“She truly was. She slipped me a Bible that I kept hidden in the cabinet above the refrigerator. We never used that cabinet, so I knew the Bible was safe there. I began reading and had lots of questions. Two months into attending, it all clicked, and I understood. God loved me infinitely more than anything I’d ever experienced.”
Connor grinned. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
She returned the smile. This was the part of the story, her redemption, that made it all worthwhile. “That day I ask Him into my heart was the best day of my life. I knew there was no going back.”
“I’m really happy for you, Tiff.”
“Thanks.” She bit down on her lip. Did she stop there where there was happiness or continue?
Connor’s eyes crinkled. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
“I went home that day and packed my bags. I didn’t take much because I knew I had to leave before he came home.” She paused to gather strength. “He found out I was at Anne Marie’s. He waited until he knew she’d be working, and then he came after me. If Anne Marie hadn’t sensed something wrong when Brad didn’t show up to work, I’d probably be dead now. Instead, I spent several weeks in the hospital.”
“I could kill him myself,” Connor growled, wringing his hands. “Violence isn’t the answer, I know, but no one who beats a woman or child should live.”
“Christ died for us all,” she reminded him, more for herself than anything. “I have to tell myself that almost daily when the anger gets too much.”
“How do you come back from that?” He ran a hand over his head. “You are an amazingly strong person.”
She laughed. “I wish, but I am survivor. After I left the hospital, I went to Hope House. They helped me get back on my feet, and I finished my final year of college. They also supported me through Brad’s trial. Incidentally, one of his coworkers turned him in for stealing the pain meds from residents when he found out what Brad had done to me. Apparently, even criminals have lines they don’t cross.”
“I’ve often discovered that in my line of work.”
“Between the assault, theft, and elder abuse charges, he’ll be behind bars for a long time.” She shivered again. “I don’t know what I’ll do when he eventually gets out, but I’ll have to trust God when that time comes.”
“You let me know when he does,” Connor said with complete seriousness. “I don’t care if we live in different towns, and you still can’t stand me for all the horrible things I’ve said to you. Find me and let me know. I’ll make sure he doesn’t get near you.”
“I’ll remember that.”
He cast her a sideways smile. “You better.”
“For the record, I don’t hold anything against you. What happened way back when was completely my fault, and as far as your comments since we’ve seen each other, I understand. I’d love to say I wouldn’t have done the same if the situation were reversed, but honestly, I probably would have said worse.”
That drew a chuckle from him. “If you say so.”
“I do.” She offered him a smile. “Thank you for tonight. Today was horrible and I dreaded coming home alone.”
“It’s the least I could do.” He yawned and covered his mouth with a large hand. “Sounds like the storm has let up. I should get home.”
“Me too. Well, I am home, but you know what I mean.” Why did she feel flustered suddenly? This was Connor, her old friend.
He stood up and grabbed this trash, threw it away in the trashcan. It gave her time to step over a deep-in-sleep Lilly and meet him by the door.
“What time do you have to be at work?” He had one hand in his pocket, reaching for his keys.
“I have to be in at seven tomorrow.”
“If I pick you up at quarter after six, will that give you enough time to get your car and to work on time?”
She’d forgotten about her car situation. “That should be plenty, but don’t you have to work? I can call an Uber.”
“Don’t worry about my schedule. I’ll be fine.” He placed a hand lightly on her shoulder, but the warmth burned through her shirt. “If the nighttime gets too much tonight, I’m a call away.”
He was out the door before she could say more, leaving her staring after him wondering what she’d stumbled into. Was it possible they could rebuild their friendship? She’d ruined the chance of more years ago, but oh how she missed his friendship.
