I considered an idea niggling at the back of my mind before shooting off a quick text.
Me: Does the club still have that RV parked out back?
Hatchet: Yeah?
Me: Can you ask a prospect to clean it out? Change the sheets?
I shuddered at the thought of the science experiments that may be growing in there, but at least it was safe.
Hatchet: Are you moving again?
Me: No, I have someone who needs to stay there for a few nights.
Hatchet: Who?
Me: I’ll explain later.
It shouldn’t require a goddamn miracle, a sympathetic doctor, and a decades-old RV for a woman to escape a man who treated her like a punching bag. There should’ve been a line of open doors for Elena, not a maze of brick walls.
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and returned to Elena’s bedside. “I have a safe place for you. Wait for me in the lobby after you’re discharged. I’ll drive you there.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I know enough,” I assured. “I want to help.”
“I can’t pay. I don’t have?—”
“I’m not renting you a room. It’s an old RV behind my brother’s motorcycle club. And before you worry, no one will bother you. They’ll leave you alone, because if they don’t, they’ll have me to answer to.”
“But what about after? I can’t stay there forever.” Tears slipped down her cheeks.
“We’ll take it one step at a time. First, we get you out,” I explained. “I know a social worker who owes me a favor. She can walk you through the services you qualify for later this week. We’ll figure out a job and childcare after that.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
As I fitted her with a brace and printed instructions, my mind circled the same bitter thought: this shouldn’t be on me alone. But someone had to help her.
I shot off a quick group text to Eva and Kenna, giving them the short version. They didn’t hesitate. The chat lit up with promises to raid their closets for clothes, find a few toys, and grab fresh food. I wrapped up my paperwork as quickly as I could and nagged a nurse to let me borrow the car seats in the back of her van, since her kids were with their dad for the weekend. I didn’t bother to change out of my scrubs, not wanting to make Elena wait any longer.
Elena’s fingers white-knuckled around the strap of her purse as she eased into my truck. Tomás quickly fell asleep while Sofia chattered excitedly.
When I pulled through the gates, Hatchet leaned casually against the side of the clubhouse, his arms folded. He straightened as my truck rolled to a stop. I felt Elena go rigid beside me.
“It’s OK,” I murmured, cutting the engine. “He’s a good friend.”
Hatchet came around to my side and opened the door. “Bringing home more strays?” he asked quietly.
“She needed a place today. The shelter was full.”
Hatchet studied the brace on Elena’s arm, likely putting her story together in his mind. He offered her a warm smile. “I’m Hatchet.”
“Hello,” she said, eyes skittering away.
Sofia, on the other hand, popped her head up from the back seat and stared like she’d just spotted a life-size action figure. She looked at Hatchet curiously. Elena lifted her from the truck and set her down gently as I worked to unlatch Tomás’s carrier.
“Hey, kiddo,” Hatchet said, crouching down so he was at eye level with Sofia. “You like piggyback rides?”
Sofia considered his question, then nodded. He checked in with Elena. “May I?” he asked.
