Chapter 19

“Yep.” “Jackson just told me,” Jamie said as he took a seat in her favorite chair. “I know.” “What are you gonna do?” “I’m not about to leave my house.” “Piper.” “I’m good. Jackson told Jessie that he’s sending extra security. Nobody is coming after me and nobody is getting to you. That’s all that matters.” “Those nightmares I kept having are coming true.” “Jamie, we’re safe. Don’t start spiraling.” “I need to know you’re safe.” “You’ll be right here beside me.” “I love you.” Part of him worried it’d be the last time he said it. “I love you too.” “Piper.” “Breathe. When you’re done work, come over. We can do dinner and a movie here.” “Okay,” he said happy to just have the chance to really make it work. “It’ll be fine Jamie. Just breathe. If you start worrying, call me.” “Okay,” he replied. “Get some work done.” “I will baby. See you soon.” They hung up and he sat down on the bed, taking a deep breath. He couldn’t even think straight. Leaving the house was out of the question.

Jamie went into his office, closed the blinds and tried to get paperwork done. He didn’t want disruptions. Miss Jones brought him some soup for lunch and Jamie nodded, almost speechless the rest of the afternoon. He leaned back and thought to himself that he should’ve told her. He should’ve said how far Amy had gone to get back at him. He should’ve told her all of it, but he couldn’t. It was too painful for him to even think about let alone tell her. He went into the Atlanta office and Jackson stayed behind. “Sir, I’m going to Piper’s to make sure things are safe. We’re setting up her security. Finn, Aiden, Anderson and Carlisle are with you. Samuels and Jameson are outside guarding the gate.” Jamie nodded. He was way too quiet and even Jackson noticed. Jamie flew off to Atlanta and went straight into a meeting, determined to be back before 5.

Jackson headed off to meet up with Piper, taking the extra security with him. “Miss Piper,” Jackson said as he came in. “What’s up?” “Security is here. Three extra security staff are staying here until the tour starts.” Piper nodded. “Who’s with Jamie?” “Finn, Aiden, Anderson plus three others. He said you were the main priority.” Piper shook her head. “He’s worried. He’s so bad, he has me worried.” “The glass is bulletproof and shatterproof. It was installed.” “Not the point.” “We’re having all of your mail forwarded to the house, even if it’s from the gate so I can handle it myself.” “I appreciate it,” Piper said as Jackson nodded and went off to talk to Jessie and Eleni.

Jackson headed out not long later and by 6pm, Jamie’s phone rang with no answer. She messaged Jackson and he said Jamie was still working. Within maybe 15 minutes, Jamie texted her:

In meeting. Be there around 7 or 8 at the latest. Love you. I’ll bring soup.

Jamie finished his meeting and got a nagging feeling. He flew back to Savannah, got to the house and headed in, going upstairs to pack an overnight bag. “Sir, if we’re going out of the house you need to have the bulletproof vest on.” “I’m going to see my girl. I’m fine.” “Sir.” “I get it, but I’m not doing that.” “Sir, it’s not safe. That threat was major. Bigger. She’s beyond insanity now.” “If it’s so bad then where are the damn police?” “Sir.” “Either she’s dead or I go see my girl.” “Sir, it’s not safe. I can’t let you walk outside with a crazy person on the dang loose.” “Jackson, I’m going. If something does happen, I’m gonna be with her.”

Jamie headed out the door with Jackson two steps in front of him. That was his first mistake. Things were way too quiet. In a matter of steps, he would be at the door of the SUV. Jackson was walking outside and when he didn’t see anyone outside, he started to worry. “Sir, we can wait.” “I’m going.” Jackson walked him back inside. “Something’s not right,” Jackson said. “This is ridiculous. We’re safer than the damn office is in Atlanta. Nobody is gonna do anything.” Jackson’s phone dinged that there was another threat:

Nice tie. Goes well with red.

Neither of them stopped to look. They walked outside and within minutes, and what seemed like out of nowhere, gunshots rang out through the driveway. It felt like sledgehammers to Jamie’s torso. One to his shoulder. Jackson fell to the ground as Jamie saw blood shooting from the back of his suit jacket. Jamie couldn’t move. He couldn’t even breathe. He closed his eyes, thinking he needed to retain what strength he had. “Jackson.” He got no response. The sound of tires screeching sent Miss Jones outside, phone in hand. “Oh my goodness. Jackson. Mr. Hastings. Oh my goodness.” She called 911, not even thinking to call Piper. He could feel the warmth against him but couldn’t move to figure out what it was. Whatever it was, was draining into a pool beside him. He blacked out if for a moment.

Jackson tried to concentrate on breathing. He’d gone through gunshots. Not panicking was all he could do. He passed out from blood loss within minutes. Concentrating on staying alive was his only task.

“911. How can I help?” “Two people shot on the front porch. I need someone here now.” “Ma’am.” Miss Jones muttered the address, screaming at the 911 operator. “I need someone here now. They can’t die.” She tried to check Jackson then moved to Jamie. “Piper.” “Sir, the ambulance will be here any second.” “Piper,” Jamie said as his eyes closed.

….to be continued