Chapter 12
Outside, the wind rustledthrough the trees, brushing the limbs against the corner of the house like a whisper in the quiet.Inside, Leigh's soft, steady breathing as she slept underneath the blanket on the couch.
Annie sat at the end of the sofa, legs tucked beneath her, one hand resting gently on her sister's knee.While the house was furnished with the bare necessities, even beds in the two rooms, there was no television, no radio, or any way to entertain themselves except for the phone Hunter gave her.She stared at the screen and wished she could remember her bank password.No matter how many times she closed her eyes and tapped the on-screen keyboard with her thumb, her muscle memory failed her.
The second she stepped into the house to get her sister, Jason had taken her purse and phone, which stored all her passwords.Now, she was locked out of everything.
It took hours for Leigh to settle after they'd eaten grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.Even the slightest activity tired her sister out, including eating.She wasn't sure whether it was physical activities or mental stress that affected her more.But she had to admit, every day away from Jason, her sister was beginning to look more like herself, even with the bruises.
She sighed heavily.The day crept by without anything to do but watch Leigh sleep.
Her sister stirred.Leigh tended to push the outside world away when she closed her eyes, but there were things they needed to discuss that couldn't be put off any longer.
Leigh lifted her head, looking around as if she had to remind herself of where they were staying.She wasn't at home.Jason wasn't here.
Annie cleared her throat and whispered, "We need to talk about what we're going to do."
Leigh's fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the blanket.
"We can't stay here forever, sis.We need a plan."Annie raked her teeth over her bottom lip."I know you don't feel good, but we need to prepare for everything."
If she had prepared herself for what she'd find when she arrived at her sister's house, they wouldn't be in this mess now.The best she could do was plan several escape routes and be ready.
Leigh exhaled slowly."There is no plan.Not one that works.Everything I've tried has failed.He will find me.He always does."
Annie turned to her."There has to be a way.I'm here now.We'll figure out a way for you to be free of him."
Leigh's eyes were distant."You don't understand.Jason's not the angry guy who will soon forget about me.He's a cop.He knows how to find people.He knows how to make things disappear.He has hundreds of law enforcement brothers who will do him a favor."
Annie's stomach twisted."Then we disappear better."
"You make it sound so easy.It takes money to survive.It takes money to leave.It takes money to do anything."Leigh gave a bitter laugh."I don't even have access to Jason's money."
When she found out that Leigh was no longer working and had to ask Jason for money to get anything, food, clothes, or to pay the bills, it made her sick.Her sister had always worked since she turned sixteen.She was an independent woman.Someone Annie admired and modeled herself after.
The sad part was that Jason held money over Leigh's head, taunting her.She had to ask him for the most basic things like tampons and toothpaste.He never let her forget how much money she spent.
"It won't be easy," admitted Annie."But it's not impossible.We're not staying in this nightmare.I won't let him hurt you again."
Leigh's gaze turned glassy."You don't get it.His abuse didn't start with fists.It started with words.With questions."
Annie's breath caught.They hadn't done much talking when they were alone at the house because Jason tormented them.Leigh battled headaches and was in constant pain.All her questions had to wait until now.
"When did he start abusing you?"
Leigh hesitated."Before we were married."
