by K. Langston
“You’re still here. I thought your shift ended an hour ago,” Terrell says, pulling me from my morbid thoughts as he walks into my office and takes the chair across from me.
“I’m not doing any good just sitting at home, so thought I’d go over all the witness statements, hoping something will stick out to me.”
“You’ve been over them a thousand times, man, we all have. You need a break to clear your head.”
A break is not possible, not until I find out who did this.
Instead of arguing with him about it, I change the subject. “Have you been to see her since she’s been home?” Ever since I left Liv at the hospital a week ago, I’ve wanted to check on her, to see her again, but I didn’t want to intrude. She’s been through a lot, and I want to give her and Walter time to deal with it. But, Jesus, I’m not sure how much longer I can stay away. I have this uncontrollable urge to be around her constantly to make sure nothing like this ever happens to her again.
Terrell cocks back in the chair, his elbow propped up on the armrest. “Yeah, I’ve been to see her a few times, and Tania has been keeping me updated.”
I nod.
I’m glad to know she’s surrounded by people who care about her. With a heavy breath my shoulders sag, as I try to sort through all the conflicted emotions storming inside of me.
“It’s eating at you, isn’t it?”
My eyes meet his dark brown ones. “What?”
“Seeing her like that, finding her the way you did. It’s fucking with your head.” He takes my silence as confirmation. “Listen, I understand. Just seeing her in the hospital fucked with me, I can’t imagine what it would have done to me if I found her like that. But she’s tough, Taylor. Always has been. She might not look like much but she can be fierce. I’ve known that girl most of her life, she’ll come out of this stronger. Ain’t no doubt about it.” He shifts in his seat. “You should go see her. She’s looking better every day.”
“I want to, but I was waiting for her to get settled first.”
He opens his mouth to reply but gets cut off by Dixon. “Johnson,” he barks, entering the room. “I need you to head on over to the north side of town. Bunch of kids jumped a black boy at the high school today. Dispatch has the info. The entire neighborhood is on a rampage, screaming hate crime.” He pulls a cigarette from the pocket of his shirt, shaking his head. “Bullshit,” he mutters to himself, patting his pockets for a lighter even though he can’t smoke in here.
“Considering what’s been going on since Olivia it’s a good possibility,” Terrell replies.
He’s right.
Ever since word got out about Liv there has been an increased hostility among people around here, more than there already was. Accusations are being thrown around, fingers pointed, vandalism. Hell, some motherfucker even spray-painted the town hall with, ‘black lives matter’. That stunt made my goddamn blood boil.
Yeah, they matter.
Every fucking life matters, regardless of skin color. Right when I thought shit couldn’t get any worse we got a call last night about a cross being burned on Mayor Clarence Rodgers’s lawn.
A fucking cross.
I couldn’t believe it, I still can’t. All of this shit is being made about race when it should be about right and wrong, and it only seems to be escalating since Liv.
Sheriff points his finger, giving Terrell a stern look. “Now don’t you go fuelin’ the fire. The reason I’m sendin’ you in the first place is to smooth this shit out. The whole goddamn town is on edge as it is. We don’t need anything else to add to it, ya hear?”
With a silent nod, Terrell stands and walks out of the room, tossing a wave over his shoulder.
“Later, Johnson,” I say, as Dixon motions for me to follow him out back so he can light up.
“You should quit that shit,” I tell him.
He grunts. “Cheryl tells me that all the time. But hell, I’ve been doin’ it for so long now I’m pretty sure the damage is already done.” He takes a long pull and exhales loudly before turning his attention to me. “How’ve you been doin’, boy, you okay? You’ve been pullin’ some crazy hours—crazier than usual,” he adds.
“Yeah, I’m good.” He watches me; aware I’m full of shit. He’s known me way too long. He’s always been like a second father to me and he really stepped up that role when my dad died a few years ago. “I’m trying to do everything I can to find out who did this.” I rub the back of my neck. “I…I can’t stop, Willie. Not until I nail the bastard.”
Silence stretches between us before he gives me a nod. “You remind me so much of your ol’ man, he had the same fire in his belly. Truth and justice. He lived by those words. I sure do miss his stubborn ass.”
“Me, too,” I admit quietly, a familiar ache in my chest surfacing whenever I think about him. He was my hero. All I ever wanted was to be just like him. He lived his life to protect and serve. My mother worried and agonized every day when he left for work, but in the end it was a car wreck that claimed his life.
“Look, I wanna catch whoever did this just as bad as you do, and we will. But you need a break. I want you to take the weekend off.” I shake my head, but he holds up his hand to ward off my protest. “You need rest, Grayson, so you can have a clear head. You’ve done all you can for right now. Not much we can do until we get the results back on the chain, which should be back any day now. I promise if anything comes up I’ll call ya, otherwise, I don’t wanna see your ass back here until Monday. Got it?”
“Yeah, got it.” I concede with a grumble, knowing I don’t have a choice.
He claps me on the shoulder. “We’ll catch the bastards who did this to Miss Olivia. One way or another justice will prevail, son. I promise you that.”
Before I can think too much about that comment he walks inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I slump back against the building behind me.
What the hell am I going to do all fucking weekend?
As soon as the thought emerges only one thing comes to mind, or rather, someone.
*
After grabbing a bite to eat and stopping at the local bookstore, Beneath The Covers, I head out to the farm well after the sun has set. I wanted to bring her something, and after our conversation on the way to the cemetery, I thought this would be the perfect gift. I just hope like hell she likes it.
When I pull in the driveway, I spot Liv curled up on the porch swing, swaying gently with a mug in her hand. I grab the bag from the passenger seat before opening the door of my pickup.
Liv sits up a little straighter as I approach. “Grayson, hi.” She greets me with a small smile.
Her soft voice washes over me, easing all of the turmoil storming inside of me from this past week. A thin sweater hangs off her slender shoulder revealing the strap of her nightgown. The glow of the porch light shines down on her, making her look like the angel she is. Even with the faded bruises marking her face she’s still beautiful.
“Hey, Liv. I hope it’s not too late. Wanted to stop by on my way home from work to see how you’re doing.”
“It’s not too late.”
“Where’s Walt?”
“He just went to bed. He has to be up early in the morning. That’s why I came out here to have my tea, I didn’t want to disturb him.”
I nod. I’m glad to know it’s just her and me. “You settling back in okay?”
She shrugs. “For the most part. I’ve been resting a lot, and when I’m not Tania has been keeping me company.”
“Terrell said he came out to see you.”
She smiles. “Yeah, I’ve had a few visitors.”
Guilt instantly plagues me. I should have come out here sooner like I wanted to. “I would’ve come earlier, but I wanted to give you time to get settled.”
“It’s all right. I’m glad you’re here now.” Her words have something shifting inside of me.
“You’re looking good,” I say, leaning against the porch railing.
Her ey
es fall to her lap and she shakes her head. “Not really, but thank you for saying so. The doctor said it’ll be a while before the bruising is completely gone, but they’re fading more and more every day so that’s good.”
“You’re wrong.” Her big brown eyes snap back to mine. “I don’t think there’s anything in the world that could make you not beautiful.”
She gives me a shy smile, the same one that always hits me like a punch to the gut.
Jesus, what is it about this girl?
Glancing down, she points at the bag in my hand. “Is that for me?”
“Actually, it’s for Walt.”
Her brows raise and she bites her lip to stop from laughing, not buying my bullshit. “You bought Pap a present in a pink gift bag with butterflies on it?”
“Yeah, think he’ll like it?”
Shaking her head, she gives me one of her sweet giggles I was hoping for.
“Okay, I’m lying. It’s for you.” I smirk, handing her the bag.
She takes it with a smile, but it dies on her lips once she opens it. “You bought me books?” she asks softly, her face void of any emotion.
I clear my throat and shift uncomfortably. “Yeah, Margie at the bookstore assured me you’d like these. I thought it would give you something to do while you’re healing.”
I remember her telling me how much she loved to get lost in a book, to live another life for a little while. I thought it would be a good distraction, but as she stares down at the books in silence, I begin to wonder if maybe I was wrong.
“I can’t believe you did something like this for me.”
I shrug. “It’s not a big deal, Liv, it’s just books.”
Her big doe eyes find mine. “It’s a very big deal. No one has ever given me something so thoughtful, besides Pap.”
Her admission surprises me.
She deserves things like this every day.
Putting the books back in the bag, she stands up and slowly makes her way toward me, being mindful of her injuries. Before I can anticipate what she’s about to do, she wraps her arms around my waist, laying her head against my chest. “Thank you, Grayson. This is exactly what I need. I can’t wait to start them.”
I envelop her small frame in my arms, loving how perfect she feels against me. “You’re welcome.”
My throat burns like a motherfucker when I feel her silent tears soak my shirt. I’m not sure if she’s clinging to me or the other way around, but for the rest of my time with her we simply hold each other—not moving, not speaking, just seeking comfort in one another.
And I think it’s exactly what we both need.
CHAPTER 10
Olivia
Putting down my makeup brush, I brace my hands on the counter in front of me and lean closer to the mirror, studying my reflection. A disappointed sigh escapes me when I realize I’m not going to be able to conceal any of it.
Today is the first day I did something with my hair after showering, even though it’s just a simple braid over my shoulder. Then I figured I would take it one step further and try to cover the faded bruises, hoping to look in the mirror and see the old me, but it’s hopeless. I know the doctor said it would take time before they were completely gone, but how much longer? It’s been two weeks. I’m tired of the painful reminder every time I see my reflection.
A reminder of something I don’t remember, yet something I’ll never forget.
The makeup may not be able to take away the proof of my attack, but it did mask some of my exhaustion. Because I am. I’m so tired. I haven’t slept a full night since waking up in the hospital. Every noise I hear as I lie in the dark has terror robbing me of sleep, wondering if the men who did this to me will come back to finish what they started. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever feel safe again.
The memory of how it felt to be in Grayson’s arms the other night comes to mind.
I felt safe with him.
That night was the best I’ve had since coming home. I love Pap and Tania more than anything in the world but something about Grayson’s presence calms me. His thoughtful gift was everything I needed. An escape to live another life just for a short time means more to me right now than anyone could ever understand.
I’ve been hoping to be graced with his presence every night since but he hasn’t returned. Terrell said he’s been spending a lot of his free time at the station. He didn’t say it was on my case, but I have no doubt that it is. His promise to me, that he would not rest until he finds out who did it, makes that abundantly clear. I appreciate his dedication more than I can say, but I don’t want this to consume his life. It’s consumed and ruined so many already.
The sound of mumbled voices penetrate through my tortured thoughts. Pushing away from the sink, I leave the bathroom and follow the quiet conversation. At the sight of the open screen door, I realize it’s coming from the front yard. I grab my thin pink sweater off the banister, wanting to cover the marks on my arms from whoever is here and wince subtly at the sharp pain of my taped ribs. After a few small breaths I reach for the door handle, but freeze when their words reach my ears.
“We want to help, Walt. Can you tell us anything at all? Does she remember anything about who jumped out of that truck?” I recognize the voice as Eddie Willard. He’s younger than Pap, closer to what my father’s age would be, and from one of the seven original families of Harmony Falls.
“Not really, no, and I don’t want her to. I don’t want her rememberin’ anything about what those sons a bitches did.” The fury in Pap’s voice hurts my heart. He tries to hide his turmoil from me, but I’ve sensed the rage he has coiling inside of him. It’s not who he is. Pap is a stubborn old man who’s set in his ways, but he’s not angry. He’s not hateful.
The next voice that speaks I recognize as Lane Valentine, he is also one of the original seven and good friends with Eddie. “I don’t blame ya. I wouldn’t want my baby girl remembering somethin’ like that either.”
Humiliation burns inside of me. I know I shouldn’t feel that way, but I do. I hate that everyone knows what happened. It’s one of the reasons I haven’t gone into town yet, and have only seen the select few people who have stopped by.
“I appreciate you boys comin’ out to offer your help. Just… Do whatever you need to. I want justice for my granddaughter.” I hear Pap say.
“Don’t worry, Walt, we’re on this, not only for you and your granddaughter but for Harmony Falls. We’ll catch the niggers who did this.”
I suck in a sharp breath at the awful word, waiting for Pap to give them a piece of his mind, but it doesn’t come. Without waiting another second, I open the screen door and walk down the porch steps to find all three men off to the left of the house. All talk ceases when they spot me. Both Eddie and Lane quickly remove their hats.
“Howdy, Miss Olivia.” Eddie greets me first.
“Eddie. Lane.” I nod at them both. I might be pissed off, but I was not raised to be rude. “What are y’all doing out here?”
Pap puts an arm around me and pulls me in close to his side. “They just came out to check on ya, darlin’.”
“We’re real sorry about what happened, Miss Olivia.”
I swallow thickly and keep my composure. “Thank you, Lane. I appreciate that. I’m getting better every day. I know the police are doing everything they can to find out who did this.”
I feel Pap tense next to me, sensing I’m upset.
Before anyone can say another word the sound of an approaching vehicle calls our attention. My heart kicks up in excitement when I see whose truck it is. The blue pickup comes to a halt not far from us and out steps Grayson Taylor.
Not Deputy Taylor, just Grayson.
He’s in worn, blue jeans and a red plaid button-down left open over top of a white T-shirt that stretches across his hard, lean body. Wearing a baseball hat that covers his brown rumpled hair he looks like the country boy I remember from high school. The town’s football star and golden boy.
The m
an who saved my life.
“Hey, Liv,” he greets, his magnetic smile locked firmly in place.
“Hi, Grayson,” I reply, not bothering to hide how happy I am to see him.
His long legs eat up the distance as he makes his way toward us. “Walter.” He extends his hand to Pap as he comes to stand next to me then does the same to both Eddie and Lane.
“Hey, Grayson, no work today?” Eddie asks.
“Actually, I’m on duty tonight.” He looks around, taking in the awkward tension surrounding us. “What about you two? What are you doing out here?”
Lane clears his throat before answering. “We just came to check on Miss Olivia and have a chat with Walt.” I grind my teeth, remembering their chat and the horrible comment he made. “But we were just leavin’.” He reaches out and shakes Pap’s hand. “We’ll be in touch.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again for stoppin’ by, boys.”
“No problem.” After a goodbye to Grayson and me they leave together in the same pickup they came in.
“Good to see you, Grayson,” Pap says, breaking the silence. “What brings you by?”
Grayson looks down at me. “I thought I would see if Liv wanted to grab some lunch in town.”
I stiffen, both in surprise and apprehension. The thought of going into town has anxiety robbing me of speech.
“What do you say? Wanna grab something to eat?” he asks.
“I’ll bet she’d love that. Wouldn’t ya, Livy?” Pap says, responding for me.
I finally snap out of myself and find my voice. “Or I could make us lunch here instead?” I suggest hopefully. “I need to fix Pap something anyway and—”
“Nonsense.” Pap interrupts, waving his hand through the air. “You go on now, darlin’, I can fix myself something. I’m not hungry yet anyway.”