Page 36 of Abigail
Straw is so fucking proud of his woman right now. He’s nearly bursting with it. He knew she saw her therapist regularly and about the support group she joined after she began working at the shelter. Abigail is the strongest woman he’s ever known. Most of his life, his beloved grandmother, Lucille, has been the strongest woman he’d known, but Abi outshines her with her strength and determination to not be a victim, to not let Todd keep torturing her even now. He had for many years. Abi had confessed to him about her nightmares not long after they got together. For years, she’s dreamed of him coming back to life only to beat her to death while Ellie watched. In another nightmare, Todd would kill Ellie while Abigail watched, then he would attack her. After learning that Todd really was alive, her dreams shifted, became even more intense for a while, but she’d said, sleeping next to him kept them at bay, though she still worried. She told him of her fears that Todd would try to take Ellie or insist on getting shared custody. That is something that Straw will do his very best to prevent, even if he has to leave his career, liquidate all his assets, and move them to another country with no extradition treaty. He will do whatever it takes to keep both Abigail and Ellie safe. Call him a caveman if you want, he’s not going to let Todd hurt them again.
“I’m sorry Abigail.” The admiral sighs sadly. “It not that I think you are weak. I know you’re not…I, uh, I watched the videos Todd had. A weak woman would not have survived that. Hell, some sailors I know wouldn’t have held up as well.” He sighs again, clearing his throat before continuing. “It’s knowing what you’ve already been through, I want to spare you from anything further. You deserve happiness, Abigail. You deserve to live happily with Straw, Ellie, and your future children. Todd is mentally ill. He has been for a long time. Maybe all his life, I don’t know. There’s a strong family history of mental illness in his mother’s side of the family. She had anxiety and depression, herself. It’s the reason we lost her so soon. I never told the boys what really happened to their mother. I…I didn’t want them to know the truth. She took her life when it became too much. I was gone for the Navy. I’d gotten called away unexpectedly as often happened. I should have gotten out when I realized just how bad her mental health had gotten, but I was trying to hold out until time for my re-enlistment. It would have made getting out easier and increased the benefits I would receive afterward. I’ve lived with the regret, all these years, that I didn’t do enough to protect her from herself.
“I should have been there for her, for them. Todd didn’t handle her death well. Honestly none of us did. I was racked with guilt, so I threw myself into the job and let my parents take on a big part of caring for the boys. Todd struggled, got into trouble at school, gave my parents hell. Then when I married Marla, he got worse for a time, but then he seemed to get better. He joined the Navy out of high school. I wanted to him to follow Dean’s path, going to college and entering as an officer, but Todd wanted to go the enlisted route. Whatever I suggested he did the opposite.
“When he brought you to the house that first time, I was so hopeful that he truly was better. He seemed so good when he was with you. Settled, focused. He was even nice to Marla for the first time in the ten years we’d been married. I truly believed you were his savior, but I now know that was all a sham. He was playing a part. Showing me and everyone around him what he wanted us to see. He’s a sociopath, a narcissist. I don’t think he’ll ever be any better, and that is why I don’t want him anywhere near Ellie or you.” The admiral sounds tired, defeated.
“Straw, I called to let you know that he’s back at the boarding house. I have four men on the place right now. Olsen is working out a schedule, and he’ll text it to you and your teammates so we can keep a watch on him constantly. I tried talking to him on the way over, but he refused to answer any of my questions.” The Admiral growled with frustration. “We need to figure out how he found Abigail. I have never mentioned her or Ellie in all the times I’ve visited him. I’ve always maintained that she was still in the wind, that we hadn’t been able to find her or Ellie. I just can’t figure it out. I’ll keep looking into it and get back with you as soon as I find out anything. Hawk mentioned calling Tex Keagan. I know he’s been helpful getting unattainable information in the past, so maybe he can help us with this too.
“Abigail, I don’t want you worrying about Ellie. I don’t believe Todd knows where I live, but I guess tonight proves that isn’t a guarantee. Olsen is there with Marla, and I’m almost back home. We will keep her safe, but I’ll understand if you want her to come back home,” the admiral concludes.
“No, let her stay,” Abigail answers, although reluctantly. “She was so looking forward to the sleepover at her grandparents, and I don’t want her to know anything about this for now. I know someday we will have to talk with her about Todd, but I want to put that off as long as possible. I don’t think I’ll be able to hide my emotions from her right now. I need time to get myself more together.”
“I understand,” the admiral answers. “We’ll be over tomorrow evening around five.” He clicked off the line, landing the room in silence. Straw gives Abigail a squeeze as she lays her head over on his shoulder. The shock of everything that has transpired in the last few hours seems to be catching up with her. Straw looks around at his teammates. They still have things to discuss, but hopefully they can get this wrapped up quickly. He’s hoping they can salvage the rest of their night. At the very least, he needs to feed her and get her to bed.
“So Olsen just sent the schedule,” Hack began. “Looks like I’ll be on first rotation with Worm. So, we getter get going. We’ll check in with you when our shift is over, but if you need anything before then just shoot me a text.” Hack and Worm get up to leave and head for the door. Hack stops at the open door turning back to the room. “Abigail, try not to worry about that asshole. Wewon’tlet him get near you or Ellie again.” Abigail nods and gives them a grateful smile. She knows these men will do everything in their power to keep her family safe, and she’s very thankful for that.
Once they are out the door, the rest of the guys look to Straw. He’s contemplating his next move. Even though there are several sets of eyes on Todd, he’s still not comfortable with the situation. He just wishes they weren’t having to deal with this shit right now, but it can’t be helped. He needs to do what’s best for Abigail and Ellie.
“So, with Tank out of town for the weekend,” Straw begins, looking at his teammates. “Could some of you help watch the house? I have my weapons, but I don’t want to take a chance that he comes back and sneaks inside. I’d rather have someone watch the house to alert us before he gets here.”
“Of course,” Ace answers immediately. “I’ll contact Hawk and see who all we have to volunteer, and we’ll set up a schedule for here as well as Todd’s boarding house and the admiral’s place.”
“Thanks guys,” Straw says. “I’m sorry to drag you away from your families.”
“Stop,” Ace replies firmly. “You, Abigail, and Ellie are our family. We stick together, no matter what. We’ve got your six.”
“You know Ace’s right,” Wallace joins in the conversation. “You have been there for us when we were in need. Helping us keep our women safe. Don’t even thinking of thanking us for helping you.”
Straw nods at his brothers. They are the very best. He couldn’t ask for better men to be his friends and teammates. He’s always trusted them with his life. Now, he has to trust them with Abigail’s and Ellie’s lives too. He does trust them to protect them like their own wives. Just as he would protect theirs if the need arose. At his nod of acceptance, the men rise to say their good-byes and give him and Abi words of encouragement.
Once they are gone, Straw turns to face his woman once again. She’s still pissed at him and rightly so, but he needs to hold her. Feel her in his arms. Reassure himself of her love and their connection. He’d been so pissed when he’d first seen Todd standing on their porch. He couldn’t believe the asshole had the balls to show up at their home and demand to see Ellie. He too had seen some of the tapes from Todd’s apartment. The man had hated Ellie. The way he’d screamed at Abigail to make her stop crying. How he threatened to silence her permanently. Straw can’t fathom why he wants to see Ellie other than to torture Abigail. It’s unacceptable, and he isn’t going to let him get away with it. No way. He will scorch the earth if needed to keep that asshole away from his girls. They are his girls, now, not Todd’s. He had his chance, and he fucked it up in a royal fashion. He doesn’t get a second chance. Not the way he spoke to and about Abi tonight.
As Ace and Wallace walk out the door, Abigail comes to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly, letting him hold her just like he needs. Like she needs. He breathes her in deeply, savoring the feel of her in his arms and her scent in his nose. He needs this as badly as she does.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
Abigail is shaken. Todd’s release and subsequently showing up on their front porch has frightened her more than she wants to admit, but Robert has been her strength through all of it. Without him there to love and protect her, she isn’t sure she would have survived the last few days. He’s kept her calm when she’s freaked out. He’s held her when her nightmares returned with a vengeance. Through it all, he’s been patient and kind, never making her feel like she’s weak or over reacting to the situation.
The threat of Todd looms over Abigail’s head as she goes about her day. She’s thankful that the admiral, Robert, and his teammates seem to be determined to keep him away from her and Ellie, but she’s on constant alert as she drops Ellie off at school before heading to the homeless shelter to start her day. Her head on a swivel, watching for danger.
Jolene the manager of the shelter has been so good to Abigail. From the day of her first interview, she’s made Abigail feel relaxed and comfortable. Jolene can be stern at times. She expects things to be done right, but she’s also understanding and kind. Abigail has come to see her as a mother figure in her life and the two have become close friends.
Abi arrives at the shelter and heads to her office. She’s got a meeting at eleven with the owner of an outdoor amphitheater where she’s hoping they can have their fundraising event. She just has to check out a few places and get the best venue for the lowest price possible. Perhaps even get an owner to cut them a sweet deal. Like letting them use the place for cost or without charge as long as they clean it up afterward.
Jolene had begun planning this year’s event a couple of months ago. It started with forming a planning committee. Charlotte, the other women, and several of Robert’s teammates were at the first planning meeting to begin organizing the event. Many the women in Robert’s group have been helping at the shelter for a few years, and the fundraising event is a big part of their volunteering. Abigail is thrilled to be a part of it this year. She’s so looking forward to all the benefits they’ll be able to help their patrons with from the funds they raise. Having lived in San Diego, Abigail is all too aware of just how many homeless people there are living in and around big cities. Jacksonville might not be a huge metropolis, but it’s still a good-sized city, and the need is just as great here as it is anywhere. Having been homeless a few times herself, Abigail is more than thankful she can give back to those in need.
Tank had been at that first meeting and he has been acting strangely ever since that day. Abigail is fairly certain it has everything to do with Ruby, an auburn-haired beauty who also volunteers at the shelter. She is coordinating the talent portion of the event. According Josie, she’s a talented singer although none of them have heard her sing, yet.
Tank has volunteered to assist her in getting people to sign up for the talent show competition, including some of the regulars at the shelter. Robert seems surprised when Tank volunteers. He later told Abi it is out of the norm for Tank to do something like that. He usually volunteers for the grunt work, not interacting with those participating or organizing the event. So that has made Abigail pay more attention to the two whenever she’s seen them together. Ruby honestly seems nervous around him, and who could blame her. The man’s a beast, literally. He’s 6’6” close to three hundred pounds of pure muscle. Most of the time, he has a dark broody expression on his face. So it’s no wonder the woman would feel intimidated.
Tank’s behavior is comical. He seems determined to get Ruby to let him watch over her, and she’s just as determined to keep him away from her. Watching them dance around each has been fun. Abi is looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. She has her suspicions that Ruby will eventually cave, but there’s bound to be some fireworks before that happens.
Abigail wonders if that’s how they all saw her and Robert when they first met. Robert had pursued her relentlessly from the moment their eyes connected in the lobby of the Sheraton in San Diego. She’d tried to resist him, but looking back she knows she hadn’t really tried all that hard to avoid him. She had been drawn to him like a magnet to metal. Honestly, she wouldn’t change how it has all turned out. Other than the situation with Todd, she and Ellie are blissfully happy.
Her office phone buzzing brings Abi out of her musings. She can’t be daydreaming when she has so many things to get done, today.
“Abigail Miller,” she answers. “How may I help you?”
