Page 35 of Redemption

Eventually, Raven stands, offering his hand to help me up. "I should get back on duty," he says apologetically.

"It's okay," I assure him, taking his hand and rising to my feet. "Thanks for everything."

"Anytime," Raven says, his voice warm and promising. "And I'll call you about Saturday?"

I nod, a newfound excitement bubbling up inside me. "Looking forward to it."

With a last smile, he heads back to the police car, and I watch as he exchanges a few words with his partner before driving off. The street feels quieter, safer, in the aftermath.

As I drive home, the events of the night whirl through my mind. The fear, the relief, and the unexpected connection with Raven. Despite the evening's rocky start, a sense of hope settles over me.

In my small apartment, I shower off the day's stress and slip into comfortable pajamas. The steam from the shower wraps around me like a soothing cocoon, and I close my eyes, letting the night's tension melt away.

Later, curled up on the couch with a warm mug of tea, Raven's invitation replays in my mind. His kindness had been a beacon in the chaos, and the anticipation of seeing him again fills me with a lightness I haven't felt in a long time.

The mugger’s face, the fear I felt—those memories linger, a reminder of tonight’s reality. But Raven’s presence, his invitation, they stand out even more vividly, like a new chapter waiting to be written.

As I sip my tea, I think about what Ruby always says about finding small moments of joy, even on the toughest days. Tonight, there’s a lot to be grateful for, and more than a small moment of joy in the thought of Saturday’s coffee date.

Setting my mug down, I pick up my phone to check for messages, smiling when I see a text from Becca.

Becca: Heard Raven saved the day. You okay, cuz? Call me tomorrow. Love you.

I respond quickly, promising to call her, grateful yet again for the connection with those who care.

The night deepens, the city sounds outside my window softening, and as I begin to drift into sleep, my thoughts settle on Raven. His smile, his steady presence—it’s comforting.

Maybe this is what I needed all along. Not just to be saved, but to allow someone else in; to find new beginnings in unexpected places.

And as I drift off, I feel an undeniable sense of hope—a feeling that’s been absent for far too long.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CALEB

My heart is poundingwhen I get off the phone with Raven. Ruby could've been the person who was robbed at gunpoint tonight, had Stephanie not been the one to tell her to leave early. "Thanks. I'll see you later, please let me know how she's doing."

"Who was that?" Ruby asks, as she sets the pizza she brought down on the counter.

"Raven. Stephanie was robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot a few minutes ago," I say the words slowly and carefully so that she can understand them.

Ruby's face goes pale, and I can see the immediate worry flooding her eyes. She opens her mouth, but no sound comes out. I take a deep breath, trying to steady the shaky feeling in my own chest.

"She's okay," I add quickly. "They didn't hurt her. Just took her things."

Ruby closes her eyes, relief washing over her features for a brief moment before the reality of the situation settles in. Her lips tremble, and I know that she's thinking about how easily it could've been her.

"I should've been there," Ruby whispers, her voice cracking slightly. "I was supposed to be there."

"You couldn't have known, Red," I reply, reaching out to squeeze her hand gently. "Stephanie insisted you leave early. It could've happened to anyone. And I'm glad you weren't there. Do you know what I would've done, had you been?"

"But it didn't happen to anyone. It happened to Stephanie because she was covering for me," Ruby says, her eyes filling with tears.

I nod, feeling the weight of her guilt mingling with my own relief that she's safe. "I know. It's hard. But she's okay, and that's what matters right now."

Ruby nods, wiping her eyes, but the tension lingers between us. Everything feels fragile, like a single breath could shatter the moment entirely.

Ruby takes a deep breath and picks up her phone, dialing Stephanie. I watch as she paces the room, her voice soft but laced with concern. It's moments like these that make me acutely aware of the vulnerabilities that surround us.

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