At eight o’clock, Connor turned from his spot to look at her. “We have a few options tonight. I know you don’t want to be by yourself, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to stay in here alone overnight.”
“You’re right, on both accounts.”
“Sierra is one of our best officers. I worked with her before either of us came to the Mansboro PD. She can come stay with you. With her here, I know you’ll be safe. I can either stay with her or leave you two here. You’ll be in good hands with her.”
“Is it wrong to want you to stay?” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “If you say I’m safe with her, I trust you, but I feel safer with you near me.”
“That’s fine. She’s on standby, so I’ll give her a call to come over.” He rose to his feet, slowly to allow her time to sit upright. “I’ll be right back.”
He stepped into the hallway again. She heard his voice but couldn’t make out what he was saying. The call was taking longer than she thought it should have, and she began to worry. Had they received news Brad was coming for her? Her mind raced, and she tried to focus in on praying instead of letting the fear take over.
After what seemed like forever, Connor returned. His expression held an odd combination of grimness and relief. Shock.
He sat down beside her without saying anything.
“What’s going on?” she asked with a hitch in her voice.
“Chief called while I was on the phone with Sierra.” He paused to take a deep breath. “I’m never sure how to say this, but Brad is dead.”
She must have heard him wrong. “What did you say?”
“Brad is dead. Apparently, he decided to celebrate his freedom by getting drunk. He got behind the wheel and crashed into Talbot’s Hardware at an estimated hundred miles per hour.”
Her hand flew to her mouth, covering her gasp. “Was anyone else hurt?”
“No. Fortunately, they had closed for the day, but they’ll be closed a while for repairs.” His voice was steady, but she didn’t miss the soberness behind it.
“That’s good.”
His eyes bore into hers, and she saw indecision. “There’s something else.”
“What?”
He swallowed before answering. “They found a notebook with your address in the car. They believe he was on his way here.”
“So, we weren’t overreacting.” She rubbed her eyes, suddenly very weary and tired.
She stared ahead as she processed the information. A variety of emotions fell over her. Relief. Grief. Sadness. Relief again. Horror that she felt relieved. More relief.
Emotions poured out of her in torrents of tears. Connor pulled her into his arms, offering his shoulder for her to cry on. He didn’t say anything, simply stayed with her and held her, letting her express her feelings in sobs.
When the tears dried, she looked at Connor. “I’m sad for Brad. As horrible as he was, I still hope he found Jesus in those last seconds. But I also can’t help feeling relieved. I’m finally free of him. When you told me he was free, it was like all my nightmares had come true. But they are over. He can’t come for me anymore.”
“Never again. You are safe.” He caressed her cheek with his knuckles. “It’s the beginning of a new life for you.”
She smiled at him. Her heart light, despite the recent news. “A life I hope you’ll be a part of.”
“Always,” he whispered, “forever and always.”
