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Chapter 4
Caleb
We pull up to the compound and Clay types in the security code. The gates open and we drive straight through. Aria looks out around us. Her body is pressed up securely to my side. She hasn't left my side since she came out of the shower. I keep trying to think about what she's feeling, but then I get angry and frustrated that no-one knew she was missing. Not one person. Not even me. It just sounds like a fucked-up movie. It doesn’t seem real.
"How long have you lived here?" she asks quietly, breaking through my thoughts
"We've run Shawland Security for eight years, so we've lived here for that length of time as well. It's one big compound. That area over there is where we work from. Over in the middle is our gym and training area. Over here is my house. Clay and Chris have smaller houses farther afield, but all within the compound. Nothing and no one can come in here without us knowing about it. You’re safe here."
She nods delicately. She reminds me of a china doll; her pale skin, round eyes, and fragile porcelain exterior.
No one will ever touch you again.
Clay pulls up outside my house. I climb out first and help Aria stand. She's so sore and very weak, but she’s still showing a slight stubborn streak. She doesn’t like to ask for help, and I can see that I’m going to drive her crazy trying to make sure she’s okay. I'll make it my priority to get her back to her fit, healthy self. Right now, my main aim is to just make her comfortable, help her settle in, and slowly gain her trust. It’s not like I can use my experience as a detective to assist her, because each victim is different. They process things differently. I’ll get her the proper help she needs when she’s ready, because I’m out of my depth here.
"It's beautiful out here."
She closes her eyes and takes a slow deep breath in and out. I can only imagine what’s she’s thinking right now, and it pains me, because I hate that she’s been through everything she has. I hate that simple everyday things will remind her of that monster.
"Not very macho, is it?" jokes Clay.
I throw him a look, but Aria smiles at my brother. "For a security company, policemen, and soldiers... no, not very macho,” she agrees.
I throw my keys over to Clay and he catches them mid-air to open my door. I help Aria up the steps. Every step is slower and more guarded than the last. I wish I could take away the pain for her. I’ve had cracked ribs before; I know how painful it is. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
"I’m going to get Amber to shop for some new clothes for you. I'll drop them off later tonight. If you two need anything in the meantime, just let me know. "
"What's happening with work?" I throw over my shoulder to my brother.
"Chris dealt with Mrs. Jamieson this morning. Case closed. She doesn’t need any more proof. According to Chris, she knew she was right, and seeing her husband with his tongue down a young woman’s throat was enough. I'm going to go on my security detail at seven. I'll be home for eleven-ish. I'll stop by before going home, but if the lights are off, I'll stop by in the morning. We'll gather at ten a.m. to discuss things. We'll cover your schedule for the time being. Just do whatever you have to do here."
"Thanks, bro. Let me know how tonight goes with the princess. Whatever you do, just be nice."
"Not like an actual princess?" asks Aria.
I smile at her taking interest in something other than what's happened to her. She has been quite reserved and quiet since I stepped into the hospital this morning. I don’t really like the princess, but if it helps Aria settle in here then I’ll talk about her all night.
"Like an actual princess.” I chuckle. “She lives in England, but her family comes out here to Chicago from time to time. They're a royal pain in our asses, but they keep coming back. It's Clay's turn tonight, and as you can see, he’s thrilled to go to work."
“Oh, I love it. So much fun,” Clay throws over his shoulder as he leaves my house with a bottle of water from my cooler. His sarcasm is terrible.
Aria laughs.
I would love to be a fly on the wall tonight, that’s for sure. Clay and snooty people don’t mix well, never mind making him work for royalty.
I help Aria sit down on the couch, placing scatter cushions at her sides for support. She looks tiny against the big cushions. She’s lost a lot of weight from what I remember. My mom won’t take long to feed her up though. She’ll be in her element cooking for someone else other than her boys.
"Your job sounds kind of fun."
I thought about our case last night and sigh. "It can be. It has its moments. Some cases are worse than others, but it pays the bills, and it’s better than working eighteen-hour days for CPD. I'll tell you all about it one day, but how about I get us some hot cocoa now?"
"Sounds good."
Tonight, is going to be a very long night for both of us. I'm way out of my comfort zone here, but I just need to remember that Aria is the same person she always has been. If I can do that, try to erase some of what I know has happened to her, then maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to get through the next few days without punching someone.
***
I've been lying in bed for the last hour, looking through our accounts, making sure everything is up to date for the next few weeks. The only problem I have is knowing that Aria’s in the room next door, and I can't concentrate. I hate having her out of my sight, but she needs her rest. She looks exhausted, physically and mentally. She could barely keep her eyes open tonight. I think it’s understandable. She probably hasn’t slept much over the last eleven months, and if she has it would have been with one eye open.
