Page 9 of Beaten

“I just, I feel so stupid. I should have seen the signs.”

“You’re not stupid for wanting to see the good in people, or for placing your trust in the wrong man.”

I wished I could believe him.

We drove the last few minutes in silence. I wasn’t any less nervous by the time we parked; my heart was racing as Iwiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. I was dreading this meeting with Jamie. It’d been hard finding the courage to tell my brother and parents, and ask them for help, and I didn’t think I had enough left over to talk to Jamie.

Chris put the car in park and turned to me. “I know you’re a little freaked out,” he put his hands over mine to comfort me, “but Jamie’s a good guy, and he wants to help. He just needs to ask you a few questions so he can help me help you. I’ll be with you the entire time, unless you don’t want me to be. Okay?”

“Okay.” I answered automatically. This situation was anything but okay.

Chris opened the glass door to the Sheppard & Sons Investigations office and ushered me in ahead of him. I think he was worried I might run away if he went in first. I’m not going to lie; the thought had crossed my mind.

My mouth hung open as I looked around, my embarrassment temporarily forgotten. I didn’t know what I’d expected exactly, maybe a dark dingy office with stacks of paper everywhere, but the SSI office was nothing like that. The reception area was open and brightly lit, the walls were a warm cream color with navy blue accents. Throw rugs decorated the hardwood floor, and a plush leather couch and chairs filled the waiting area. There was a second story above half the office, and the reception area had a vaulted ceiling with skylights. The space was littered with plants of all shapesand sizes, I couldn’t tell if they were fake or real, but it didn’t matter, they gave the space a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Chris urged me towards the receptionist, a woman about my age who was talking to the man leaning against her desk. I couldn’t see his face, but something about him felt familiar.

Then he turned around.Jack. I quickly inspected my shoes hoping to hide my face, and bruises.

Chris squeezed my hand and whispered, “You’re going to be fine.” He knew Jack and I had gone on a few dates in high school, and probably guessed (correctly) that my anxiety had just shot through the roof. I knew Jack worked at SSI, so I’m not sure why I was surprised to see him, but I was. And I was mortified he’d see me like this. I’d tried to hide the last of my fading bruises but was sure I’d probably wiped away my makeup along with my tears on the drive here.

I lifted my head when I heard the woman’s chair slide back as she stood up. “Hi, you must be Emily and Chris. I’m Meg, you know Jack.”

Jack stood to his full height as he stepped around the desk to greet us.Damn, was he always that tall? Or maybe he seemed taller because Meg was at least half a foot shorter.

“Hey Chris.” He reached forward and shook Chris’s hand, then turned to me. “Hi Emily.” He stepped closer and asked, “Permission to give an old friend a hug?”

I nodded and blinked back the tears that were threatening to overflow. Again.

“It’s good to see you again.” Jack said so only I heard it. I knew he could see the bruises on my face and wrists.I should have worn a long sleeve.But it was June, and it had seemedpointless to hide them, since I was coming here to talk about Craig hitting me, but I regretted that decision now.At least they aren’t dark angry purple anymore.

“Thanks.” I said after he released me.

“I’ll let Jamie know you’re here.”

“Thanks, Jack.” Chris answered for us. I was still reeling from seeing Jack but had to give him credit for not reacting to my bruises. He’d clearly noticed them, I saw his jaw clench and his eyes narrow briefly, but otherwise there was no outward sign. Which I appreciated, that and he hadn’t asked me how I was doing, because clearly, I wasn’t doing very well.

Meg, on the other hand, hadn’t hid her reaction as well, but at least it was empathy and not pity I saw reflected in her eyes. I could handle empathy.

“Can I get you a coffee or a water while you wait?” Meg asked as she stepped around the desk and walked towards a counter with a coffee maker on top and a cooler with water and soda below.

“A water’d be great, thanks.” Chris answered. Good lord, I wouldn’t have thought I’d ever be happy to have my big brother speak for me, but today I was beyond grateful as I seemed to have lost my ability to speak for myself. I’d have to remember to thank him for being the best big brother a girl could ask for.I should probably apologize for being a total pain in the ass little sister when we were kids while I’m at it. The thought made me smile, I couldn’t help it, I loved my big brother.

I looked up briefly when Meg handed me a bottle of cold water. “Thank you.” I finally found my voice, as shaky as itwas.She probably thinks I’m an idiot.I put my water down on the counter so I could wipe my eyes.

She gave me a soft smile and told me to let her know if I needed anything else, then added so only I could hear, “It’s never easy coming here to ask for help, but you’re in good hands. I know because they helped me.”

That caught me off guard, she looked so strong, so collected.I wonder what made her come to SSI for help.

I didn’t have time to think about it, or even sit down, because Jamie came out of his office, talking quietly with Jack as they walked towards us. Jamie’s hazel eyes radiated concern as he held my gaze. He didn’t look much different than the last time I’d seen him. At least not physically. The last time I’d seen him was Isabelle’s funeral, when he’d had lost, haunted look in his eyes.

“Chris, glad you could make it.” Jamie greeted Chris with a handshake and a quick man-hug. “Emily, it’s good to see you too, though I wish the circumstances were different.”

“Me too.” My voice squeaked.

“Would you like a tour of the new office?” Jamie asked me, since he’d given Chris a tour during the grand opening.

I nodded and squeaked out, “Yeah, sure.”

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