Chapter 15
Jennie’s throat continued to burn as David assisted her into the truck he’d purchased earlier that morning.
She inhaled the leather scent, wondering why new vehicles all smelled similar.
Funny where her mind took her. Anything but dwelling on what had happened yesterday.
Her breath caught. What if the man had succeeded in killing her?
Zoey would be parentless. Yes, she’d have Aunt Emily, but as much as the little girl loved her great aunt, it wouldn’t be the same.
A hand rested on her arm. “You doing okay?” Concern laced David’s features.
She nodded.
“Are you sure you’re ready to go to Miss Emily’s?”
“I’d rather go home, but I don’t think anyone will let me,” she croaked. Great. She sounded like a frog.
“You have that right. The guys at the station plan to take turns patrolling your aunt’s place.”
All these years, she’d made friends but had never anticipated the lengths they’d go to keep her safe. “Please tell them thank you for me.”
“Will do.” He pulled from the parking lot, turned the corner, and headed up town.
They rode in silence for the ten-minute drive. She peered out the window and watched buildings and houses go by. She’d come to love this town. It was small, but not too small. It had allowed her the chance to disappear from society and then make friends when she came out of hiding.
Aunt Emily’s house appeared, and Zoey stood on the front porch waving.
Jennie smiled. Her baby was safe. She couldn’t wait to wrap her arms around her child and thank God for the opportunity to continue to raise her.
Zoey had been her motivating force to finally leave a bad situation.
Well, that and the near-death experience.
Her stomach roiled at the thought of what Kenny might have done to her daughter if Jennie hadn’t pressed charges.
For a moment, she realized what a blessing that final abuse had been. It got her off the fence. She’d rediscovered her stubborn independent streak she’d been known for…until Kenny.
“I think someone is ready to see her momma.” David’s low timbre pulled her out of her musing.
“I’m ready to see her too.” She touched the marks on her neck. The visible fingerprints still startled her when she looked in the mirror.
His hand rested on her arm. “I’ve warned her. And don’t forget, she came to your room while you were asleep. She knows. We’ve talked about it. Everything will be fine.”
She stared into his chocolate eyes. She could get used to him taking care of her.
But that was the problem, right? She’d done that once before and look where it had gotten her.
Broken bones, scars, and a fear of being found.
As much as she liked David, could she depend on him?
Her heart said yes, but her mind—not so easy to convince.
Deep down she knew he was nothing like Kenny.
But letting go of her fears and relying on him. ..
“No child should have to see strangulation marks on her mother’s neck. It’s not right.”
He squeezed her arm in comfort. “I agree, but there’s nothing you can do about that. I think she just wants to make sure you’re okay. Go give her a hug and snuggle with her a while.”
The man was right. Zoey needed the assurance that her mother would be okay.
The corner of her lip curved upward. “When did you get so smart?”
He laughed. “I’m far from it, but it’s what I would want if I were Zoey.” He jumped from the truck and rushed to the passenger’s side. Opening the door, he offered his hand.
She slid hers into his and cautiously stepped onto the sidewalk. She sucked in a harsh breath. Her body ached from the constant abuse over the last few days.
She peered up the walkway. Wow, it looked like a long trek.
David must have sensed her concern. “I’ve got you.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and escorted her to the porch.
She hated being dependent, but she leaned into his strength anyway.
“Momma!” Zoey rushed down the two steps and threw her arms around Jennie’s waist.
David released her and she ran her hand over Zoey’s hair. “Hi, baby. How’s my girl?”
“I missed you.” Zoey’s bright blue eyes stared up at her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, pumpkin.”
Her daughter’s hands fisted and went to her hips. “Momma, don’t lie to me. We promised. Remember?”
She had to smile. Zoey had made her pinkie swear a couple of years ago that they wouldn’t keep secrets from each other. Her heart dropped to her toes. Her poor child had had to grow up so fast because of Jennie’s mistakes.
“Momma?” Zoey glared at her.
“I remember.”
“Well?”
Jennie sighed and gave up. Her daughter wouldn’t be fooled. “I’m sore and tired, but I’m alive and back with my biggest treasure in the world.”
Zoey studied her then gave a nod of approval. “I believe you. Aunt Em and I made potato soup. Your favorite.”
“Sounds wonderful. Lead the way.” Jennie smiled. Out of all her mistakes and bad choices, Zoey was the shining spot of her life.
David leaned in and whispered, “She’s a little firecracker.”
Jennie laughed. “You have no idea.”
“Just like her momma.”
Most women would be furious at being called a firecracker, but not Jennie. David’s words were a balm to her battered heart.
After a bowl of soup, and snuggling with her daughter on the couch, Jennie’s eyes drooped. Exhaustion took over and she couldn’t stop it.
“I’m sorry, guys, but I’m tired.” She stood and wobbled. David’s hands shot out and steadied her. She smiled her thanks and headed toward the hallway. “Please don’t let me sleep too long.”
“You need your rest.” Aunt Emily rested her knitting in her lap. “But I promise to wake you for dinner.”
Jennie closed the door to her bedroom and released a long breath. She slipped into an oversized t-shirt and yoga pants. Her bedroom window caught her attention. She padded across the floor in her bare feet and peered through the partially closed blinds.
Hair stood up on the back of her neck. Was her attacker out there? Or was she paranoid? Heart racing, she tightened the blinds and tugged the curtain closed.
“Calm down. He’s not looking in your window.” The attempt to convince herself failed, but tiredness had taken over. She slipped beneath the covers of her bed. What if she was wrong and the assailant was out there?
Tears dripped across her nose and onto her pillow. Would she ever feel safe again?
***
The next morning, David folded the blanket and placed it on the corner of the couch. The bold aroma of coffee drifted into the living room begging him to get a cup of the mind-clearing substance. He stepped into the kitchen and discovered Zoey and Miss Emily working side by side at the counter.
“Hello, ladies.” He made his way to the coffee pot and poured a cup. Leaning against the counter, he crossed his ankles and took a sip. His eyes closed as the flavor and warmth teased his taste buds.
“Hi, Mr. David. Aunt Em and I made Momma her favorite chocolate chip muffins. Want one?”
“Do I ever. You two are wonderful cooks.” He accepted the plate with two muffins and sat at the kitchen table. “Don’t you have school today, Zoey?”
“Yup, but I’m ready. Just need to eat breakfast.” The girl grinned and plopped down in the seat next to him.
David glanced at his watch. He needed to run home, change, and get to the station, but he’d make sure Zoey got to school before he took care of his schedule. “Eat. Then I’ll drop you off on my way to work.”
“Okay.” Zoey stuffed a huge piece into her mouth and chewed.
Jennie meandered into the kitchen. “That smells amazing.”
David took a long, hard look at Jennie. Her pale face, a stark contrast from the deepening purple and black bruises on her neck, made his teeth clench. If he ever got his hands on the man who did this…
“How are you this morning?”
Jennie’s gaze darted to Zoey.
The young girl raised a brow as if to challenge her mother to speak the truth.
“I’m sore, having bad dreams, and paranoid someone is watching me.” She returned a raised brow back at Zoey.
The girl nodded and continued to eat her muffins.
He chuckled. The two were an interesting pair. Mother and daughter in every way, but also best friends and confidantes. He admired Jennie for not sugarcoating things with her daughter. The ten-year-old seemed wise beyond her years, but that hadn’t stopped her from being a normal kid either.
“How ‘bout I take Zoey to school, then come back during my lunch break and see how you’re doing?”
“Sounds nice, but you don’t need to. I’m sure you have a million other things that need to be done. And I assume I’ll have a babysitter outside most of the day.”
“You assume correctly. But that won’t stop me from checking on you.” He smiled and scooted his chair back. “Ready, Zoey?”
“Yup. Give me two minutes to brush my teeth.” The girl placed her dish in the sink and raced to the bathroom.
David ran a hand down Jennie’s arm. “Take it easy today. Promise me you’ll rest and not go out of the house.”
Pink rushed up her cheeks. “I promise.”
He studied her a moment. That seemed too easy for the independent, stubborn woman he’d come to know. As he was about to ask her about the change in attitude, Zoey came screeching to a halt beside him.
“I’m ready.” Backpack over her shoulder, Zoey took his hand and yanked him toward the front door. “Come on. I can’t be late.”
He chuckled and threw a smile over his shoulder at Jennie then turned his attention on Zoey. “You chariot awaits, princess.”
Zoey giggled. “Can we run the lights and sirens?”
“I don’t think so.”
The corners of her mouth drooped.
“Maybe we can hit the lights once when we get to the school.”
“Yay!”