Aleena heard Nia exhale in relief.
“They’re here,” Nia said.
“Good. Go with them and hand your phone to the police officer.”
“Yes, sir.”
Nia handed the man her phone and waited.
“This is Officer Jones. Who is this?”
“It’s Kaleb Spencer. I live in Jacksonville, Arkansas, with Nia’s best friend. We’re going to move her out here with us as soon as we can.”
“Probably a good idea. Russel Langley is a pretty bad guy, and the people he hangs with are worse.”
“If we can get her secured for the night, I’ll figure out how to get her here.”
“I can put her in the Hilton. They have the best security in town.”
“That would be great.”
Aleena stood beside Kaleb with her hands clasped tightly together. She wanted her friend there as quickly as possible.
“I’ll have her call you when we get her in her room.”
“Thank you very much, Officer.”
“No problem. She seems like a sweet thing.” He chuckled. “The other cops that came are all surrounding her and listening and smiling at what she’s saying.”
“She is very sweet. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
“Got it.”
Kaleb handed Aleena her phone and pulled her into his arms. “Everything’s going to be all right.”
She nodded and hung on to his waist tightly.
“I know. I’m glad you’re taking care of it. I know she’ll be here soon and in one piece.”
He chuckled. “I’ll do everything I can.”
“I have to tell you she’s pretty independent. She’s had to be. Her father was sick for years, and she took care of him. She did everything.”
“Where is her mom?”
“She died of a brain aneurism when Nia and I were seven.”
“Jesus. Poor girl.”
“I know. I hated leaving her, but at the time, her father was still alive and well, and she wanted to stay with him.”
Kaleb started leading her up the stairs of their house and into their bedroom.
“Why don’t you go and shower? I’ll wait for the call.”
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the mouth before she moved into the bathroom.
Although she knew Kaleb would make sure Nia would get there safely, she wouldn’t feel one hundred percent relaxed until she saw her in person.