by Cindy Stark
She forced herself to return his expression. “Thank you. My husband overly worries, and sometimes, he reads things that aren’t there. Really, it was a foolish mistake on my part, not a deliberate act.” Though that wasn’t true, either.
The doctor lifted the medical tray holding used tools and bloody gauze pads and stood. “We’re going to observe you overnight at his request, but I don’t see any reason you can’t go home tomorrow morning. Your husband said you have a hard time sleeping at night and asked for something to help you. A nurse will bring that in shortly.”
She nodded and tried to seem grateful. The bastard she’d trusted to love her wanted her drugged so he wouldn’t have to stand guard all night to make sure she wouldn’t talk. And if she did? Well, he always had that mental evaluation to fall back on. “Thank you, doctor.”
She held the smile until he’d left the room, and then full-fledged panic exploded inside her. She had only hours before they would be ready to release her. Hank would stay at the hospital until she fell asleep, so she would need to slip out before first light. She couldn’t swallow that pill, or she’d be doomed. The second Hank had her alone at home…
Unfathomable fear swallowed her, dragging her into breath-stealing darkness.
She clutched her throat and squeezed her eyelids shut, fighting to regain control. What if she wasn’t strong enough? What if she couldn’t manage to get away? Even if she could escape the hospital, she had absolutely nothing to her name. Before the wreck, she’d had clothes packed and some money she’d stashed away. Enough to get her out of town.
Right at this very moment, she had nothing but a hospital gown.
And Tiger Lily? Where was her precious baby? Was she hurt? Scared? It killed Scarlett that she could do nothing for her sweet kitty.
Hot tears formed in the corners of her eyes and burned down her cheeks. She needed help, and she had no one. Nothing.
She startled when the door to her room opened, and she quickly scrubbed the tears from her face, lest the hospital staff believe she really was suffering some sort of breakdown.
Instead of a nurse or her doctor, Marie Jackson peeked inside. She made a quick visual sweep of the room before she caught Scarlett’s gaze and hurried to close the door behind her. “You’re alone?” she asked quietly.
“Yes,” Scarlett managed.
Her neighbor’s pinched features threatened to spill her own tears. She strode to Scarlett’s bedside and took her hand. “Good God, Scarlett. I had no idea. I’m so sorry.”
She tried to focus, feeling she’d missed a portion of their conversation. “Sorry?”
“Hank always seemed different to me, gave me creepy vibes, but I had no idea he was capable of this.”
Tears formed fresh. This woman’s concern would be her undoing.
Marie’s expression deepened, and she leaned forward and wrapped Scarlett in an embrace. The scent of mint and pine cleaner infused her nostrils. “Oh, dear. I didn’t mean to upset you. Not after all the trauma you’ve had today.”
Her tears turned to sobs, and she could do nothing but cling to the friendly woman. “I’m scared he’s going to kill me,” she finally whispered.
Marie pulled back and gave her a fierce look. “I won’t let him touch you.”
“You can’t stop him. No one can.”
“I’ve already put in a complaint with the police.”
“Oh, God.” Scarlett fell back to her pillow. “His cousin is the chief deputy. They’re a tight-knit old boys club. They won’t choose your word over his.”
She frowned. “I know. I figured that much when I first went to talk to them about what I’d witnessed.”
Scarlett’s shame burned her, and she covered her face with her hands. She knew what Marie thought. What everyone would think. They’d say she deserved it for staying with him for so long, or they’d call her a liar. Many people in town liked Hank. He could be a charmer when he wanted. He’d used the same skill on her when they’d first met.
No one knew of the snake who lay beneath, ready to strike a poisonous blow at any moment.
“Scarlett. Listen to me. When I said that I won’t let him hurt you again, I meant it. You’re not going back home with him. You can stay with me.”
“You can’t stop him, Marie. He’ll make your life a living hell, too. And then one day, he’ll show up with a shotgun, and he’ll kill me, and maybe you and Les, too.”
Marie folded her arms across her belly and pressed her lips together while she stared at Scarlett. “Fine,” she said after a minute. “I’ll send you to my sister’s. She lives just outside Cody, Wyoming in a remote area called Moose Meadows. It’s barely a speck on the map. He’ll never find you there.”
As much as she appreciated it… “I can’t show up on her doorstep and expect her to take care of a stranger.”
“Yes, you can. You need help. I won’t let you stay here. Besides, she’s not a stranger. You met her a few years ago, when she visited me.”
It didn’t matter. “Don’t you see, though? At some point, I have to take care of myself. I can’t expect her to feed me. I need a job. I need—”
“You’re going, and you’re going now. Hank left the hospital ten minutes ago. I suspect he’s going to the police station as a formality to deal with the report I filed. He won’t be gone long. I already had Les get the suitcase we’d found in your car and put it in his trunk for you. Unfortunately, Hank took your purse, but we’ll worry about that later. I’ll call Les and have him meet us at the back of the hospital.”
The tiniest spark of hope ignited and left her head spinning. “If we leave together, he’ll know. Someone will tell him, and he’ll come after you. I’d also have a hard time walking out of here in this gown without drawing attention, without someone stopping me.”
Instead of frowning, she grinned. “Hank’s not the only one with influential cousins. Give me five minutes. My cousin Betty is the head nurse on the second floor. She’ll help us.”
“Marie,” she called before her friend reached the door. “Did you see my kitty anywhere near my car? A big white fluffball?”
She shook her head, and her expression saddened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t. But I promise to keep an eye out for her, okay?”
It killed her to think she’d have to leave her baby behind. What would happen to her? She was afraid of Hank, so hopefully, she wouldn’t go back there. But where would she go?
“Don’t worry about her, hon. There are plenty of mice in the fields around your house. She’ll be fine.”
She nodded as her heart squeezed hard enough to make it difficult to breathe. The real question was, would she survive without her furry soulmate? Tiger Lily was all she had left in the world.
Ten minutes later, Marie helped Scarlett change into a pair of the hospital’s light blue scrubs. They brushed her hair down to cover the stitches on her forehead, and Betty had even furnished a clipboard with attached papers that Scarlett pretended to study when she passed others in the hall as she made her way out of the hospital. She wore Betty’s badge turned backward, and she would leave it with Marie when she finished with it.
Les met them at a back entrance near the employee lounge. Scarlett was surprised at the number of people who paid her no mind at all. People really were more worried about the thoughts in their heads than what went on around them.
She quickly slipped into the back of Les’s car and lay on the seat until they were a fair way out of town.
No one spoke much during the twenty-minute drive to a nearby town where Marie purchased a one-way bus ticket to Sheridan, Wyoming. Marie’s sister would meet her there where she would then disappear into a small nearby town almost three hours away, never to be seen again. What she’d do after that, she had no idea. Planning was beyond her capabilities right now.
“We’re going to leave,” Marie announced as she pressed the bus ticket into her hand. “The less people see us together and the less time we’re gone, the better.”
&nb
sp; Scarlett nodded in agreement. Her heart spurred her forward, and she threw her arms around Marie’s neck. “Thank you so much for helping me. When I say that I owe you my life, please know that I’m not exaggerating.”
Marie met her gaze, her eyes filled with compassion. “I know,” she said softly. “My mother was once where you are. No one helped her.” She blinked rapidly to clear away her tears. Scarlett wanted to ask what had happened to her, but there wasn’t time, and neither of them needed to be reminded of the devastating effects of physical violence.
“Have Lydia call us when you’re safe,” Les said.
“Of course. Thank you again.” Gratitude and disbelief in how her day had ended left her trembling. “When I’m able, I’ll send you the cost of the bus ticket.”
“You’ll do no such thing. Go. Have a good life, Scarlett. That will be the best gift you can give us.”
Unable to speak past her constricted throat, she nodded, and they turned away. A few moments later, she watched their vehicle disappear down the street.
Suddenly, she was alone. More alone than she’d ever been in her life. Fear and anxiety settled over her like a thick mist.
Still, a spark of hope burned through, growing brighter and brighter.
Hank would never hurt her again. Ever.
He wouldn’t get the punishment he deserved, unless the idea that he could no longer control her drove him out of his mind. Please, God. Let that happen.
For her, she’d put him out of her mind and focus on the road ahead.
She was free. Hallelujah! Praise God. Praise the fates. Praise whatever had allowed her to escape. Free.
With a deep sigh, she closed her eyes and tucked in a wavering smile.
She could eat what she wanted. Wear what she wanted. Say what she wanted from here on out. Forever.
She couldn’t imagine anything more glorious.
Chapter Three
By the time the bus passed Sheridan’s city limit sign, it was past eleven at night. The painkillers they’d given Scarlett in the hospital had worn off, leaving her head throbbing in pain. Numerous body aches had joined the fray, and she wanted nothing more than to curl into a ball and escape it all.
But, she had to be strong for just a little longer. Then she could rest.
All confidence in her future had faded to an anxiety-induced state caused by an overdose of stress and worry. She’d literally run from everything she’d known for the past three years with a suitcase full of clothing and nothing else. No money beyond the little Marie had given her. No purse. No identification.
Her future hinged on a virtual stranger who would take her in and give her a chance at a better life. That was a hell of a bet to place on a woman she’d only met once. With Hank, she might have been in hell, but she’d never been homeless.
Still, better homeless than dead.
With her heart thundering like a herd of cattle, she stepped off the bus. Darkness had claimed the overhead skies a few hours ago, leaving shadows to gape at her from beyond the overhead lights. Hank wouldn’t be out there, she knew, but an overwhelming feeling of vulnerability froze her in her tracks.
A semi whisked by on the nearby interstate, but otherwise, the area was quiet. Despite the unfamiliarity of the town, a sweet warmth kissed the night air. It was a lovely evening by all accounts, and she was free. She had so much to be thankful for, but fears of the future trickled in.
What if the woman didn’t show? What if she had to spend the night in a nearby empty field, in her condition, vulnerable to God knew what. She needed to take a pain pill and rest, but she couldn’t, yet.
The thought that relief might not be far off carried her toward the parking lot. The second she rounded the building, the lights on a silver sedan flicked on.
With a hopeful breath, she strode in that direction. As she neared, a young woman with blond hair emerged from the vehicle, and Scarlett held her breath. She wished she could remember meeting Marie’s sister, remember what she looked like.
“Scarlett?” The young woman called out, and Scarlett breathed a sigh of relief. She would have somewhere to sleep tonight after all.
The girl strode closer, her blond hair swaying back and forth across her shoulders. She wore a smile as she approached. “Scarlett?” she asked again.
In all the commotion, Marie had never reminded her of her sister’s name so Scarlett stumbled over how to respond. “Are you Marie’s sister? I’m sorry. I don’t remember your name.”
A wide smile blossomed on her lips, and Scarlett couldn’t mistake the full mouth and wide eyes that resembled Marie. “Yes. Lydia Hansen. We met once before.”
Scarlett gave a brief nod. The woman did seem minutely familiar. Or maybe not. Didn’t matter.
Lydia tilted her head and studied Scarlett’s features before she gave a soft shake of her head. “I’m so sorry for what happened to you, and I’m so happy you’re here.” She pulled her into a warm hug that surprised Scarlett.
Her initial reaction was to push Lydia away, but the comfort that poured from this stranger fed her empty soul, and she embraced it instead. Emotion hovered at the back of her eyes. “Thank you for coming to get me. For giving me a place to stay until I can get back on my feet. I promise to stay out of the way and pay back—”
“Hush,” she said, cutting off her reply. “No one is keeping score here, Scarlett. I’m happy to help. It’s what any decent individual would do.”
Scarlett refrained from voicing her arguments, but her experiences in life had taught her that not many people were willing to step up and help someone in need.
“Come on,” Lydia said. “Get in the car. It’s late, and after the day you’ve had, I’m sure you’re exhausted. Let’s get you to bed, and we can get better acquainted in the morning.”
Inside the sedan, Scarlett sank into the seat and closed her eyes. Exhausted was right. Bone-weary, mind-numbing exhaustion with a healthy dose of throbbing head pain. She hadn’t wanted to take another painkiller until she’d safely arrived at Lydia’s house, but she didn’t think she could wait that long. She dug in her pocket for the small bottle of pills Marie had given her, and she twisted off the lid.
“Hurting?” Lydia asked.
“Yeah,” she whispered and popped the pill dry.
“Wait. I have a bottle of water.” She pulled a small plastic bag from beneath her seat. “A couple of snacks, too, in case you arrived hungry.”
“Thanks.” She probably should be hungry since she hadn’t eaten for hours. But food did not sound good. She drank some water and opened a bag of peanuts. She munched on a few so the pain pill wouldn’t eat through her stomach, and then she sighed. Things would be okay. At least for now.
She could worry about tomorrow…tomorrow.
“Merle and I don’t have any kids,” Lydia said, glancing between her and the road. “So no one will bother you while you rest. Sleep in as long as you want. Our spare room is kind of small, but I like to think it’s cozy.”
“It will be perfect.” She blinked several times to keep her focus.
A tinkling laugh filled the vehicle. “How can you know that? You haven’t even seen our house, yet.”
“Because it’s away from Colorado.”
Lydia exhaled, all traces of laughter gone from her voice. “Yes, you’re right. That’s the only thing that matters right now, isn’t it? Did Marie tell you about our mother?”
“Only a little, that no one would help her.”
“That’s right,” she said, her voice heavy. “At least not before it was too late. That’s not going to happen to you, Scarlett. Marie and I will make sure you’re just fine.”
“Thank you,” she whispered as lights swirled inside the darkness behind her eyelids. “I will never be able to thank you enough.”
Short snippets of Lydia’s reply penetrated the thick fog leading her toward sleep, but not enough for her to register a full sentence. She thought about asking her to repeat what she’d said, but even that s
eemed too much. Instead, she gave herself over to the darkness that promised rest and relief.
****
Bright lights glowed behind Scarlett’s closed lids as a rush of cool air surrounded her, and she tried to orient herself to time and place.
“I’ve got her,” a male voice said as he scooped her into his arms.
She tensed as fear ripped through her. Hank had her.
Her eyes flew open, and she registered that she was outside. It was night, and Hank was trying to take her from the hospital. She instinctively shoved against the hard chest near her cheek and squirmed to be free.
“Whoa now. Don’t make me drop you.” The unfamiliar voice stopped her.
She tilted her head and caught sight of the underneath of a chin covered in dark scruff. Not a red beard. Not Hank. Still a stranger.
“Put me down.” Her dry throat left her words little more than a harsh whisper.
“Let him help you inside the house,” Lydia said gently, her presence reminding Scarlett where she was and why. “You fell asleep on the way here, and you’re still really groggy.”
“It’s okay,” the man replied to Lydia as he lowered Scarlett to her feet.
“If you think you can walk,” he said softly to Scarlett. She glanced up to find a tall, muscular man with dark, intense eyes studying her. He towered over her like a menacing figure, and she would have been afraid if she hadn’t trusted Marie and now her sister.
She took a wobbly step, and the man immediately gripped her elbow to support her. “I’m good,” she offered in protest.
“I can see that, but I’m also not going to chance you falling face first to the ground. You look like you’ve already had a rough day, miss, and I don’t intend to let anything add to it. If you want to walk, fine, but I’m going to be right here.”
Scarlett shot Lydia’s husband a half-smile. She didn’t need his help, but if her acquiescence got her to bed faster, then so be it.
He kept one hand splayed on her back and held on to her forearm with the other until they reached a back bedroom inside the house. He left her there in Lydia’s care, saying he’d retrieve her bag.