Chapter 20 #3
Owen had lost count of the many times the authorities had tried to intervene on behalf of Sarah Lawry and her children.
Each and every time, they’d been steamrolled by the general.
Not this time, Owen decided. This time would be different.
“I understand.” He gestured for David to follow him. “She’s in here.”
David asked Owen to leave him alone with Sarah.
Owen hesitated, unsure of what to do.
Again, Laura took his hand and drew him out of the room. “It’s okay,” she said. “Let him examine her and see what she needs.”
Owen reluctantly allowed Laura to lead him back to the sitting room.
She urged him to sit next to her on the love seat and never let go of his hand.
Evan took one of the chairs.
Owen appreciated that neither of them said a word while they waited a long time for David to emerge from the bedroom. When the door opened, Owen jumped up. “Is she okay?”
“She will be, but it’ll take some time. She gave me permission to tell you that among a litany of other bruises, she has severely injured ribs.
Tomorrow, I’d like to have her come in for an X-ray.
Until we know if any of the ribs are broken, she needs to take it very easy.
With broken ribs, there’s a danger of piercing a lung.
I wanted to take her in tonight, but she refused. ”
Owen forced himself to meet and hold David’s steady gaze when he wanted to look away. Even at thirty-three he was still embarrassed by the nightmare of his family. “Did she say how her ribs came to be injured?”
“She said her husband punched and kicked her.” David’s even tone lacked judgment or condemnation, though Owen wouldn’t have blamed him for either.
Owen’s jaw pulsed with tension at the confirmation of what he’d already known.
“I need to call Blaine,” David said.
“Does she know you’re doing that?”
David nodded. “I explained what would happen. Blaine will report the incident to the authorities in Virginia, who will arrest her husband. We’ll document her injuries, and Blaine will take the report.”
Owen tried to imagine his father being arrested in Virginia and the fury that would unleash. He shuddered at the thought. “She may change her mind about pressing charges in the morning,” Owen said, his voice faltering.
Once again, Laura’s hand on his back and her steady presence gave him the courage to proceed.
“That’s the pattern,” Owen added.
“So it’s happened before?” David asked.
Owen nodded. Too many times to count.
“Because there was no sign of a head injury, I gave her a shot for the pain that should ensure that she sleeps through the night. I’ll see her at the clinic in the morning.”
Of course there was no head injury, Owen thought. The general was strategic about where he aimed his blows so no one would ever know they were there. “Thank you, David. Send me the bill.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m happy to help.” He handed Owen a card. “My cell number is on there. Call if you need me during the night.”
Overwhelmed by the support, Owen said, “I appreciate that.”
Evan walked David out and returned a minute later.
“Is there anything I can do, O?” Evan asked.
“Go on home,” Owen said. “Thanks for your help.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind hanging out.”
“There’s nothing you can do.”
“Take my car, Ev,” Laura said. “I’ll get it tomorrow.”
“No worries,” Evan said. “I can walk. It’s not far to the pharmacy.” He crossed the room to give Owen a hug, and then turned to hug his cousin. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will,” Owen said.
When they were alone, Owen glanced at Laura, knowing he should at least try to explain.
“Not tonight,” she said firmly. “Not ever if you don’t want to.”
The sudden surge of tears took him by surprise. He would’ve thought he’d exhausted his lifetime supply many years ago.
She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight until he had expended decades’ worth of grief and helpless rage. And then she urged him to stretch out on the sofa and snuggled up to him.
Embarrassed to have broken down in front of her, he rubbed his face as bone-deep weariness set in. “You should go up to bed. You need your rest.”
“I’m not going anywhere without you.”
“I have to stay down here in case she needs me.”
“I know.”
“Laura—”
She rested a finger on his lips. “Shh. I’m not leaving you alone. Not now, not ever. Close your eyes and try to get some rest.”
“I’m nothing like him. I’d never—”
“Owen! My God, do you honestly think you have to tell me that?”
“I wanted you to know because of the baby.”
“Owen, please . . .”
The brush of her lips against his neck registered at the same moment he felt new dampness on his face. He hated that he’d made her cry.
“You could never hurt me or the baby,” she said softly. “Never.”
“I’m sorry to drag you into this. I didn’t want you to know.”
She turned his face, forcing him to meet her gaze. “I love you. I love everything about you. Everything.” Her sweet, gentle kiss was nearly his undoing. “Close your eyes. It’s okay. I’m here, and I love you. Always.”
Owen released a deep breath and closed his eyes. Wrapped in her love, he was able to quiet his mind and sleep.