Chapter 27 Shannon
Shannon
Gregor insisted that his parents keep Serafina today. I don’t love the idea, but I really can’t argue, seeing as today is an in-office day. It’s also my lunch break and I’m on my way to see an apartment.
Gregor’s presence is suffocating, and I feel his threat even when we’re both out of the house.
My hands shook the entire time I created the fake email address and sent the email to Hudson’s company.
I thought maybe if Hudson gets put on a different route and I’m on my best behavior, Gregor will forget about him enough to leave him out of this.
Not being able to talk to Hudson is killing me though. I’ve thought about going to my mom’s and using her phone to make the call, but the opportunity hasn’t presented itself quite yet.
I pull into the parking lot and see the smiling face of the apartment manager. She’s already standing outside with keys in one hand and a folder in the other.
“Hi! I’m Jasmine. You must be Dr. Hartley,” she says, holding out her hand.
I take it, stepping up onto the sidewalk next to her.
“I am. Thank you for meeting with me.”
“It’s my pleasure,” she replies. “I know you said you were interested in a two bedroom, but a recently remodeled three-bedroom just became available and I’d love to show you that one first.”
Price isn’t really an issue, not with my signing bonus and my base salary, so I readily agree. “Sounds great.”
We climb two flights of stairs before standing outside a nondescript door and I imagine what it would be like to come home to this place every day.
To my own space. Where there was total freedom on the other side of that door.
Serafina and I could make our own rules.
We could go where we want, when we want, and not have to ask permission, or fear some kind of retribution.
Not having to hide my tracks, delete my messages, or lie sounds wonderful.
Being able to be with Hudson without constantly looking over my shoulder sounds even better.
Stability with him doesn’t feel so daunting because I don’t think it would equal stagnation the way my relationship with Gregor has.
Jasmine unlocks the door and pushes it open and my eyes widen.
It’s perfect.
I figured I’d have to see six or seven places before finding one that felt like a good fit, but immediately, I could see myself settling in here. While not exactly home just yet, I’m sure it could feel like that once it has furniture and some decorations.
“The kitchen was redone after the last tenant. It has marble countertops, a custom tile backsplash, and full-sized stainless-steel appliances,” Jasmine recites.
I listen to her as I move into the living room and survey the gas logs—which are on as a nice, welcoming touch. The space is so cozy, it reminds me of Hudson’s house minus the ten-million-dollar view.
The carpet is plush and I can see Serafina taking her first steps here.
Instead of stark white walls or that terrible painter’s beige, they’re a soft sage.
As I’m falling in love with the color, Jasmine explains, “We repaint after every tenant, but if the color doesn’t suit you, we’ll repaint in a color of your choice. ”
“This is perfect, actually,” I reply, following her down a small hallway.
We go through the bedrooms and the bathroom and I already know I’ll take it.
“I’m prepared to sign the paperwork now if you’re ready,” I tell my guide. “I have patients again in twenty-five minutes. I’m afraid I don’t have much credit, but I brought a bank statement and am prepared to make the deposit, first-month’s rent, and last month’s rent.”
Jasmine chuckles. “I like a woman who knows what she wants.”
I beam at the compliment, feeling more like myself than I have in a long time.
When I get back to the office, I pull up my patient caseload for the afternoon and see that my first patient is already here. An add-on that called yesterday, but needed an urgent appointment.
Monica Shaeffer. 36-year-old female. Recent onset of migraines. Social drinker. Non-smoker. Mother of two. Recently widowed. Family history of meningiomas. No scans.
I slip into my lab coat and knock on her door.
“Good afternoon, I’m Dr. Hartley.”
The woman gives me a tight smile and something about her face is familiar.
“I see you’ve had a sudden onset of migraines?” I repeat from her chart as a way to get her to divulge more detail.
I’m completely unprepared for her to say, “I lied. I’m not having migraines.”
Taken aback, I cock my head to the side. “Okay, what brings you in today?”
“My brother,” she replies with a firm tone.
“Is he concerned for your health?” I ask, trying to figure out where she’s going with this.
“Actually, he’s concerned with yours.” Before I can ask any follow up questions she says, “I’m Hudson Goddorah’s sister.
” I exhale harshly and practically fall onto the rolling stool in the room.
While I’m looking for my voice, Monica continues.
“I’m sorry for ambushing you like this, but Hud’s going crazy.
” Tears well in my eyes and I’m not sure if I’m crying because I’m so relieved to hear his name or because I hate making him worry.
“Just so you know, I’m not really in favor of this.
Your husband was the attorney of the man who killed my husband in a drunk driving accident.
Jason Reed got off on a technicality while I had to bury my husband and hold it together for our kids.
I still haven’t come to terms with his death, and your husband denied me justice. ”
My hand flies to my mouth. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Hudson didn’t tell me,” I whisper in horror.
Gregor is always so sure he’s defending the right side, but more and more, I’m convinced he and I don’t agree about which side the right one actually is.
“Hud didn’t tell you because he didn’t want you to think his feelings for you were rooted in revenge,” she states matter-of-factly.
“For what it’s worth, I’ve come to realize my husband isn’t the man I thought he was when I married him,” I offer.
Monica barely contains her eye roll. “I’d hope not, considering you’re running around with my brother while still married to Gregor.
Hudson means as much to me as my kids do, and he deserves better than to be treated like some dirty little secret,” she says, clearly needing to get this off her chest.
“That was never my intention,” I defend myself weakly.
“Well, while Hud’s feelings for you aren’t rooted in revenge, mine are, and I’m happy to help you leave your husband as long as you swear on your daughter’s life that you won’t screw my brother over.
Hudson does everything for everyone around him, including me, and he’s finally decided to take something for himself.
While I don’t love it, the thing he’s decided to take is you, and I plan to see that he gets what he wants. ”
I find myself nodding. “I swear I won’t hurt him.
” I confess to the email I sent to his job to try and have his route switched so Gregor wouldn’t have access to him.
“I don’t know if I made things worse or better, but I couldn’t do nothing.
My husband threatened to ruin him and Greg doesn’t make idle threats. ”
“I’m well aware, Dr. Hartley.” Monica reaches into her purse and pulls her cell phone out handing it to me.
I take it slowly as she explains, “Hudson wanted me to give this to you. It’s a prepaid phone.
He needs to talk to you. I’ve never seen him like this.
Just please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t let Gregor find this and don’t text on it. Calls only.”
My heart is racing a hundred miles an hour as I nod again.
“Here’s the contact info for the top three divorce lawyers in our county. You need to hire all three of them…today.”
“Three? Why?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“Because if they work for you, they can’t work for Gregor.”
“How do you know all of this?”
“I work for the D.A.’s office. I’m also assigned to Gregor’s current case and I’m going to assume there’s no love lost when I figure out a way to take him down?”
I don’t fully know what she means, but instead of asking, I just shake my head.
No. There’s no love lost because it’s all gone already.
I practically run to my car after work. Once inside, I can’t dial Hudson’s number fast enough.
“Oh, thank God,” he breathes. At the sound of his voice, I break down.
“I’m so sorry,” I sob, overwhelmed with how much I’ve messed up.
“Shh,” he soothes. “Gregor catching on was inevitable, baby. We couldn’t stay away from each other and we took some big risks. But I don’t regret it. How bad is it?”
“He hasn’t used Serafina as leverage yet, but I think that’s only because he still thinks I wouldn’t actually leave him. He’s just trying to get you out of the picture. I’m sorry I emailed your boss,” I tell him sincerely.
“I declined to change routes, Shan. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I refuse to give Gregor that much power. Besides, I’m a big boy, I can fight my own battles,” he admonishes gently.
“I know, I just felt so helpless…and so at fault,” I admit.
“Are you still planning to tell him when you get home from the Outer Banks?”
“Yes. And I’m not sure how I’m going to survive the next few days. I just want it to be over with already.” As an afterthought I add, “Thank you for the phone…and for sending your sister. She’s…um, lovely.” I can’t help the chuckle that breaks through my tears.
“I told her to behave. She wasn’t a complete dick, was she?” I hear the wince in his tone.
“Complete? No. I’d say maybe partial, but I don’t blame her. In fact, it made me like her. She loves you and I appreciate that she’s protecting you.” Growing serious, I tell him, “I wish you’d told me about Gregor representing the guy that killed your best friend, though.”
Hudson is silent a beat too long before fighting through his next words. “I didn’t want you to think—”
“That I was part of some revenge plot, I know. Monica told me,” I finish for him.
He swallows harshly and the noise travels down the line to my heart.
“When do you leave for the coast?” he asks.
“I’ll drive over Friday after work.”
“When does Gregor leave?”
A smile hits my lips. “Tomorrow.” And then I remember.
“Oh! I just signed a lease on my very first apartment!” I tell him excitedly, starting my car to go get my baby girl from my in-laws.
“Maybe I could show you on Thursday?” I haven’t fully thought the idea through, but I love the thought of Hudson in my new space.
“Maybe we can christen it,” I add playfully, so relieved to be talking to him.
“Oh, you have furniture in there already?” he asks, returning my playful tone.
“Well, no, but it’s got walls, a floor, and some counters…surely that’s all we need, right?” I tease.
“Shannon,” he growls, taking me from mildly turned-on to release is imminent in just one word.
“That wasn’t a no,” I point out, laughing for the first time in days.
“It definitely wasn’t a no,” he agrees.
“How was your day?” I ask, eager for the details of every second of our time apart.
“Well, the last few days have kind of been a blur, honestly. Just making sure I remember to eat, sleep, and put pants on. Cam wrangled four cups of hot chocolate out of me after telling me that his finger was hurting.”
This makes me bark out in laughter and God, it feels so good.
“Smart guy. Learns quick. How have things been at the fire station?”
“Quiet. It’s been nice to see the guys on a slightly more regular basis, though. We’ve had a couple easy calls, but it’s been great at getting me out of my own head for a few hours. I’m actually heading there tonight at seven,” he says, which tells me I interrupted his nap.
“Oh! Why didn’t you say so? Get some rest! I’m heading to pick Serafina up from Greg’s parents. I’ll call you as soon as I can tomorrow…and Hudson?”
“Yeah, baby?” he purrs into the phone.
“Even though I’m scared, I’m in this.”
“Me too.”