Page 78 of You Saw the Best In Me

The guys threw every tool, nail, and screw out of place while I was gone, and it feels good to fix it back the way I like it.

My phone rings, and I almost let it go to voicemail when I realize Karina could be in trouble.

Just as I thought, her name flashes on my screen, and I race to answer it in time.

“Hi, baby girl. How are you?” I asked, pacing around while I hear her heavy breathing on the other line.

“I’m good. Maverick, they caught Asher today. He was trying to break into the building again,” she cries and takes several deep breaths.

I wish I were there to calm her down. A simple hug would be enough to settle her overwhelming emotions.

“Fuck. Finally, that’s amazing, Karina. Are you okay?” I express concern, and she knows I’d run to her if she needs me.

“Yes, but there’s more,” she stammers, the panic rising in her voice.

“Tell me,” I say, maybe a little too aggressively.

I can’t stand the anticipation. I need to know every detail to ensure she’s safe and mentally alright to make it through until I can see her.

“When the police took him into custody, he had two knives, zip ties, and duct tape in a backpack. They said he would’ve most likely waited for me to come home and attempt to kidnap me,” she’s fully sobbing now, and my heart is breaking listening to her.

I’m speechless.

This motherfucking creep was planning something diabolical and only stopped because he was detained. Thank god Karina wasn’t home and had the police protecting her.

“I have to go downtown and pick him out of a line-up, but I said I wouldn’t go until you were with me,” her voice shakes, but her breathing is slowing down.

“Everything is okay now, baby. Breathe for me. You stood up to him, and he couldn’t hurt you. I’ll pick you up after work, and we’ll go, alright?” I tell her, trying to keep her from panicking again.

“Okay, Mav. Thank you.”

She was quiet for the rest of our call, but I reassured her that she was safe now. We hang up the phone, but I’m on edge for the rest of the day. Knowing she’s suffering and I’m not with her is killing me.

After we finish at the police station, I plan to spoil her with the biggest self-care night.

We’ll drink tequila, eat pizza in bed, and watch our show. Whatever else Karina wants, she’ll have.

It’s all about her tonight, and I will remind her how incredibly brave she is.

KARINA

I’m cutting a sweet older man’s hair when my phone rings with back-to-back calls. He’s chatting about his seven grandchildren, giving me every detail about his visits with them.

I love it when the older clients chit-chat with me while I work. They have the best stories.

I hate to rush him out of my chair, but I need to know that it’s not my mom or Mav with some emergency.

Instead, it’s a number I don’t recognize, and I dial it back, terrified of who is on the other line.

“Hello?” I answer, my voice trembling.

“Is this Karina Collins?” a man asks, and he sounds older.

“Yes, it is. Whom am I speaking with?” I step outside the back door where some of the ladies smoke, leaning against the wall and begging the sky to help me.

“I’m a detective with the Forest Falls Police Department. I’m calling to notify you that a suspect you filed a report against has been placed into custody,” the voice sounds monotone, as if he’s reading a script.

The words float around my mind, and I can’t quite grasp the severity of what he’s saying. I’ve dreamed of hearing this, and I feel like the air has been ripped out of my lungs.