Page 69 of Fractured

“Have you confided in anyone about the new texts containing the photo?” he asks carefully. He can see I’m on the edge.

“No. And I won’t.”

“Kat. This is a huge cross to bear on your own. It’s your choice whether you decide to go to the police. At the very least, I think you should get a restraining order. But if you decide you don’t want to go that route, you need someone you can confide in. If nothing else, for safety. This guy sounds unhinged.”

I consider his words carefully. I’m not getting the answers I’d hoped for with this visit. But there’s only so much this miracle worker can do, I suppose. I can’t tell Jake. He’ll kill Mark. I can’t tell Melanie. She will just tell Jake, who will then kill Mark. Maybe Olivia?I need to go home and take another shower.

“What’s your plan, Katarina? How do you plan to proceed once you leave here? You should have some strategy in place to deal with this.”

Staring at the floor, I try to come up with something concrete. “I’ll reach out to a friend. There are actually two. I’ll see if I can share enough, so they understand what I’m concerned about without having to give them the photo.” I chew on my fingernail, trying to come up with anything else. “I’ll think about the restraining order. I’m just not ready yet, and if I do, I’m not sure I can show the police that photo.”

“I understand. I think that’s a good start, Kat.”

Thinking of Nick, the tears start to tumble again. “Dr. Miller. I started to get close to that man I told you about. The one I work with. I care for him a lot, and I’m pretty sure he feels the same. I’ve been holding back because of all of this mess. I don’t want to begin dating with all of this hanging over me. This could be my first chance at a healthy relationship. I’m worried I’m going to lose him because I don’t want to involve him in this.” I sniffle and look up at his wise face.

“Kat. I don’t think it’s wise to begin a new relationship with someone when you’re keeping things from them. If he’s one of the two you’re planning to share this with, then pursue things carefully. Let him know what’s going on.”

I can’t do that.Beyond the total shame I’d feel if he found out, he’d probably do worse damage to Mark than Jake. I absolutely cannot let him get himself embroiled in this mess. I decide to keep this to myself. “Yes, Dr. Miller. That’s probably wise.”

Gathering my things, I head to the reception desk to make my next appointment. As I’m heading home, I consider reaching out to Olivia to see if she can come over so I can share the latest piece of this nightmare. I don’t have anything except my volunteer job tomorrow, so I can stay home and try to figure this out. If I hear from Nick, I’ll try to stay connected but let him know I’m still working out the sleeping aid situation.That’s not a lie, right?

* * *

“Hey, Olivia. Any chance you might be able to come over tonight?” I recall she doesn’t have a production until Thursday evening. “I could use a friend.”

“Oh, Kat. Are you okay?”

“Not really.” I sniffle, unable to keep the tears at bay. I’ve been home two hours, and even after my shower, I can’t stop crying.

“I’ll be over within the hour.”

Thanking heaven above for dear friends, I hang up the phone and wipe my eyes. I’ll put on some tea. While I’m waiting, I contemplate making one more call.

Nick

Things at work have been busy. I knew it would be, given sports are in full effect. I haven’t had much of an opportunity to reach out to Kat. I wasn’t in the right headspace for it on Sunday after my day with Dad. Seeing her from a distance Monday, I’d hoped to talk to her for a few moments, but Jake intercepted, and I got the feeling he was playing interference, so I let it go. She’s asked me for time to handle this situation with the zolpidem, and I promised to give it to her. I just miss her.

Putting the dishes from dinner into the dishwasher, I decide to sit down and review some of the realtor’s listings from their website. I want something small in town. I’m fortunate enough to have the finances to afford a small home near the hospital and a nicer home on the water. All of this despite Sophia’s lawyers. I’ll consider the lake house down the road but want to find a place in town I like so I can list this one in early spring.

Pouring one finger of scotch, I look down into my glass and remember the night of the gala. Boy, did that night end better than it started. My dad was right. I was fortunate to get out of that relationship with Sophia before kids came along. I laugh when I recall blurting out to Kat that I was going to marry her. Attempting to save face by joking about kids. She took it all in stride. But was I joking? There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind she’s it for me. I’m not daft. In just a few short months, I’ve fallen in love with her. In love with the beautifully tortured soul who appears more broken than I am.

Sipping from my scotch, I hold the cool glass to my throat as if it’ll calm the burn of the liquid. I reflect on my prior decisions. To think I’d accepted my fate. A life alone to protect me from loss. Yet, the pain of losing Katarina would be just as great. I’ll wait as long as she needs.

Kat

“Nate? Hey, it’s Kat.”

“Hey, girl. How’ve you been? God, I miss you.”

Hearing his ever-present adoration dance across the phone line has me tearing up again.

“Kat? What’s wrong?”

“Nate, I’m scared.”

“Honey, what about?”

“Things are a mess, and I might need your help. But you have to promise me you will keep it between us. No matter what.”

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