Chapter Thirty-One #2
I didn't get a chance to finish my thought. The door to the library opened, and Aiden entered, followed by Gage. They each took one of the armchairs opposite the couch and sat. Aiden glanced to Gage, who spoke first.
“Armstrong's story checks out. Cooper's been looking into him, and he's got a contact with the marshals.
Armstrong walked away from protective custody, and they've cut him loose.
No one knows exactly what he's been doing for the last six months.
Aiden talked to Stephanie Marks. She handled his divorce, and he said she's the best. She's on her way here.
She'll get started, including what you need to file for a restraining order.”
Aiden leaned forward and said, “We need you to stick to the house until we have a better idea what Armstrong is up to. I know you two enjoy getting out and taking walks, but I need you to put a hold on that just for a while.”
I nodded, not sure what to say. The practical part of my brain kicked in. “Amelia has a doctor appointment tomorrow. I need to drive her—”
“I'll take care of it,” Aiden said. “Mrs. W can bring her if I can't.”
I looked at Amelia to see how she was handling the idea of a doctor appointment escorted by Mrs. W but, oddly, she looked unperturbed.
They seemed to have forged a fragile peace over their meddling.
Mrs. W had been sternly disapproving of the fight in the dining room, but just as firmly in support of the note that had started it.
“How long does it take to get a divorce?” I asked, looking between Gage and Aiden. Gage looked to Aiden, and he shook his head.
“It depends. If both spouses agree, then it's fast.”
“I don't think he'll agree,” I said, darkly.
Aiden gave a sober nod. “He did not like my sending him away. Stephanie is very good, but you may have to be prepared to ride this out. If he refuses the divorce, you’ll have to go to court, and that takes time. I'll use what influence I have to speed it up but—”
“I don't expect you to—”
“Sophie, you're family. We have the power to make this easier for you, and we’re going to use it. Don't argue.”
“I'm not family,” I protested. “I—”
“Aiden, Amelia, I need a minute alone with Sophie,” Gage said, his eyes locked on mine, as serious as I'd ever seen them. I found it impossible to look away. I heard the others leave, closing the door behind them.
“I'm married,” I whispered, feeling tears prick the back of my eyes again. I didn't want to be married. I wanted to be free. I'd thought I was coming to Gage free.
“I don't care,” Gage said. “I love you. That's all I care about. That’s all that matters.”
“Okay,” I said. “Okay.”
Gage stood and crossed to me, leaning over and scooping me off the couch. He sat, settling me into his chest and kissed the top of my head.
“Don't take off on me,” he said in a low voice. “I know you're scared to death and I know this is messing with your head. It's messing with mine too. Just knowing that guy is alive and breathing after what he did to you… Angel, it's taking everything I have not to hunt him down and tear him apart.”
I tried to sit up, pulling against his arms. “Gage, you can't do anything like that. You can't—”
“I know. I know, because I want to spend the rest of my life with you, not rotting in jail for murder.
So I'm ignoring my instincts. We're going to do this the right way.
We're going to get you free of him. We're going to figure this out step-by-step. We can handle it, as long as we stay together, okay?”
I relaxed, pressing my forehead into his neck and absorbing the heat of his body against mine. I took his hand and played with his fingers, the simple intimacy grounding me.
“I love you,” I said. “I’m sorry I freaked out. He… I saw him, and it was like a nightmare, but I was awake and I just… I just lost it.”
“I know, Angel. I know.”
“I’m scared,” I admitted. “I could put it behind me when I thought he was dead, but knowing he’s still out there…”
“He’s not going to get to you,” Gage promised.
I knew he meant it, but I couldn’t help my fear. Anthony’s ghost had haunted my dreams, kept me from sleeping in the two years since his death. The sudden knowledge that he was alive, that the ghost was real…it was too much.
“He came back for me. He’s not going to let me go.”
“He can’t have you,” Gage said. “You belong with me.”
We sat there on the couch until the divorce lawyer arrived, not really talking, just being there. Together. Gage stayed while I talked to Stephanie Marks, holding my hand the entire time.
She was brusque and efficient, but the fire in her eyes when I explained my situation was comforting. I tried to ask Gage about her fee and he pressed a finger across my lips.
“No.”
“But—”
He shook his head and pressed his finger harder.
“No, Sophie. I promise I won't hunt down your soon to be ex-husband and kill him in cold blood. In return, you agree to let me take care of your attorney’s fees.”
When he put it like that… I did the only sensible thing and nodded my head.