“Maybe they did find Hailey, and that’s why they’re both busy?”
“Maybe, but I’m not taking any chances. Come on.” He took my hand and led me to the office, where officer Keenan was waiting, looking pissed.
“Hey. I’m Matt Garcia, Kade’s brother.” Matt introduced himself, keeping me just behind him. “He sent you for Olivia?”
“Yeah. I got a call through the radio since I was the closest unit. We really need to get going. I got other things to be doing.”
“Fine. Let’s go. Olivia and I will follow you to the precinct in my truck.”
“Great. Let’s move.” He agreed, much to my relief. Surely if he was up to something nefarious he would have tried to make us get into his car?
Matt pulled me under his arm and pressed me crazily tight against his side as we moved out of the school building and into the parking lot. I knew he was nervous, and I was too, to the point I thought I’d throw up.
As soon as we reached Matt’s truck, he lifted me into the passenger seat in a hurry, his head on a swivel, watching all around us the entire time.
“Try Kade again.” He ordered as he jumped into his seat and started up the truck. I nodded and fumbled with my cell, my hands shaking badly.
“Voicemail again.” I sighed as I hung up.
“Damn it!” Matt growled. “Call Dad. We need to know what the fuck is going on.”
I looked out of the window as we pulled up behind the police patrol car at the school gate and began to follow it.
“Are you sure we should leave school?” I asked, terrified.
“No, I’m not. I’d rather stay here where I know you’re safe, but if Kade really did send that cop, it’s urgent and we need to get to him to find out.” Matt sighed. He glanced over to me and smiled, but I knew it was forced. He was worried sick. He reached over and placed his hand on my knee. “It’s going to be alright Cariña. I’m going to keep you safe. If anything looks even a little off, I’m getting you the hell away, ok?”
“Ok.” I whispered with a nod. I trusted him to keep me safe. I was just terrified he could be hurt in the process.
“Call Dad for me now. Let’s see if he knows what’s going on.” He encouraged. I nodded, shaking off my fears, and hit Grant’s contact.
“Olivia?” He answered almost immediately and I was so relieved. I had no idea if he could help us, but at least he would know where we were and what was happening.
“Hey Grant.”
“Everything alright Sweetheart? Shouldn’t you be in class?” He asked with worry.
“I’m ok. I’m with Matt. Have you spoken to Kade today?” I asked.
“Not since this morning. I think he’s probably pretty busy. I just heard there was a protest in the city today that went south fast. A lot of arrests have been made according to the local news.” That could explain why Kade wasn’t answering his cell then, if he was busy dealing with the chaos, but it just made the cop coming for me even more confusing. “Why? Are you ok?”
“Yeah, but a uniformed police officer turned up at school, saying Kade sent him for me, and wanted me to go with him back to the precinct.”
“Where are you now Olivia? Did you go with him?” Grant asked, panicked.
“No. I tried to call Kade but he’s not answering, so I got Matt and now we’re following the officer in the truck.”
“Good, that’s good. You were right to get Matt. I can’t imagine Kade would send a stranger to collect you without at least letting the guys know to go with you.”
“That’s what I thought. What’s going on Grant? Should we stop following this guy?”
“Put me on speaker please, Sweetheart.” Grant directed gently.
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me, then hit speaker and held my cell between Matt and I so Grant could hear the both of us.
“Dad?” Matt began.
“Son. You need to be careful. I’m almost positive Kade wouldn’t have sent a random officer to take Olivia from school like that.”
“That’s what I was worried about. He knows Olivia is nervous with strangers.” Matt agreed.
“Where are you? Are you headed the right direction for the city, for the precinct?”
“Yeah. If he’d have led us anywhere else I’d have turned and got us the hell away.”
“You do that if you need to. Don’t take any chances. Something isn’t right here and I don’t like it.”
“Me either. I’d have stayed at school, but what if Kade does need Livy to help find Hailey?”
“You did the right thing Matt. Just stay vigilant. First sign something’s not right then you get the hell away and back to the house. I’m going to hang up and try to get a hold of Kade, but if anything goes awry you call me right back. Understand?”
“Yeah. Don’t worry Dad. I’ve got this.”
“I’m going to head to the precinct too, so I should be there when you arrive.”
“Ok. See you there.” Matt agreed. We said a brief goodbye and Grant hung up.
“It’s going to be alright, Livy. Just breathe for me.” Matt coaxed, alerting me to the fact I was holding my breath. I took a deep breath and fought for calm. “Can you text Cole and tell him what’s going on? He’ll freak if he comes out of class and can’t find either of us.”
I nodded, grateful for a task to focus on, and set to trying to give Cole the cliff notes version of the situation.
By the time I had sent the long text, we were pulling up in front of the precinct. Matt parked up between two patrol cars and turned to me.
“You do not leave my side when you get out of this car, ok?” He said with that commanding tone that affected me like no other.
“No problem. I’m going to be glued to you.” I agreed easily.
