AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She sat on the floor at the feet of Flora and a police officer. Charlotte wiggled out of Flora’s arms and ran for him, her little bare feet slapping the floor. She launched herself at him and he snatched her up, hugging her to him as he moved toward Addy. He’d never thought baby shampoo smelled better than it did at that moment.
“Uncle Wucas, there was a bad man who tried to hurt me,” she said her small voice muffled by his shirt.
He hugged the snot-streaked, sweaty little girl tight. “You’re safe, Lottie. You’re safe,” he crooned, walking toward the women clustered in the small hallway between the living area and kitchen.
He processed everything about the woman he loved. Addy’s hair tangled around her ashen face and a piece stuck to one cheek, where a purpling bruise emerged. A small smear of blood beneath her nose, and when her eyes met his, he saw the terror within.
Not thinking twice, he handed the child to the police officer, reached down and picked up Addy, wrapping her in his arms as he had Charlotte.
“Oh, God, Lucas,” she said, her body trembling against his. She clung to him, fisting her hands in the back of his shirt.
“Shh, baby. It’s okay. You’re okay,” he said low in her ear, turning and walking into the living room, sinking onto the couch, cradling her like a child. Her body shook hard, but no tears emerged, making him wonder if she was in shock.
He glanced at the officer who’d followed them, still holding Charlotte, and saw understanding in her eyes. Flora also followed, sinking into a chair, and pressing her hands against her face.
Finally, Addy lifted her head. “Oh, Lucas, I’m so sorry Charlotte had to be part of this. I should have said no. I had no idea-”
“It’s all right, Addy. None of this was your fault,” he said, smoothing her hair.
At the door, paramedics arrived, rolling a yellow framed gurney inside, carrying huge medical cases.
The officer called them inside the living area.
“I’m okay,” Addy said, sitting up. “But you need to check Aunt Flora. Robbie knocked her unconscious.”
Flora looked up with a smile. “No, he didn’t. I was playing possum. I watch plenty of police shows, and I’ve read enough books to know that playing dead’s a strategy.”
Addy pressed a trembling hand to her mouth. “Only you would see watchingHawaii Five-Oas preparation. I was so scared he’d hurt you.”
Flora’s bravado flickered. “I’m sorry to have scared you, Addy. But I knew he would underestimate me. I let him. And I’m sorry it took me so long to get my gun. I had to be quiet.”
“I’m okay. He didn’t hurt me. Not really.”
But Robbie had hurt Addy. Lucas had to trample the urge to stroll out into the yard and drag that asshole from the cruiser. Lucas would show him what hurt really felt like.
But Addy needed him with her.
Over the next hour Lucas marveled at the tale that unfolded—one of a brave woman standing up against her attacker, a little girl who never stayed where she was told to stay, and an older gun-toting lady who saved the day. All the while Addy sat next to him, pressed tight as if she took comfort in his presence.
In between taking statements, collecting evidence, and allowing EMT to check her over, Addy kept her composure. Lucas fielded phone calls from his parents, Michael’s friend’s parents, and finally Addy’s father who was en route.
Lucas cornered one of the officers and asked to move Addy, Flora, and Charlotte over to the house next door while the scene was processed.
So over they went. Flora made coffee, strangely looking very much unaffected by the whole event. Charlotte clung to the nearest adult, and Addy had gotten back some of her color.
With only a few moments to steal before Addy’s parents descended on them, his parents arrived, and the detective who investigated the first case showed up, Lucas pulled Addy into his arms. “Are you really okay?”
She nodded against his chest. “Oddly enough, I am. I can’t say I wasn’t scared, but I didn’t let him win. I didn’t allow him any satisfaction.”
“No, you didn’t.” He cupped her head and held her tighter. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you. I had no clue he was so dangerous.”
She pulled back, blinking up at him, her eyes apologetic. “I never told you about the threats he sent me. You couldn’t have understood because I didn’t let you.”
“What?”
“When we first met, I wanted to protect myself. I didn’t want you to see how much baggage I came with. I guess subconsciously I thought you’d think me not worth the trouble.”
“Never.”
