Her Rock (Rocky Start)

“Yes, but…if he was okay, then why hasn’t he called?” I ask, looking up at her through a curtain of tears.

“They probably took his phone. Can you repeat anyone’s number off memory alone?”

“No.”

“Come, and let’s get ready. I’ll call a cab or an Uber.” I nod and go into my closet where I’ve already started packing little things. I call my job and leave a voicemail for my boss. Whatever happens, I won’t be coming back and I apologize for the inconvenience.

“Ready?” Georgie asks.

“I feel like I’m going to jump out of my skin.”

“Calm down. I’ll take this, and you lock the door.”

“Okay.”

Every minute that ticks by feels like an eternity with no word from anyone. Darcy told me that he’d gone to sleep after they saw him, and so I didn’t want to disturb his sleep. He needed every ounce of rest he could get, after all.

“Who could do this to him, Georgie?”

“I don’t know, but you need to remember that he’s a strong man, and he’s going to be fine. Just relax and calm down. Take a nap. You need the rest because he’s going to need you to be strong and beautiful, not looking like the damn zombie that you’re becoming.”

“Fuck you.”

“Love you too.” I rest my head on her shoulder and the neck pillow she brought for me, trying to let sleep take me as we wait for the flight to take off. We should be landing just as the sun rises in Denver, which would be gorgeous under any other circumstances—just not today.

****

We arrive at the airport and sit outside with our luggage, waiting for Bennett and Darcy to come get us. An older woman who has seen better days comes to sit by us on the bench. “Hello, ladies.”

“Hello,” Georgie says. I’m not feeling as generous to greet her this morning.

“Have you been to Denver before?”

“Yes. We have, but we’re just passing through,” Georgie adds, but I have a really creepy vibe and I don’t like that she’s chosen to sit practically on top of me. Has she never heard of personal space before?

“Me too. I’m starting over again. Whatever you girls do, don’t have children. They’re nothing but trouble.” I ignore her comments because I would love to have a baby with Whit and don’t want any of her unsolicited advice

“Why?” Georgie asks, attempting to be polite, which spurs the old bat on.

“They bring trouble in marriages, making you look like shit while you’re raising them just in time to bring friends with gorgeous mothers to steal your husband.” Her vehemence draws my attention to her face, and I nearly fall off the bench as I scramble backward. A rush of panic sets in when I see a similarity in her features. Bennett calls out to us, approaching quickly with my sister in tow.

“Our ride is here. Take care,” Georgie says, sensing the growing tension and my frightened reaction.

“That’s Whit’s mom,” he whispers.

“Bennett Lake,” she calls to him with such an evil tone that I felt her hatred in each word. “She’s not going anywhere.” The woman points a gun at my stomach.

All I can think is, No. I’m nobody’s victim. I remember my blade is in my pocket like it always is.

“Let her go. The cops are on their way,” Darcy warns. I smile because my sister has always been my hero.

“Well, one won’t be coming.”

“Fucking bitch,” I hiss through clenched teeth.

“I wish he would have died back then, but he survived. I made sure he wouldn’t this time. It’s only right that his whore joins him.”

I slip my knife out of my pocket and shank her hand holding the gun. It goes off, but the shot misses, embedding in the wall beside me. She screams as I yank the knife out. The evil hag charges at me, so this time I stab her in the chest. She nearly falls on top of me, but I push her away and let her hit the pavement. Grunting, I attempt to move, but I’ve hit my head so I’m feeling a little fuzzy.

Bennett reaches for me, pulling me up off the ground as Georgie and Darcy surround me. Shouting and screams fill the taxi area. “Miss, do you need medical assistance?”

The police surround the area and assess the scene.

“No, no,” I mutter. It doesn’t take long for them to pronounce her dead. I turn my head and see them drape a white sheet over Bennett’s mother, and that’s when the weight of my actions hit me. As soon as they do, the world goes black around me.

Chapter Nine

Whitaker

I don’t know what time it is when I wake up again, calling out for Lydia. It’s already dark, and they should have been back by now. Did I sleep through the entire day? I hit the call button for my nurse as fear takes over me. Where the fuck is she?