“Um, Cain, we’re going to need a statement from both of you.”
Jessa cringed. Several deleterious emotions filled her. After several seconds, a calm seemed to descend over her, and she seemed to shake away the massive despair at the events that happened that night. Jessa took several deep breaths. When she felt calmer, she looked up at Quinton.
“Can I come in tomorrow and give a statement? I’m exhausted, and I want to go home and sleep. And Cain shouldn’t have to make a statement, I’m the one who shot a man.”
She knew eventually she’d have to deal with the fact that she’d taken a life. It didn’t matter how evil the man had been. He’d still been human.
****
Quinton threw a questioning look at Cain, caught the look he sent him, and turned back.
“Well, ma’am, the sooner we can talk, the more likely you are to remember the details.”
Cain frowned at him.
“Tomorrow is soon enough,” he growled.
Quinton’s lips pressed together, and he shook his head with a slight grimace.
“Sorry, Cain. The captain wants you guys in the office now. I could drive you guys there?”
Cain pressed his cheek to the top of her head.
“No, I’ll drive us in. Can you give us an hour or two? I’d like to get her cleaned up and more comfortable first.” He pulled back the blanket to reveal to Quinton the blood spatter on her clothes and face from Aubrey. “I’m going to run us home, bathe her, and maybe get some food in her, if she can eat, and then we’ll be in.” Cain looked up at Quinton, his jaw tight and set in determination.
Quinton nodded. “You should be proud of her. She took care of the most vile man I’ve known.”
Cain nodded and kissed the top of her head.
Quinton sighed. “I’ll talk to the boss. Someone brought your truck over. The keys were in it. Take care of her, buddy.” He waved over his shoulder as he walked away from them.
Cain stood with Jessa in his arms, carried her to the passenger side of his truck, and buckled her in. He grasped her chin.
“Everything’s going to be okay, Jessa. I won’t leave you alone. Do you understand?” When she nodded, tears pooling in her eyes, he leaned in and took her lips with his. Showing her, without words, how much he loved her.
Chapter Forty-Four
They made it home within minutes. He put the truck in “park,” turned the key, and then turned toward her as she sat frozen. She was in the same position, looking out the side window, not saying anything. He could see she was still shivering and rubbing her arms as if she were cold, even with the heat on high and the blanket still wrapped around her.
Maybe he should have taken her to the hospital? But he expected that might send her over the edge. He hoped he was making the right decision. He’d see what he could do for her here, because he guessed that at this point, a hospital would do more damage than good.
But later, if things didn’t change, he’d make the decision to get her help if he thought she needed it. He unbuckled her, gathered her against his muscular chest, slid out the driver's-side door of the truck, and carried her into the house.
Cain stopped just inside the front door. The feel of her in his arms was heaven. He tightened his grip on her, bowed his head, inhaling her scent. Visions of an hour before flashed through his mind. Would he ever get over the fact he’d almost lost her today?
If he hadn’t been able to save her, he knew it would kill something vital in him, and he knew he’d never be the same.
When he arrived at the bathroom, he set her down, ensuring she was steady on her feet before stripping them both and starting the shower. He adjusted the temperature, so it wasn’t too hot for her, and pulled her in after him, letting the warm water cascade down her back while he pressed against her front, giving her his heat and as much comfort as she needed.
A sob caught in her throat as Jessa’s face crumbled.
“Cain, I killed a man.”
Fuck, he hated that she had to deal with this. She should never have been in a position to protect herself.
He gathered her closer when her legs sagged, her arms clutching his waist. He bent his head over hers.
“I know, Baby. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Please know we’ll get through this together. I will do everything I can to make this better.”