Page 39 of Redemption

“With all due respect, Agent, if you want me to trust you, it has to go both ways. How ‘bout this? What do you need from me? I’m assuming that’s the reason you came to see me in the hospital. Because you need my help with something regarding your case against my husband?”

Derek takes a moment to reply. “I don’t need your help with anything, although I reserve the right to change my mind down the road. I wish I could nail that bastard with something, but my employer has no interest in your husband.”

“Then, why bother?”

“Because I’m not a narcissistic sociopath? Because maybe I see a little bit of my sister in you? Or, how about the fact that I couldn’t save Bri eats me alive, so I’m doing what I can to ensure you don’t suffer the same fate? Take your pick. I just wanted to help, Presley, and I saw an opportunity to introduce myself.”

“How’d you know I was in the hospital? How’d you get access to my building’s security footage?”

“You know that private investigator I mentioned earlier? I’ve had him trailing your husband. Look, I apologize for misleading you about my involvement in the police investigation, but I tried getting you to talk so you wouldn’t go back to him. I wanted to offer to help you make a clean break.”

Oh.

I dab at the tears pooling in the corner of my eyes. It’s been so long since I’ve had anyone standing in my corner. Yes, I know my family will always have my back, but I suffered in silence for over a third of my life. My family had no clue how bad things were with Sebastian because I cut them out of my life, despite their best efforts to remain close. And if I’m honest with myself, a small part of me felt like maybe I deserved it. That maybe Sebastian’s abuse was my penance for leaving this ranch. For breaking the hearts of everyone I loved by running from my problems instead of facing them together.

I hang my head in my hands, weeping for all the mistakes I’ve made. All the time I’ve lost. For the many things that will never be the same again.

“Presley? Are you still there?”

I sniffle. “Yeah. Sorry. I sort of got lost in my head for a moment there.”

“No need to apologize. Is there anything I can do?”

I nod. “I don’t suppose you know any good divorce attorneys? I think I’m going to need one.”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I’m married to one.”

“That must be interesting, being married to someone who spends their days dealing with fighting spouses.”

“Eh, it makes her appreciate me more.”

I chuckle, despite the gravity of the situation. “You’re a lucky man.”

“I am,” he agrees.

I take a deep breath. “I’ll be heading into town tomorrow to get a new phone number. Can I follow up with you then?”

“Sure thing, Presley.”

“Thank you, Derek. For everything.”

“You can thank me by staying safe. You are okay where you’re at, right?”

“Physically? Yes. As for the rest... I think I will be.”

Eventually.

“Good. Call me when you get your new number, or if you’d prefer to text, this is my cell, so that’s fine, too.”

“Okay. We’ll talk soon. Bye, Derek.”

“Bye, Presley.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Presley

– Age 18

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