“It’s his weakness.”
“For a doctor, it’s not a good one to have.”
Her hand stayed in his, and he knew people noticed, but didn’t care. He was leaving soon, and they’d find someone else to talk about.
They were nearing the rides when a man approached.
“Are you Macy Reynolds Delray?”
“Macy Reynolds,” she corrected him.
“This is for you.” He then handed her a brown envelope, and left.
“Strange place to receive an envelope, don't you think?” Brad said, looking at it.
“Yes, but then this is Howling, we do weird well. It could be something from a stall holder? A gift because of dad.”
He took the envelope out of her hands and inspected it.
“Did you know that man?”
“No, but it's probably just a gift, right?” She said the words again, but he heard the doubt this time.
“Could be, but let’s head over there to the quiet to open it.”
Her fingers clenched inside his.
“Why? What do you think it is?”
“Not sure, but something's not sitting right, and that could be nothing more than my untrusting Texan instincts reacting, so how about you humor me.”
They walked to the rear of a tent, then he handed it to her, although if he was honest, Brad wanted to open it himself. Something felt off, and he wasn't sure what. It could be as she said, a gift from someone, but then why did a strange man hand it to her, and not a local?
She peeled off the tape and then looked up at him.
“It's not ticking, so that's a good thing, right?”
He managed a smile as the tension inside him climbed. She opened the flap and then slipped her hand inside. It came out with a handful of photos and a piece of paper.
“No.”
Her whisper was more a plea. Brad grabbed the photos from her and pulled her to his side. Using one hand, he managed to flip through the first few and saw a set of hands bound, and the next a set of feet. They were tied with rope, and it was tight, because he saw the marks where they'd rubbed.
“Tell me these aren't you.” His voice was hoarse as he forced them into his back pocket and wrapped his arms around her shivering form. “Please tell me that.”
“I-I can't.”
Chapter 17
Macy gripped Brad's T-shirt. Only one person had those photos. Only one person could have sent them, but he was in prison.
“You're strong, Macy, remember that. He's in prison, he can't hurt you. He's the weak one, you're the strong one. Don't forget that.”
The words slowly began to filter through the panic that gripped her. Slowly made the cold knot of fear unravel in her stomach.
“Don't give him this power over you anymore. He's gone from your life.”
“Yes.” She tried again, this time making her voice stronger. “Yes, you’re right.”
