I heard his footsteps walk away, but I couldn’t fucking concentrate. Flashing spots of color blinded me, and the nausea was overwhelming. I collapsed back on the bed and pulled the thin, stiff sheets over my head as I curled into a fetal position.
I’d stayed that way for hours until the throbbing subsided enough for me to formulate my thoughts. I’d remembered it all as the memories crashed back. That fucker was on top of her, and I’d fucking lost it. I don’t regret it either, someone had to make that piece of shit pay.
A knock on the door caused me to pull myself up again. Sheriff Sanders and Evelyn walked in. Evelyn was carrying my prosthetic and I couldn’t bite back the chuckle.
“Um, I thought you might need this.” She held it out to me. A pink-color tinged her cheeks as she shifted her gaze around the cell.
I grabbed it and fastened it on as quick as I could, ignoring the pain radiating from the stub.
The Sheriff nodded at me. “You got lucky, son. Evelyn explained everything. The shitbag that broke in is going away for a long time.”
I stood up and shook Sheriff Sanders’ hand. “Where is he?”
“Hospital.”
I nodded, glancing at Evelyn. I couldn’t believe I’d snapped like that in front of her. What was going through her mind?
“All the charges are dropped. Given the circumstances, you acted in self-defense. You’re free to go. I cleared you.”
“Thanks, Sheriff. I appreciate it.”
I walked out of the jail a couple of steps behind Evelyn. She’d been quiet, hesitant even. I didn’t know if she was worried about how I was feeling about Oliver’s death or if she was scared of me—still digesting what happened last night. Either way, I had to give her some space. I needed to mourn my friend, and I wanted to protect Evelyn’s state of mind. She needed to come to terms with the fact that I had issues I wasn’t sure would go away.
“I’m sorry you were taken to jail.” Her voice was low as we sat outside the farmhouse in her car.
I shook my head. “Don’t be sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t hear the fucker break in. Are you alright?”
She nodded, not meeting my gaze. Her face was pale, and her eyes were swollen. I noticed the bruising around her throat, and I clenched my fists. “Just shaken up still. Thank you… for stopping him. I’m not sure what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been there.”
I reached over to grab her hand but she flinched so I pulled my hand back. Swallowing the pain I said, “Don’t think about what would’ve happened. I was there, and I’ll always protect you. If you need me, call.” I opened the car door to get out but her hand grabbed mine.
“Call and let me know when Oliver’s funeral is. I’d like to go with you.” Her gaze was locked on where she’d grabbed me before she let her hand drop.
“You don’t have to do that.” I got out of the car and leaned down to look at her.
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to be there for you like you were for me.”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
She shook her head, her honey eyes finally meeting mine. “I know. I want to be there for you, Flynn.”
I gave a curt nod. “Alright. I’ll let you know when it is.”
“I’ll see you soon then.” Her statement came out more of a question.
“Take care of yourself. Call me if you need me.” I shut the door and headed into the house, ready to face Ma’s questions. But something inside me didn’t settle well, and it all had to do with the extraordinary redhead in the car behind me.
Flynn called me yesterday to let me know the funeral would be this weekend. I took off from the salon and had Faith and Mags come over to give me pep talks as I packed. I’d been stuck in my head about everything and fighting off panic attacks at night in my room, so the distraction was more than welcome.
“I’m sorry you went through all of that.” Faith fanned the tears in her eyes. She’d been extra emotional the past week, and I had a suspicion that she was pregnant but didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong. She and Asher have been trying for almost half a year now.
“I’m glad Flynn got to him. Someone needed to beat the fuck out of the crazy psychopath!” Mags seethed. Luca offered to watch Lance so she could come over, and she took him up on it. It was weird seeing her without her little baby attached to her hip.
“He beat him, alright. He rearranged his face.” I cringed. “I never quite understood that saying until I saw Gerald’s face when Flynn was done.”
Faith’s eyebrows rose. “Are you scared of what he’s capable of? I mean, you said he just kind of… snapped.”
I zipped up my duffel bag. “Not at all. I know what he’s done. I know what he can do. Seeing him snap was an eye opener, but it didn’t make me afraid of him. I do feel like I understand his triggers more, if that makes sense.”
