The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 80

In disbelief, Aaron rubbed his eyes and looked again before shouting to the man in the back seat, “Mr. Baylor! Look over there! Quick!”

Jamie, however, remained focused on the document in his hands and didn’t look up. “Are you not aware of how urgent this meeting is?” he asked, his voice calm and detached. “Instead of wasting time gawking, you should be figuring out how to get us out of this traffic.”

Ignoring the implied reprimand, Aaron’s voice grew louder and more frantic. “Mr. Baylor, over there! Look! It’s Mrs. Baylor—no, Ms. Sterling! She’s being attacked!”

The moment he heard the name, Jamie’s head snapped up, his gaze following Aaron’s finger. He saw Margaret, her face twisted in a vicious snarl, savagely tearing at Suzie’s hair from behind. Suzie looked utterly helpless, her body limp and her struggles seeming to have no effect. Her eyes were wide with terror and pain, tears welling up as she failed to break free from Margaret’s grasp. A crowd had gathered to watch the spectacle, but no one stepped in to help.

Aaron’s eyes remained fixed on Suzie, his heart pounding with anxiety. He was about to say something else when he heard the car door slam shut.

*He said he didn't care about her,* Aaron thought, bewildered, *so why did he move so fast?*

Jamie’s speed proved he still cared. All that previous coldness must have been an act.

Jamie’s throat tightened. He raised his hand, intending to gently brush the stray hairs from her face, but she flinched and took a quick step back.

The movement stopped him cold. His hand hung in the air for a few seconds before he let it fall to his side. Seeing her wretched state, he decided not to press the issue.

Suzie kept her head down, oblivious to her own injuries. Only one thought occupied her mind: relief that Margaret hadn't hurt her babies.