“Lemme guess, Mark Rossi’s tires,” JP said dryly under his breath.
“JP,” I warned.
“Why would I slash his tires?” JP asked, aiming his question at Spencer. His partner’s eyes were darting back and forth between JP and Spencer, trying to piece things together. “I’d pay for a brand new fucking truck for him if he’d promise to drive the fuck away from here,” JP continued. “You can tell him that, too.”
Spencer’s lips twisted into a menacing grin. “You have the right to remain silent,” he started.
“Spencer, you can’t do this,” I interrupted. “This is all a lie,” I tried to tell his partner. “JP’s been here with me every night. This is a set up.” My eyes went back to Spencer’s. “You’re going to let Mark make you lose your job? Really?” I couldn’t keep the panicked shriek out of my voice.
Spencer’s face split into an even wider grin, like this was making his whole day. “Ma’am, I'm going to have to ask you to calm down and step back.” He cocked his head to the side and looked me upand down. “Or do we need to take you for obstruction?”
Fury rose up inside of me. “Spencer, you fucking—”
JP immediately turned in front of me, blocking me from their view. “You have to calm down, Ali,” he whispered. “I don't want that guy anywhere near you.”
Spencer violently yanked JP’s bad arm back, making him grunt forward.
My hands flew up to my mouth to cover my crying.
“I’m okay,” JP grunted, trying to reassure me, but I could tell he was in pain.
“No, JP,” I cried. My whole body trembled with panic.
“Everything is okay,” he said calmly, but his face held a tight grimace. “Go stay with my dad, then call Johnny.” He gave me a serious look. “Can you do that for me?”
“No, JP, I want to stay with you.” My throat burned.
The cops yanked him out of the doorway, making me jump back.
“My dad, then Johnny,” JP called over his shoulder as the cops led him to their vehicle.
“O-okay.” I hiccuped.
My mind raced as I rushed back into the house for his phone. I couldn’t believe this was happening.
I tried dialing Johnny about four times, but my hands were shaking too badly and my tears were making all the numbers blur together.
This was all my fault.
This was why I stayed away for so long.
I knew Mark would come for me in any way possible.
And that thought had a new fear brewing in my gut. JP was right when he said to find his dad. I couldn’t stay here. I didn’t trust that Spencer wouldn’t tip off Mark that I was here alone. I needed to get to Herb’s.
__________
“You haven’t had dinner yet, have you?” Cliff asked later that night. “I’ll make something.”
My whole body felt numb as I nodded. Food was the last thing I wanted because my stomach was twisted up in nervous knots, but at the same time, I knew my babies needed it. Hank readjusted himselfon the couch next to me, then I went back to stroking him. I think he could sense my anxiety because he hadn’t left my side since JP was taken.
About a half hour later, Cliff walked into the den and handed me a plate.
Looking down, the grilled cheese sandwich blurred in front of me. My favorite when I was a teen working at Herb’s. “You remembered?”
“Of course I did.” He gave me a small smile. “Let’s eat. It could be a long night.” He flipped the TV from the NHL station to a mystery show on Netflix. “A good mystery always distracts my brain.”
“Do you really think he’ll be okay?” I asked.
