Page 114 of Twisted Truths

I pocket my phone just as Hadley moves towards the middle cabin, but I grip her hand and hold her back. She looks up at me in question.

Bringing my free hand up to cup her cheek, I rub my thumb over her plump bottom lip. “If anything goes wrong tonight, little possum, I need you to make me a promise.”

“Nothing’s going to go wrong,” she murmurs, but I cut her off by leaning down and kissing her deeply.

When we pull apart, I rest my forehead against hers. “If something goes wrong,” I repeat, my voice husky, as I slip the car keys into her jeans pocket. “Take Franklin and get to Sydney.”

“Nash—”

I press a finger to her lips. “The plan doesn’t change. When you get to Boston, call my agent, Clay Easton.” I tuck a folded piece of paper into her back pocket. “He’ll get you both settled in my apartment, and his wife will help you find a job.”

“No,” she whispers, shaking her head. Tears shine in her eyes, and her hands fist my shirt as she clings to me. “I’m not leaving you.”

I brush my lips over hers again. “Zara trusted you to keep her son safe, and so do I. That little boy in there deservesfreedom and someone who will fight for him, so I need you to fight for him. No matter what happens, Hadley. Promise me?”

Stifling a sob, she whispers, “I promise.”

“Good girl.”

Without giving her another second to dwell on my request, I grip her hand and pull her along the tree line behind Isaac’s and Gabriel’s cabins. When we’re standing opposite the back door to Ignatius and Seraphina’s, I hold up my phone and flash the light three times.

We wait, but nothing happens.

Isaac is supposed to be waiting for us.

I share a look with Hadley before trying again.

Nothing.

“What do we do?” Hadley whispers.

“Wait here,” I tell her, but she holds me back.

“No. I’m coming with you.”

“Hadley—”

“I’m coming with you, Nash. We’re going to save him together.”

I narrow my eyes at her, but she fixes her stubborn glare right back at me.

Fuck.

“Okay, but stay behind me.”

Checking our surroundings to make sure we’re not about to be ambushed, I keep low as I dart across the clearing and up to the back door. I strain to listen for anything inside, but the thick wooden door makes it impossible.

Drawing in a deep breath, I reach for the handle and test it.

It gives, but I hesitate to push it open. Something doesn’t feel right.

The cabin is too quiet. Too dark.

Where the hell is Isaac?

Putting my arm out to keep Hadley behind me, I creepthrough the kitchen and over to the hallway. I peer around the corner, but there’s no movement, no noise.

My heart is pounding as we make our way towards the door at the end. It’s closed, and I press my ear to the wood, but I can’t hear a sound. I glance down at Hadley, who is crowded by my side.