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“You’re right, and thank fuck for that! Don’t push me on this, Al. She’s off limits until she’s ready to talk.”
I know how the police work. They can become vultures under pressure, and I won't allow them to badger Aria. She has been through enough.
"I trust you'll be able to keep her safe."
"She's safer with me and my team than she is anywhere else." I nudge past Al - making him aware that I’m just as pissed off - and head straight back into Aria's room. I don't really care if the police are okay with where Aria is staying, because they have no choice. From now on, I'll make sure she has everything she needs. I’ll make sure she’s safe and protected.
***
Two hours later, we finally get the all clear to leave the hospital. A knock on the room door makes me stand alert. Clay peeks his head around the door and I relax. I didn’t realize how stressed and on edge I’ve become this afternoon. I nod for him to come in, and he does so slowly. Aria looks over her shoulder and notices Clay walking towards her.
"Hey, girl," Clay says softly.
I'm just glad he's managed to jump out of his mood for someone. I don’t think either of us expected anything like this to come knocking on our door. It’s probably one of the hardest things we’ve had to deal with since Shawland Security opened its doors.
"Hi." She looks down at her feet shyly.
Clay gives me a knowing look. Aria was a confident girl. She was strong and able-bodied. Shy wasn't even in her vocabulary. If she had something to say, she would. I’ve been a referee many times between her and Clay. Now, she's a fraction of the person she once was. She’s like a terrified mouse being preyed on.
Clay clears his throat. "I thought you might like some clothes and toiletries to freshen up before you leave."
"Thank you, Clay. You have no idea how amazing that sounds."
Clay opens the bathroom door and places the bags down on the counter. "I'll be outside waiting for you both when you're ready. No hurry."
"Thanks, bro."
My head is that fucked up I never even thought about clothes and toiletries. I'm sure Aria would have run out of here with the gown on, but I'm glad Clay had his head screwed on.
Aria tries to stand up, but she bends over with the pain. I catch her around the waist and lift her into my arms. I walk into the bathroom and sit her down on the shower chair. I turn on the shower and let the water run warm.
"Caleb, I can manage from here."
I know she's going to struggle, but I also know how hard it would be for me to help her in the shower. We haven't seen each other in years, and she's been through so much at the hands of another man. Her trust is gone, not just towards me, but any man. It’s only understandable.
“I can get a nurse to come and help you.”
“I’ll be okay. I can manage.” She smiles weakly.
I nod and walk backwards out of the bathroom. I stall at the door. "I'll leave the door ajar. If you need me, just shout. I won't come in if I don't hear you call my name. I'll be right out here."
"Thank you, Caleb. For everything. "
"You don't need to thank me, honey. I'll be here for you whenever you need me. That will never change."
I pull the door over to give her some privacy. I feel those tears threatening to fall again, and this time, on my own, I let them fall freely. I would never show this emotion in front of Aria, because she has enough to deal with, but in my own time, I'm not afraid to shed a tear.
