Waiting For You

Chapter Sixteen

~ Reba ~

I didn’t know what to do or where to go. Mars’ dad was out of town and I couldn’t believe his mother would help. Chef and one of the mechanics had helped me with Mars. While we waited for the police the police and an ambulance to come.

I gave my statement to the police then, followed the ambulance to the hospital in Mars’ car. The police had found a packet in Nile’s pocket and noted the condom and wrapper. I hoped whatever they found in the packet matched what was in Mars’ system and it would nail that bastard’s ass to the wall. It remained to be seen what Mars would remember.

The hospital warned me he might not remember a thing. Even though they wouldn’t have his testimony about Niles, it would be a blessing if he didn’t remember. I would be haunted by what I’d walked into for the rest of my life.

Mars was still pretty out of it when the hospital released him to sleep it off. He was walking at least, but super groggy. I couldn’t understand why they didn’t keep him for observation at least. Apparently, he was stable and so I was the observer.

I didn’t know what to do after that. There was no way I could head back to the mansion.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed Sadie. “Hey, girl! Miss me already?”

“I wish it was that. Look, I can’t tell you why but I need to find one of Marshall’s friends.”

Sadie knew all about Mars because I couldn’t shut up about him while I was at dinner with her and Ginger. They’d thought it was hysterical that I’d fallen so hard. But then, so had Ginger a couple years ago. She knew what it was like.

“Who?” she asked, clocking my serious tone and matching it.

“Bare… Um, Barrett. His fiancée is Petra.”

“Oh sure, I know them. They come in for breakfast most Saturdays. They live in one of the cottages on Main street. On the lake, just north of downtown. I don’t know the exact address, but I can give you directions.”

“Please.”

She stayed on the phone with me and gave me the turn by turn until I got to Bare’s—at least, I hoped it was his place. If not, maybe they could tell me where Bare lived.

Hanging up with her, I jumped out of the car and ran up to the porch. All the lights were off but I banged on the door, not stopping until the bulb came on and a shirtless Bare yanked open the door.

“What the hell—Reba?”

“I need your help. Mars is in the car and we need a place to stay. At least for tonight. And I need help moving him. The hospital says he’s okay, but…I can’t move him by myself.”

“What happened?”

I shook my head. “Please. Can we get him inside? Then I’ll tell you.”

“Of course.” Bare was all business. He slipped on his shoes and followed me to the BMW. “Hey, buddy,” he said when he pulled open the door. “Let’s get you into the guess room. Yeah?”

“’Kay,” Mars slurred, which was an improvement over where he’d been until now. Thank God, he was coming back. My blood still ran cold. If I’d been even a second later… I didn’t want to imagine. Bile rolled up my throat to choke me. My breaths were gasping as I reached security and my hysteria unleashed.

Together, we navigated Mars down the hallway. He reminded me of a boneless toddler, wobbling and touching everything. He sprawled like an octopus on the bed.

“What the fuck happened?” Bare rasped.

“Let me get him tucked in and I’ll come talk.” I saw Pet in the bedroom’s doorway, her hands over her mouth. “He’ll be pissed but I don’t think there’s a choice of word getting out now. I’m sure it will be all over the news.”

With difficult I got Mars tucked under the blankets. I sat on the edge of the bed and brushed his hair back from his face.

“Reba,” he gasped.

“I’m right here.” He relaxed, and I kept stroking my fingers over his hair until he fell asleep. My poor man. “It’s over,” I whispered. “It’s all over and he’ll never touch you again. Never.”

When I was sure he slept soundly, I walked out to where Bare and Petra waited in the living room. Wearily, I sank into the club chair facing the couch.

“You know, Mars and I have been seeing each other,” I started thinking perhaps I needed to work my way into this horror.