there. I’d protect her.

“This needs to be reported,” Ro said quietly.

Allie quivered and I squeezed her arm. “I’ll call Officer Sanchez in the morning.”

We pulled up in front of her condo building. I got up and helped her out of the vehicle.

“Thanks, Caden. For finding me… It means a lot.”

I closed the SUV door. “I’m not leaving. I’m staying at your place tonight.”