Page 18 of Wilder

You don’t understand everything.

Her words gut me. Both because of the pain apparent in them and also the idea there is something I don’t know about that may be holding her there, trapped. I heave out a disturbed breath as I tap out a quick response.

Hey. I’m here.

Are you still at the station?

I am. They have more questions.

I haven’t gone back yet.

Wilder …

What are the odds you could do me a favor?

I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important.

What the fuck’s this? Her anxiety practically bleeds from the screen. I can’t imagine what she’s about to ask. I’m still pondering what this could be about when her next message comes through.

Can you find a way into Brian’s office?

Oh hell. That hadn’t even crossed my mind as being in the realm of possibilities.What the fuck, River?My eyes crash shut as I work my jaw back and forth. I can’t fathom why she’d be asking, and the dots signaling an impending message jump up and down for a long time, like she’s either writing a book or doesn’t know how to say what she needs to say.

I know it’s a big ask.

And maybe impossible.

I need to know where he’s going the weekend of the 16th.

He told me he’d be out of town.

But it’s nowhere on his calendar app.

I don’t know what I’m asking you to look for.

My brow furrows. Their anniversary. Fuck. What the hell is this about? Now more than ever, there’s an insistent warning bell going off in my head, telling me I have to help her get away from him—and soon. I don’t know why she’s so resistant to it when all she’s sent me over the last several months are photos of the bruises he’s inflicted. I exhale hard. It makes no sense to me why she won’t just run. I’d help her.

And now this. I draw in a ragged breath and tap out a response.

I don’t like this, Riv.

I know. I’m sorry.

No. That’s not what I mean.

I will always fucking help you.

But how many times do I need to beg you to leave?

She doesn’t answer, and I immediately know I’ve made her cry. I feel it in my gut. Goddammit. Frustrated, I run a hand down my face, coming to the only conclusion I can. I truly will do anything for her.

Going to break into the asshole’s office now.

EIGHT

ECHO

I exhale harshly,staring at my reflection in the mirror. There are dark circles under my eyes that I hadn’t even tried to hide with makeup. Oh, well. It’s not as if everyone I’m coming into contact with wouldn’t be at least vaguely aware of why I’m both physically and emotionally wrecked today.