Page 6 of Until Landon
He shuts the door.
“Okay. Do whatever feels right. But wouldn’t it be better to stay with a friend?”
I lower my hands and firmly stand by the decision.
“No. I don’t want to have to repeat the story tonight. Anyway, I’d have to wake up the dead. Everyone I know is drunk and probably passed out by now. I just want to go to sleep. The hotel will work fine.”
He considers my words for a few beats. His head turns my way, but my eyes stay straight ahead. It does not stop him from trying to help the girl who has misplaced her bravery.
“What about this. I’m staying with my Dad while I’m in town. He has a very secure compound because of the dogs he fosters and the motorcycles he owns. The locked gates keep people out and animals in. There is an alarm system. You could stay with us for the night and feel secure.”
In the few seconds I have to consider the offer, I weigh the giant pro and lack of cons.
“I don’t know. How will he feel about you offering his home to a stranger?”
He chuckles. “Are you kidding? No man or woman is a stranger to Ronnie Podesta.”
There is no follow up question, so he continues the sales pitch.
“There is a comfortable bed and private bathroom. I think you should say yes. Have one good night’s sleep and tomorrow everything will look better.”
I know what he says is true. The clinic has cared for his dogs, and July speaks highly of the father and son. I shouldn’t get massacred in my bed. And I would have the protection of two able bodied men if needed. Landon already proved he is capable. Maybe the best bet is to sleep in this virtual stranger’s house.
When I don’t argue the point he takes control.
“Good. I’ll let him know we are coming.”
Grabbing his phone, Landon sends a quick text to his father before I can voice any more hesitations.
“Done. Want to get anything from your house?”
My head turns and takes in the formerly safe haven of home.
“No. I can sleep in these clothes.”
“I think we can find a big t-shirt or something.”
He returns the flashlight, starts the truck and pulls away from the house. A sense of relief comes over me and I take a calming breath.
“Thanks, Landon. You are very kind.”
“This night will fade. You just need a little distance.”
He understands. I know more about his family’s drama than he realizes. Dominique told Maxen and I about the kidnapping that had happened years ago. How Ronnie and the guys rescued his sister. Now it makes an even bigger impression because my idea of being afraid has grown. And I don’t even know how it must feel to actually be taken. The horror of having no control over your life.Stop living what did not happen!
“Try to think of something else. I know it’s hard.”
My blank stare is the answer.
“Let me tell you about Barney The Wonder Dog. He’s an asshole.”
“I thought he was a wonder.”
“He’s both.
“What’s so wonderful about Barney?”
Landon makes the final turn out of the neighborhood and the weight on my shoulders lifts an inch.
