One to Hold (One to Hold 1)

Elaine had told me that… I stepped away, going to the kitchen to get a tissue and check my face. “But why?” I called back. “Did you have a reason to think he was going to—”

“I had no idea Sloan had turned into such a fucked up loser when he contacted me about you,” he said, following me into the kitchen. “But after you showed me that picture…” his lips tightened. “It’s a pattern of behavior. I had a feeling he might try it again.”

He stepped to the door leading out. “I just need to make a quick call and get somebody out here,” he said. “Don’t worry, I’ll talk to them. I’ll keep it out of the media.”

His words sent such a wave of relief over me. He’d said the one thing I’d needed to hear, the thing that had held me silent before, without even knowing it.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“You’ll still have to answer some questions, but I’ll do what I can.”

Before he went through the door, I stepped forward and caught his arm, pulling him back. He paused, and I leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You are a hero. You’re my hero.”

His eyes gleamed and he touched my face gently with the back of his index finger. Happiness filled my chest. “I only wish I’d known sooner,” he said.

Police arrived in an unmarked vehicle, and Sloan was handcuffed and taken into custody. I had to make a statement, but Derek stayed beside me. His background was a huge assist in corroborating my story, but the real clincher was the recording he’d made. That combined with the picture I’d shown him from before provided enough evidence to form the basis of a solid case.

“We need to ask a few questions,” the officer started, but Derek stopped him.

“I know what you need to know,” he said. “Would you let me ask her?”

“We have to hear her answers,” the man said.

Derek turned to me sitting at my small table and held both my hands. “There’s only a few things they need to know.”

I nodded, focusing on his blue eyes.

“Do you want to press charges against Sloan Reynolds?”

“Yes,” I said softly. “I didn’t before, but I do now.”

“In the photo from before, clearly you were beaten.” Derek paused and stroked the back of my hands gently. “Did he also rape you that night?”

I shook my head. “He tried, but when I hit him, everything changed. After that he only beat me.” My throat grew thick as I remembered Sloan’s face as he hit and kicked me. The sick gleam in his eyes. I was afraid I might cry, but I pushed on. “It was as if he got off on beating me.”

Derek’s lips tightened, and I watched him inhale slowly, the muscle in his jaw flexed. “Would you be willing to share those emails with us? It’s possible he also beat one or more of those women. I’d like to track them down and see if any of them will talk. Maybe take a plea deal.”

Squeezing his hands, I stood and walked slowly to my bedroom, feeling slightly light-headed. I had planned never to share this information with anyone. I only kept it as insurance, in case I needed it to make Sloan behave or leave me alone. I went to my closet and dug out the two manila folders then returned to the kitchen. Derek and the officer were talking softly, the officer was making notes, but when I appeared they both fell silent.

“Here,” I said. “There were more. Many more, but these are the only ones I printed out.”

The officer nodded and took the stack from me. Derek stood and squeezed my upper arm gently. “Hang tight. I’ll just walk these guys out. See if they have any more questions.”

Once they were gone, I walked slowly to my living room, dropping onto the couch. I was exhausted and still a little shaky, but at the same time, I felt hopeful. It was possible this was finally over. This horrible chapter was finally closed.

Chapter 18 - Sharing Everything

Finally, after what seemed like a long time, everyone but Derek was gone. Sloan’s car was impounded, and the only noises left at my house were the cicadas and the waves breaking softly in the distance.

“They might want to question Elaine, since she was the only person who saw what happened the first time,” he said, standing in my kitchen.

I nodded, blinking up at him, seeing him in a new way tonight. “I can’t believe how relieved I feel,” I said. “I thought I was through with Sloan. I thought once the divorce was final and I was back here it was over. But I see now I was always fearful. And it would never be over while he was free.”

He nodded. “I know.” Then he straightened, putting his hands in his back pockets and causing the shirt to stretch over his chest. “I’m sorry, Mel. I’m so sorry for my part in all this. I really had no idea when he emailed me—”

I stood quickly. “Please don’t,” I said. “After tonight, your apology is so accepted. And maybe… maybe I’ve started to understand why you didn’t tell me.”

His brow relaxed, and a glimmer of hope shone in his eyes. He took a small step in my direction. “I swear, when I saw you that night in the bar, all I wanted was to take you from him. I wanted you to be mine.” My heart squeezed at his words, and he continued. “I know that makes me a bad person, but you were so gorgeous. And so clearly miserable. I only wanted to make you happy, to see you smile.”