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“Yes. I had a friend in college who came from Texas and she lived in a place that there were a lot of those kinds of relationships.”
“Did she tell you anything more about them?”
“Sure, but it seemed far-fetched. Especially to me. Our mom wasn’t exactly a prize mother. She went from one asshole to the next. I couldn’t imagine getting romantically involved with multiple men and there not being a shitload of other problems. One man smacking me around and scaring me was enough.”
“I hear what you’re saying.”
“Wait, you don’t agree? After what Skip did to you?”
“No, of course not. I’ve been here for more than a year. If I was going to be claimed or some men were going to take an interest, then they would have said so by now. Which by the way I would not accept. I’m not ready for that.”
“Well neither am I so do we need to talk about this stuff more? It’s kind of frightening.”
“I know what you mean. The men around here are so different. For instance, that trooper who helped change your tire the other day, he has two brothers who are just as big and good-looking as him.”
Caroline’s eyes widened. “Seriously? I thought I had palpitations. Cameron is big,” she said and lowered her eyes.
Shelby swallowed hard. “It’s going to take some time, Caroline. Time to not always be looking over your shoulder, keeping your head down, and not talking to people much. I promise, it will get better, and you’ll feel safe here. Especially after we meet with Sheriff Gordon.”
“What? Why would we do that?”
“Because it’s part of the benefits of living here. The law protects those in trouble. It’s happened with some of the friends I’ve made. When they were in trouble or trouble came looking for them, everyone helped. There are people, men and women who are part of this town that have connections and resources.”
“So does Cameron and his family. I’m sorry, Shelby, I’m not talking to any sheriff about Cameron. You didn’t tell anyone about Skip. If I knew this was part of staying here I wouldn’t have come.”
“And where would you have gone? Where would you feel safe? Nowhere. I can tell you that.”
“Well I don’t even know these people and I don’t even know if I’ll feel safe or not. I can’t talk to some sheriff I don’t even know. Plus, like I said, Cameron knows people. I’m sure he’s looking for me and I don’t need to send up a signal in the middle of this town with a locator on it by talking to the police. They can’t be trusted. Believe me, in this case, the Elliott family has more power and pull than some small-town sheriff and his department of deputies in South Carolina. I know firsthand what his family is capable of. I had to threaten to press charges from police departments three towns over and even that may not have gone through.”
“Charges?” Shelby asked.
“For assault and rape. He would have gotten away with it. It gave me enough breathing room to get Cameron to give me space so I could initiate my plan of escaping. I trust no one. End of conversation.”
Shelby felt the tears reach her eyes. Rape? Assault? Her sister hadn’t told her everything. The more she said, the more the idea of talking to the sheriff seemed to be the wrong move. She hadn’t told Max Gordon, the sheriff, about Skip for numerous reasons. They had to keep Caroline’s secret, too. She looked at her and felt the tears in her eyes. Rape? Assault? She just couldn’t help but feel so much.
“There are people I know. Counselors who—”
Caroline shook her head. “Not interested.”
Shelby felt terrible. She knew exactly what her sister was going through. It would take time, but what she feared most, just like she constantly lived in fear with, was the possibility that Caroline’s ex would find her. She wouldn’t push the issue of telling the sheriff. How could she when her own ex, was probably still looking for Shelby, too.
“I’m here for you, Caroline. Just remember that together anything is possible. So, what did the doctor say about the cast?” Shelby asked, changing the subject, sort of.
“I have another couple of weeks before the cast can come off.”
“Well Dr. Anders is great. He’s really nice from what I’ve heard from my friends.”
“Yeah well, I have to be smart. I can’t go to a doctor and I can’t work anywhere on the books. Not with Cameron’s connections. Hell, being a cop he can find out anything he wanted to. Which by the way, we need to get rid of those fake license plates and register the car in your name. You’re still using the fake last name, Walters, right?” Caroline said.
“Yes. It was the best five thousand dollars I ever spent. No one has picked up on anything so far.”
“Maybe I need to do the same. As soon as I scrounge up five G’s that is. I used most of my savings to help disappear, and the money I have with me I’ll need to help pay rent and support the house with you.”
“Don’t worry about that. We’re fine. I make good money and can take care of you. We’re in this together, remember?”
Caroline looked at her. “I’ll need your help. I’m not so quick on my feet about lying. You would think after what Cameron did to me that I would be less trusting and even nice, but I can’t help wanting to be helpful and to be a little social. God, I hate this feeling. How the hell am I going to find a job with this thing on my arm, and off the books, no questions asked? Or to get it off by some doctor who is going to ask questions and want to document my information?” She looked at her cast and knocked on it lightly with her knuckles. “I don’t need a doctor to remove it, just a saw, a hammer, maybe a chisel. You’ll help me.”
“I don?
