Chapter 74 – Weight of Assumptions
Jacob sat silently, gazing at the shards of glass he still hadn’t swept up. Photos, questions, and a sense of urgency that was alien to his previously orderly life had been taken with the police when they left. It was now his responsibility to understand the mayhem they had recorded, Madeline’s broken phone, the overturned vase, and the glaring lack of her presence.
When he picked up the larger glass pieces and put them in the dustpan, his hands shook. He was reminded of her by each piece, of the last time they had laughed together in this house, and that he might never see her again.
He drew a deep breath, but his chest felt tight and suffocating, he couldn’t sit idle, his mind shifted to suspects as he put the broom away. Who would do this? Who would want to take Madeline away from him or harm her? Sebastian was the first person that immediately came
to mind.
The ex–boyfriend who appeared to be a persistent presence, he remembered Sebastian’s consistent attempts to get back to Madeline, even at the event where Emily showed up and stole the show. Sebastian hadn’t completely moved on, he knew, and now this. Jacob’s jaw tightened as anger replaced his initial shock, he grabbed his car keys and headed out the door, determined to get answers.
When Jacob reached the office, he strode through the glass doors with a purpose that made employees move out of his way. His movements were sharp, his expression hard, and as he approached his office, his steps slowed down as his eyes stayed fixed on a corner, Sebastian’s desk was empty.
His heart was racing, and not in a good way. He tightened his teeth and looked at Sebastian’s assistant, who was typing on her desk,
“Where’s Sebastian?” Jacob asked, his voice low but demanding,
She looked up, startled,
“He stepped out a while
ago,
sir”
Jacob’s brow furrowed,
“Where did he go?”
“I’m not sure” she replied hesitantly, glancing nervously at his tense posture. Jacob inhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring,
“When he gets back, tell him to see me. Immediately”
“Yes, sir” she said, looking slightly pale.
Jacob turned and marched to his office without saying another thing. His mind continued racing, he paced the room and slammed the door behind him, it couldn’t have happened by
Chapter 74–Weight of Assumptions
accident. He had received a call from Madeline this morning, it had all gone smoothly.
2/2
After that, she disappeared when Sebastian had somehow vanished from work. Jacob was unable to concentrate as he sat at his desk and stared blankly at the papers in front of him. One question occupied his thoughts, What had Sebastian done?
After what felt like an eternity, there was a soft knock on his door,
“Mr. O’Connell” his secretary’s voice came from the other side,
“Sebastian is back”
Jacob stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor,
“Send him in”
He made his way to his office’s far side and stood near the door, his resolve strengthened by the adrenaline pulsing through his veins. After a few seconds, the door opened. Sebastian entered with a casual stance but a cautious look on his face as he looked about.
He called, searching for Jacob,
“Sir?” Jacob cut him off before he could say another word.
Jacob slipped behind him and wrapped his arm around Sebastian’s neck in a flash. Sebastian was unprepared for the unexpected assault and staggered back, grabbing Jacob’s forearm with his claws as he gasped for breath,
“What the hell…“Sebastian choked out, his words cut off as Jacob tightened his grip,
“Where is she?” Jacob demanded, his voice a low growl.
Sebastian’s fingers dug into Jacob’s arm as he gasped. The chokehold was just loose enough for Jacob to twist out of his grasp after he was able to adjust his weight and elbow him in the ribs. Sebastian stumbled forward, wheezing and gripping his neck to recover his breath. Jacob stepped forward, his fists clenched, prepared to leap once more if needed.
“I said,” Jacob growled, his tone laced with barely restrained fury,
“Where is she?”
