Love Survives (Love's Suicide #2)(80)

I’d no sooner reached the door when I came back into the room, stealing one more chaste kiss. “That was just in case you plan on leaving me again. Just know, I will come hunt you down. I have government resources this time.”

She pushed me out the door. “Will you stop it? You’re stuck with us now.”

“See you girls later.”

It was pretty difficult leaving them in the hotel all alone. Even though I knew they were just down the road, it was still too far. I wondered if Kat would need money for anything. I thought about her crying, and B not understanding what was wrong.

Before I got caught up and didn’t have a way out I knew I’d have to pay a visit to my superior. I knocked on his door, hoping he had time to talk. “Valentine, come on in.”

I saluted him. “Sir, permission to speak freely?”

“Have a seat.”

“I’m coming to you first with this information, because time is of the essence, sir.”

“Is this about your surgery?” He asked.

“No. It’s about my family. I’m going to need some time off.”

“When would you need this to happen? We have forms to fill out for leave requests. They’re located down the hall…”

I cut him off, making his brown raise. I’m sure he wasn’t prepared for me to be so rude. “It’s an emergency, sir. I can’t wait to have it approved.”

“Listen son, I’ve got a meeting in a few minutes, but I’ll be done in two hours. Can it wait that long?”

“Yes, sir.” I stood up. “I’ll come back then.”

When I walked out I half expected to get yelled at though it never happened.

Next I called my parents. Since they were due to come visit I wanted to make sure they hadn’t booked any flights yet. Our plans were about to change.

“Hello?”

“Mom, it’s Brooks. How are you?”

“I’m good. We’re excited to come visit.”

“Listen, about that, I’m coming to you instead. I’ve got some leave available and thought I’d come home.”

“That would be wonderful. I can’t wait to tell your father.”

“Expect me in a couple days. I have a big surprise for you. I’ll see you then. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Since I had that part taken care of, all I had to do was convince Kat it was a good idea.

An hour had gone by before I couldn’t take it any longer. I dialed Kat’s number, wanting nothing more than to hear her voice. “Hello?”

“Hey, I’m just calling to check on my girls.”

I could hear the television playing in the background. Kat took a few seconds before she spoke again. “I listened to my messages.”

I could hear that she was upset. I wished I could make all of this easier for her. “I imagine he’s pissed about now. He knows you’re with me and he ain’t going to lay a hand on you ever again.”

“Pretty much.”

“Listen, I have a plan to keep you both safe. I’m meeting with my commanding officer in an hour to see if I can take a few days off. I’m due, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Considering the circumstances, I doubt he’ll have a problem. He’s got a family, so he knows how important you are to me.”

“Am I going to like your plan?” I wasn’t going to give her a choice.

“Do you trust me?”

“With my life.” That was good news because she wasn’t going to like my idea at all.

“Kat, I’m going to keep you safe. I need to go. Stay inside until I get back. I love you.”

“That will never get old.”

“It better not. I’ve been practicing it in front of a mirror since I was twelve.”

When the call ended I felt better. I knew they were safe, and that I’d be with them as soon as I could. Fingers crossed, I’d be able to take time off. My next training course wasn’t coming in for a while and I already had my plans in order. There was no reason why I’d have to stay on base.

I’d no sooner come out of the meeting to request leave, with good news, when my phone began to ring. I pulled the vibrating device out of my pocket and put it up to my ear. “Sergeant Valentine.”

“Brooks, he’s here at the hotel. B and I are in the elevator. I hit the emergency stop button. He’s going to hurt me. You’ve got to call the police. Tell them he’s going to hurt me.”

“I’m coming.” Just then I saw my superior officer heading in my direction.

Kat was still on the other end of the call. “No! I don’t want you hurt. Please, stay there.”

“Kat, I’m coming and you’re not going to stop me. Whatever you do, don’t let that elevator start moving. You hang tight. I’ll be there in less than five minutes.”

”I’m calling the police.”



“What’s going on, Valentine?”

“Her husband found her. He’s there at the hotel. She and my daughter are in the elevator with it stopped. I’ve got to get out of here.”

He followed me, hopping in the truck before I could stop him. “You might need some backup.” He suggested as I pulled out of the parking spot.