The door opened and Amy appeared. She looked as though she’d washed her face, probably dried up the tears that had managed to escape. I had noticed how rough that was on her. She was trying to push it all down, put it behind her. The fact that she still lived in fear told me that it wasn’t something that would just go away.
“Dinner’s ready.” She forced a smile. “Although I’m not sure this can really be called dinner.”
“If it’s got meat on it,” Wolfe said as he stepped into the house, “then it’ll work for dinner.”
“I’ll have to remember that,” Amy said with a genuine laugh.
I stopped in front of her, brushing her hair back from her face and watching her as she watched me. Rather than say anything more to upset her, I leaned down and gently kissed her. I wouldn’t apologize, but I would give her a little space.
For now.
“I guess we should be goin’,” Wolfe prompted, two hours later.
We’d had dinner, scarfing down the grilled ham and cheese in a matter of minutes. After we helped her clean the kitchen, Amy curled up on the couch between the two of us. I figured she’d purposely put on a movie to keep from having to talk. Although it frustrated me, I managed to let it go.
“I have to get up early,” Amy said, far too agreeable for my taste. “Plus, Reagan’ll be here around midnight, so I’ll have to be up when she arrives.”
Wolfe looked between the two of us. “Reagan’s stayin’ here?”
I nodded. “She left Billy. Hopefully for good this time.”
“You think Billy’ll come out here and start shit?”
That had crossed my mind, but if Billy was consistent, he was going to spend a couple of weeks screwing any female who’d give him the time of day before he decided he wanted Reagan back. “Doubtful. Not for a while, anyway.”
Wolfe nodded, but he didn’t seem satisfied.
“I’m sure Reagan can handle herself,” Amy said. She looked at me. “Plus, you said he never hit her. So you won’t have to worry about that.”
I didn’t say anything. I remembered that conversation in my truck. Amy had seemed offended by my statement that Reagan wouldn’t put up with that shit. Add to that Amy’s fear and her comment from earlier, and I was starting to put all the pieces together.
It didn’t make me feel a damn bit better.
Wolfe was the first to get to his feet. He took Amy’s hand and led her to the door, stopping to kiss her before he stepped outside. “I’ll see you at work in the mornin’.”
Amy nodded, holding on to his hand for a second before releasing him.
I took my turn, kissing her gently, wishing I could keep her in my arms for the rest of the night. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen.
We both knew it.
“Good night,” I said, keeping my voice low. “If you need anything, call me. Or Wolfe.”
She nodded, but she wouldn’t hold my gaze.
As soon as I stepped outside, she closed and locked the door.
“Is it just me, or did it seem like she was anxious for us to leave?” I asked as I followed Wolfe down the porch steps.
“It’s not just you.”
We both stopped at my truck, Wolfe turning to face me.
“You’re on days this week, right?”
“Yeah.” I alternated weeks working days and nights. It wasn’t always easy, but it worked for me. Allowed me to interact with everyone in the community.
“Come out to my place.”
