CHAPTER 24: LET'S TRACK HER

DAMIAN The phone rang, jarring me from the endless spiral of thoughts gnawing at my mind all day. I glanced at the screen—Ray's name flashed across it. My stomach tightened. I knew I'd asked him to keep an eye on Marie to ensure she was safe, but something about this call made my heart pound. I answered on the third ring, trying to keep my voice steady. “Ray?” "D, it's Marie. She's leaving the city," Ray's voice was severe, cutting straight to the point. The words hit me like a punch to the gut. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. “What do you mean she’s leaving?” My voice cracked, and I hated how weak I sounded. “I mean, she’s gone, man,” Ray continued, his tone laced with concern. “I had someone keeping tabs like you asked, and they just called to say she’s headed to the airport. She’s leaving for good.” My grip on the phone tightened until my knuckles turned white. Panic surged through me, sharp and cold. "When did she leave?" I demanded, already grabbing my keys