"At least once a week. Usually over little things. Sometimes just because he's had a bad day."
"Who knows about this?"
I stare at my hands. "No one. I stopped hanging out with friends months ago. It was easier than explaining the bruises. And Devin doesn't like me spending time with other people anyway."
"What about at work? Your colleagues must notice."
"I've gotten good at covering it up. Makeup. Scarves. Excuses about being clumsy." I shrug. "People believe what they want to believe."
Tyler is quiet for a long moment. When I risk looking up, his expression is blank, but I can see the muscle working in his jaw.
"What about his routine?" he asks finally. "Work schedule? Habits? Places he goes?"
The clinical detachment in his voice sends a chill through me. "Why do you need to know that?"
"Because I need to know when and where to find him. Without you being anywhere near."
"Tyler, what are you planning to do?"
He meets my gaze directly. "I'm going to make sure he understands that he's never going to touch you again."
The calm certainty in his voice terrifies me more than any shouting would have. "You can't just confront him. He's dangerous when he's angry."
A cold smile touches Tyler's lips. "So am I."
"This isn't a war zone," I insist. "You can't just—"
"Tell me about his routine, Olivia." Tyler cuts me off, his tone making it clear this isn't a request.
I hesitate, then sigh. "He works at his shop six days a week. Mondays through Saturdays, eight to six. Sunday's his day off. He usually watches sports at Brady's Bar downtown. Wednesday nights he plays poker with friends at the shop after hours."
Tyler nods, clearly filing this information away. "Does he carry a weapon?"
The question startles me. "What? No. I mean, he has hunting rifles at home, but he doesn't carry them around."
"Knife? Bat in his truck? Anything?"
I think about it. "He keeps a hunting knife in his truck. And a tire iron, but that's normal for a mechanic."
Tyler nods again. "Anyone he's particularly close to? Someone who might get involved?"
"His brother, Sam. They're tight. And a couple of guys from the shop, Mike and Drew. They sometimes go hunting together."
"Good to know." The way Tyler says it makes me shiver. Like he's planning for contingencies. Counting potential enemies.
"Tyler, please. Just tell me what you're going to do." My voice wavers despite my effort to sound firm.
"I'm going to have a conversation with him. Explain some new boundaries. Make sure he understands the consequences of ever coming near you again."
"And if he doesn't listen?" I ask, already knowing the answer.
"Then I'll be more persuasive." Tyler's expression doesn't change, but something dark flickers in his eyes. "One way or another, he's going to understand."
I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warm room. "I didn't call you so you could hurt him. I just needed somewhere safe to go."
"And now you have it." Tyler gestures around the motel room. "But this is temporary. The real solution is making sure he never hurts you again."
"By what? Threatening him? Beating him up?" I stand up, anxiety making it impossible to sit still. "What if that just makes him angrier? What if he comes after me worse than before?"
