Twenty-Two | Dom
Twenty-Two
Dom
I checked my mirrors constantly as I left the clinic and headed to Jo’s house, making sure no one was following me. I even took the long way and circled the block a few times before pausing in front of her house, which was tucked away at the end of the street.
The funny thing about Nowhere was that houses weren’t piled on top of each other.
There was a good amount of space between neighbors, and Jo’s house was as secluded as they came in the neighborhood.
Her backyard butted up against the mountain, which meant she didn’t have anyone in close proximity besides the two neighbors on the side of her, but even they were so far away that you could build a house between their house and hers, and still have plenty of room.
I parked and turned off the engine. Right as I was about to get out, I stopped and stared in disbelief at the bullet holes that peppered the front door and stucco, along with the shattered windows. I quickly scanned the area as I opened the glove box and pulled out my gun.
There were no cars parked close by, so I hoped this was just a drive-by and that no one was waiting inside for Jo.
But if they were, their day was about to seriously go sideways.
I pulled out my phone and shot off a quick text message to Keith and Axel.
Jo didn’t know we had a group thread, but I thought it was best to keep everyone updated so we could all work together to keep Jo safe.
Me: Someone shot up Jo’s house
A text message from Axel popped up immediately, followed by one from Keith.
Axel: What the actual fuck?
Keith: Are you guys okay?
Keith: I’m on my way.
Axel: Me too.
Me: We weren’t here when it happened. I drove Jo to work, so her Jeep was here the whole time.
I put my phone down and waited in the truck for them to show up because I wasn’t stupid enough to go into the house without having someone there to watch my back.
I knew Jo would be devastated once she found out what happened, but my bigger concern was how they had found out where she lived.
It wasn’t like Nowhere was a town where people easily gave information about the people in it, which meant someone had to have purposely told this asshole where she lived for them to find her house so easily.
It was fucked up, but I learned quickly never to trust anyone because people will turn around and stab you in the back in a heartbeat.
A few minutes later, Keith showed up and parked in the street while I climbed out of the truck. I tucked my gun behind my back and shoved my phone into my pocket.
“This is fucking lovely,” Keith grumbled as he ran his fingers along his jawline. “Jo is going to be pissed when she finds out.”
“I know,” I replied, surveying the wooded area behind the house for any sign of movement. “I’m curious who the fuck has been talking. You can’t tell me someone just showed up and randomly found her house.”
“I agree.”
“Axel called Jo while we were at the clinic and said that someone came into the bar looking for her,” I continued as Axel parked and got out. “It seems they went to places they expected her to be.”
“Dr. Foster has the clinic secured, and she and Jo are currently in the safe room,” Axel said as he joined us. “Even if someone gets inside the clinic, they won’t be able to get to them. The girls are currently monitoring the cameras and will call if they see anything.”
“Alright. Well, let’s get this party started,” I said, rolling my head on my neck. “I’ll go clear the house.”
“I’ll watch the front,” Keith offered. “Axel can watch your back.”
I nodded, knowing that even if someone was out back, there was no way for them to get inside the house unless they came in through the front door.
The back door was barricaded, and all of the windows were boarded up on the inside.
Knowing what Jo had been through over the years, it didn’t surprise me that she would make it as impossible to get inside her house as she could.
I drew my gun and approached the house as Axel and Keith pulled theirs. The snow had stopped falling, but the wind was irritating enough to keep most people inside, which meant we didn’t have an audience to worry about.
The door was barely hanging on the hinges as I pushed it open, hating the thought that any of those bullets could have taken Jo’s life, had she been there.
Casings were scattered over the floor as we stepped over them, keeping our eyes and attention on any sign of movement in the house.
I quickly cleared the kitchen and the living room before working my way to clear the guest room.
Jo’s bedroom door was closed, which left me feeling unsettled since it had been open when we left.
I looked at Axel and nodded to the door. He stood beside it with his back against the wall as I kicked it in, the wood splintering from the impact. I walked inside, keeping my gun steady in my hand as I looked around as Axel joined me.
I quickly searched the bathroom, the closet, and under the bed, but didn’t find anyone, which was a bit disappointing.
I was ready to beat the shit out of whoever had been there, especially when I looked down and found bullet holes in the pillows Jo slept on.
The ones I had been using were left untouched, which meant someone knew exactly what side of the bed she slept on.
I stared at the feathers scattered on the bed, refusing to think about what would have happened had they come in at night while we were sleeping.
I shook my head, forcing the thought away as I reminded myself what I was there for.
“I’ll text Keith and let him know the house is clear,” Axel said, giving me some space.
I cleared my throat and looked away, refusing to let him see the emotion on my face as I responded.
“Sounds good. I’m going to pack real quick, and then we can get out of here.”
Axel nodded and stepped out into the living room, giving me some space.
I took the suitcase I had seen in the closet and began packing it full of Jo’s clothes and a few pairs of shoes. I wasn’t sure what would be waiting for us at the cabin, but given we didn’t have any other options, I wanted to make sure we had everything we might need, including supplies.
Once I had Jo’s personal stuff packed up, I took the suitcase and my bag out to the truck and tossed them in the back seat.
I knew we had to hurry so we didn’t risk anyone coming back to finish what they started, but I needed a little more time to get things situated since I wasn’t sure when we would be able to return—if Jo even wanted to return.
I grabbed the boxes they had given me when I went shopping the other day and began loading them with nonperishable food and bottles of water. Then I grabbed the first aid bag I had seen in Jo’s room and added a few flashlights and packs of batteries.
I didn’t know what else Jo might want me to take, so I pulled out my phone and sent her a quick text.
Me: What would you like me to bring for you from the house?
Her answer came immediately.
Jo: Nothing. Leave everything there. None of it matters.
Jo: All I need is you.