While I wait, I hit Elaine’s number, voicemail. She’s in class. I try Mel’s mother, voicemail again. Dammit! She’s probably with a patient. Why don’t I have her office number programmed in my phone?
I throw my cell on the passenger seat and grip the wheel again. Both hands hold it so hard, I’m surprised it doesn’t bend in half. It’s like my body is trying to push the car faster by brute force.
How could I be so careless? Bennett’s been watching Sloan for weeks, and nothing’s happened. He’s been quiet, going about his routine, obeying the law. I should’ve known he’d make a move now.
Melissa said his behavior was cyclical, and she could tell when it was time for him to either leave town for a hook-up or for her to start sleeping with her door locked and the can of pepper spray under her pillow. The very thought of her living like that grinds my jaw.
After all my work closing the office, driving all night, I left her alone, out there in that little cottage unguarded. Fuck! My fists tighten harder on the thin, metal ring guiding Patrick’s sports car. I’m pushing ninety, and car after car flashes past.
Traffic is light this early-afternoon Thursday. It’s the one small advantage I have. I’m making the most of it and wishing I had a portable siren. Once more the smallest prayer sneaks from my brain. Not again. Please don’t let it happen again.
I’m too far from her. If she needs me, if she’s afraid or in danger, I’m not there. If the unthinkable happens… Memories of the pain of that loss scorch through my chest. The mind-numbing helplessness is back. I can’t bear it a second time. I can’t lose Melissa.
Glancing down, I’m at a hundred now. I’ll be there soon, but it still feels too long. My breath is fast, and my brain is repeating the word No. It’s all I’ve got, the force of my will, demanding that she be okay.
Chapter 6: First Priority
Melissa
Working from home at the beach is possibly the absolute best outcome I could’ve ever imagined. Waking up to find Derek in my bed only makes it a million times better.
Leaning back on my sun porch as the waves crash a short distance away, I smile warmly remembering our incredible morning. Now he needs to stop being so stubborn and relocate.
It’s chilly, and I’m wearing fleece pants, a long-sleeved red tee with a fuzzy blanket wrapped around my shoulders. In my thick socks, I’m cozy enough to nap, but I’m working on a marketing plan for Aunt Bea to take her cupcake bakery online. She’s completely baffled by how it all works, of course, but with her skills and built-in clientele, she’ll take off in no time.
I’ve just hit send on the email explaining it to her in as simple terms as possible, then I wrap the cozy blanket a bit tighter around my shoulders and drift into a pleasant slumber, hoping that when I wake, my sweet love will be by my side again.
My sleep is troubled, and even with the blanket, I shiver. A sound like scissors flicks near my ear, and I flinch. Cutting… Something’s cutting… My hair?
No, that’s wrong.
The expression “someone walked over my grave” drifts through my hazy brain, and I feel so afraid, I might cry.
Derek… where is Derek? I need him here. I need him to protect me.
It doesn’t matter if I tell him I’m strong, and I can take care of myself. I’m afraid. The terror holding me won’t let go, and all I want is my big man.
It’s dark. My heart is thundering in my chest, and with a cold certainty, I recognize the sound of his footsteps, the spicy smell of his cologne. It stings my nose and makes my throat close up.
Sloan.
He’s here.
I can’t catch my breath.
The baby. I have to protect the baby…
Footsteps pound louder, closer, and with a loud gasp, I bolt upright on the couch.
But I’m alone.
It was just a dream.
“Oh, my god!” My trembling hand goes over my face, and I can’t stop the tears streaming down my cheeks.
“Melissa?” Apparently the footsteps weren’t a dream. Derek bursts through the side door, and without hesitation, I fly off the couch into his arms. Instantly they surround me as he kisses my head, speaking against my hair. “You’re okay. I’m here now. You’re safe.”
His voice is tense as he holds me tightly, and gradually, my shaking calms. He eases me back and bends down to look in my eyes. “What happened? Why are you crying?”