I swallowed hard. Why did he have to say all the right things? “We’ll see,” I mumbled.
The doorbell rang and I jumped.
“I’ll get it. When I get back, let’s load your stuff into my truck,” he suggested.
“I can do it,” I argued.
With a sigh, he moved closer, wrapped his arms around my waist and planted a kiss on my cheek. “I know you can, Tegyn. You’re tough and strong and resourceful and pretty much absolutely amazing. But by now you should realize I’m a gentleman. And I’m going to do everything I can to help you.” After he pressed his lips to my cheek once more, he released me and exited the room to answer the door.
Meanwhile, I stood there tingling. Every bit of me felt alive. Still terrified, but absolutely alive and awake in ways I hadn’t been for so long. And I wished more than anything I could let go and let him in, but until I was sure I wasn’t going to get tossed aside for his wife again, I refused to let my guard down.
In the living room, I could hear D and the police talking. Soon the front door closed again and when I heard voices a few seconds later outside my plastic covered window, I knew they were taking pictures from the night before and probably investigating whatever was going on out back. Trembling slightly, I continued to fill my suitcases and then moved into the bathroom to grab my toiletries. As I was zipping them up, D wandered into my room again.
“Cool. I got these. You work on the office and any necessities from the rest of the house.” He grabbed the bags before I could even haul them off the bed.
“Wait.” I laid a hand on his shoulder and he immediately froze.
“What’s up, baby?” He studied me seriously.
“Can I bring my favorite blanket and pillow?” I shrugged. “I know it’s silly, but…”
He grinned. “Bring them. I want you comfortable.” He started to turn away and paused. “And safe.” Then he rushed from the room with both arms full.
"I’m done loading the truck," D announced. “As soon as you're done talking to the police, come to my house. I'll text you the address."
"But what about my window? And what about the spray paint on the siding?" I asked.
He rubbed the back of his neck before answering. "Don't worry. I've got a guy for that. He's getting a lot of business these days." He laughed.
I bit my lower lip and stopped for a moment. "Okay. I guess I'm out of objections."
"That's good to hear. About time." He shook his head. "I'll see you soon. I'm leaving the garage door open for you. Park inside, and then close it with the button after you turn the car off."
"Are you sure you want me parking in the garage? I don't mind parking on the street." I shifted nervously.
"Oh, I'm sure. Using the garage is a security procedure. Part of keeping you safe is accomplished by no one knowing where you are." He moved closer to me. "This is all going to work out fine."
"I'm glad you think so," I mumbled.
Together we walked down the hall and he exited through the front door after giving me a tiny wave. I continued into the office where I grabbed my computer bag and started to load up. After loading the laptop and all the necessary cords, I turned my attention to my planner still open on my desk. I turned the page to start the week and discovered that my mediation for the divorce was scheduled for Tuesday. I sighed in disgust, knowing there was nothing to look forward to about that. The last one had been a complete waste of time, since Trent was dragging his feet and fighting everything. I leaned hard on the desk a moment, lamenting my situation when my phone vibrated. I peeked at it, half expecting it to be a text from D already, but instead, it was Annie and I smirked.
Annie: You still alive?
I shook my head.Subtle wasn’t her thing. Still, I responded because it was easier than dealing with her later, and I had to wait on the police to leave anyway.
Me: Yup. Never dull here.
Annie: What’s that mean?
I could picture her face,eyes sparkling as she waited on some good gossip to break up the monotony of her life. For now, I didn’t mind entertaining her.
Me: Yeah. A broken window and a threat spray painted on my house. So, police last night.
I sentthe message and started a second one with more details when she interrupted.
Annie: What? Did they arrest anyone? Do you need to stay with us?
I hadn’t even consideredit…mostly because the thought of staying with her and her husband made me want to break out in hives. The tension between them killed me, even if they seemed to thrive on it.