I’m walking up the steps tofinallyfile a report and tell the police my story. After I had some time to process, I’m grateful Sheila came to see me. We won’t be best friends anytime soon,but I was ultimately glad to know she got out and worked hard to get her life together. And if she’s brave enough to go after Daryl, so can I.
Gran would want me to.
I can admit I’m terrified, but I know I’m making the right decision.
The officer at the front desk gives me a look when I give him my name, but not in a cruel way. I’m sure they all know why I’m here—my father has hurt a lot of people, a lot of families, in this county. I can’t blame them for harboring anger for him and wanting a bad actor out of their community.
Sheriff Young and Detective Wilson lead me back to a conference room where they walk me though filing a police report.
“How long has this been going on?” Wilson asks.
“He never contacted me from age nine to eighteen. We have no relationship. But since I started college, he’s always kept his thumb on me.” I clear my throat. “Then, when I got hired at the hospital, he started asking for money. At first, I refused, but he threatened people I love—threatened me. He told me things he could only know if he had been following me, watching me. This summer he threatened the man who was living with me, Trey.”
Sheriff Young nods, remembering Trey’s truck.
“I got scared after his truck was vandalized and kicked him out for his safety. I’ve always tried to lay low, stay off Daryl’s radar, but I’m tired of living in fear.” I struggle to find the words.
Wilson takes notes as Sheriff Young says, “We’re here to help you, Jessie. We have a solid case against him for other things, but you have grounds to press charges for extortion. We can also file for a restraining order.”
“Okay, yes. Let’s do that. I’m sorry I refused to talk to you before. I was scared—I still am scared. I’m going to stay at the Diamond Hart Ranch until he’s arrested.”
“I think that’s wise,” Wilson says. “We’ll get the necessary paperwork done and arrest him as soon as we’re confident we have enough to succeed in a trial. We’ll let you know when it’s safe to return home. Daryl is a dangerous man. Our office has been trying to build a case against him for years. Thank you for your cooperation and your help.” Detective Wilson is far more understanding and kind than the day outside my house. It makes me uncomfortable thinking it’s because of pity, but if he’ll get my father sent to prison, it’s worth it.
They collect text messages and call records from my phone while we finish the interview and paperwork. I’ve arranged for bank records to be sent over this afternoon. Then, that’s it—I’m done.
Sheriff Young walks me out. I’m digging around in my purse for my keys when I notice I forgot my book. “You heading straight to the ranch?”
“Looks like I forgot something at home, so I’ll swing by to grab it, then head straight there.”
He nods. “Be safe. Call us if you see or hear from him.”
“Will do. Thanks for everything.”
I make the short drive back to the house and leave my car running while I jog inside to grab my book.
Maybe I should grab a couple. It might take the department a few days to arrest him, and I don’t want to run out of distractions while I wait.
I sit on the floor in my bedroom, to look through my bookshelf for my next couple of reads.
Slam!
What the fuck?
Heavy footsteps draw closer through the hallway. My house is so small, I only have time to stand before my bedroom door is thrown wide open.
Daryl’s angry form fills the doorway.
No. How did he find out so fast? I just got home. It’s only been twenty minutes.
“You fucking bitch!” he spits, lunging for me.
I scramble across my bed, narrowly avoiding his grasp. He’s between me and the door, now. I have nowhere to go.
“You think you can rat me out and avoid consequences? I warned you! I fuckin’ warned you what would happen if you crossed me.”
I don’t reply; I have no reply. He did warn me, but I got brave to believe I could escape him. My heart is pounding so fast I think I might pass out. I need to calm down and breathe.
He grabs my bookshelf and forces it over. A lamp breaks, and I use it as my opportunity to escape. I dart for the door, but he’s too close. His fist latches onto my hair, and he slams me into the wall.
