Protecting Her(31)

“I haven’t heard about any assaults. Our neighbors take their kids there. They wouldn’t do that if it were dangerous.”

“Rachel, please. Just don’t go there. We have a large back yard. You don’t need to go to the park. If you’d like, I’ll put up a swing set for Garret or a sandbox. Whatever you want.”

“Pearce, I think you’re overreacting. I only go there during the day when other moms are around.

“I’m not arguing about this. You’re not going there until I know it’s safe.” I kiss her. “I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”

When I’m back at work, I go straight to Jack’s office and tell him what happened.

“I told you Royce was f*cked in the head,” Jack says. “And this is the guy they pick for our future president.”

“Do you think he’ll do it again?”

He shakes his head. “No. As long as you keep his secrets, he’ll shut up. Just the fact that he did this to you shows that he fears you. He’s worried you’ll tell his secrets, so he tried to scare you into keeping quiet. And it sounds like it worked.”

“I have no desire to tell his secrets. Or to be friends with him. I’m going to stay away from him.” I see the image in my head of that man with the gun pointed at Rachel and I finally feel some emotion. Rage. Pure rage. At that man, and at Royce. “Jack, I hate to leave again, but I don’t think I can stay here after what happened. I can’t focus on work.”

“I understand. Go ahead. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I leave, but when I get home, I can’t relax. How could I? My family was within seconds of being killed.

Just when I think my life is on the verge of being normal, it veers back to the hell that is my reality.





CHAPTER EIGHT


8


RACHEL

This whole last week, Pearce has been tense and stressed. I think it’s because his father is coming to our house tonight. He’s probably worried that Holton will criticize the house and where we live, and then the two of them will start fighting.

Last Sunday when we were at Holton and Eleanor’s house for dinner, Pearce was okay at first, but by the end of the night he seemed on edge. I’m assuming his father said something when I wasn’t around that upset him.

Pearce has also been tense because he’s suddenly extremely worried about the crime in our town, which I don’t think even exists. I’ve asked the neighbors and nobody has heard news of any assaults or break-ins in the area. Pearce is always very protective of Garret and me, but this past week he’s been almost overprotective. He doesn’t want me even leaving the house unless he’s with me. He acted this way back when we were dating, but that’s only because I lived in a dangerous neighborhood. Now we live in a small town that is very safe, so he has no reason to worry.

The phone rings as I’m frosting my cake. I made a carrot cake for dessert tonight. For dinner I’m making a roast, mashed potatoes, and glazed carrots. I’m sure Holton will hate it, but it’s impossible to please that man so I just made something Pearce and I like that wasn’t too much work.

“Hello?”

“Rachel, it’s Shelby. Are you busy?” She sounds out of breath.

“Kind of. I’m getting ready for dinner. Pearce’s parents are coming over. Is something wrong?”

“Yeah. I need a ride.”

“Did your car break down?”

“No. I um…I was out with this guy and we weren’t getting along so he stopped his car and left me on the sidewalk with no way to get home.”

“Are you serious? That’s horrible.” I wipe my hands on a dish towel.

“And now it’s getting dark and I don’t know what to do. There’s nothing around here but houses. I was lucky to find a gas station so I could call you.” Shelby doesn’t have a cell phone so she must be calling from a pay phone.

“I’ll come get you. Where are you?”

“Stamford. It’s a long drive for you. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Of course not. Just give me the address.”

I write it down as she tells me, then I hang up and call Pearce.

“Rachel, are you okay?” He’s asked me this every time I’ve called him this week. I don’t know why he’s so worried about me.

“Yes, I’m fine. Shelby just called and I have to go pick her up. If you get home before me, just leave the roast in the oven. I’ll finish making dinner when I get back.”