Chapter 8
Afew days after our meeting with Jamie, we drove to Houston to get the rest of my things . I rode with Jamie in his SUV, a big black intimidating vehicle, especially when compared to Chris’s white mini-van. Jack rode with Chris. I felt a little awkward riding alone with Jamie, but they all said it was necessary so I didn’t argue.
When Jamie said he wanted to call Craig and remind him we were coming, so he wouldn’t forget and “accidentally” violate the restraining order, I asked why Chris or I couldn’t do it. He said if I called, I’d be violating the terms of the restraining order.
“And no offense to Chris, but I know how to handle the situation if Craig gets belligerent.” He glanced over at me and grinned. “I’m a trained professional, after all.”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, and the butterflies in my stomach, I couldn’t help but smile back. He was right, Chris wouldn’t know what to say any better than I would.
I got out my phone to pull up Craig’s number for Jamie when he reminded me he already had it. I expected him to put his phone on speaker so I could hear, but he used his headset so I only heard his side.
“Mr. Hopper, this is James Sheppard of Sheppard Sons Investigations.” Jamie said politely before pausing. Knowing Craig, I could only assume he was demanding to know why Jamie was calling.
“Mr. Hopper, I am calling on behalf of Emily Taylor.” He tone was less polite this time. I saw the muscles in his neck strain as he clenched his teeth. “I’m calling to remind you that Ms. Taylor will be collecting her personal property from your shared residence between one and five today.” Jamie’s voice had taken on a harsh quality, whatever Craig was saying, it was pissing him off.
He’s probably swearing and yelling. Judging from the death grip Jamie currently had on the steering wheel I was probably right.
“Mr. Hopper, Ms. Taylor is listed as a resident on the lease so I assure you she has every legal right to enter. If you’ve changed the locks the landlord will let us in.” Jamie’s voice radiated ice cold authority.
I felt a flutter in my stomach, but this time the butterflies weren’t because of nerves; Jamie’s protective, controlled, confident manner was kind of hot. Not that I was attracted to him, because I wasn’t, but he was the exact opposite of Craig in every way, and it was a turn on. Jesus, cut the shit. He’s your brother’s best friend. I’d been so caught up in my thoughts that I’d missed the rest of the conversation.
“Emily?” Jamie called my name, judging by his tone it wasn’t the first time. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I, um, do you think he’ll show up?”
“I doubt it, but we’re not taking any chances. I made sure he knows he’ll be in violation of the restraining order, and get arrested, if he shows up. Hopefully that’s enough to keep him away.”
I was glad Jamie was on my side. Actually, I was grateful for everyone who was on my side. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt safe going to my old apartment, but for the first time in a long time, I did, because I trusted Chris, Jack, and Jamie to keep me safe. Not only were they bigger and stronger than Craig, but they were trained professionals, and I was pretty sure they had guns. Well, at least Jamie and Jack are. Even if Chris wasn’t a trained professional, I was grateful he’d taken the day off to come with us. There was a lot to be said for a big brother’s moral support.
The closer we got to my apartment, the more I fidgeted with my thumb ring. I couldn’t let go of my fear that Craig might show up and cause trouble. What if someone gets hurt? It occurred to me as we parked in front of the apartment, that Craig might have changed the locks.
I said as much to Jamie. “I hope I haven’t wasted everyone’s time.” God only knows how much this is costing Chris. He”d be paying Jamie and Jack for a fourteen-hour day. I made a mental note to find out so I could start budgeting to pay him back.
“What do you mean?”
“What if he changed the locks?” I asked.
“He said he didn’t, and even if he did the landlord will have to let you in.” That’s right, I remembered hearing him say that to Craig. My nerves are making me stupid.
“Oh, right, good.” I got out of the car wondering how I was going to get through the rest of the day without having a complete meltdown.
Chris and Jack had already grabbed a bunch of boxes and were waiting for us. Jack said, “Let’s get moving, we have four hours to pack up and get out of dodge.”
“I don’t think it’ll take that long. None of the furniture is mine, so the hardest thing to move will be my books.”
“That’s fine, I wanted to give us extra time so he wouldn’t accidentally come home early and intercept us.” Jamie made air quotes around the word accidentally.
I reached out to unlock the door but Jamie stopped me and held out his hands for the keys. “I’ll go in first and verify he’s not here. Jack and Chris will stay out here with you until I give the all clear.”
“Oh, um, okay.” I really didn’t think Craig would risk getting arrested again, but apparently they weren’t taking any chances.
After Jamie stepped into the apartment, gun drawn, Jack pulled the door as if to close it but didn’t let the latch catch.
“Does he really need a gun?” I asked Jack, though I figured I already knew the answer.
“Better safe than sorry.” Jack looked relaxed as he watched the door, but I had a feeling he could spring into action in a heartbeat if he needed to. He’d set the boxes down and his hands were hanging at his sides as he scanned up and down the hallway.
This is so surreal; I feel like character in a cop show.
Jamie said “all clear” near the front door just before opening it. I walked in and cringed as the smell of rotten food assaulted my nose. I’d always kept the apartment clean, and I liked scented candles, so it had always smelled nice in here. Now it smelled like a dumpster. Chris and Jack followed behind me carrying the boxes. No one mentioned the smell, though there was no way on God’s green Earth they hadn’t noticed it.
We needed fresh air while we packed, at least I did, so I opened the balcony door. I inhaled deeply before turning back to the mess.
It didn’t surprise me that Craig had taken out some his anger on some of the things I’d left behind. Several books were torn and scattered around the living room. He’d smashed frames and torn the pictures of us. And there were pieces of ceramic and glass knickknacks on the floor.
“I’m guessing these are your things.” Chris said looking around at the carnage.
“Yeah. We can leave most of it.” I was sad so many things had been destroyed, but at least none of it had sentimental value. “No point in packing broken shit. I have some clothes in the bedroom, and a few things in the kitchen.”
“Why don’t you tell Chris what’s yours in the kitchen, he can pack in there while you grab your clothes. Tell me which books are yours, so I can pack them. I’ll make a list of the ruined ones so you know what you need to replace.”
I noticed he hadn’t assigned anything to Jack, apparently he wasn’t there to help pack.
We worked quickly while Jack stood near the door. In no time, we had several boxes packed and ready to be carried out so Jamie and Chris carried them down to Chris’s car.
While taking a water break in the kitchen, my breath caught in my throat as my whole body tensed when I heard the door open. What if it’s Craig? I almost laughed at how pathetic I sounded. Jack is standing in the doorway. I shook out my fear and got back to work.
I had music playing on my phone as I finished packing in my closet, not mine, not after today, when I thought I heard the bedroom door close. I was shaking off the flash of fear, assuming it was one of the guys, when I heard “You fucking bitch!” Craig’s angry growl was low enough that no one else would’ve heard him.
Out of habit, I bit back my scream as I turned around and faced him, my heart beating out of my chest. From my position in the closet doorway I could see the open balcony door. The second door I”d opened to let in the fresh air. It hadn’t occurred to me he might climb up the tree outside and come in through the second-story balcony door.
No one knows he’s here.
“I saw your brother and your friends. Did you really think I’d be afraid of them?” Craig was closing the distance as he taunted me. ”I”ll be gone before they even realize I”m here.”
He paused when Chris called out from the hall, “Em? You alright in there?”
Craig practically hissed, “Don’t say a fucking word,” before turning towards the door.
Taking advantage of the distraction, I moved to the other side of the bed, creating a barrier between us. Then prayed Chris would realize something was wrong when I didn’t answer.
“Em, you decent? Can I come it?” Chris asked through the door.
I opened my mouth to call for help, but Craig growled, “Tell him no.”
“No.” My voice cracked. I knew Jamie and Jack wouldn’t hesitate to run in and save me if I screamed, but I was too terrified to try.
“Okay, let me know when I can come in to help.”
“Say okay.” Craig pointed at me, a scowl on his face. He looked like shit; his hair was greasy, he hadn’t shaved in a while, and eyes were bloodshot.
“Okay.” My voice cracked with fear. Please God, let him hear the fear in my voice. Craig glared at me; head cocked towards the door as he waited for Chris to say something else. After a few seconds with no response, he started to circle the bed.
“You fucking bitch. You’re gonna pay for getting me arrested.”
I tried to back away but bumped into the bedside table. Craig would reach me in a matter of seconds. Please God, don’t let this happen. After what felt like an eternity, but was in reality only a few seconds, the door crashed open. Craig spun around as Jamie and Jack rushed in, guns drawn.
“On your knees.” Jamie ordered as he and Jack surrounded Craig. “Put your hands where I can see them!”
I cried out as my knees buckled underneath me. I wasn’t sure if it was from fear or relief. Probably both. I hugged my knees to my chest and tried not to think about how close I’d come to getting beaten again.
Looking over the bed, I watched as Jack shoved Craig roughly to his knees, grabbed his hands and yanked them behind his back, then zip-tied his wrists. Craig swore the entire time.
Jack stood, gun pointed at Craig, and said, “I got him. Check on Emily.”