Chapter 15 #2
Maia recognized Samuel’s furious shouts when they entered the police station.
“Thank goodness you’re here.” Charlie stepped away from the desk when she handed over the scones. “That man is driving us crazy, saying he must leave because he’s playing in an important rugby match tomorrow. We’ll be pleased to get rid of him.”
“He should’ve thought of that before he caused trouble,” Maia said. “My walking away from him hurt his pride. He thought he could snap his fingers, and I’d return to Auckland with him as his fiancee. The books were an excuse.”
“What if he’s lying about the game and doesn’t leave Middlemarch?” Henry asked before she could.
“We suggest a restraining order. If he ignores that, we can add additional charges. He’s an idiot to hit you in public. Joe and Sly did witness statements for us. Saber offered if we needed another.”
“I want to press charges. He’s a spoiled brat who thinks his parents’ wealth gives him rights.”
“Excellent. This way,” Charlie said.
The formalities didn’t take long, and they left the police station less than half an hour later, with Samuel’s curses ringing in their ears.
He wasn’t happy, and Maia wondered if he’d get his father involved.
She’d met his parents once and hadn’t envied Samuel their unreasonable expectations.
Yeah, she’d never told Samuel she’d overheard his mother telling a friend Samuel was playing with Maia and would soon see sense.
Heck, his parents had rivaled her aunt, which had brought out her empathy.
That sympathy bubble had burst quick-smart.
“This isn’t your fault,” Henry said as they left the station.
“I know.” Maia thought back to the time she’d spent with Samuel.
“I think he was telling the truth. An attack isn’t his way.
Samuel is a loner. He has lots of acquaintances but no one close.
His parents taught him to distrust, and he always questioned me about what I was doing or where I’d be.
His possessiveness drove me crazy, and when it spilled over into physical abuse, I decided enough.
No, Samuel came to Middlemarch because my leaving stung his pride.
I’ll discuss it with my friend, Bryce, but my guess is Samuel wanted to end our relationship on his terms, not mine.
” She glanced out the window. “I’ll deliver the books to Laura, and Samuel can take them. Where are we going?”
“We’re stopping by Gavin’s surgery to pick up the puppy. He can check your head wound. How’s your headache?”
“The light is hurting my eyes, making my head pound.”
“Grab the pair of sunglasses in the glove box.”
She fumbled with the latch and rifled through before pouncing on a leather case. Maia slid the glasses on with relief. “Isn’t Gavin a vet?”
“We don’t have a doctor’s office in Middlemarch. Gavin is the nearest thing we have, and we trust him implicitly.”
Well, that made sense. Vets trained as long as doctors did, and while they couldn’t prescribe drugs, they had a vast knowledge of bones and muscles.
Henry parked and aided her exit from the vehicle. She would’ve objected, but her head and leg were aching. Now was not the time to reject help.
“Ah, excellent timing,” Gavin said.
Maia smiled at the dark-haired man while his green eyes assessed her. “Why do so many Middlemarch residents have green eyes?”
Gavin chuckled. “It’s the Celtic blood. Many of us have roots in Scotland.”
“Oh.” She removed the sunglasses and winced at the bright light in the surgery.
Gavin noticed. “Sit,” he said, pulling out a chair. “Your head giving you problems?”
“The doctor says it’s the concussion, and the headaches will tail off given time and rest. It’s challenging because I need to do computer work. Working on a screen makes the pain worse.”
“Your doctor is right. You need to rest your brain after a knock. Research has shown that ignoring the problem or repeated knocks has repercussions in later life.” He glanced at Henry. “There is a drug I could suggest—”
“No drugs.” Maia sprang to her feet. “We have random testing, and anyone positive gets benched. A repeat offense can lead to a contract cancellation. I’ve worked hard for this and don’t intend to lose my contract through stupidity. Pretending innocence is not an acceptable excuse.”
“It was a suggestion,” Gavin said in a mild voice. “The drug, however, would show up during normal medical tests and raise questions.”
He glanced at Henry, and Henry’s cool demeanor surprised Maia. Shouldn’t he act indignant on her behalf?
“The puppy has recovered well but gets anxious around unfamiliar people. She’s easily startled. You’ll need patience and avoid rapid movements,” Gavin said.
Henry’s icy expression faded, but unspoken communication winged between the two men. Maia shot a glance from one to the other. Her head pounded. She’d think about it later.
“I intended to put the puppy in a box, but she became agitated and wouldn’t stop yelping. It might be best to carry her. Cuddle her and speak calmly. She might cry, but Henry, you’re good with dogs. They trust you.”
Again with the subtext. Maia would ask Henry later.
The puppy must’ve heard them coming. She cowered in the corner of her cage, her entire body shuddering. Maia’s heart broke. It would take time, but Henry was a natural. He’d gain the puppy’s confidence.
“I’ll let you get her out of the cage,” Gavin said. “Maia, you need to sit. At least let me look at the knot on your head. How is your leg?”
“I thought it was improving, but it’s throbbing now.”
“Have you tried heat pads or ice? Either might help.”
“I’ve used heat, and that helped. The doctor said it’s badly bruised. There’s nothing broken, although it’s swollen,” Maia said.
The puppy squeaked, cowering, but Henry drew her out of the cage. “Shush, little girl,” he crooned, gently stroking her head. He opened his shirt and pressed the puppy against his chest before redoing the buttons. Her whimpers gradually ceased, and Gavin smiled.
“Well done. I’ve given her antibiotics for the cuts on her belly and front leg.” He retrieved a white container and gave it to Maia. “She’ll be stronger after the antibiotics course finishes and the chances of infection decrease.”
“Thanks, Gavin,” Henry said. “Send me the bill.”
Gavin nodded and held the door open. “Maia, try more heat pads on that thigh. At the least, it will help with the swelling.”
They drove home slowly since Henry couldn’t fasten his seat belt with the puppy inside his shirt. She’d calmed considerably.
“She’s asleep,” Henry murmured.
“Good. She deserves peace and a happy life.”
And so did she. But her gut insisted Samuel hadn’t attacked her, which meant someone else had.