“Good for you,” my dad mumbled.
She nodded. “I knew some of the slats in the headboard were loose. So I curled up and kicked them and pulled hard with my right hand. After what seemed like an hour, they cracked and broke. I was so excited, but also really tired. I’d put a lot of pressure on my ribs, and I didn’t know how much strength I had left. My left arm wasn’t cuffed to the thinner slat, but to a thicker one at the end. I was sweating so much, that it was running down my arm. I could almost slide my hand through the cuff. I spent a lot of time trying to force my hand through the steel ring.”
I could easily picture her scrambling to get free. My back was wet and my shirt was sticking to it, reliving this nightmare with her.
“I heard a sound, and I was convinced that Frank had returned. I swear it was all of those hours I’d spent with my aunt watching crime shows. I knew what I had to do to get free.”
I’d read a list of her injuries, and I knew that some were self-inflicted, but to hear it in her own words, it was tearing me apart.
“When I look back, if I’d had a knife or a saw, I would have cut off my hand without a thought. I was that desperate.” She lowered her head.
“What’d you do?” Layla’s voice was calm, but she was plastered as close as she could be to Forde.
“I pulled the bracelet as far up my arm as I could.” She did the hand gestures. “Then I put my hand against the frame, lifted my leg, and put my heel against the bone below my thumb joint.” She held up her left hand and ran her other hand along the joint. “I needed to push it in so that my hand could fit through.”
I felt my stomach roll. I’d had plenty of bumps and bruises, even broken my share of bones, but I’d never done it to myself.
“I was having more trouble keeping my balance, plus I was beyond panic. I gave one last push with all of my weight and felt the bones break.”
I think we all let out a collective noise of relief and concern.
“I slipped my hand through the hole, and I was free.” She looked relieved for a moment, as if she was reliving it. “From that moment on, it felt like my brain worked in two parts. One knew that my ribs, my foot, and my hand were all hurting, and the other was in total flight mode. I didn’t have a clue where I was, but I ran. I found a door, opened it, and fled. I was almost blinded by the sunlight. I’d been in rooms where the windows were blacked out. I could barely see. I was in a rundown residential neighborhood. I cut across yards; one was fenced. I was so freaked out and terrified that I ran straight into it. I fell on my ass, and then figured out to run around it. Finally, I saw a guy in his driveway.”
“I screamed and ran to him, begging him for help, to call the police. I scared the shit out of him. I was naked and bruised. Frank had yanked out a few handfuls of my hair, so I was bald in places, and I had a huge black eye. He didn’t want to talk to me or let me into his house. I was desperate to hide, because I knew that Frank would be home any minute.”
Her breath was ragged. “The guy finally let me into his fenced-in back yard, and I hid in the corner while he called the cops. It seemed to take them forever to show up, but I think it was less than ten minutes. When they arrived, I was hysterical and half-wild, totally out of control. The EMTs had to sedate me while two cops held me down. I couldn’t stop saying the same thing over and over. It helped that they knew exactly who I was. They’d been looking for me for weeks.”
Forde rose and took her hand, forcing her to stop rubbing her wrist. “Your friends knew something was wrong when they showed up to help stage the house. They’d called the cops, and even better, they’d stayed on them. They knew you hadn’t just taken off.”
“It probably didn’t hurt that you’re pretty,” Tony said. “The local news took up the story.”
Billie winced. “My mother couldn’t miss her chance,” Billie said dryly. “She flew in ‘to assist with the investigation’ and never missed an opportunity to be in front of the camera. She made it a damn circus. In any case, as soon as they identified me, they put out an APB on Frank. They found him walking down the street, calling for me like I was a missing dog. Luckily, he had gone in the opposite direction.”
“So, you were safe, and he was caught,” Jenn said, her face nearly as pale as Billie’s. She’d huddled next to Rick throughout Billie’s confession.
“I was missing for twenty-three days.”
She smiled crookedly, and I could see the effort it cost her as she blinked away tears.
“I’d thought I was only held for ten. I lost time. That still haunts me, because I remember nothing of those missing days.” She took a deep breath and looked down at the hand Forde held. “I was in the hospital for a week, and then my mother moved us into a luxury hotel. Frank’s wife was doing interviews, casting me as a terrible person who had broken up their marriage. Frank was in custody and spilling his guts. One detective told me it was like he enjoyed the attention. He lasted one month in jail, and then he was killed by another inmate who grew tired of his boasting.”
“So, no trial,” Osi’s gravelly voice boomed. “And no great loss.”
“Not that he’d ever have been cleared to stand one.” Billie frowned. “He’d lost his grip on reality.”
She rocked on her heels a few times, and then her lips twisted into a sneer. “So, I was in a hotel suite with my mom, who was talking about getting me an agent. She said I could do a book deal, maybe option my story for a movie. She was fuckin’ thinking that she could star in it as me.” Billie finished off her bottle of water. “I couldn’t sleep. I was doped up because I was so anxious and terrified of every sound. I was a mess, and she was trying to boost her career. Frank’s wife was still talking to anyone who would listen, trying to paint me as a home wrecker who let our sex games get out of hand.”
“What the fuck?” Rick muttered.
It was true. I’d read two interviews with the “grieving” widow.
“I wasn’t right,” she said, tapping her head, “and I couldn’t escape any of it. Luckily, my best friend from college took my call. She flew in immediately.”
Billie smiled. It was faint, but I caught it.
“Ramsay’s the type who gets her way. She comes from old money, doesn’t like the word ‘no’, and is never afraid to make a scene. She took on my mom and threw her out. Told her to get her skinny ass back in L.A. She talked to the shrink I’d just begun to see. They decided I had to get out of Florida. Her parents had a condo in downtown Denver they weren’t using, so she moved me there. She lived with me for the first four months, found me a good doctor, and took me to therapy five days a week. I finally got to the point where I could take care of myself.”
Billie took a deep breath. Her chin rose. “I have P.T.S.D. I still have episodes, and they can be bad. After the first year, I started doing some volunteer work, and that’s how I met Anna, Zoe’s friend. When Ramsay’s parents sold the condo, I was ready to move on. I wanted to start over somewhere new, where nobody knew my story. My doctor agreed that it was a viable plan. With Anna’s husband’s help, I changed my name, and those records were sealed. When the house sold in Tampa, the money moved through several companies before I let it come to Billie James. And by the way, it’s true—people are willing to pay more for a house with a macabre history.” She shook her head in disbelief. “At this point, I only communicate with my mother through a law firm in Tampa. The only people who know who and where I am are Ramsay, my Tampa lawyers, and our mutual friends in Denver, the Jacobs.”
I lifted a finger to get her attention. “I’m thinking the leak came from the Tampa firm. People can be bribed or tricked, and Ms. Candidy said her publisher was willing to pay top dollar.”
Billie’s gaze met mine. The light had gone out of her eyes. I wanted to pull her into my arms even more.
“Yeah, I figured as much.” Her shoulders sagged. “That means there will be more reporters, and sooner or later, my mother will show. I’m sorry, I should have expected this.”
&nbs
p; “Babe,” Rick spoke up, “your place is easy to find.” He turned to Forde. “We can set up security, but keeping them away from her front door is going to be a problem.”
“You can move in with us,” Zoe told Billie.
“That’s only a short term answer,” Forde said, his voice filled with his usual authority. “Tye, get the keys to 4-B.”
I jumped to my feet and headed to Forde’s office. I knew where he kept keys to the empty apartments.
When I returned, my Dad had Billie wrapped in his arms. He was whispering to her, providing comfort. I think it was for his benefit as well as hers.
“Take her downstairs. Show her around. I’ll finish here and meet you,” Forde said when I held up the fob with the two keys.
I nodded once and moved to Billie. As I approached, I heard my dad saying, “So brave, honey. What you did took guts. I’m so proud of you.”
In response, she clung to him.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I need you to come with me,” I said softly.
“You take care of her, son.” Dad gave me a steady look as he slowly pulled away from her.
A strange certainty fell over me. “Always.” Nobody was going to hurt Billie if I could help it.
She wiped her eyes before she turned to me.
I moved slowly and took her hand in mine. “Let’s go.” I gave a little tug, and she followed me without a question.
We left without anybody trying to stop us. I chalked it up to Forde’s superpowers; the others knew he’d sent us on a mission.
In the elevator, she released a long audible breath. “Thank you for today. I’m...I’m really sorry you had to deal with all of this.”
She sounded tired and defeated. Shaken. Her mouth turned down at the corners, and her shoulders slumped. I wanted to hold her, take her far away, and make her smile and laugh. She didn’t deserve any of this. “Don’t worry about it.” I was still holding her hand. I gave it a squeeze.
We exited the elevator, and I led her to the door of apartment 4-B.
“I’ve always wanted to see inside one of these,” Billie confided.
I unlocked the door, and she followed me in. “It has an alarm system that’s hardwired and battery-controlled.” I pointed to the panel by the door. The place was furnished with rental pieces that were bland, but gave a prospective renter an idea about how much room there was.
“God, look at that view.” Billie moved to the huge living room window.
I joined her, gazing out at the glittering skyline. “No need for a TV when you can look at that all night.”
After a few moments, she turned around. “Give me the tour.”
I smiled, it was like she was fighting to get back to her old self. “Well,” I said, holding out my arms. “This is the living room.” I led her inside the kitchen. “And this is where you can bake lots and lots of brownies or not,” I teased. Of course, the room was spacious and the appliances were top of the line.
Billie opened and closed the oven door. “This is amazing. I’ve never used a Viking range.”
I leaned against the counter and watched her look around. She opened cabinet doors. “Looks like there’s plenty of room in the cabinets. Lots of counter space, too.” I tried to remember the realtor’s spiel when I’d been house shopping.
She pressed the ice maker, and then jumped back when cubes fell. She giggled nervously.
“Come on, let’s check out the other rooms.” I showed her the office, which was the same size as the guest bedroom, and we had just stepped into the master bedroom when I heard the front door open and close. “Check out the room and the bath. I’ll be right back.”
“What’s she saying?” Forde inquired as I joined him in the living room.
I raised a brow. “I’m sure she thinks you sent us up here so that you could talk to the others.” I knew where this was leading and knew what Billie’s first reaction would be. I wondered how Forde was going to handle this next part. He could be wily when necessary.
“Oh. My. God,” she shouted.
“I think she just saw the tub,” Forde said dryly.
“It is the size of a small pool.” I exaggerated a little but not by much.
Billie rounded the doorway and saw us standing at the end of the hall. “Have you seen that bathtub? This place is amazing Forde.”
“So, you like it?” he asked innocently.
“What’s not to like?” She looked at him like he was nuts.
“Good.” Forde stared at her for a tic.
Billie looked at him, and then at me for an explanation.
I was waiting for his big sell because Billie was clueless.
Forde met her gaze. “I was thinking you should move in here for the time being.”
“Me, here?” she said, already shaking her head.
“The alarm system is state of the art. There’s a doorman and on-site security around the clock. You’d be safe here,” Forde said his tone even.
Again, she shook her head, this time, adding a short laugh. “No. I can’t.”
Ford waved a hand as though dismissing her refusal. “It’s a better situation. Reporters can’t get to you here, and Layla and I are upstairs if you needed anything.”
“I can’t afford anything like this Forde. It’s way out of my budget.”
“Same rent as what you’re paying now,” he sweetened the pot.
“That’s just…ridiculous. Insane. You could get so much more.” She lifted her chin. “You don’t have to take on my problems. Really.”
“And yet I will,” Forde said, his voice lowering, softening. He shot me a look.
“We all will,” I said. “Take his offer, sweetheart.” I smiled, raising my eyebrows. “Think of that bathroom, the tub.”
Forde’s mouth firmed. “It makes sense, Billie. You’re one of us now. We protect our own.”
She was weakening. I could see it in the way her gaze slowly swept around the room. She looked back in the direction of the bedroom, and then the kitchen. “Are you sure?” Her eyebrows drawing together.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” At last, sensing her surrender, he smiled.
“Okay,” she sighed, “you win.”
“Go check out the rooms again,” I told her.
We watched as she gave us both a doubtful look then walked down the hall.
“You gonna take her home tonight, make sure it’s safe?” Forde made it sound like a question, but it was an order. “Then she’ll need to get organized and packed.”
“Yeah.” I wasn’t leaving her. I’d sleep on her couch. There were too many windows, and if somebody wanted in, they could breech her door easily.
The front door of the apartment opened. Layla hurried inside. “Hey, did I miss everything?”
“You’re man won again,” I told her.
She wrapped her arm around Forde’s waist. “I put Lucy down. Zoe’s cleaning up. Damn, I wanted to watch you work your magic.” She frowned as she looked up at her husband.
“Wasn’t much of a show,” I said.
“It was the bathtub, wasn’t it?” Layla smiled.
“I think the kitchen was a close second,” I said, grinning.
“A woman after my own heart.” Layla giggled, but then her smile slipped. “So, how’s she doing?’
“Shaky, but pushing through. No matter how much you’re hurting for her, no pity, Lay,” I warned.
She nodded. “Yeah, I caught that.” She gave us both a smile and walked down the hall. “Hey, neighbor,” she called out. “What do you think about losing the office furniture and making the office into a reading room?”
I couldn’t make out the words that followed. Turning to Forde, I said, “I already cleared my calendar for tomorrow, so with the weekend that gives me three days to get her packed up and moved. You think you can convince some of the guys to help?” I didn’t mention that I’d originally considered moving Billie in with my dad and me. But I was relieved he’d beat me to the punch. The security was better in For
de’s building.
“We’ll get it done. I’ll see if she wants me to leave any of this furniture, and the rest can be out by noon tomorrow.” Forde moved toward the voices.
Chapter Sixteen
Billie
I nodded off while Tye drove to my apartment. I didn’t wake until he turned off the car. My body still felt tired, and my brain was running slow. Maybe it was some kind of shock, this numb feeling. I could tell that my story had affected my friends, but they hadn’t made me feel weird. Nobody asked rude questions or cried for me. Instead, they’d praised my strength.
Tye used my designated parking spot to park his SUV. I needed to find out how many vehicles this guy owned. Was he a car collector in the same way I picked up purses? I tried to contain a giggle at my silliness and a slight snort escaped.
“What’s so funny, Sleeping Beauty?” he asked, his voice loud in the quiet interior.
“How many cars do you own?” I blurted.
He angled his body to face me. “Should I include my bike or just cars and a SUV?”
“That many, huh?” The man fascinated me.
“I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging…” He eyed me carefully.
“I know you work hard, so unless you buy them just so you can take selfies and post them, I won’t interpret it as bragging.”
He raised both eyebrows. “Do I look like the type to post selfies?”
I bit down on my lip. “Do you really want me to answer that?”
“You just did,” he grumbled.
“Tyler Burke, we both know you use your looks to fool your opponents.” I tilted my head and stared at him for a beat. “The slacker, surfer-dude thing totally works for you, but I’ve listened to you, and you’re brilliant. So, yeah, if I’d just met you, I’d think you liked to show off your handsomeness and your toys. But I know you, and there’s so much more there.” I could hear the heat in my tone. God help me, I liked him. His gorgeous body and those cheekbones... I wanted to run my hands over those hard muscles, but even more, I wanted to sit across from him and discuss a thousand different subjects. Gah, this friends-only rule is infuriating.
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