I glance at Conan, who is ahead of us, sniffing around a tree.
“We spoke to the club’s attorney. She said the police were telling the truth. You can call them and say you’re safe, and you don’t have to tell them where you are.”
My chest constricts. “I don’t think I can do that yet.”
“It will call off the search party, and Mom and Dad will know that you’re okay.”
“Beau won’t stop looking for me.” Tears threaten to fall. “I can’t go back to him.” My voice is strained.
“Even if he finds you, he can’t force you to go anywhere.”
I shake my head. “You don’t know what he’s capable of. He will say and do anything to get his way. He must be in control of the situation and of me.”
I search for Conan because he’s no longer in front of us. “Conan!” I call out. Off to the left, I see his tail. He comes out from the bushes and jogs on the path again. The hill gets steeper, making my breathing heavier.
“What did you mean by being in control?”
“Everything. He controlled the money. I never got a say about sex. It was always when and what he wanted, regardless of whether I wanted it or not.” A shiver creeps down my spine at the memories. “I was told it was my duty to please him, and if I didn’t, he would go elsewhere.” My vision blurs with fresh tears. “I wanted to become a chef, but he wanted me to stay home and be a housewife because he wanted kids.”
I wipe my eyes with my hands and chuckle. “We kept trying for kids, but it never happened for us. When we went to the doctor and had tests, I was diagnosed with endometriosis.”
Elena’s arms come around me, squeezing me tightly. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that,” she says in a consoling voice.
I hug her back. “I’m glad I came here.”
She pulls back and gives me a small smile. “Me too. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
A whine wails from beside us, so I bend down and pat Conan’s head. “I love you, too.”
Forty minutes later, we reach the cabin. It’s small and solely made of wood. It has only a couple of windows, and it’s surrounded by trees, so it blends well into the environment. We are both panting.
Elena has her arms above her head. “I’m so unfit,” she says through loud breaths.
My hand goes to the sharp ache on my side. “I have a stitch.”
Elena laughs. “This was your idea.”
“A stupid one at that.” I wipe my sweaty forehead with my arm. “I don’t know if I can walk back.”
She pulls the walkie-talkie out from her waistband and holds down a button. “Twitch.”
“Yo,” he answers.
“Can you pick us up? We don’t want to walk back.”
He laughs. “It’s downhill.”
“Please,” I say loudly, hoping that he would hear.
“Give me fifteen minutes.”
SEVEN
CHALLENGING TIMES
Ava
