They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 21

Madeline’s scream was cut off abruptly. Jessica’s eyes turned cold as she reached for the car door.

Brian’s hand was still pressed against it. He stood there, unmoving, his eyes fixed on the now–disconnected call. His brows were furrowed like he was deep in thought.

A sneer tugged at Jessica’s lips. “Mr. Atkinson, you better get going. Save your damsel in distress. If you’re late, something bad might happen to her.”

Madeline had pulled this stunt more times than Jessica could count. Every single time she called Brian for help, no matter how important whatever he was doing was, he’d drop everything and go save her.

Brian’s eyes darkened with emotion. He stared at her, as if he thought she was being unreasonable again.

Jessica felt a heaviness in her chest. She tugged at the door and said impatiently, “Mr. Atkinson, why are you still here? What’s the matter–has Madeline cried wolf so many times you’re finally over it?”

Brian gave her a long look, then turned around, calling Madeline back as he quickly got into the car next to him. The moment it started, the car sped out of the parking garage at full speed.

Jessica had the car door half open, and she didn’t look away until Brian’s car completely disappeared from view.

She couldn’t quite explain the feeling in her chest. She stood there for a long time before finally getting into the car.

“Hey Siri, call Simon.” Jessica was driving, slowly pulling out of the parking lot, no longer hesitating as she dialed Simon’s number.

Soon, Simon’s voice came through. He sounded like he was busy handling another case. “Push the Kerroford case to next Monday.” After that, he said to Jessica, “Jessi, did Brian sign the divorce agreement? How’s it going?”

“Simon, help me file for divorce.” Jessica knew Simon was swamped, so she skipped the small talk and got straight to the point.

As soon as she said it, Simon went quiet for a moment before replying, “Alright. I’ll take care of it personally.”

****

Meanwhile, Brian rushed to Madeline’s rental apartment. The front door had been splashed with red paint–it looked a little disturbing.

“Get out. Stay away from me,” Madeline screamed, crying.

The door had been kicked open. Two big, rough–looking men had cornered Madeline in the room, their expressions full of aggression and sleaze.

When Brian arrived, she was curled up in the corner, trembling in fear.