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“Turn you in? Are you in some kind of trouble? Help me understand.”
Understand? He wanted me to help him understand all of this? Hell, I didn't even know what I was doing, but his words did give me a tiny sliver of hope, and suddenly everything was pouring out of me. I told him about my boys, mama, the pastor’s wife, and how I lost all the money I’d saved, all of it. He listened intently but didn’t say a word.
After it was all out, I sat there and stared back at him for what felt like hours as he processed it all. This man determined my fate, whether I got to walk out of there on my own or in handcuffs. He stood up and walked back a few paces, his expression was unreadable as he contemplated what to do with me. He ran his hands over the light scruff on his jaw and let out a long breath. When he finally spoke, I wasn’t at all prepared for his response.
“I’ll get you the money.”
My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and my jaw fell wide open. Before I could even think about it words were flying out of my mouth.
“Wh-what? What do you mean?” I stood up hesitantly yet ready to throw my arms around him for not saying he would rat me out. I had to process one thing at a time. “You would just give me money? Why?”
“Do you need the money or not?”
“Yes.” I found myself replying without thought. “But how?”
“I’ll get it.”
“Look, I appreciate the offer but even if I did take your money, I can’t pay you back, H. I’m strugglin' as it is.”
“We’ll work something out.”
“Really, I can’t take your money…”
“You will, and you’ll do it for your kids. Attempting what you just did proves that.” My shoulders sagged in defeat and I met his eyes. He was right, I didn’t have a choice. I needed that money.
“Okay. Fine. We’ll work something out but nothing strange, you hear me?”
“Strange?” H huffed out a short laugh and lifted a dark eyebrow. “Strange like what?”
“Anything other than me paying you back in actual cash.” I planted a hand on one hip and put on the sternest face I could pull together. The one I gave the boys when they were acting up.
“Don’t try to intimidate me with the “Mama” stare. Doesn’t work anymore for my own mother and it won’t work for you now.” I suppressed the urge to laugh as I thought of how the look didn’t seem to work all that well on my boys either. Instead, I took a deep breath and pushed my hair away from my face.
“So what happens next?” I asked, not sure how this was supposed to go. “Do we just sign a note or something.”
“Don’t have the money yet but I’ll get it. Meet me out back after your shift tonight.”
“H…” I started to say not feeling too good about him not having it but getting it. “If it means trouble, then I— “
“I’ll get it.” He repeated firmly. “Now, get out of here and let me concentrate on erasing the tape before Donnie gets back.”
Tape? My eyes went immediately to the black surveillance camera in the corner of the office. It was the first time I’d noticed it.
Oh shit.
Moments earlier, H walking in on me was the worst thing I could've imagined but I quickly realized it was the best possible outcome. That beautiful man saved me that night, not only from myself but from making the worst decision of my life.
Chapter Eight
I wound up back at my motel room because I wasn’t sure where else to go. I no longer felt safe there but had no other options. My money was gone and I was nearly broke. While taking a long hot shower, I cried my eyes out.
Stealing? Really? That was the person I had become?
I dried off and wrapped myself in my thick robe while I thought of a way to convince Mama to pick my boys up from the Davis’ house. I knew I couldn’t make the five-hour round-trip drive to Haventown and back before my shift started that night. Besides, what would I do with the boys while I worked then went with H wherever it was to get the money?
I was relieved to learn that Mama had already picked them up. To her credit, she even sounded remorseful. She said that she'd only meant for them to stay for a few hours while she went grocery shopping.
“Annetta Lynn, you know how those two can be a handful especially out in public. I just wanted a little time to myself, plus I thought they would enjoy some play time with the Pastor's children.”
