Chapter 55

• The city was washed within the passing on light of the late evening, casting long shadows that appeared to increase with the pressure brewing between Haven and Matthew. The two men stood on the edge of a rough driveway, their voices rising over the far off murmur of activity. It had been hours since Damon had sent the message, and with each passing second, the stakes felt higher.
• "You can't truly be thinking about going alone, haven" Matthew’s voice was a mix of dissatisfaction and fear, his eyes wide with disbelief as he paced within the contract driveway. The smell of gasoline and decaying waste filled the air, making the discussion all the more choking. "This is precisely what he needs. Damon knows you're frantic. That’s why he’s doing this, why he sent you that message. He’s trying to corner you."
• Haven ’s expression was one of strained resolve. His hands were tightened into clench hands. He gazed at the broken asphalt, avoiding Matthew’s look, knowing deep down that his friend was right. But this wasn’t about rationale or procedure; it was about his wife. Each minute he went through here debating was a minute that she could be enduring, or more regrettable. "I don’t have a choice, Matt," Haven at long last murmured, his voice low and thick with emotions. "Damon has her. He said if I bring anybody else, or think about calling the cops, it’s over. He’ll kill her."