Page 21 of Vengeful Pawn

“Have you guys thought about where you’ll live? If you’ll live together?” She pops a fry into her mouth, lessening the pressure on the answer.

“He’s mentioned wanting to live together, but not where.” Sipping on my lavender tea seems to help with the nausea. “I own my home in Mobile, and he rents his apartment, but I could never ask him to leave his family. That would be unfair. Especially when there are so many of you to support him and love the baby. I just have my brother and the guys in his club.”

“This is true, however…” Talia pauses until I look up from the computer. “However, you should be where you feel the most comfortable and supported. Considering the baby, this is a decision for you to make that works best for the two of you.”I hadn’t thought about it like that.“I want you to know, we will be there for you as much as you want, need, or allow. You’re family now. Even if you and Hendrix don’t find a path together, we are all in your corner, as well. You’re not alone, Mia.”

Tears sting my eyes, and Talia pulls me in for a lengthy hug filled with all the promises she’s just made. “Thank you. I can’t express how much that means to me.”

We spend a few more hours at her family home, shopping online, before receiving a call from the sisters that this family helped me find a new home for.

“Miss MiaBella?” The younger girl's scared voice makes me sit up straighter.

“Coral, are you okay? Where’s Charlotte?” They’re nearly inseparable.

“There’s a man here. I thought you said no men?” The two girls spent years being assaulted by men in their home. Their fear can be all-consuming when it comes to strangers. “Charlotte went shopping with Miss Emily so we can make a seafood boil.”

There’s no time to ask her why she didn’t go because I hear banging on the other end, followed by masculine shouting.

“Is anyone there, Coral?” Running for the front door, I grab Hendrix’s truck keys on my way. “Are you alone?”

“I’m alone,” she responds. “I wasn’t feeling good. Everyone went to the store.” Her tone is terrifying.

“Mia, wait!” Talia races after me. “I’ll get the boys out there; you shouldn’t go.” Her eyes are on my belly.

“I’m sorry,” I say while getting in the truck and peeling out of the driveway at full speed. “Talk to me, Coral. Are you hiding?”

“No,” she whispers, but the yelling has stopped.

“Where are you?”

“Upstairs in my room.”

“Lock the door, shove something in front of it, and hide in the bathroom.” One thing we’ve always done is make sure all the rooms have their own washrooms. “Lock that door, too, and hide in the tub.

“Yes, Miss Mia.” There are sounds of shuffling around before she comes back. “I did it.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes. Hang on, sweetheart.”

Never in my life have I driven so recklessly. Blowing through stop signs, ignoring yellow lights, weaving in and out of cars who just aren’t going fast enough. But I can’t fail this girl when she’s already been carelessly tossed aside by the system. I’m the line in the sand, and I refuse to allow her to be another statistic.

The street is quiet as I slow down a few houses away, coming to a stop. Quietly, I get out but don’t lock the truck door. The keys in my hand are woven between my fingers as a weapon should I need it.

“Coral, are you still there?” I had put the phone down while driving, not to be even more distracted.

“Yes.” She’s barely audible.

“I’m here. Stay where you are, I’m coming to you.”

She makes a sound of agreement as I walk up the path to the house. The door is busted open, and there’s a mess of brokenfurniture and potted plants as I enter. Dread makes each step feel like lead.

I should call Hendrix. Every instinct tells me to contact him, but he’s gone up to Mobile to deal with Jeff and wouldn’t be able to do anything, anyway. I must do this for Coral.

Talia has called the police, and listening carefully, I hear sirens in the distance. They’ll be here soon.

“Hello!” I call out, staying near the door. “Whoever you are, the police are on their way. Now is the time to leave.” A crashing sound comes from upstairs, but it’s on the opposite side of the house from where Coral is, so I remain in place.

Sirens get closer, and I make a move to the staircase, wincing when one of the floorboards creaks. It’s not like the person doesn’t already know where I am. I just don’t want to give myself away too much.

Footsteps thunder from upstairs before the man comes barreling down, almost like he’s flying. I have no chance to move before his hand clasps around my throat, pinning me to the wall behind where the front door used to be.

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