Page 72 of Absolution

She moans, and I’m here for it. “We are both fine, just missing you.”

“You keep making sounds like you did, and I’ll hurry back tonight.”

“Perv.” She mutters. “I like it.”

“I’m going to see the guys in the morning, and then to talk with Drew. I should be back by dinner.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She sighs. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“My nightmare, I remembered something. It may not amount to anything, but I’m going to follow it as far as I can.”

“I hope you find it; I pray you find everything you want and need.” She’s groggy, and as much as I’d like to fill her in until I know for sure, it could be too dangerous.

“As soon as I can tell you, I will.”

She yawns, stumbling through her words. “Without a doubt.”

“I’m gonna let you go, I’ll call as soon as I can.”

“Please, be careful. I’ll be waiting.” Her words begin to fade.

My breath hitches and I clutch my chest as it takes a beating from my heart. I have no idea if I’ve ever told anyone this before, but judging how my heart is reacting, I’d say that’s a hard no.

“I love you, Scarlet. Kiss Emmie for me.” The silence on the other end drives me to the edge, my stomach flips, and I’m about to beg her to speak.

“I love you too, Creed. I will promise.” Her voice has a lilt in it, and I feel like I could dance. But not like in a dorky way, totally in a bad-ass way.

“Tomorrow.” I end the call before I jump in my SUV and race to her as fast as I can.

I set my alarm and place the phone on my nightstand. Doc sneaks into the room, settling in on the foot of the bed as always. She slept in a chair the first night at Scarlet’s across from us, and then on the bed.

Sleep is not my friend tonight; I toss and turn until daybreak. Once light shines through my window, I’m up and showering so that we can get on the road. Doc eats and is waiting by the door.

The traffic is light for a Tuesday morning, which is fine by me. I’m pulling into Cole’s by eight and walking through the door. Jackson said he’d be here this week, but if he hasn’t gotten here, I’m hoping the others can help.

“Hatch! How in the hell are you?” Mark greets me as I enter the building.

“I remembered something.”

Quinn steps around the corner. “Come again?”

“My dreams, the voices, the place I was in… I’ve finally put it together.” My excitement is palpable, and my anxiety is running high.

“How can we help?” Mark turns to the main office for Quinn and me to follow.

“I spoke to Jackson over the weekend- “

A chair spins, revealing him. “Yes, you did.”

“How are you? Thank you for your help.” I take his hand, shaking it.

“Tell us everything, we need to know what you do remember and work our way from there.”

I nod, taking a deep breath because once I say it out loud, I can never take it back. “When I was in that hole, I heard voices multiple times before losing consciousness.”

“And now you remember who it was?” Quinn sits across from me.

“No, not exactly. If I ever hear the voices again, I could definitely identify them. What I do know is that they were American.”