Trying to sit up without hurting myself, he rushes over to help me. “You’re not up for this today. I’m telling him to leave.”
Once I’m in a sitting position, the pain in my ribs and back throb for a moment, but it slowly fades. I don’t know if I’d be able to move withoutpain medication. I don’t like taking it. It makes me feel weird, but unfortunately, I need it.
Gripping his hand with mine, I give him a small smile. “It’ll be fine. I want to get this over with so we can move on.”
Dropping to his knees, his thumb glides over my cheek softly. “My brave girl. It’ll be over soon. I’m sorry we have to lie, but I’ll do anything to protect you.” He brushes a kiss against my lips, and I know everything will be okay. He stands slowly, helping me off the bed.
We walk into the living room where Sheriff Lindsey stands from his chair. “Good morning, Ms. Monroe. I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need your statement for my report.”
Gabe helps me to the couch and takes a seat beside me. “I understand, Sheriff. I’ll help you as much as I can, but I’m afraid I don’t remember much.”
He nods, pulling a notepad and pen from his uniform shirt pocket. “Let’s get started then. Tell me everything you remember.”
Gabe and I went over this, so I repeat the story we rehearsed. “Gabe and I were supposed to meet for drinks at Lenny’s when he finished work. He was running a little late, so he called. I told him I would go ahead and get us a booth. I pulled in the parking lot and shut off the car. I noticed it was dimly lit, but I didn’t think too much about it. When I got out of the car, I was looking in my purse for my phone. Next thing I know, someone hit mein the head, and I fell to the ground. Everything after that is blurry.”
Sheriff Lindsey looks at me skeptically. “Did you get a look at the assailant? How many were there? Did they take anything?”
Gabe tenses beside me and I lay my hand on his thigh. “As I said, everything after that is blurry. I believe there was only one person, but I can’t be sure. Gabe said my purse was missing, so I’m assuming whoever did this took it. I’ve cancelled all my cards, and I’ll renew my license once I’m able to.”
The sheriff clears his throat before he speaks again. “Mr. Layton, you told me a few days ago you found Ms. Monroe unconscious in the parking lot when you arrived. You didn’t see anyone fleeing the scene?”
Gabe covers my hand with his own, squeezing reassuringly. “No. Whoever did this was already gone. I knew time was critical, so I took her to the hospital myself.”
Flipping his notepad closed, he sighs, obviously questioning our story. “Ms. Monroe, this doesn’t make any sense. Someone almost killed you only to steal your purse? The injuries you sustained seem to be caused by someone who knew you personally. Petty thieves don’t usually attack people so brutally. Are you sure there’s not something you aren’t telling me? Have you upset someone lately? Done something to make someone want to hurt you?”
“You fucking prick!” Gabe roars, shooting from the couch.
This is all going to hell.
That’s what happens when you lie.
Gripping Gabe’s wrist, he turns to me, his gaze immediately softening. Shaking my head, I urge him to sit down. He’s stewing beside me, trying to control his temper.
“Sheriff Lindsey, are you married?” He’s confused by my question, and I smile to myself.
“Twenty-five years. What does that have to do with anything?” He eyes me curiously, wondering where I’m going with this.
“Could you imagine something like this happening to your wife?” He shakes his head, and I continue. “Could you imagine law enforcement walking into your home, accusing her of holding something back? Saying it was personal and pissing someone off caused it? Maybe you should think about that instead of walking into our home and being an insensitive asshole to the person who’s fucking bedridden with injuries.”
Damn the hospital. Why did they have to call the police? This entire situation is too much, and tears burn my eyes as I fight to hold them back. Even if I could tell him the truth, I didn’t deserve this. No one deserves what I went through whether you know the person or not. Pissing someone off doesn’t give them the right to kidnap and assault you.
Gabe’s had enough and he stands from thecouch. “It’s time for you to leave. You’ve come into our home and upset my woman while she’s trying to recover.”
“I-I’m sorry, Ms. Monroe. Th-This is frustrating because we have no leads.” His composure falls and he looks terrified.
Good.
Times like this, I’m grateful Gabe is intimidating and protective.
Gabe opens the front door, ushering the sheriff outside. Before he can say anything else, the door closes, and he turns to look at me. The tears I held back begin to fall.
“No, baby girl.” He strides over, kneeling before me. “Don’t feel guilty. He was out of line. If this scenario had been true, do you think he would’ve found who did this? No. He’s an arrogant prick who doesn’t deserve his position. I’ve heard things about him being shady and useless, but now I believe it. It’s over, baby. I won’t let him bother you again.”
“What do we do now?” My voice cracks with emotion.
He strokes my thighs with his hands and smiles. “We get you better and move on. There’s no shadow hanging over us anymore. We don’t have to worry about what bad thing is going to happen next. It’s you and me. Only us. Only our happiness matters now.”
Our eyes lock and my breath hitches. “I love you, Gabriel.”
