“I’m going to take care of the other situation.”
“What do you mean?”
“If that animal isn’t around anymore, your parents won’t have anything to use against you.”
“If you’re talking about involving the police, forget about it. They’ll arrest them for solicitation.”
“I’ve got friends.”
“Kai.”
“Trust me.”
I look at him for a moment, but his eyes never waver. “Okay, I’ll trust you, but I want to be involved.”
“You will, if my idea works.”
“Okay.” But doubt still lingers. “What about Jeremy?”
“I’ll look for him. I can’t leave one of my patients without proper treatment.” He’s joking, but I can read the seriousness as well.
“Thank you. I owe you.”
“You don’t. This is what friends are for.”
I extend my hand and Kai clasps it before shaking it.
“I’ll be in touch.” With that, he’s gone.
I close the door behind him, and then I stand there with my hands on my hips, trying to decide what the best approach should be.
Knowing Jay, if I say something, he’ll enter the lion’s den without a care for his own safety.
I’ll chain him to the chair before letting something like that happen.
The house is dark when I open the door, with only the monitor illuminating the room, and the light coming from outside.
“Jay?”
“I’m here.” The words are wet with tears.
It breaks my heart. “Angel, I’m turning the lights on.” Gosh, under the light his face is all blotched, just like Arianna when she cries her lungs out, and his eyes are rimmed red.
Tears keep falling from his eyes, running down his cheeks and wetting his already drenched jumper.
I sit next to him on the sofa, afraid of touching him and making things worse. But when I beckon him into my arms and my lap, he comes without hesitation.
“It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.”
“Angel, you have no fault. You’re not responsible for what’s happening. My parents and Dick are to blame.”
“But…”
“No but. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And if Arianna could talk she’d be saying the same.”
“I’m a whore.”
I tighten my grip around him. “Angel, don’t ever say something like that about yourself again.” I look at him until he nods. “You are perfect, kind, and I love you.”
