“I’ll see you soon,” she said, jumping into her new SUV. She sent him a little wave as the veterans made room for her to back out of the garage. She rolled down her window and thanked them before leaving.
Her mind drifted to the night before and she still felt the cold steel of the gun pressed to her head. She involuntarily shivered when she recalled him slicing her with the kitchen knife. She still wasn’t sure what prompted her to think of calling Liam. Instinctively, when she reached for her phone, she knew he’d come, but the police would’ve too. Then, why did she dial his number instead?
As she pulled into Jake’s driveway, her mood shifted at the thought of seeing Zeus. She bounded up the porch and rang the doorbell.
“Hello, Addyson,” Jake said as he ushered her into his home. “We figured you’d show up sooner rather than later. Zeus is keeping Carol company in the kitchen.” He led the way into the cheerful yellow room. “Carol, pay up. I said she’d be here in under an hour.”
“Come on in and pay no attention to him,” Carol greeted her. “Zeus has behaved like an angel. We were just conversing over a bit of carrot and peeled apples.”
Addyson fell to her knees, and Zeus whined, and his butt wiggled with excitement at seeing her. “How’s my baby?” she crooned. “Leo’s team captured the mean man who did this to you, and he’s going to jail.”
“Do you want some coffee?” Carol asked. “Kassie mentioned he destroyed your entire kitchen and living room.”
“I’d love some, thank you,” she said, holding Zeus’ head in her lap and rubbing it.
“I’m glad Ragu didn’t end up having extensive injuries. When I ran in and saw all the blood, it terrified me. It’s one thing to see it at the hospital or triaging it, but it’s another to see it in your home on people you know.”
“I imagine it’d give me a fright, too,” Carol said, pulling on her jacket and picking up her purse. “I’m spending the day with my daughter and grandchildren. I’m sorry about rushing off and leaving you with my bored husband. Joe and Maddie haven’t returned from their camping trip, and he’s hanging around Ivan. Goodness knows, I love the man, but you put him and Jake together, and everything turns into a bet and a bottle of vodka. I’m down twenty bucks, and I refuse to drink that stuff. I’m picking up a nice bottle of wine for later.”
“Awww, Carol,” Jake grumbled and winked at Addyson. “I gave you the option of betting differently and you complained I spoke with Victoria. You’ll have to pick the lesser of the two evils.”
“Between those two, there’s no such thing,” she scolded. “Why can’t you be like the other seniors in this town and hang out at the community center?”
“Because it’s way more fun to get you all flustered than sitting around listening to old men complain about their wives. I happen to love mine,” Jake said, kissing her. “Have a good time with Catherine and the grandkids. Tell her I’ll come tomorrow and take care of the leak in the kitchen.”
Addyson watched the exchange, wishing she experienced the type of love they did. She and Sam shared a different type of love, born out of necessity. Marrying another military member meant long periods apart and frank, brutal communication because they didn’t have time to argue. Sam always made the larger decisions due to timing. They kept their home filled with practical items due to all the transfers. Then, when they finally decided to live their lives, Sam died.
Zeus pawed her hand, and she glanced down, realizing she stopped petting him. “I’m sorry, baby. I guess I’m still shaken up about last night.”
“Let’s see what we can do to calm your fears,” Jake said, kneeling at her side. “He has some stitches here. When you take him home tomorrow, I’ll wrap it to keep him from chewing on it. He’s feeling relaxed today, but we’ll ease off the medication tomorrow. If he tolerates it, you can pick him up in the afternoon. Bring another person with you, and I’ll send you home with meds and instructions on how to care for him. The belly area will need to be kept clean and wrapped for the first couple of days. I’ll check it then, and we’ll go from there.”
“How much do I owe you?” she asked, taking her wallet from her purse.
“Nothing. We do for one another here. It’s my understanding you’ve taken a few shifts from Catherine. She’s having a tough time right now and we appreciate you helping her.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem. She has such a beautiful family, and I’m home alone. Except for Zeus,” she amended.
“Nonetheless, Carol has worried herself over her daughter, and we appreciate it. You fit right in with the Serenity family,” Jake boasted.
“Thank you for letting me visit him. It appears he’s in good hands and getting spoiled rotten. I’d better return home. Theveterans showed up early this morning and helped Liam clear most of the house.”
“Take your coffee to go,” he said, rising to find a to-go mug.
“Thank you, but I’m heading to Bryanna’s, and I’ve heard about her amazing coffee and donuts. It’s about time I tried them.”
“It sounds like a plan. Treat yourself because life is way too short,” he advised.
Addyson leaned down and kissed Zeus’ head. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
Jake walked her to the door. “Don’t worry. He’s doing great. We’re planning on watching a game this afternoon.”
“I’m sure he’ll enjoy it,” she assured him. “Thanks, Jake.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, closing the door.
Addyson drove the short distance to the bakery. She usually drove to Seattle for everything, passing the quaint little town. It seemed almost too…perfect. Knowing how life turned out, she didn’t want to be reminded of what she lost.
Parking the SUV in front of the bakery, she grabbed her purse and entered the store.
