Chapter 53

“What are you doing about it? And what about me?”

“There’s a manhunt out for him. We’ve got every available officer searching for him.”

“Was he on foot?”

“No, a getaway driver picked him up.”

Breathing became more difficult. With that information, Donovan felt another nail pounded down in his coffin. Bagsby could be anywhere by now. Including in his neck of the woods.

“If you see him, you should call authorities.”

No shit.He tried to keep his anxiety at bay and remain civil. It wasn’t her fault, after all. “There’s nothing else you guys can do? No officer to protect me?”

“No, sir. We only call. There’s no other services that we provide.” A pause followed. “There is one thing.”

“What?”

“Probably nothing important, but Lou Bagsby spent a lot of time researching on the computer. He seemed particularly interested in 1966 Mustangs. Said he was going to track one down as soon as he was out.”

Donovan nearly choked.

“I have notified you of Lou Bagsby’s escape. Please call local authorities if you see him. Have a good day.” She hung up.

Donovan did the same, slowly lowering the phone from his ear and punching the off button.

He had to register his Mustang in order to drive it. If Bagsby wanted to track him down, he could get into the Department of Motor Vehicles files, and locate him. Bagsby possessed power, money, and connections. There was no doubt he’d make due on his promise. No doubt at all.

Donovan’s heart sped as he placed the phone back in the holder. Thoughts, all bad, raced through his mind. Bagsby would kill him in the most brutal way possible if he found him. If he’d been searching through the car license records, he’d have a good idea where Donovan currently lived. That left very little options.

He thought about his car. The one he treasured. Suddenly, it soured in his eyes. Because he’d clung to it, Bagsby was able to trace him. Not the car’s fault, but, then again, it was. For the first time, he pondered if it was time to move on. To grow up. The car was a source of pride, but perhaps that was in the past and his future lay elsewhere.

The package once again caught his eye. His hand trembled slightly as he picked up the box, carefully opened one end, then shook the box until the contents fell to the floor.

Donovan screeched as a rat landed at his feet. He jumped and grabbed his chest, trying to catch his breath and slow the rapid beating of his heart. For a second, he stood there staring warily at the object. It didn’t move. A slightly closer inspection found the rat to be plastic, not real, but still, the message had been sent. Bagsby had found him and sent his calling card. Next, he’d show up in person and eradicate Donovan in the worst painful way.

Panic threatened to overtake him.

Without waiting another second, Donovan strode into the bedroom, pulled out his suitcases, and started packing. He didn’t care about neatness, only getting the main items tucked away so he could get in his car and fly the coop. To where, he didn’t have a clue.

Finished, he carried his bags to the living room, sat down on the sofa, and rested his face in his hands. What about TJ? I can’t just leave, can I?

What am I going to tell him? By the way, a serial killer is loose and should arrive anytime. He’s going to murder me and anyone who gets in his way. So, about that date this weekend…

Donovan snorted. He didn’t want to leave when he’d just found the man who made his heart sing. Yet, staying put him and everyone at risk. He’d gladly fight for love, if he only knew how to do so.

What the hell am I going to do?

The sound of his front door opening and shutting just about stopped Donovan’s heart for a second time. He jumped up, only to come to a screeching halt in front of TJ.

TJ glanced at the bags then started at Donovan. “Going somewhere?”

“Yes. No. I mean. I’m leaving.” Oh, shit. I really don’t know what to tell him.The thought of hurting TJ’s feelings weighed heavily on Donovan’s already laden shoulders.

“What? Where?” The words were clearly spoken, yet filled with hurt and a hint of anger.

“I don’t know…” He lowered his head. Think of something. Anything.His overloaded mind refused to obey.

“I thought we had a date this evening. Come to find out you’re walking out on me to parts unknown.” His voice was filled with snap and accusation. He scowled at Donovan as if he were the lowest form of life.