When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 374

“Where the hell is he?”

He heard the engine start outside. His chest tightened. “No...”

He remembered his car keys were out there. Surely that bastard hadn’t grabbed them and tried to make a run for it.

Walton didn’t think twice. He jumped onto the motorcycle parked nearby and tore off after him.

At the same time, Scott burst into the target house, but there was no sign of Walton anywhere. Just a frail old man lying in bed, breathing shallowly.

“Scott, he’s not here!”

Scott’s stomach dropped. His phone started buzzing, and he answered without looking. It was Dorothea.

“Scott, did you find Latham?”

“No.”

Dorothea sat in her car, thinking out loud. “Scott, I just got a call from the kidnapper. I spoke to Latham. He said I can’t drive and I can’t swim, and told me not to go looking for him. Scott, I do have a license, but I really can't swim. Maybe Latham isn’t in town at all? Is there any dock or harbor nearby?”

Scott got it right away. “Got it. Don’t worry. We’ll find him.”

There was a dock not far from Beechwood, one that could take someone straight to another city.

...

Latham’s body was shaking. His wrists were raw and bloody, but he forced himself to run.

He had no idea if his wife understood his hint. He wanted her to come for him, but he was terrified she might push herself too hard for the babies.

He’d spent two days trapped like an animal, racking his brain for a way out. Once, when Walton opened the door, Latham heard the low blast of a ship’s horn in the distance. The air in the basement was heavy, wet, and salty.

He’d guessed right. They were close to the river docks.

Dorothea looked like she’d lost five pounds in two days. She pressed her hands to her belly, eyes glassy. “I know. I trust Scott.” Her voice was so soft, but a single, stubborn hope lived there. In her heart, she trusted Latham even more.

She soothed her stomach softly. Dear Bonnie, dear Shipley, please keep your dad safe. Bring him home to us. Please.

Mamie’s phone rang sharply, jolting them both.

Scott’s voice was tense, almost a growl. “Mamie, get Dorothea to the hospital. We found Latham... he’s been shot. Don’t tell Dorothea yet. Please, keep her calm. I’m begging you.”

Mamie had to squeeze the phone tight so she didn’t let out a yelp. “Okay. We’re on our way.”

Dorothea turned to her, suspicion flickering in her eyes. “Mamie, was that Scott?”

Mamie struggled to keep her face blank. Dorothea’s voice rose, a raw edge in it. “Did they find him? Did they find Latham?”

Mamie forced herself to smile, reaching for her friend’s hand. “Just breathe, Dorothea. We need to get to the hospital. Let’s go, okay?”