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I recoiled. That made no sense. “What?”
“When Patrick told me about the case. I didn’t mean to, but I said something that he used to help get Huxley off.”
No.
What kind of warped reality was I in where the man I wanted a future with had helped the one who had made my life a living hell? If Andrew hadn’t helped Patrick, I might have never been back in a basement, being touched against my will.
But if it hadn’t been for Andrew and all the rest of my new family, I wouldn’t be safe again. And Huxley would’ve found me with or without their help. It hadn’t been intentional. They had a job, and even if I didn’t understand how they did it, I couldn’t blame them.
“I’m not angry with either of you,” I finally said. Their regret was evident.Potent. “But don’t help any more monsters like him.”
“My mother wanted me to be a prosecutor,” Patrick lamented. “I never listen to her.”
“You can do right from now on. A good place to start would be helping some of the women at Paths,” I said.
“Yeah. Absolutely.” He threaded his fingers through his hair. “And I’ll get you a quick divorce. We’ll protect Ella. Make sure he never sees her.”
“Can you do that?”
“We will,” Andrew vowed without hesitation.
“He’ll never set foot outside prison walls.” Daniel gripped the steering wheel, the threat in his tone chilling.
“I wouldn’t have thought he could have before.” I always tried to make the best of a situation. This latest turn of events had jaded me, but I wouldn’t let it take away my optimism. If I did, Huxley won. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t be smart.
“Vivian and I would feel better if you’d come stay with us. At least for the time being,” Daniel offered as he joined the conversation.
“I appreciate that.” I shifted in my seat as Paths of Purpose came into view. “I have to think about what’s best for my daughter.”
Daniel’s jaw worked, but he didn’t argue when I could tell he wanted to.
The front door burst open as the SUV rolled to a stop at the curb. Sonya yanked on the back door handle until Daniel unlocked it. She stuck her head inside and scowled when Patrick was the first person she saw.
“You’re not her.”
“Nope,” he said, tilting his head in my direction.
Wild-eyed, she appeared to contemplate crawling over him to get to me. Drew caught her by the waist and pulled her away from the door.
She slapped at her husband. “I want to see Trish.”
“She’s stuck in the car if you don’t get out of the way.”
Her mouth worked from one side to the other. “Good point.” She turned toward Patrick. “Move it.”
He saluted. “Yes, ma’am.” Once on the sidewalk, he edged away from Sonya toward Marlow.
Gingerly, I slid across the seat. My bare feet hit the concrete, and Sonya almost tackled me.
“I can’t stop her,” Drew said helplessly.
I winced as Sonya pressed herself against me.
“I was so scared,” Sonya said sternly, but I didn’t miss the lines of worry around her eyes.
“Me too,” I admitted.
She held me tightly against her, and I clung to her, so happy to see more familiar faces. This day could have been so much worse. I’d take a few cuts over the alternative every time.
