ESTELLE
I slept soundly and woke up in peace. One thing I learned and realized was nothing that a good talk could not solve a conflict.
I had breakfast with Jaymes, and damn, this man prepared breakfast for ten heads for American breakfast to Greek and Middle Eastern.
After freshening up, I found him packing baked goods into a box, which smelled divine, sugary, buttery, and vanilla.
“You don’t have to do that. I was already overwhelmed with the breakfast tray you prepared. Did you even sleep?”
“I always wake up at five and go to a farmers market. And the breakfast wasn’t even a lot.”
“Thanks so much, Pops.” I looked at Willa’s pajamas. “Can I take this home? I will return once it’s washed.”
“I’m even surprised you’re still wearing that. You can keep it.”
“It’s comfy. Thanks.”
“I will take this to your car.” He took the box wrapped in plastic with him. “Are you sure you don’t wanna call Qamar and drive you home?”
“No. I’m going home anyway. They didn’t call you?” I followed him out.
“Gabe called.”
I paused. “Did you tell him I was here?”
“I didn’t say the exact words, but he got it. I told him to give you space.”
I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “I have to go. Thanks for everything.”
“Don’t be a stranger, okay? You can always come to the restaurant anytime.”
I got into the driver’s seat.
“Drive safe, honey.” He placed the box on the seat next to me.
“Bye, Pops.”
He waved bye as I drove away from his driveway.
I turned on my phone. I knew it would be blown up with messages and missed calls. I would deal with it once I got home. Right now, I would drive my way to my husband.
It was already a minute since I turned on my phone, but the notifications kept coming. I stole a glance at my phone when it rang. It was Linden. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing he wouldn’t stop until I talked to him. I knew him— he was as persistent and stubborn as me.
“Just wait a bit, big guy. I’m driving.” I talked even if I hadn’t answered his call.
I looked at the rare view. A white-tinted car was driving fast. I was still in the neighborhood, and he was already driving like a lunatic without giving a signal.
“What a jerk.” I blew a breath.
I flashed and moved to another lane. When he didn’t slow down and still followed me, my mind went to what Jaymes told me last night. This driver could probably know me, but what did he want?
I shook that thought off. He was probably just a drunk driver or having car trouble, or he was just insane as if he owned the road.
All of a sudden, the white car drove fast. I thought it would overtake mine, but whoever was in it rolled the window down.
A white guy around my age in the passenger waved. “Hey!”
I ignored it and felt a sudden twist in my stomach. I sped up a little to get away with them. It still followed me. My heartbeat sped up when only a few cars passed in the area.
I rolled my window down. “If you don’t stop following me, I will call 911.”
“It’s you. It’s really you. Estelle Bladwyn. Well, fuck, baby!” He beamed at me, creeping me out.
Jesus Christ! I should have taken the license plate. I shut my window, picked up the phone, and quickly dialed Linden.
“It’s about time you pick up my call, wife.” He didn’t sound pissed, but maybe a little upset.
“I know you’re upset—”
“Damn right, I’m upset, Estelle. What were you thinking sneaking out of the house in the night? And you left a note and your panic button behind.”
“Can we talk about it later?”
“We will have a long talk, Estelle.”
“I know.” I took a deep breath. The car didn’t leave despite my warning.
“Where are you? I’m coming to take you.”
“I’m on my way. Can you track my phone?” My voice started shaking. This time, the white car’s backseat window opened.
“What’s wrong? Are you lost?” I quickly sensed the worry in his voice.
“No.” I swallowed hard. Tears started filling my eyes. “Baby, I think I’m in trouble. A white car has been following me since I left Pops’ house, but I didn’t get the license plate.”
“Hey. Relax. Breathe, baby.” His tone suddenly softened. “You’re going to be okay. Keep it on speaker and concentrate on driving. I’ll put you on a speaker, okay? Don’t forget to secure your seatbelt.”
“Yeah. I have my seatbelt on. They won’t leave me, and I already warned them.”
“You should not have talked to them, but it’s okay.” He yelled, calling Sax. “Turn your GPS on, baby.” I did as he asked. “We’re going. Call everyone. Inform the Gunner to track Estelle’s car, a BMW M4. They have her license plate. She’s probably half a mile from Pops’ house.”
Another white guy peaked his head out, grinning as if he just hit the jackpot.
“Baby, are you with me?”
“Yeah.”
“We’re on our way. Five minutes. Ten tops. I know the road. If you could drive to the more crowded street, that would be great. They can’t come close to you.”
“Or the traffic lights turn red. They will stop the car and knock on my window.” I still followed him despite my protest. I turned right. The white sedan turned, too. I’d never been in a car chase before, and I didn’t know this was scary.
“Yeah, but you’re not alone and can call for help.”
My heart beat so fast. I was more scared of them hitting my car and that I might end up getting hurt, given my driving experience.
“There’s a street light ahead,” I informed Linden.
“Good. When it changes yellow, don’t stop. Drive fast.”
“Why? Why in the hell would I do that? Why should I cross and deal with the traffic enforcers later? I haven’t had any traffic violations, Gabriel.” I started yelling. It was true, probably because I didn’t drive often. “I’m not Letty Ortiz.”
“Just do it, baby. Trust me on this. We’re on our way.”
“I’m scared.” I wanted to cry, but I needed to focus on driving. “I swear once I get out of this alive, I’m not driving. I’m not sneaking out again.”
“Probably a good idea. It’s my fault you sneaked out. I’m so sorry, baby.”
“Can you apologize later?”
“You’re going to be okay. I wish I had come to you, but I thought you needed some time alone. I’ll see you soon. End the call and dial 911. Now.”
I ended the call and dialed 911. The traffic lights just changed to yellow. And my life depended on that three seconds. As Linden said, I didn’t stop, but a car didn’t just tailgate on me. It also crashed into the rear of my car.