Chapter 45 Jade
Idid it.
My hands slip free of the knots, and I quickly get to work on my feet.
Free at last, I let out a cry of relief and make my escape.
Pushing through the cabin door, a cry escapes when I look around at the endless forest. I have no idea where I am, but I take off for the gravel road.
My knees are wobbly and my bones tired, but I keep going.
I have no idea what time of day it is, and I pray the dark doesn’t fall before I make it down this hill. So far, the road has been straight and I can only pray it stays that way. A straight shot to safety.
My body is so weak and tired. I only make it another mile before I collapse.
I feel like I’ve been walking forever, but as I look around, the trees still surround me. A little bit of my hope dies. I got away, but I don’t want to die out here in this forest.
Tears roll down my cheeks when a distant sound has my ears perking.
It’s a siren.
A police siren.
West.
I push up with every last ounce of strength I have left and run.
The sound is getting closer, and I can feel it. Safety.
I round a bend and there, through the trees, I see the flashing lights of a police car.
West is here.
I stop running and weep.
It’s over. It’s finally over. I’m safe.
The cruiser barrels around the corner, slamming on its breaks when the driver spots me.
The door flies open, and my heart soars at seeing West again. He runs to me, and I leap into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again.
“I’ve got you, baby. I’ve got you.”
“West,” I croak out.
“I know baby, I know. I’m here, and I’m never letting you go.”
Behind him, more cars come to a screeching halt, along with an ambulance.
True to his word, West doesn’t let go of me.
Not when the paramedics examine me.
Not when Cade gets my statement.
Not the entire ride to the hospital.
After I’m looked over and hooked up to an IV, Sarah and Wren are allowed into the room, and all embracing into a giant hug, we cry.
“I’m so glad to see you, Jade.” Sarah weeps, crawling up onto the bed.
“Watch her IV, Sarah,” West growls. He’s been so protective of me since we arrived.
“Relax, Sheriff, we got our girl back.”
Later that night, I’m released and allowed to go home with West.
“Let’s go get you cleaned up. I’ll start a bath for you,” he says as we make our way up the stairs. Halfway up, I have to stop. My legs are still weak, and I’ve got a major headache.
Wrapping his arms around me, he hauls me into his arms and carries me the rest of the way.
Sinking down into the warmth of the water, my bones cry at the relief. West helps me wash my body and hair, and all I can do is stare out the window, too afraid to blink and find that this is a dream.
Tucking me under the covers, West kisses the top of my head and tells me to get some sleep. I’m not sure what time it is when I feel him crawl in next to me, but his whispered words have me crying into the night.
“I thought I lost you.” He cries into my neck.
I roll over and brush his tears away. “I’m right here. You saved me.”
He shakes his head. “No, baby, you saved yourself. I just found you.”
“It wasn’t Adam,” I croak out, voicing what we’ve been ignoring all evening.
“No, it wasn’t.” He sighs next to me. “But he’s still out there, and we will find him.”
“What’s going to happen to Garrett?”
“He’ll plead insanity. He’s looking at about five years.”
“Will he get help?”
“Help?” West’s nose scrunches like he isn’t sure what I’m asking.
“Like with a therapist? I don’t blame him, West. I truly believe he is just sick.”
“Your heart is far bigger than mine, Jade. I don’t care what happens with Garrett as long as he’s behind bars. I’m just so grateful you’re home now.”
Home.
I bring my lips to Wests and kiss him passionately.
West is my home.