Sought and Snatched

Chapter 33

Three weeks later

Josephine's P.O.V

It turns out that it was our very own agents back at The Indomitable that had helped us escape. They dressed in police costumes as a cover so we would have an easier chance of getting out. I'm glad it worked but that also meant that Jack Julian was still out there.

When Carter, Luna, and I went back to base they weren't able to arrest him or my mom. They had gotten away but we have been on high alert and keeping our eyes open for them ever since.

The ceremony would start in ten minutes and Carter still wasn't back from the bathroom. I knew he would need help but he insisted I not go. I still should have.

What if Jack Julian was here and tried to hurt him again?

Either way, I made sure that I had guards posted at every corner just in case.

There was the sound of crunching leaves behind me. My right-hand goes to my thigh ready to pull out my gun and fire. I turn lowly and face a tall Caucasian male with auburn locks and blue eyes.

Justin Garrick.

Great.

I cross my arms in front of my chest and roll my eyes. "What do you want?"

He scratches the back of his head and looks at his feet. "I heard about Maddie's funeral and I had to come. She was my friend too."

"Only by association."

His eyebrows furrowed together. "Why didn't you tell me she died?"

I feel a pang in my chest and I bite my lip to prevent myself from crying.

How was I supposed to tell you when you were too busy ignoring me and hanging out with your new girlfriend?

"We weren't really seeing each other that much...."

"Right yeah." He put his hands in his pockets. "I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you. I'm not sure what to say but I want you to know that I care and that I am here for you if you need me."

"Where were you seven months ago?"

I see a flash of hurt in his eyes. "Tell me what I can do for you and I'll do it. I don't understand why you won't forgive me. I love you, Josephine! And I'll do whatever it takes for you to love me again. I screwed up and I know that."

"You need to stop asking "why?" And start asking yourself "what will you do now?" Sometimes giving someone space or letting them go is the best thing you could do for them and yourself."

He steps closer to me reaching for my hands but I back away from him. "I came to support you. I did this for you."

I fix a piece of my hair, trying to stand still and not run. It was hard to fight all these emotional battles that were tearing up my insides.

"I'm not the same girl I was seven months ago."

His eyes are sad but he gives me a small smile. "So you're not a tall stubborn girl with a big mouth and a pretty good right hook?"

"You also forgot the part about my amazing hair."

"Oh yeah! Of course! How could I forget that gorgeous lion mane."

We broke out in a small fit of laugher and the first time ever since our breakup I felt like maybe things were better between us.

There was a small tap on my shoulder and I turned around. It was Carter. He had a huge band on his knee and leaned his body on gray crutches.