I really knew nothing about him other than he took his job seriously, but I could tell he had a kind heart. He didn’t deserve to die protecting me. I feel the weight of that every day. I feel the weight of all the deaths that have happened because of me.
I’m hardly worth it, but I won’t let their deaths be for nothing.
One day, when this is all over, I’ll tell Bobbi all about the brave men that fought to protect her. They will live on in stories. I’ll make sure of it.
The idea that I’ll get that chance to share that with my daughter has my heart flipping in my chest. I want that so bad… but also, I’m terrified of it as well.
The demons in my head keep reminding me that maybe this has all happened for a reason. Maybe I was never meant to be Bobbi’s mum. Maybe, I’m not good enough to be the one to raise her.
“Nearly there.” Ringo’s whisper drags me out of my thoughts, and I blink up at him as we step through the trees into another clearing, encased in tall wire fencing.
I simply nod, spotting the shadow of a car up ahead on the other side of the fence.
This all seems very… secretive.
Riggs leads us through a gate in the fence I didn’t even know was there, and we slip into the car quickly. Me and Ringo in the back, and Riggs up front in the driver’s seat.
Usually there are more of his men, but right now, it’s just the three of us, and that alone has a thousand questions wanting to escape my lips.
“What’s going on?” I can’t help but ask after clipping my seatbelt in place.
“We are going to meet someone, Angel. But it’s top secret.” Ringo smirks down at me, and I frown, because not one part of what he said sounded playful.
Something is wrong.
It appears that Riggs already has his instructions, remaining silent as he drives. To where, I have no idea at first. That is until I begin to recognise the familiar path.
We’re heading back towards Timber Valley.
I should be tired given the time of day… or night… or morning… whatever it is. But I’m too wired, curious, and concerned.
Every time I glance up at Ringo, he simply smiles down at me, sometimes pressing his lips to my hair, sometimes shooting me a wink.
I’m completely at a loss for what’s happening, so I sit patiently and wait, only perking up again when we turn off towards Redfield, not Fox Pines.
We were only here just hours ago, at Caroline Thatcher’s house, and before that, the last time I was at Redfield, we caused absolute carnage at the grocery store, saving Tahli from my mum and sister.
I’ve been to Redfield more times lately than I have my entire life growing up in Timber Valley, and I don’t carry one fond memory of this place.
We drive through the quiet streets, passing through the housing estates before reaching the town centre, which is like a ghost town this time of night.
When the car slows, I glance out the window to see red flashing lights illuminating a sign that says, The Red Room.
My brows hitch as I turn back to Ringo.
“You’re taking me to a strip club? Is this your idea of a date?”
His lips twitch, even as a low chuckle rumbles from the front seat as Riggs flicks the indicator on, turning us into the parking lot.
“Not a date, Angel. But I’ll be sure to avoid bringing you here when I do take you on one.”
My cheeks heat with embarrassment, but also a little excitement, because I’ve never been on a proper date before. And Ringo and I… well, we skipped everything and just jumped into marriage. A marriage of convenience, but still, now I can’t imaginenotbeing married to this man.
Once the car is parked, we all get out, the night air chilly as Ringo weaves his arm around my waist, tugging me into his side as we approach the only strip club in the Timber Valley region.
When we step inside, the music and the atmosphere immediately take me back to Leather and Lace. My sanctuary for a short time.
I miss the girls there. Ariel. Shadi. Martini and Daffney. They were so beautiful and so caring. They didn’t have to take me in like they did, but that’s just the type of women they are. I was so lucky to stumble across them. It’s like the universe knew I needed them at that time.
