Page 57 of Outrun The Devil

Nathan Steele had slipped past her defenses, inching his way into her heart and thoughts. The possibility of a future together had clouded her judgment, making her vulnerable to the dangers that lurked in the shadows. And now, with her daughter's life hanging in the balance, she had to face the consequences of her choices.

Vincent Blackwood, the man responsible for her torment, had issued a chilling demand. He wanted her to come alone. No partners, no backup. It was a sinister game, a calculated move to exploit her weakness. And as much as Olivia wanted to dismiss the idea of going alone, the logic behind it was hard to ignore.

She couldn't risk anyone else getting hurt because of her. The thought of bringing another person into this twisted web of danger and violence was unbearable. It was her fight, her responsibility to save her daughter. The weight of that burden settled firmly on her shoulders, pushing her towards the decision she knew she had to make.

Inhaling deeply, Olivia steadied herself, willing her turbulent emotions to settle. She had always been a woman driven by determination and resilience, never one to shy away from difficult choices. And this was undoubtedly the most difficult one she had faced.

With a resolute gaze, she made her decision. She would go alone. It was the only option that made sense, the only way to ensure the safety of her daughter. She had convinced herself that allowing anyone else to get close had led her to this point, and she couldn't afford to be swayed. “I’m going to get some air.”

Nathan stepped forward but she put her hand out.

“Alone.”

As it should be, as it should have been, from the beginning of all of this.

And if anything happened to Jessica because of her gross misjudgment, Olivia Collins would never forgive herself.

The sun blinded her the moment Olivia stepped outside of the station. She stalked over to her car and slid right in.

And she drove.

Olivia didn’t know where she was going, or if he’d even call. But if he’s been watching her every move so far, then he’d know. And he’d call.

The phone buzzed. “Speak of the devil,” she said to herself.

Checking the number first, she answered it.

“Where is she?” she demanded, checking each mirror in the car before her eyes were back on the road in front of her.

“What would be the fun in telling you that, Detective Collins?”

Her hands tightened around the steering wheel.

“It’s me you want. Let her go and I’ll take her place.”

Vincent laughed. And that laugh was like a ticking bomb for Olivia. How much could one person take? Olivia knew she’d take it all and then some if it meant that her daughter would live.

“I might be interested in a trade but first I’d like to have my fun.”

Olivia pulled the phone away from her ear and yelled into it.

“You sick son of bitch. Don’t you harm a hair on her or so help me God, you’ll regret it.”

His laughing was all she could hear.

“Do you think you can get to her faster than I can?”

Olivia looked at her phone for the time. 2:15.

That meant Jessica was still on campus.

Chapter Twenty

Olivia dialed Jessica's number, hoping to hear her daughter's voice on the other end of the line.

But the call went straight to voicemail.

She dialed again. Voicemail again.