Page 3 of Claimed
I bring up the footage from my house and show them me entering, then Ellen arriving, and finally me running out after I got the phone call. The officers stare at each other with uncertainty.
“You could have easily gotten someone to do your dirty work for you.”
“If that’s so, Deputy Michaels, you just agreed your witness is full of shit.”
He blanches, realizing the mistake he’s made. Renley taps his finger on the table. “Say you’re innocent. Why would someone go through all this trouble?”
“A lot of people have grudges against me, Renley.”
I gesture toward him and he narrows his eyes at me. This has gone on far too long. It’s time to set the record straight.
“Look, I need to get back to the hospital, so I’m going to settle this once and for all. I didn’t hurt Janet. Her psycho of an ex-boyfriend did and threatened to kill her if she didn’t finger me. I convinced her to recant after I promised to get her far away. And I did. If you want proof, I can make a phone call and she’ll be here by tomorrow. I just need to know you’ll drop this once she tells the truth.”
They stare at each other again, having some unspoken conversation, and then Michaels nods.
“There’s still the matter of the missing evidence.”
“You can’t blame me for your negligence, Sheriff.”
He’s shit out of luck if he thinks I’m copping to that. Especially since I’m going to need my contact at the lab now. I dial Rambo and put the phone to my ear. “Rambo, I need you in Stony View yesterday…and bring your old lady.”
***Raven***
He’s here. I don’t need to open my eyes to know it’s him. He’s finally here, and I can’t look at him. How can I face him after what happened? He’ll never look at me the same way again. I no longer have what he wanted, what he’s waited so long for. I’m damaged goods.
His scent grows stronger and I feel him standing over me. Tears gather behind my lids. I shut my eyes tighter to keep them there, but that just makes it worse. He gently wipes a tear from my cheek with his thumb.
“Raven, look at me.”
It’s like opening the floodgates. He’s blurry through my teary-eyed vision, but I couldn’t bear to see his expression anyway. I couldn’t bear to see disgust in his eyes. He hands me his bandana, slowly sliding his fingers through my hair.
“It’s okay, doll. I’m here.”
He doesn’t sound disgusted. A little sad but…compassionate. I brave his stare and his blue eyes glint at me. No judgment, no repulsion. I breathe a sigh of relief. As he leans in, I grab his shirt and pull him down to me, burying my face in his chest and taking a deep breath. His scent fills my body, mind, and senses. I hold my breath for as long as I can then let it out slowly. This is what I needed. Peace.
“My little puppy. That’s why I made sure I showered before I came back here.”
I crack a small smile as he drops a tender kiss on my forehead. He pulls up a chair, but I shake my head and pat the bed. I need him next to me. He carefully moves me over and I struggle onto my side – the one with the good shoulder. I lay my head on his chest as he settles in next to me and just breathe him in. His strong, steady heartbeat calms and reassures me. He’s here.
“I’m sorry, Raven.”
The pain in his voice grabs my heart. What does he have to be sorry for?
“This is my fault. I’m the reason this happened to you.”
Before I can object, Ellen and Aunt Nita walk in, followed by Millie, Chrissy, and Toni. They gather around us, each one appearing to be fighting back tears. Millie cups my cheek and smiles weakly.
“How are you, sweetheart?”
I look around the room again. Chrissy and Toni have lost the battle, sniffling as tears roll down their cheeks. Ellen looks to the ceiling, still putting up a fight. I break down again, fisting my hand in Gage’s shirt.
“Oh, shit,” he mutters under his breath.
It can’t be easy for him, being surrounded by five crying females. They move closer, each touching me in support.
“You’re not alone, Raven. We’re all here for you…anything you need.”
I nod to Aunt Nita as she hands me a tissue. Gage strokes my hair, trying to soothe me. In the midst of my sobbing, it hits me that I don’t really know why I’m crying again. It was triggered by the others, their tears and the looks in their eyes. I know what happened to me and I feel the effects of it, but I guess it doesn’t seem real. Maybe it’s because I don’t remember what happened, but I don’tfeelit. I’m sad, upset, and a little scared, but that true feeling of violation is just beyond my reach.
