When we pull into the driveway, I climb out and leave the door open to help her down from my side.
“I’m okay,” she whispers when I reach for her hand.
“I know,” I answer even though I don’t.
She’s strong, though, and I have no doubt she’ll be okay. I just want her to know she can lean on me too.
All the lights are still on when we step inside. Owen’s in the kitchen when he hears us enter. He nods toward me as I cut across the room, leading Brinley upstairs without a word.
In my bathroom, I turn on the tub and let the water warm. Steam starts to gather in the mirror, although I can’t bring myself to look in it.
When I step into my bedroom again, Brinley is sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at her wrists. They’re red from the cuffs.
I kneel in front of her without thinking and gently turn her hands over in mine.
“The bath will be ready in a few minutes,” I say.
She nods, but her focus doesn’t leave her wrists.
“You want me to stay with you?” I ask.
She hesitates, then shakes her head slightly. “I think I need a minute. Just… to clear my head.”
“Okay. I’ll be downstairs.” I press a kiss to her forehead and start to stand—
“Cooper.”
I pause, looking back at her.
“There’s something I didn’t tell you,” she says quietly. “I should’ve.”
My chest tightens. “What is it?”
She swallows, her fingers curling slightly in my hands.
“When my car got towed… when it broke down.” She speaks slowly now, like she’s piecing it together as she says it. “Caleb said something looked off. Like it hadn’t just worn down, but rather someone had messed with it.”
I go still. “Messed with it how?”
“He said something about a clamp and a fuel line being loose. I can’t remember all the details, just that it was enough to cause my car to stall out.” She shakes her head slightly. “At the time, I didn’t really think anything of it. I just… told myself it was a coincidence.”
Her gaze finally lifts to mine.
“But after tonight…” She exhales, her voice quieter now. “After the way he pulled me over and everything that was said…”
“You think it was him?” I ask.
“I don’t know,” she admits. “But it feels connected. And I should’ve told you sooner. I just didn’t think…”
I tighten my grip on her hands slightly.
“You should’ve never had to think like that in the first place,” I say, my voice low.
The sound of the water running in the bathroom cuts through my thoughts.
I glance toward the door, then back at her. “The bath’s ready,” I add more gently. “You should get in and try to relax for a bit.”
She nods but doesn’t move right away.
