When We Fall (Take the Fall, #2)(27)

I follow her into an office with buttery-colored walls and a large desk made out of cherrywood. It’s warm and inviting, and puts me at ease. Hopefully, it will do the same for anyone who comes here.

“This is your office—I recently had it repainted to make it more welcoming. We don’t want any room to feel sterile—like a hospital or a police station. In any case, for the first couple of weeks, I’d like you to check our guests in and show them to their rooms.”

“Is there paperwork for me to read about the proper procedure for that?” I ask, licking my lips nervously.

Ginger nods. “First manila folder on your desk. Also, you can read them on the desktop. We have instructions for the computer-savvy as well as the Luddites like yours truly.”

I laugh, then slap my hand over my mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

“Oh, don’t be, honey. Laughter is good for the soul.” She hands me the folders and I begin to read through them. “I’ll get us some tea and if you have any questions, then we can chat.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

As I read the policy and procedure manual, Ginger makes iced tea and brings two glasses of it to my office. “Questions so far?” she asks, holding out a glass.

I shake my head and take the glass, drinking half of it down before I take another breath. “No. It seems very straightforward.”

Near my office, a door opens. “Man on the floor,” a male voice calls out.

Ginger takes a deep breath, as if she’s preparing herself, while I set my glass down. “Policy also dictates that any time a man enters our building, even if he is law enforcement, the security officer follows our two-tiered warning system. The first is to text our office that a man is on his way, and the second is to make that announcement you just heard after he arrives.”

Though simple, I like her explanation. It adds another layer of protection for everyone involved and is considerate of the women who live here. “Got it. Do you want me to go to him, or does he come to my office?”

Before Ginger can answer me, the police officer appears. The first thing I notice about him is how big he is—he’s built like a quarterback. He has dark, almost black hair, and vivid green eyes. At his side is a woman of average height. Her profile is to me and her head is bowed, so all I can make out is light brown hair and some rather nondescript clothing.

“We’re here to get Evangeline settled in,” he says in a gravelly voice.

Evangeline tips up her chin, and I struggle not to gasp. Pictures in textbooks are one thing, but to see…I swallow down the lump in my throat.

Her face is covered in bruises, one eye is swollen shut, and her bottom lip is split. There are bruises in the shape of fingers around her throat. Her injuries aren’t fresh. She’s had them for a while.

Her one good eye takes me in, but she doesn’t blink, doesn’t waver. It’s like she doesn’t recognize we’re in the room with her.

“A squad car found her wandering down the beltway. I happened to be on that side of town and met up with the officer to transport her here.”

“Has she—have you been to the hospital?” I ask Evangeline.

In answer, the officer hands over a file. “This morning. Everything you need is in there.”

I hug the file to me, half afraid to read it. I have to read it. It’s a part of my job. Why spend years of my life training and studying for this if I want to remain a terrified little girl?

“Would you like to have a seat? Maybe some tea?” I ask Evangeline, but she doesn’t respond.

“She’s still high on her pain meds.”

I turn to the officer and hold out my hand. “I’m Piper.”

“Hunter.” He shakes my hand. “She’s been through hell. If you have a bed, let’s get her in it.”

Ginger steps forward. “I’ll take her.” She reaches for Evangeline, but the younger woman screams, grabbing on tight to Hunter’s arm.

I want to cry with Evangeline and hug her, but Hunter is all business. “It’s okay, Evangeline. These nice ladies are here to help you.”

“Promise?” she whispers.

“Yeah.”

Tears leak out of the corner of her good eye. “Don’t tell my family.”

“We won’t, Evangeline,” I promise her. “We only want to help you heal.”

Hunter gives me a look but doesn’t say a word until Ginger and Evangeline are out of the room. “I like you,” he pronounces. “You spoke to her and not at her.”

I shrug a little, uncomfortable with his praise. “I know how it feels to be talked at and around, as if I’m not in the room at all.”

His gaze roams over me before giving a smart salute. “Thanks for your help.”

“Thank you, officer.”

As soon as he leaves, I slump against my desk, still clutching Evangeline’s file to my chest. I don’t think I’ve ever had a first day like this, and college most definitely did not prepare me for it.





Chapter 8





Piper


By the time I get to Jase and Emmett’s shop, I’m emotionally drained from the time I spent at the shelter.

A part of me worries that I’m not strong enough for the job, that I’ve been sheltered for far too long to be an effective counselor. Not to mention that my own life is in upheaval and has been for several months now. My problems are nothing compared to the problems of the women I helped today, but they are enough to possibly affect my work.