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Chapter 16
Caleb
I take the blanket from the back of the chair and cover Aria with it. I knew she was exhausted after our day outside, but she kept saying she was fine. She forgets that her body has been through so much. She needs time to recover. However, it was nice to be out with her today, instead of cooped up inside my compound. It gave me a sense of what our life could be like when this all blows over and we catch the fucker that’s out to make Aria’s life hell.
I smile. She looks so peaceful and relaxed, compared to last night when she crashed into my bedroom like a terrified animal. It breaks my heart to see her like that.
I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and watch her sleeping beautifully for a few moments. I can’t take my eyes away from her.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” says Mike.
I shake my head. “It’s okay.” I sit down on the chair opposite Aria and open my laptop. “I’m going to check my emails, check in with Clay and Chris, and hopefully get an early night.”
“I don’t mean to speak out of turn, but she looks so much more relaxed here. I thought it was going to be a bad decision leaving the compound where she knows she’s safe, but I was wrong.”
I stare over at Aria. I know exactly what Mike means. I was skeptical too, but I had to try something. I couldn’t sit back and let her dwell on everything. After seeing how terrified she was last night, I’m surprised to see how settled she is today. It’s amazing what a blast from the past can do to someone.
“We have some good memories of being out here, Mike. I don’t know if that helps. Being at the compound was like she was taken from one prison and put into another. I didn’t want her to get used to being locked away. I felt like she was distancing herself from everything familiar. I want her to see that she can go out without people stopping and staring.”
“You’re a good man, Caleb. I’ll leave you to it, but I’m on night watch if you need anything.”
“Cheers, buddy.”
I watch Mike lock the front door and check all the windows. He’s a good guy. Thorough in his work. He worked alongside Clay for a while in the army, but they were separated into different teams for their final year. When Mike heard about our adventure, he asked to join us. It was a no brainer for us all. We trust Mike and he trusts us. With trust, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. That’s why we give Mike so much responsibility, because we know he’ll do a good job. I know he’ll make sure Aria is kept safe here, and I could use all the help I can get. I hate feeling like we’re moving targets, but until that bastard is caught, there isn’t anything else we can do.
My cell beeps with an incoming text.
From Clay – How’s it going, bro?
Speak of the devil and he’s sure to appear.
To Clay – You okay to talk?
Within a couple of seconds, my cell rings. I walk into the kitchen to save disturbing Aria.
“Hey. What’s happening there? Any news?” I ask Clay.
“We’re clutching at straws here, bro. I was doing some more door to door enquiries today. Another dead end. We haven’t heard from Al since he left here with his tail between his legs. Anyway, how’s Aria?”
“She’s good. Really good. She’s asleep on the couch right now. We were out all day exploring the area. It was good for us both to be back here.”
“I wondered why my phone hadn’t blown up with your calls and texts. And how are you? Feeling any better out there?”
“I’m okay in the grand scheme of things.”
“How did Aria take the news about her brother coming by this weekend?”
I groan. “I haven’t told her yet. I was going to wait until Friday. I’m glad I kept it from her because she’s had a good day. It was like I saw the old Aria again. You’ll maybe see a difference in her yourself.”
I know I’m being a coward keeping this big announcement from Aria, but I just want her to be happy and carefree for a while. I know if I tell her about Spencer arriving this weekend, she’ll just overthink things.
I know Spencer, and I know he won’t treat his sister any differently. He’ll be like me and my brothers. He’ll be determined to find this guy and put an end to her ordeal.
A loud scream echoes from the living room and I run as fast as I can to Aria’s side. She’s clutching the cover to her face, screaming uncontrollably through the fabric.
“Aria.” She hits out at me, but I capture her arms and hold her to me. “It’s me, sweetheart. Ssh.”
“What’s going on?” Mike and Liam run from the back of the cabin with their guns pointed. I wave my hand at them to stop, but they look around the room.
