Chapter 106

HAYLEY’S P.O.V

There was a loud beeping sound somewhere at the back of my mind and it just wouldn’t go away.

My head felt foggy and my body felt like it was weighed down by a fucking tractor, but against all odds, I managed to pull my eyes open.

Voices overlapped as I tried to figure out where I was.

The walls were white and there were machines next to me, I could see Jake and my father speaking to a woman in a white coat- a doctor. A small groan left my lips and all eyes turned to me.

“Baby,” Jake’s voice cracked as he made his way over to me. His eyes were dull and hollow as he rushed to my side, his hand softly stroking my cheek. “How do you feel?”

“Like I was run over,” I mumbled. “What happened?”

“Marie took you.”

I nodded slowly. “I remember that. I remember running in the forest.”

“We were calling out to you. You slipped and rolled down a hill.”

The memories came flooding back. My head was pounding as if someone had taken a sledgehammer to it but all I could feel was fear and worry. My hand drifted over to my stomach.

“Is the baby-”

“Your child is fine.” My head snapped up to the doctor who stood a few feet behind Jake. She gave me a small, encouraging smile. “You were lucky this time. Let’s try not to let this happen again.”

I turned to Jake. “Do you have any other crazy exes that I should know about?”

Against all odds, the corner of his lips pulled up into a small smile and he pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead. “They caught Marie. She’s at the police station right now. She was trying to cross the border.”

My father stepped closer to the bed. “She’s being charged with kidnapping and the murder of the two men in the barn as well as Charles.”

“Charles?”

He nodded. “She was holding the murder weapon and the police traced the anonymous call back to her. She led them to the body. It’s a very easy case to prosecute.”

I let out a sigh of relief and allowed my eyes to drift closed. For a moment, I allowed myself to feel relief. Even though it took me being kidnapped and hurt, everything was going to be fine. I should have felt guilt about Marie going to jail for my crime but she wasn’t innocent, not in the least. Adding one more crime to the mix wouldn’t hurt her at all.

“What now?” I asked after a long silence.

“The police will take your statement. The doctors will check on you again and after that, you can go home.” Jake squeezed my hand. “I have to warn you though, Kate is very worried about you. She wanted to be here but I assured her it would be better if she waited at home.”

“There might also be cameramen outside,” dad added and I groaned.

“How bad is it?”

“Your boyfriend called the mayor when you went missing,” Dad said, and although he frowned, I could tell he was proud. “The entire country was on the lookout for you.”

I couldn’t help but laugh but I regretted it immediately because I felt a sharp pain in my ribs. Only Jake would turn my momentary disappearance into a matter of national security.

Jake just shrugged, letting me know he didn’t regret his actions at all.

“I think I’d like to see the police now. Let’s get this over with.”

The police took my statement with dad and Jake standing next to me. it was the same officer that handled Charles’ investigation. I explained everything that happened from the airport to the moment I went unconscious.

It didn’t take so long. Once I was done, they thanked me for my time and left. The doctors came to check on me while dad signed me out. He was still my official next of kin, much to Jake’s annoyance.

The doctor gave me strict orders to stay on bed rest and I was allowed to leave. We had to go out through the back door to avoid the media circus. The entire ride home, I leaned against Jake, my head resting on his shoulder while his fingers traced small circles over my waist while dad drove.

As soon as I walked into the house, I was knocked back by a huge body.

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again,” Kate whispered, her hands tight around my neck as she hugged me firmly. “I was so worried.”

“I can’t exactly control being kidnapped, but I’ll try my best,” I mumbled and she slapped my arm hard.

I laughed, my sides aching slightly from the force of her hug, but I ignored it. The pain was a reminder that I was loved. It was the most beautiful feeling I experienced.

“How are you?” she asked as she pulled back. “You don’t look too badly hurt.”

“I’m not. Just a few bruised ribs from falling down a hill and a bruise on my cheek from being bitch slapped with a pistol.”

“Danger always had a way of finding you.”

I stilled, following the source of the voice to find my grandfather sitting on the couch. He looked better than he did the last time I saw him but at the same time, he looked tired. I rushed over to him, wrapping my arms around him and shooting a glare at dad who just shrugged. I should have known my dad would call him.

“You shouldn’t have come,” I began but he scoffed.

“You’re my only grandchild, and from what I hear, you’re carrying my great grand-child. I had to be here. I’ll ensure that woman never sees the light of day for the rest of her life.”

I smiled softly at his overprotectiveness and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for coming. The baby is fine-”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Hayley, but I don’t care about your baby right now. I don’t know your child, but I know you, I watched you grow. I want to know if you’re okay.”

My eyes watered instantly. It didn’t matter how much I tried to blink back the tears, they just kept falling. He wrapped his arms around me once more, his lips brushing my forehead in a feather light kiss.

“I’m okay,” I managed out. “Terrified as hell, but I’m good.”

I stayed there for what felt like hours, just enjoying the warmth and familiarity of his hold. By the time I pulled back, I felt better than I had in a very long time.

“I’ll leave you to rest. Jake looks like he’s itching to have you alone.”

I laughed because it was true. I loved my family, I loved having everyone here, but I just wanted to go to my room and curl up into a ball. There were a lot of things I couldn’t say because I didn’t want to make them worry.

“Before I leave, there’s one more thing,” Kate announced. “A woman left a note for you.”

She handed me a red envelope. My name was written on it in beautiful cursive. I didn’t recognize the writing but I knew who it was from, even before opening it.

“Did she say who she was?” I asked and she shook her head.

“You don’t have to read it now though. You should probably rest first.”

“Yeah,” I mumbled but I was already ripping it open. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. I really need to go to bed.”

I rushed up the stairs, ripping open the letter as I did. As I read the first line, my suspicions were confirmed.

You can throw this away if you want, but I’d like a chance to be heard out first.

I heard you were missing and all I could think about was how many things I had done wrong and how I would never get the chance to make them right.

I know I failed you as a mother, and I know that we will probably never have a relationship. I have come to terms with that.

I am sorry, Hayley. I just need you to know that.

I’m back on my meds- Makayla told me you know about them now. It was stupid to allow myself be used by someone. I know who Marie is and her ties to your boyfriend.

I promise, you will never hear from me again.

Andrea.

“Is that from her?” Jake asked and I turned sharply. He was leaning against the door to the bedroom, his hands crossed over his chest.

I nodded slowly. “It’s a goodbye letter.”

“Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“It is.” I folded the letter and shoved it into my pocket. “I was hoping I’d feel the urge to reconcile with her, but I feel nothing. I like my life the way it is. I don’t want anyone else in it. I’m pregnant now and I can’t imagine abandoning my child.”

“There is no right answer to these things. Just do what feels best.”

“Is everyone else gone?” I asked and he nodded.

I let out a sigh, my shoulders sagging with exhaustion as I sank to the bed. “Can you hold me please? I just need a moment.”

“Of course, baby. Always.”