Me
I let Payton go home early because there was only about an hour left, and it’d been so slow. A man came in wearing a mask and with a gun. I told him I didn’t have the combination to the safe to get the drugs he wanted, and he instructed me to call my boss. I knew Joseph would do nothing except think I was playing a prank on him. Instead of calling him, I called Devlin, who showed up. But not before the guy backhanded me and pulled my hair.
I hit send along with the picture and wait for her. She won’t call me. I know she won’t. She and I are fully texters. I’ll sit here with my phone in my hand, watching the call come through and letting it go straight to voicemail. It takes longer than I expect for the follow-up text.
Lennon
OMG Atlee. Noah didn’t say a word about any of this. I’m so sorry this happened to you, and I’m thankful that Devlin was there. Is there anything I can do for you?
Tears pool in my eyes. This is my protector when I didn’t have any others. She’s always been one of the most important people in my world.
Me
No, I’m safe here. I can lick my wounds, and no one has to see this other than me and Devlin. I have a feeling everyone else was told to stay away.
Lennon
How long do you think you’re going to be out there?
Me
Until the bruises fade. Until the questions about what might have happened at the pharmacy die down a little. Probably around a week. Can you do me a favor? Devlin said he’s going into town this afternoon, can you give him a bag of my clothes and some toiletries? I don’t want to be stuck wearing the same clothes for the week.
Lennon
Will do, but what are you wearing now?
Looking down, I realize I don’t want to tell her I’m naked in Devlin’s bed. That’ll lead to questions I don’t want to answer just yet.
Me
One of Devlin’s shirts and a pair of his sweatpants. Not entirely the most comfortable thing. I’ll appreciate whatever it is you bring me.
Lennon
All right. I’m trusting you because you’re an adult, and although I’ve taken care of you for most of our lives, I have to realize that you’re an adult. It’s hard for me because you’re my favorite person, and I’ve taken responsibility for you for so long. It kills me that something happened to you and I wasn’t around.
Me
As you said, I’m an adult, and you can’t be around all the time. I love you, and I’ll see you soon.
Lennon
Love you, and send Devlin over here. I’ll make sure he gets your stuff. Please be careful and safe.
There’s nothing else to say. I’m in the safest place I can be, and for once I’m not scared. For the first time in my life, I can take a full breath and relax.
FOUR
DEVLIN
Pullingup to a stop in front of the Law Offices of Shawn Cooper, I look around as I get out, checking the surroundings. Some things are holdovers from being in the military for as long as I was. Special ops wasn’t what I set out for, but it’s what found me when I was looking for something to save me after our parents died. Jesse stayed, taking care of everyone, while I left.
I’ve been trying to make up for it since I came home, but it’s not been easy for Jesse to give up some of his control. At the same time, I’ve been trying to find my place, which is why I didn’t think twice about helping Atlee when she called.
Walking up the sidewalk, my stomach clenches. I’ve never been the type of man who wants to be on the radar of anyone in the legal field, which is crazy considering what we and Truett have been doing, but here I am. I guess I’m proving I’ll do anything for Atlee.
That woman has gotten under my skin.
