He blinked at the officer. Was it that obvious?
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that intentions are always honorable. We want to see our women get the best of everything. But sometimes, in our effort to make their lives easier, we actually make them feel ‘different.’ Incapable. And unfortunately, sometimes our pride gets in the way. We’re men. We’re supposed to provide for them. Protect them. But that means we don’t always see what they really need. Our hearts are involved, and if they’re hurting, we want to fix it. Make it better. But most of the time, they need to fix it themselves.”
“Speaking from experience?”
“You could say that. My Corrie is blind. People see the white cane, and instantly, they rush to try and do things for her. Their hearts are in the right place, most of the time, but she’s learned to survive in this world. She doesn’t need me or anyone else to help her. Some days I think she’s more capable of survival than me.”
“Her own father attacked her. He did it publicly. In front of students, parents, staff, and the community. How can I not want to help her?”
“Help her by letting her do her job. Don’t pretend it didn’t happen, but let her come to grips with it by distracting herself with work. Let her chew on it. She’s tough. Eventually, she’ll need a supportive shoulder. Might be later tonight, might be a day or two. When that time comes, be there. Let her tell you what she needs. You may have to ask her directly what that is because she’s proud. There might be a bit of a fight before she tells you, but she will.”
“It’s going to be hard not to push her.”
Axton snorted. “Believe me, I get it. Corrie still runs into challenges, and she can be stubborn. Every day, I still have to fight that primal part of me that wants to solve everything for her, then wrap her up in bubble wrap and lock her in a tall tower with no doors.”
“How do you keep from doing it?”
“By reminding myself that while she can’t see, it doesn’t mean she can’t see what needs doing and then find a way to do it herself. And…” He laughed. “I remind myself that I taught her how to drive.”
Lucas looked at him like a crazy person.
“She did it too. Now, would I turn her loose on the streets of San Antonio? No. That would be foolish, and she knows it. But I gave her something no one else did. I didn’t assume she couldn’tdo something just because she was blind. You need to do the same thing for Elyxandre. Do something that shows her you see her, not the uniform, or what she projects herself to be. You just have to find what that something is.”
“She doesn’t really share herself with me. At least, not yet.”
“I get it. Things are new between the two of you.”
Lucas looked at him with surprise.
“Hate to say it, but the two of you aren’t as subtle as you think you are. Anyone half paying attention will notice the lingering stares, not to mention how you shine like lighthouses around each other.” He grimaced. “She’s got unresolved history, and not just with her idiot father.”
“You caught that about the military boyfriend and a beating as well?”
“Yeah. Not much gets past me. I’m gonna pretend I never heard that part because I have a feeling he deserved whatever happened.” Axton scowled. “The ex-husband though? She told me a little bit about him earlier tonight, and after we saw you and your friend, while she was dealing with some kids, on a hunch, I had his name run. Unofficially. Took all of five seconds to find him and realize he’s a special kind of stupid, that one. And bad fucking news, on top of it. I hate cops who give the rest of us a bad name.”
Lucas frowned. “Is she in danger?”
“She’s smart, and she can take care of herself, but I’m going to make sure we have cruisers swing past the house as much as possible. We can’t stake it out, but I’m pretty sure somebody’s sabotaging her. A bit childish for her dick ex, but sometimes, when people can’t control their emotions, they do extra-stupid stuff.”
“Thanks.”
“Good. And by the way. What I said earlier? About her needing help? She strikes me as the type who needs to figure itout for herself, and then have people support her however they can.” He gave a little laugh. “And if you’re worried you won’t know when you’re stepping over the line with her, she’ll let you know loud and clear. Every time I forget, Corrie reminds me.”
“I’ll remember. Thank you. For your help tonight with her father and for your advice.”
“No problem. When you two get your act together, Corrie and I would love to do dinner.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
EARLY MORNING PHONE CALLS
ELYXANDRE
It wastwo a.m. She entered her house and set the alarm. Weary, she headed down the hall to her bedroom without turning on the lights, other than the one in the living room, which was on a timer. Inside her room, she dumped her keys on her dresser, then began the nightly ritual of disrobing. Stun gun, issued handgun, baton, pepper spray, and handcuffs went into her safe in the closet. She hung her vest on the back of the closet door, unlaced her boots, removed them, then pulled her shirt free from the waist of her pants.
Stepping into the bathroom, she started the water in her shower, pulled off the rest of her clothes, and tossed them in the hamper. She stood in front of the mirror, naked, running her hand over her shoulder where her clavicle was oddly distorted. Back and forth, her fingers brushed across the bump, memories of the night she earned the injury bombarding her. Some things were better off not just in the past but erased completely.
She sighed at the thought. That wasn’t happening. She’d never forget that night or what came afterward. Her call to Tripoli. The days of living in terror. Panama taking her to a divehotel on the outskirts of the city. Tripoli, Cosmos, Triumph, and Fereh showing up at her door dressed in black from head to toe. What they did? It all could have gone so wrong. If they’d been caught…? Maybe Panama would have escaped, but the others could have spent time in prison. They could have ruined their lives, all for her.
