Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
He scrubbed a hand over his face, attempting to collect his anger and stuff it down deep. During his time on the force, he’d seen plenty of crime victims. In the last year of rescuing runaways or kidnapped girls, he’d found traumatized females who needed his strength. He’d handled it all. But Raven’s story felt more personal and he wasn’t sure how to help her.
“What happened?” he managed to ask.
“Lance told her we were just roughhousing.” Her lips twisted in disgust. “I was so shaken up but I still pulled Cara into my room, locked the door, and she called Caleb.”
“Not your mom or dad?”
She gave him a wry smile. “Says a lot, doesn’t it? Even at twelve, Cara knew to call our brother first.”
“I take it Caleb believed you and your mother didn’t?”
Raven nodded. “She said Cara must have misunderstood what she saw.”
Remy’s hands curled into fists by his sides. “So you didn’t press charges?”
“Oh, I did. Caleb took me to the police station but nothing came of it. Not enough evidence, they said. I have no doubt my mother used her influence to make it all go away. Instead of waiting for school to start in the fall, I left soon after. I moved in with my best friend, Emily Devlin, who lived in the city.”
Given how close Remy’s family was, he couldn’t imagine living in the home she’d grown up in or the isolation or fear she must have felt.
“I need a glass of water before I tell you more,” Raven said and pushed herself off the sofa.
Before he could offer to get her the drink himself, she’d walked away. He assumed she needed a break, so he gave her the time, waiting until she returned, two glasses in hand.
“I thought you might want one.” She placed both glasses on the coasters. Hers was already half empty.
“Thank you.”
She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.
He sighed. “Your story. It gets worse?” he asked, sensing her continued tension.
“Oh, yes. Lance had this obsession with me that not even my leaving put a stop to. One night, I was late getting home from the library. I came home to find he’d kicked open the door and Emily was lying on the floor, beaten and bleeding, and Lance was standing over her body. Her dress was pulled up and he was about to rape her,” Raven whispered.
“Jesus.”
“I went crazy. I grabbed the bat we kept near the front door and hit him over and over. It didn’t seem to have an effect on him. He just stood there and took it until he finally turned and ran.” She began to shake harder and Remy couldn’t stand it another second.
He reached out and pulled her into him, wrapping her in a loose embrace meant to comfort. “Shh. That’s enough for now.” He didn’t want her tortured any further. “Let’s take a break.”
She shook her head. “No. I need to finish. Then I can stuff it all back in the box inside me where it belongs.”
“However you need to do this.”
She pulled herself upright and pushed away from him. “Lance was arrested and this time not even my mother’s name could get him off because they found DNA evidence on Emily and we both testified.” She blinked back tears, showing him once again how strong she was.
“Lance went to prison and he was supposed to be there for another year, but apparently he’s getting out in two weeks. Something about overcrowding and good behavior. And I know he’s not finished with me.”
She went on to explain that her friend, Emily, had moved and asked that they not keep in touch. She didn’t want the reminders and though it had hurt, Raven understood. She’d moved out of their apartment, too, but somehow Lance was able to keep finding her. Sending his inmate buddies who were released to send his regards.
Remy’s fury built with every word she’d told him.
“It’s been quiet since I found the job and apartment with Zach but it won’t stay that way. He threatened me after the trial. He swore I’d pay. And once he’s out, he will do everything in his power to make sure I do.”
“Raven—”
“I promised Caleb I’d tell you everything because he thinks you can keep me safe, but that’s not why I came here tonight. I wanted to give you the opportunity to tell me to leave, to fire me or let me quit, so I don’t bring trouble to your business or your patrons.”
He blinked in surprise. Was she so used to being alone and let down that she really thought he’d cast her out and leave her vulnerable to her psychotic brother?
“You’re not going anywhere,” he said in a too gruff voice.
“But the last person who I was close to paid a high price. Too high.” She stood and he didn’t need to be a mind reader to know she planned to leave.