“Good. You did great, MacKenzie. I appreciate you talking to me—I know you’re hurting. Do you have any questions for me?”
“Where’s Bobby? Was he hurt?” I don’t remember much after the whole thing happened. Bobby called 9-1-1, and whenthe paramedics came, they took me in an ambulance. I assumed Bobby would be here too. Is he here?”
“He was taken into police custody.”
“What? Why?”
“He was holding a knife. We assume it was the knife that was used on you.”
“He didn’t have a knife. Hesavedme,” I squeak. “He saved me,” I say, getting more agitated. I’m panicking and starting to hyperventilate. “He saved me,” I shout this time. “He shouldn’t be in jail!” Tears are streaming down my face.
“Shh, it’s okay, MacKenzie. It’s going to be okay. We’re taking his statement, and then I’m sure he’ll be released. Please don’t worry. I’m heading there now, and I’ll take care of it, okay, honey?”
The sobs are causing my entire body to shake. It won’t stop.
“MacKenzie? Did you hear me? I promise he’ll be out tonight. Okay?”
Detective Flynn attempts to calm me down, but it’s not working. “Where’s Sam? I need Sam.” I really need him.
“I’ll get him for you.” He steps out of my little room in the ER, and I do my best to get my breathing under control. It’s not easy.
I hear the curtain slide open, and I lift my head. “Sam?” I gasp when I see him. The feeling of relief is overwhelming. This has shaken me to the core. I tried to stay calm with the police, but I start to fall to tiny pieces when I see Sam. Because this man will keep me safe—and I haven’t felt completely safe since Pops died. Sam makes me feel like Pops did. I could count on him no matter what happened to me. Pops would be so happy I’ve got someone like him in my life. Even if it ends up as friendship only, I have the unshakeable feeling that he’ll look out for me.
I release the sob to end all sobs all while holding my one good arm up. Asking for Sam to come to me. To hold me.
“Jesus, sweetheart.” He moves fast. He carefully wraps his arms around me, kissing my face, my neck, the top of my head. “I was so scared. Worried, baby,” he whispers between kisses.
“Me too, Sam.” I’m taking in gulps of air, attempting to get myself under control.
“How’re you doing? Really,” he says in a soft voice.
“Better now that you’re here.” The tears drip down my face. As soon as he walked into the room, I gave in and let it all out. “I was so scared, Sam.” The tears gush. “Wh-wh-why would someone want to hurt me?” I stutter.
With his arm still holding me, he carefully sits on the bed on my good side. Careful not to cause me pain, his right hand slides up to touch my cheek. Pushing my hair back behind my ear, he kisses me gently even though it’s a tear-soaked kiss. “Baby, shhh, it’s going to be okay. I promise you. No one will ever hurt you again.”
I choke up again at his confident words.
“Oh, sweetheart. It’s my fault. I should have had a car pick you up. I never fathomed you would walk to the stadium. I’m so sorry, baby. So sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. How could it be your fault? I didn’t even tell you I was coming to the concert for sure,” I blubber.
“I should have taken better care of you.”
“Stop, Sam. Please? It’s not your fault. I should have been more careful.”
He leans down and gives me the sweetest kiss I’ve ever had. “I’m just glad you’re going to be all right, MacKenzie. I’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you ever again.”
I don’t know how he can keep bad things from happening, but I like the sound of his statement. “Bobby.”
Sam’s eyes narrow. “What about him?” he asks angrily.
“He saved my life, Sam. He saved my life.”
Sam’s face changes from angry to confused. “He saved you? I don’t think….”
“He attacked the guy with the knife. Sam. Bobby saved me,” I say pleadingly. “He sa-saved my life.” Sobs start up again. “The po-police arrested him, Sam. If it weren’t for him, I’d be d-dead now. I know it. Please be sure they let him g-go.” I hiccup as I attempt to calm myself down. “Please? Help him?”
“All right, baby. I’ll take care of it.” Sam leans down and kisses my lips again. “I’ll take care of it.”
