AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Mrs. Collins stepped into the room carrying a tray filled with a steaming white teapot and matching teacups. Her red handkerchief tied around her head and well-worn overalls made her look even more petite somehow. “Amen. That boy better not show his face around here again.”
That sentiment coaxed the first real smile from Laura. “Thank you again for what you did.”
Mrs. Collins set down the tray on the oversized trunk turned coffee table and waved a hand in the air. “I wish I could have done more. And will if he comes back to my house.”
Sadie clucked her tongue. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. But back to what was mentioned about your father. Do you believe he’d help Isaac evade the law?”
Cringing, she nodded. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“And what’s your father’s name?”
“Jenson Metcalf.”
Sadie’s brow shot up again. “The mayor?”
“One and the same,” Cade said. “Which makes his possible involvement tricker. I don’t doubt he’d assist Isaac—the way he defends the guy is nauseating—but his biggest concern has always been his position in the town.”
A tiny bit of relief slipped into Laura’s limbs. She’d spent so many years thinking nobody outside their home saw who her father really was. That obviously wasn’t true, and Cade wasn’t afraid to expose Jenson and the monster inside him.
Mrs. Collins made a tsking sound and took the spot on the other side of Laura, sandwiching her closer with Cade.
A spot that made her feel safe and protected.
“A father should always protect his child. Not feed her to the wolves. It’s a shame to think there are men out there who care more about perception and status than making sure their daughter’s safe. Everybody should have a secure place to land—and not having that from parents is a shame.”
Cade bumped his thigh against Laura’s, turning her attention his way. “This might be the perfect time to bring up the shelter.”
Her stomach churned. He was right, but she wasn’t prepared. Hadn’t nailed down a precise plan to lay out for Mrs. Collins.
“Shelter?” Sadie asked, perching on the edge of her chair. “Am I missing something?”
Laura shifted to face Mrs. Collins. “I agree with everything you said. I grew up without that safe place, and that’s part of what kept me under Isaac’s thumb for so long. When I left, I found support that not everyone has in similar situations. I want to help give that support to other women who find themselves dealing with the same thing.”
Interest twinkled behind Mrs. Collins’ wire-framed glasses. “That sounds like a wonderful mission that a lot of people need.”
“I’d like to tackle that mission with you.” She held her breath and watched the myriad of emotions play across Mrs. Collins’ face.
“With me? How?”
“We could use this house to create a women’s shelter.”
Mrs. Collins blinked away tears and pressed a hand to her heart. “Oh my. That’s not something I’ve ever considered, but I love the idea. It’s only a matter of if it’s possible.”
Laura’s pulse raced. Excitement pumped through her veins, chasing away the lingering fear and fatigue.
“Well,” Sadie said and stood. “I think I have everything I need for the moment, and it looks like you two have a lot to discuss. I’ll call if I have more questions or if we find Isaac. And not that you asked my opinion, but I love the idea of a localwomen’s shelter. There’s not enough support in this area for women in need. I have some experience helping out in shelters and would lend a hand in any way I can if you two move forward with this idea.”
“I’ll show you out,” Mrs. Collins said, jumping to her feet. “Then you and I have a lot to discuss.” She winked at Laura then led Sadie out of the room.
Disbelief stole her ability to move, to think, to speak. Amidst the chaos and terror engulfing her entire life, her biggest dream might be coming true.
15
As happy as he was that Mrs. Collins expressed interest in Laura’s vision, Cade couldn’t shake the tentacles of fear and guilt dragging him down.
Laura slowly faced him, mouth agape. “Did you hear that? She’s interested. She wants to talk to me about using her amazing home for a women’s shelter.”
He forced a tight smile, not wanting to add any of his weight to her slender shoulders. Shoulders already holding way too much.
