AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Touché,” John laughed as she headed out. An image of her in bed flashed through his mind.Boss, you lucky dog.
He’d taken several boxes inside when Ariana approached.
“I appreciate you dealing with J.R. earlier and agreeing to stay here.”
“No problem. John Bryson.”
She tentatively shook the hand he extended to her. Even in the fading light, he made out the purple and green tinge of a bruise around her left eye.
“Kind of like it was meant to be since I needed a temporary place to stay. Do you have your phone with you?”
She nodded and pulled it out of her shorts pocket.
“Put me in your contacts and text me so I can add you. If you hear anything outside or he shows up at your work and threatens you, let me know.”
“You don’t have to get involved.”
“Too late. Did you hear what I said to him?”
“About being a Green Beret? I think that’s what made him think twice about trying anything.”
“I’m trained to deal with guys like him.”
“He wasn’t like this when we got together. He started doing drugs with friends and . . .”
“Yeah. It spirals.”
“Can I carry a box in for you?”
“Sure.” He tested the nearest two and handed her the lightest one. “Watch that first step,” he warned. “You can set it on the sofa with the others.” Needing a place to sit would motivate him to unpack.
Boss followed them in and squeezed past Ariana, nearly knocking her over.
“You and him in here? That’s going to be interesting.” Ariana looked around.
“It’s short term. Bigger and more amenities than a hotel room. We’ll be fine.”
“O-kay.” Ariana didn’t sound convinced.
“Does J.R. carry a weapon?” That’d be good for him to know upfront.
“A knife, sometimes. He didn’t have a gun. Who knows after these past few weeks, though.” She dropped her gaze to the ground.
“How long have you lived here?”
“Two and a half weeks. It’s been such a relief, until tonight.”
“How’d you find out about this place?”
“Officer Lewis told me about it when she, uh, responded.”
“Got it. Well, I’m almost always armed. I’m off this week, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you need. I’d rather respond to a false alarm than you get hurt trying to handle him on your own.”
“Thanks, I’ll let you finish getting your stuff inside.”
John brought in the rest of his belongings, unpacked three of the boxes, then took Boss outside to take care of business. He walked a surveillance pass around the houses. Now that this J.R. guy knew where Ariana stayed, he could come back anytime. “They need more security measures around here, Boss. Tonight, we’re on guard duty. Let me know if you hear any humans.”
The air was warm but cooler than an unairconditioned tent or outside in Africa this time of year. He opened the windows to catch the breeze and hear anything out of the norm—not that he knew the norm around here.
