Kim glances over her shoulder, watching her mom until she’s out of sight. Then, as if she switches masks, her dark eyes narrow on us. “What’s this about?”
“Weston Blakely,” I say in a low voice. It was clear Kim didn’t want to upset her mom. So, I want to be respectful.
Kim pales and sways on her feet.
I reach out to steady her, but Emily beats me to it, gently taking hold of her hand. “I’m one of Wes’s victims too, Kim.”
Kim’s chest heaves before she blows out a shuddering breath.
Emily lets go of her. “The last thing we want to do is bring up what happened to you.” Emily seeks me out as though she wants permission to continue. I nod even though she doesn’t need my approval. Emily regards Kim. “We have a way to stop him, but we need your help. Can we come in?”
Lifting her chin, she contemplates Em’s request for a few beats before she nods. She steps aside to let us in.
“How do you know Adam?” Emily asks in a soft voice as she crosses the threshold.
A pinch of color returns to Kim’s face as she eyes me. “Adam is a god in the eyes of my younger brother. We used to go to a few games during the season.”
Emily tosses a proud look over her shoulder at me, and I find myself grinning at my girl before my gaze drifts around the spacious floor plan that combines the kitchen and living area. The room gives a comfy vibe, and I wouldn’t mind hanging here on a Sunday afternoon with a sixty-five-inch TV hanging over the fireplace. Nothing better than a football game on a big-screen TV.
“Please, have a seat,” Kim says, walking into the living room, pointing to the tan L-shaped sofa.
The sound of water running filters out from the kitchen as Emily and I sit down together on the couch.
Kim folds her petite body in an oversized chair adjacent to us. “I wish my brother were home. He spent the night at his friend’s house. He’s going to be disappointed he didn’t get to meet you, Adam.”
It would’ve been nice to meet a fan. I always enjoy when little boys are waiting after games for the team to sign their stuff. “If he has a football or jersey hanging around, I’d be happy to sign it for him.”
“Oh,” Kim says. “He’d love that. I’ll see what I can find in his room before you leave.”
Silence dangles for a beat.
Emily straightens, sitting on the edge of a cushion. “Kim, I know talking about Wes is going to be hard.”
Kim twirls her thumb ring as the color drains from her tan complexion.
I motion to stand. This is a bad idea. The woman looks like she’s going to pass out.
Kim holds up her hand. “Please. Give me a second.” Her nostrils flare as she blinks successively. “I’ve worked hard to remove his name from my mind,” she whispers.
“I’m sorry to bring something so traumatic up,” Emily says. “But we wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important. I know your pain and what you’re going through.”
Kim shudders, blinking away tears.
Fucking asshole has that type of effect, and he isn’t even here.
“Maybe it’d be better if I left you two to talk alone.” I need some air, but I’m also thinking that Emily will get more info out of Kim woman to woman and all. Plus, I want to call Zach and find out how much Molly he needs and when we can meet.
I lean in so my lips are brushing Emily’s ear. “I’ll be right outside.” I kiss her quickly, before standing and heading out to my truck.
18
Emily
“They raped you too?” Kim asks with tears streaming down her face.
I move to the other side of the couch closer to her. “They tried to. Would’ve succeeded if Adam and a couple of other guys hadn’t busted into the hotel room and saved me.” I wet my dry lips.
Everything rests on me convincing her to report the rape.
