When we get inside, Director Drake is waiting on us, and he seems happy about the information we were able to get last night.
“C’mon in guys.”
We go into his office and have a seat. I’m nervous as I wait for him to tell us if we’ve done a good job, and at the same time I need to know what’s happening with Magnolia. I do my best to give him my attention.
“You two got us some great information, now I’m ready for you two to make an inquiry about hunting at the property. Are you still good to do that?”
Dakota and I glance at one another grinning. “We’re great for that,” he answers for the two of us.
Then we’re getting some more information about what we’re going to have to do to move forward with the undercover operation.
But my mind isn’t on that. It’s completely on Magnolia and what’s been happening while we’ve been away from the radio. When he dismisses us, I shoot over a quick text to her.
L: Are you okay? I was in the office when I heard the call about you and Cody. I had to go into a meeting, and missed what happened at the end.
M: He was arrested, and I’m packing a bag, trying to figure out where I can go for the next few days.
L: That’s easy, Magnolia Grace. You come stay with me.
And I realize that the invitation is probably the one that’s going to change the rest of our lives.
Chapter 8
Magnolia
My stomach is rolling as I watch them take Cody away. I’m not sure what exactly happened once he and Nick started speaking, but in the end he was put in handcuffs in the back of the patrol car.
Caleb is looking at me. “Do you have some place to stay? I’m worried about you staying out here with him. It might not be safe until the divorce is final and you’ve done a distribution of assets. He doesn’t seem like he’s all there right now.”
To hear a police officer tell me this hits me right in the middle of my chest. I’ve been feeling this way for months, but it’s been like no one has taken me seriously. To know he is right now, means everything to me. “I’ve got a place to stay.”
“Alright, we’ll be able to hold him forty-eight hours. Just make sure you have what you need out by then.”
Before he came back in, I’d been packing a bag, and texting with Levi. He was gracious enough to offer me a place to stay, but I can’t exactly tell his dad what my plans are. He’ll probably text Levi and warn him that I’m a fucking mess. Tell him that the man I married is fucking off his rocker, and it would be easier for everyone if I just disappeared. Instead, I nod, smiling nervously. “Thank you, Caleb. I appreciate it.”
“If you need anything else, call and let me know. Between the two of us I never liked him and thought you could do better. There were a couple of times where he said things to you. I felt compelled to step in, but Molly told me it was your marriage, and we had to trust that you knew what you were doing.”
This actually breaks my fucking heart. My own parents couldn’t step in, but my best friend’s parents wanted to? I manage to keep it together as I cross my arms over my chest and nod. “She was right. For a while, I didn’t want people to know how bad things were. Now, I’m more open about it. He’s jealous of my success and doesn’t see it as our success.”
“Because it isn’t his, and he’s threatened. I see it all the time.”
My throat tightens. “I’ve always wanted a marriage like yours and Ruby’s. It’s what I hoped I would have. Instead it’s turned into a huge fight, and I think I’m going to be on the losing end of it.”
He reaches forward, hugging me tightly. It’s not the first time Caleb has hugged me, but this is the first time I’ve needed it so badly. Just someone to give me a little bit of support through all of this. I’ve needed it more than I’ve let on, and I allow him to hug me tightly. When he lets me go, he speaks softly. “You’re going to be fine, Magnolia. It might not be today, might not be tomorrow, but in the end you’re going to be okay.”
I want nothing more than for that to be true.
A few hours later, I’m pulling up in front of Levi’s house. He’s given me the code to get in, along with the okay to put a small fridge in his house. I’ve also grabbed a couple of foldable tables, and I’ve stopped at the store to get supplies for the next week.
As soon as Levi told me I could stay with him, the unease I’ve been feeling went away. For the first time in months I’m comfortable, and safe. At least safer than I’ve been.
Grabbing my phone, I shoot off another text to him.
M: Are you sure it’s okay for me to set up a work station? I saw when I came in that you have a building in the back. Would it be better for me to work back there?
L: No, that building doesn’t have electricity running to it. You’re welcome to do whatever you need to in my house. I’m still remodeling the back, and I’m not doing much in the front. I’ve asked you to stay, and whatever you need to do while you’re at the house is okay with me.
I can’t get over the feeling I’m taking advantage of Levi. That his offer is because he feels sorry for me.
