If I say the wrong thing, it could be used against Alex. I didn’t want to speak to the police, and I don’t want to talk to these people. The press is well known for twisting people’s words and only publishing what they think will get them better ratings.
Watching the news early this morning, I heard that some of the locals are claiming I was involved in the murder, that I’m faking my pregnancy so I don’t have to go to prison. It never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be, especially when they’re desperate for a little fame.
“Leave... Leave me alone.” I keep my voice low, but still clear enough for them to hear every word. Then I tighten my hand around my apple as I push past the reporters and cameraman.
“Were you involved?” one of them shouts from behind me. When I don’t turn around, he raises his voice. “Did you really help your husband kill that innocent girl?”
I stop walking and stand rooted to the spot. I try hard to recover from the blows of their words. Hopefully, I won’t faint in front of them. They would certainly like that. What I need to do is get away fast. If only my feet would let me. They feel so heavy.
My instinct is screaming for me to do something, to say something. If I keep quiet, they might think I’m really hiding something.
“He’s innocent. He...” I press my lips together. “He—Please go away.”
Every word I want to say is lodged in my throat and refuses to come out.
The reporters follow me to the car, but I avoid eye contact as I get in and slam the door shut. Fear twists my gut when I back up the car. A man who had been standing behind it jumps out of the way. I didn’t even see him.
I don’t slow down. I need to get away from them.
I’ll go to the doctor, then I’ll come back home to pack some things. Alex was right. It’s not safe for me and the baby to stay in town. Nashville sounds appealing right now. It will be easier to hide in a big city.
My phone rings as I stop at a red light. It’s Lavinia.
“There’s something I need to tell you.” She takes a deep breath before continuing. “It was Jeffrey.”
“Jeffrey? What do you mean? What did he do?”
“He was the one who told people that you were staying with us. He wanted to push you out of our house without looking like a jerk.”
“Oh,” I say. “Okay.” I’m shocked, but what more can I say? I can accept that Jeffrey didn’t want me to stay, but to put me in harm’s way while I’m pregnant was going too far. But I cannot make Lavinia feel worse than she already does.
“I’m so sorry, Viola. It was rotten of him to do that.”
“Lavinia, I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have come to your place. I’ll pay for the broken window.”
“I invited you. He had said he was okay with it. You are my friend. He had no right to chase you out. And you don’t have to worry about the window.” She sounds like she’s crying. “Are you still at the motel?”
“No. I didn’t spend the night there. I slept at home.”
“Why did you do that? What if—”
“Yeah, it was a bad idea. I’ll sleep somewhere else tonight. I’ll let you know where I end up.” Or it might be best not to, especially now that I know Jeffrey is a traitor.
Left with nothing else to say to each other, we finally hang up and I drive toward my next challenge.
Chapter 10
Ipark in the lot outside the OB-GYN’s office. I’m still upset about what Jeffrey did, but I do my best to shake it off before I exit the car. I’ll get over it.
The words I could have said to the reporters back at the house are still stuck in my throat. I could have stood up for Alex, but instead, I became the terrified girl I used to be, the girl who hid behind her long hair so she wouldn’t be seen.
Now I have to do it all over again at the OB-GYN—show strength I don’t have or face further humiliation. But the fear of losing my baby is more paralyzing than the fear of anyone else. I’m trying hard to feel positive and repeat encouraging words to myself, but my knees are weak as I walk down the pavement, ignoring the stares I’m getting.
To put a barrier between me and the onlookers, I pull out a pair of dark sunglasses from my bag and slip them on. If they don’t see my eyes, they won’t see my pain.
In front of Dr. Sandy Rogers’ practice, I slow down to take a breath. They opened up only a few minutes ago, but there are already a few people inside. I watch them through the glass doors.
I consider turning around to go look for another doctor out of town, but I’m her patient. I want my baby to be seen as soon as possible.
