Heath’s gaze went over her head, and then back to her. “It looks like you did more than that.” There was a hint of pride in his tone.
“I tried using the self-defense lessons you taught me. I went for the eyes and groin.” A thought then came to her. “How did you know I needed help? Jax didn’t give me a chance to call out.”
“I’ll tell you later. Why don’t you go inside with the women, while we handle this.” His eyes locked back over her head.
Olivia looked over her shoulder and gasped, when she saw Jax standing a few feet behind her with a large knife under his chin held by Mike. If Jax so much as swallowed, he’d cut himself. Jax didn’t look like he cared, as he glared hard at her.
Olivia felt rooted to the spot. Her past was finally catching up with her, and she feared what Jax would say about her, before she had a chance to explain to Heath. What lies would Jax spew about her?
“Liv, go inside.” Heath gave her a nudge towards the diner.
“Don’t get too comfortable, Olivia. I’m coming for you.”
“Liv, go.” Heath barked, pushing her harder this time. Olivia finally listened and all but ran into the diner. Instead of heading for the women, she veered to the left and went into the bathroom. She grimaced, when she saw her reflection. Blood coated her chin and lips. The right side of her face was red, as was her neck.
Olivia saw the bathroom door open through the mirror. Her friends came pouring in each fussing with her face. “I’m fine.” Olivia kept repeating, but no one was listening, as the water was turned on, and a cold wash cloth was put on her face and neck.
“Olivia, you’re not fine. Your lip is cut, and your covered in bruises.” Cora pointed out.
“This is nothing.” Sadly, this wasn’t the worst beating she’d ever had. At least, she wasn’t being hospitalized. Olivia felt her ribs, and while tender, they didn’t feel cracked or broken.
“What’s going on?” Kinsley asked.
“We all want to know.” Cora added.
“I’d rather wait for Heath. I only want to have to tell this story once.”
“Does this have to do with New York?” Abigail gave her a pointed look.
Olivia could only look at her, as she didn’t know how to answer. How did Kinsley even know about New York? For a former FBI agent and computer genius, Olivia shouldn’t be surprised. “It does.”
The rest of the women looked at them with confused looks. Abigail hadn’t told everyone about New York yet. “Let’s go wait back at the booth. The police have already been called and are on their way.” Hannah took charge and escorted her out.
“I have to check on Ivy.”
“Kathy is with her now. She didn’t want to expose her to what’s going on in the yard in front of the house. Wait until the police take the guy away, and we’ll go check on her.”
Olivia nodded in agreement and followed everyone to the booth.
The women sat around stoically, until Heath came back to the table a few minutes later with Aaron, Carter, Liam, and Sam in tow.
“Where’s Ben and Mike?” Hannah asked, looking towards the back of the diner.
“They’re guarding the guy, until the police take him into custody.” Heath explained, taking the seat next to Olivia. Olivia buried her head in his chest. She never meant for her past to come at her like this. She never wanted to endanger these people she had come to care for. She should have stayed on the move, like she always had. Olivia would never forgive herself, if something had happened to any of her friends, because of her.
Chapter 35
“His name is Jax. Jax Malone.” Olivia informed them.
“Why was he trying to kidnap you?” Liam asked.
Olivia looked across the table at Aaron and Abigail and their knowing look. They knew. They probably knew everything already, but they were allowing her to tell everyone. Olivia had hoped she could tell Heath privately, but it wasn’t meant to be. As if sensing her thoughts, Heath wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
“Tell us, baby. No one will judge you.”
Heath’s encouragement gave Olivia that little extra push she needed. “My real name is Olivia Benson. I changed it to OliviaFrazier, when I went on the run. Up until three months ago, I worked for the US Customs and Border Protection. My ex, Royce Sheppard, used my job and connections to smuggle drugs and weapons through the border. I didn’t realize he was using me, until a few months ago.”
“Why didn’t you turn him in?” Linzy asked.
