Page 39 of A Raven Reformed

“Right.” He jumped to his feet and started pacing, muttering curses under his breath as he moved back and forth across the small space. Her eyes were adjusting to the dim light and she could finally see his features. They seemed to be shifting between panic and frustration. Why wasn’t he happy for her?

“Isaac, did you really come all the way from America because of my letter?”

He stopped pacing and looked tenderly into her eyes. “Of course I did. I made you a promise.”

Belle climbed off the hard bed and threw her arms around her friend. “Thank you, Isaac. You don’t know how much that means to me, even if I didn’t actually need rescuing.”

He laughed nervously. “Well that’s good, but you make me sound heroic, when the truth is, I’ve made a big mistake. A handful of big mistakes, actually.” He squeezed her shoulders and sighed heavily. “Oh Belle, your husband is going to kill me, and rightfully so.” He steered her back to the bed.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course he won’t.” But Isaac wasn’t smiling anymore. Belle had been so distracted by the fact that her best friend was here, she hadn’t yet put all the pieces together and a cold dread filled her stomach as they finally fell into place.

She gasped at the revelation. “You shot him?”

He nodded slowly. “Although, it was an accident. Mostly.”

“What do you mean, mostly?”

“You have to understand, Belle. I thought he was hurting you, and I was so angry. I just wanted him to pay for what he’d done to you.” He knelt down in front of her. “I’m sorry, Belle. I’m so, so, sorry. I never meant to do anything to hurt you.”

“Well, I’ll just go back and I’ll explain everything. He’ll understand.”

He looked at her like she was a complete imbecile. And maybe she was. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“Belle, you shouldn’t even be forgiving me for this. I shot your husband.”

Laughter spilled from her lips. Frightened, slightly manic laughter, but laughter still.

“It isn't funny, Bells.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do if not laugh? My best friend left his whole life behind, crossed an ocean, and shot my husband, all in an attempt to save me from said husband, who is out there right now, no doubt wanting to shoot you.”

“I’d say that about sums it up.” Isaac’s smile faded and his shoulders fell slightly. “I’m sorry, Belle. I guess the road to hell really is paved with good intentions.”

Belle looked up into his eyes. “Isaac, you crossed an entire ocean for me. I forgive any mistakes you may have made in the process. Besides, I’m the one who sent that stupid letter.”

“Well, I’m not sure I deserve that, but thank you, Belle.” He let out a long sigh. “You need to get back before someone sees you’re missing. The last thing I want to do is cause trouble for you with your husband. At least right now, he’s only angry with me.”

“I do need to get back, but please don’t leave. I can’t lose you again.”

He let out a tortured sigh and scrubbed his hand over his face. “I won’t leave yet.”

“I’ll figure out a way to make everything right, Isaac. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you some food, and we’ll come up with a plan.”

He chuckled and nodded. “Only if you’re sure you won’t get caught. I don’t want you in any danger.”

“There’s no danger for me, Isaac. Even if I get caught sneaking out of the house, Michael would never hurt me.”

“You’re sure about that? Not even a single sliver of doubt?”

“I’m sure.” She nodded. “He won’t hurt me, Isaac. He’ll rant and lecture and he might never leave me unattended again, but he won’t hurt me.”

Relief washed over Isaac’s face and he hugged her close. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

* * *

That day, Michael only managed to absorb half of what was said in all of the different interviews he’d performed. The overcast skies had brought with them a numbing chill, and combined with his monotonous weariness, he struggled to concentrate. Although, his mind didn’t seem to have any trouble thinking about Belle. Thoughts of her had played in a ceaseless loop all day long. He wanted to see her, to hold her, to kiss her. He wouldn’t yet tell her of his recent epiphany regarding his feelings for her. He didn’t want her to feel obligated to reciprocate those feelings, or at least to espouse them. He wanted them to grow naturally and genuinely within her, just as they had in him.

He was cold, his arm ached, and they were accomplishing absolutely nothing. It may only be midday, but he was done. He gathered the others and called an end to the pointless search, at least for today.

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