Off the Chain by Janice Thompson

Author:Janice Thompson [Thompson, Janice]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781636093154
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2022-07-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The moment I realized Matt was trailing us, my whole body began to tremble. Isabel must’ve picked up on my anxiety because she turned around to see what had me so worked up.

“Oh no! Mari!” She started crying right away, her usual response to all-things-Matt-Foster related.

I felt like crying, myself, but didn’t have the luxury. Someone had to maintain control, after all, if we were going to get out of this.

And we were going to get out of this, if it was the last thing I did.

“Stay calm.” I did my best to keep my voice steady, but my hands shook as I gripped the wheel.

The light turned green, and I eased my way forward and prayed he would go around me. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Yes, he probably didn’t even realize it was me.

He didn’t go around me. In fact, he followed so close to the back end of my car that I wondered if he might hit me.

“He was watching us the whole time,” Isabel whispered. “That’s what he does, Mari. He’s always watching. And hovering. That’s how he knew when we were leaving work. He was right there, waiting for me to leave. I should have known!” The sobbing began in earnest now and before long had my nerves completely unwound.

Really, I could only think of one thing to do that made any sense at all. I called Parker right away. I explained the whole thing, doing my best to be heard above the sniffles coming from Isabel and the honking coming from Matt, who had pulled into the lane directly to my left. I tried not to meet his gaze. Instead, I stared straight ahead as I drove and spoke to Parker simultaneously.

By now, the idea of going to the courthouse seemed impossible. He would follow us there, and then what?

I didn’t want to find out the “and then what” part. Not without backup, anyway. But, how could I avoid him now?

“What do I do, Parker? Come back to the clinic? Maybe you could call the police and they could be waiting?”

“Maybe,” he responded. “But I’m more worried about what will happen before you get here.”

“Me too. I’m actually scared he might try to drive me off the road.” As if to prove my point, Matt swung dangerously close to my vehicle. My heart gravitated to my throat as I thought about the possibility of my car being hit.

“Stay in traffic, Mari. Stick to the center lane, if you can. Make sure you’ve got people all around you so there are witnesses, just in case.”

“It’s only two lanes going each way. And I sure hope this situation doesn’t end with the need for witnesses.”

“Me either. Maybe you should stay in the right lane so you can make a quick turn if you need to.” He paused. “Hey, are you anywhere near the police station?”

“Just a few blocks, actually.”

“Perfect. Stay on the phone with me, but drive straight there. I’m going to go get in my car and meet you there.

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