I’ve let her into my life. I can’t shut her out now.
“Where are you?” she asks as soon as I answer the phone. In the background, Jenna is crying. “Are you okay?”
“You know?” I ask.
“Jeffrey told me, and it’s all over the news. They reported about the protests in front of your house. I hope you’re not trapped in there.”
“No, I’m at the lake. Alex told me to leave town and stay in a hotel, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to go away right now.”
“I have a better idea. Why don’t you come here?”
“To your house?”
“Yes. No one will know you’re here. You’ll be safe.”
“What if the cops show up at our house and find me gone? They already questioned me, but they might return with more questions.”
“Then tell them where you are. You’ll only be a short drive away. It’s not as if you’re running. You’re not accused of—” She stops herself.
“I think you’re right.” The thought of going back to the house fills me with dread. I’m pretty sure most of those people will camp outside my house for the entire day, maybe even stay through the night.
Before she hangs up, Lavinia urges me to go to her immediately, but I don’t. I stay at the lake for a while longer, then drive around town. I also return to our street several times to see if the protesters have left.
They haven’t. They’re waiting for me to return.
I have no choice. Lavinia’s help is the best option for me. I can stay a night or two, just until the people give up and go home. Then I’ll return to the house to take whatever I need to move into a cheap hotel until things settle down.
When evening approaches, even though I have none of my personal belongings with me, aside from my purse, I drive in the direction of the outskirts.
When I drive past the police station, I pull out the business card Officer Scofield had given me. I call to let him know about my plans to get out of my house.I wouldn’t want him thinking I left town.
He doesn’t think it’s a good idea for me to go anywhere now, but I tell him I might be in danger. In the end, he agrees, but only when I give him the address of where I’ll be staying.
Chapter 7
Lavinia stands in the doorway of their guest room. An easy smile teases the corners of her mouth. “All my maternity clothes are in the closet,” she says. “Choose what you like. Good thing I didn’t get rid of them yet. If you need anything else, let me know.” She pauses. “Viola, you’ll be fine. It will be hard, but eventually the truth will come to light and Alex will be set free.”
I smile at my friend. Like me, she does not for a second doubt that Alex is innocent. Jeffrey, on the other hand, has hardly said a word to me since I arrived an hour ago. Even though Lavinia welcomed me with open arms into their home, I’m not sure if he’s fully on board.
“Thank you, Lavinia. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I’ll never forget this.”
She tucks her auburn hair behind the ears. “You have to stop thanking me. I’m only doing what any normal person would do. That’s what friends are for, right?”
“No, you’re wrong. Most people would not do this.”
I know from experience how easily people can let others down, even family. My mother and Alex’s parents are living proof of that.
On my way to Lavinia’s place, I gave Delores a call, but she didn’t pick up, and she did not return my calls either. I haven’t spoken to her since she told me to stay away from the Curl & Lock. She has probably joined the majority and is firmly against us.
It doesn’t matter. Knowing Lavinia is on my side is enough for now.
“Settle in,” she says. “I’ll let you know when dinner’s ready.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to help you cook?” I’m not much of a cook, but it’s the least I can do after everything they’re doing for me. “You’re a better cook than I am, but I can chop onions or something.”
“No, get some rest. You need it.” Lavinia gives me another hug, then closes the door behind her.
I spend over an hour lying on the bed, paralyzed by fear.
