Entangled (Free Indeed Book 1)

by Jenesse Bates

  “I’d love some.”

  Jason led Allie into the kitchen and gestured for her to have a seat at the island, while he pulled eggs, bacon, and vegetables from the fridge. She watched as he quickly proceeded to chop and mix the ingredients needed to make each of them an omelet. He was surprisingly easy to talk to and kept up a carefree, lighthearted banter while he cooked. Shuggy entertained herself by following Malcolm around wherever he went as if they were best buds.

  “You said your father was never around very much, were your parents separated?” Jason asked as he cracked the eggs into a bowl.

  “No,” Allie sighed, “it’s complicated. And hard to explain to outsiders...people outside of our community.”

  “Try me.” Jason smiled at her encouragingly.

  Gosh, when he looked at her like that, she didn’t care how crappy the first twenty years of her life were. In this moment, here with him, it was hard to care or even remember all the beatings, and pressure, and stress that was commonplace for them growing up.

  “My family was part of a super-religious, fundamentalist sect. We lived in a private community, separate from worldly things and worldly pleasures. We were supposed to be separated unto God.” Jason’s eyebrows raised in surprise. Obviously whatever he expected, that wasn’t even close.

  “My father was our leader,” she continued, “he was called the Patriarch since he was like the father of our group. He traveled, sometimes weekly, going to different churches around the country. He said he was following God’s call to spread God’s word to other people, and at the same time, to try and recruit more people to join our community, Free Indeed it was called.”

  “So your dad’s God told him it was more important to spend time with strangers than with his own family?”

  Allie nodded, “But it was ok, we actually preferred him being away. Things were less...stressful, when he was away.”

  Jason stopped chopping the vegetables and turned his head to look over at her as she continued. “My mom was wonderful. She was happy, friendly, and probably the sweetest person you’d ever meet. But she changed whenever my dad was around...we all did. We always had to keep quiet and never make trouble. My father didn’t like noise, and seven children tended to make a lot of noise.

  “Seven?” His eyebrow raised in question.

  “Yes,” Allie smiled fondly thinking of her family, “I have three brothers and three sisters, all younger than me.”

  “Despite the fact that my father had a lot of children,” she frowned, “he never liked when they acted like children. It was like he wanted instant mini-adults, always obedient and subservient to what he wanted. Disobedience was never tolerated when it came to my father. If we didn’t agree with him or something he was asking us to do, we had to keep it to ourselves or else suffer the consequences.”

  Jason added the vegetables to the egg mixture already cooking on the stove top. “Did he hurt you?”

  Allie shrugged in reply without making eye contact. “He did what the Lord told him to do.” She said simply, “If God told him our punishment was being locked in the cellar, that’s what he would do; and if we deserved to be beaten, well, then he would do that. Apparently, our father received personal instruction from God on a daily basis.” A little smirk lifted the side of her mouth at her sarcastic comment.

  “I’m sorry,” Jason stopped what he was doing to face her.

  “It’s ok,” Allie shrugged again.

  “No, no it’s not, Allie.” He pushed the skillet off the stove top and moved towards her. He placed both of his hands at her waist and turned her so he could look her in the eye. “You’re dad was a bastard, who used his position of authority to abuse and lord over other people. There are ways to discipline and correct a child, but beating them is never ok.”

  Deep down, Allie knew in her heart that what he was saying was true. But at the same time, she had been trained from a child that her father was God’s authority over her life and that any disobedience to him was direct disobedience against God. So there was no way to fight that. How does one fight against God?

  Jason pulled her forward into a hug, and she felt some of the tension ease out of her body. His hugs were amazing. They made her feel like the most valued and treasured person on earth. How was that even possible? She threw her arms around his neck and returned the squeeze. He was so tall and broad, it made her feel so safe and protected when she was in his arms.

  He pulled back just far enough to be able to see her face, “Ready for that omelet?”

  “Yes,” she smiled looking up into his beautiful blue eyes. They were so different from her father’s. Whenever her father looked at her, there was such a cold anger seeping from his eyes. It was almost as if he hated them even though he was their father. But Jason’s, his were open and bright, they seemed to literally shine with happiness. When she stared up into them, it was like the rest of the world just faded away, and all that existed were her and him.

  He smiled and then turned back to transfer the food to a couple of plates. Allie filled up some glasses with juice and then carried them over to the table. They both quickly dug into their food.

  “Oh my gosh,” Allie moaned happily, “this is so good!”

  “You sound surprised,” Jason laughed back.

  Allie blushed for a moment before responding, “Well, the men at Free Indeed never cooked, like ever. It was women’s work, and they wouldn’t be caught dead in the kitchen.” She rolled her eyes at the memory. “I actually think your cooking is better than mine. Well, your omelets anyway.” She teased him.

  Jason smirked, “Just you wait till you taste my chili, your tastebuds will never question man-cooking again.”

  Allie laughed. This felt so good, being with him. It just felt right. He made her feel so comfortable and at home, she just felt like she belonged in his life and he in hers. Gosh, he made her feel so special and worthwhile, like she mattered. Back at the community, she felt as if all she was good for was to compliment whatever man-authority was in her life. The women there were to keep house and take care of the children, and then drop whatever they were doing whenever their husband or father asked them to do something they saw as more important. Jason was so different, he actually tried to see to her needs and wanted to take care of her.

  “Look,” Jason’s chuckle interrupted her thoughts. She followed his gaze to see Malcolm showing Shuggs how to use the doggie door leading into the backyard. Allie laughed as she watched the two dogs run in and out of the house as if they were playing a game of tag.

  “Want to see the ranch?” Jason grinned over at her as they finished up their meal.

  “I’d love to,” she replied, smiling back at him. This place was amazing, and of course she wanted to see more. She helped Jason put the last of the dishes away and then followed him to the back door. He reached up to where his Stetson was hanging to snag it and put it on his head. He grabbed a second hat hanging there as well and turned to hand it to Allie. She let out a little laugh as she took it from him and plopped it on her head. Allie tilted her head cutely to the side, “Do I look like a cowgirl now?” She asked him with a big smile covering her face.

  “You look like the most adorable cowgirl ever,” Jason winked back.

  That was good enough for her. Adorable was drastically better than nerdy or geeky or god forbid, the frumpy look that she came to Serenity in. Adorable was cute, and coming from Jason, it made her all warm and fuzzy inside.

  He opened the door, and she walked through onto the beautiful back deck. Jason followed behind her with the two dogs trailing happily.

  Jason and Allie spent the day together with him showing her around the ranch. Besides the main house and the outbuildings, he also drove her around and showed her some of the acreage and surrounding lands. The best part though, was meeting the horses. Allie had never ridden a horse before or honestly, even been close enough to pet one. It was special to be able to get the chance to do it now. Shuggy and Malcolm tagged along beh
ind them the whole afternoon. The little puppy was having the time of her life with so many new animals to meet, and new smells to investigate. The day went by so quickly, Allie was surprised to realize that it was dinnertime.

  “Hungry?” Jason looked over at her and asked.

  “Now that I actually think about it, I’m starved,” Allie smiled back. They had been so busy going from one thing to the next that she hadn’t even given thought to food the entire day. And now, just the idea of it was making her stomach rumble. A small laugh escaped Jason at the sound. He reached over to lace their hands together and led her back to the main house with the two pups trailing behind.

  Jason’s phone started ringing just as they finished eating. He looked down at the phone’s display and frowned for a moment before swiping the screen to accept the call and bring it up to his ear, “Hello, Sheriff.”

  “Hey Jason,” Sheriff Donaldson’s deep voice came through, “by any chance is Allie with you?”

  Jason turned his gaze to where Allie sat watching him, “Yeah, she’s here with me now. What’s up?”

  “Thank God,” came the sheriff’s relieved voice. “I hate to have to tell you this, but Annie noticed her stairwell door ajar tonight and went in to make sure everything was ok. She found the apartment completely ransacked. It’s bad. Everything is pretty trashed, Jason.”

  “We’ll be right there. We’re out at the ranch, so give us thirty minutes or so.”

  “I don’t think I have to tell you this, but stick close to her, ok? I don’t like this, and it’s starting to feel like she’s definitely being targeted for something.”

  “Absolutely will do. We’re on our way.” Jason acknowledged and disconnected the call.

  “What happened?” Allie asked gripping tightly onto the counter’s edge for support. Even though she wasn’t able to hear what the sheriff had said, she knew the news had to be bad. Jason moved over to her and grasped her clenched hands in his.

  “There’s been a break in at your apartment. The sheriff and Annie are there now, but I need to take you back so you can report if anything’s missing.”

  Instead of crying or breaking down, Allie stiffened and just quietly agreed, “Ok, let’s go.” He watched as Allie picked up her purse and then walked over to where Shuggy was sacked out next to Mal on his doggie bed.

  He watched as she leaned down to pet Malcolm and gave him a quick scratch behind the ears, “We can leave Shuggy here.” he said. Allie turned back to look at him, “Mal will keep an eye on her, and it’ll probably be easier to look everything over without a puppy running everywhere. We can come straight back after everything’s taken care of.”

  Allie thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement, “Yeah, it will be easier if I don’t have to worry about Shuggy getting into things she shouldn’t.” She dropped to her knees and gave the puppy a hug goodbye. Shuggs responded in her typical fashion and covered Allie’s worried face with kisses. After gently placing the puppy back on the floor, Allie turned back to where Jason was waiting for her. He reached out his hand, and she took it, then they walked out to the truck to drive back into town.

  Chapter 10

  When they arrived, the sheriff and Annie were waiting for them at the entrance to the stairwell. Jason climbed out of his truck and then walked around to give Allie a hand in jumping down. He grasped her hand in his own, and together they walked up to the entryway. Before they even came the full distance, Annie dashed down from the steps and enveloped Allie in a big hug.

  “I’m so sorry this happened to you, honey.” Annie squeezed her tight, “It’s just horrible...first the mugger following you home, and now this. I can’t remember the last time we had two criminal offenses go down in such a short amount of time in this town. And to have both of them happen to you...well that’s just crazy.”

  Allie gave her a small smile, grateful that her landlord was supportive instead of screaming at her and handing her an eviction notice. After all the apartment belonged to Annie, and she could kick her out if she thought Allie was more trouble than she was worth.

  Jason stepped up beside her and placed his hand to the small of her back in support. Allie glanced up at him and reluctantly sighed, “Ok, let’s do this.” Then they walked up to where the sheriff was waiting to lead them upstairs.

  The sheriff nodded at them as they approached. He turned his attention to Allie, “Ma’am, I just wanted to give you a heads up, what you’re going to see up there isn’t very pretty. They really did a number on your furniture and personal items. It’s pretty trashed up there.”

  Allie took a deep breath and grabbed an even tighter hold on Jason’s hand. Then she nodded to the sheriff to indicate that she was ready. Sheriff Donaldson led the way up the flight of stairs with the rest of them following behind. When they reached the door, he pushed it open and then stood to the side so Allie and Jason could enter.

  Allie was unable to stop the gasp from escaping her lips when she saw the damage to her apartment. The furniture was slashed, the cabinets were all ajar with the contents scattered all across the room. Broken dishes, cups, and glassware littered the kitchen floor. Her closet and dresser drawers were emptied, the clothes and items inside thrown haphazardly around every spare inch of floor. Her brand-new computer lay broken at an awkward angle on the floor, the screen smashed into pieces.

  She knew they were all just things, but they were her things. The items sprawled all over the floor weren’t things that were forced on her, and they weren’t hand-me-downs that dozens had used before her. They were the things she bought to start her new life, each item hand-picked because it was something she loved. So even though they were just possessions and she knew they could be replaced, it still hurt. It hurt that someone had violated her space and damaged her personal property.

  Allie could feel the sting of tears as they started to fill her eyes. Apparently, Jason could see them coming as well because he grabbed her and cocooned her in a comforting embrace. She just stayed there in his arms for a moment, absorbing his strength.

  After giving her a moment to compose herself, Sheriff Donaldson came up beside her and asked, “I know it’s a disaster area right now, but does anything stand out as possibly missing?”

  Allie pulled back from Jason’s chest and thought for a moment. Then she turned and walked over to her closet, rummaging around until she pulled out her bag that she had fled Free Indeed with. Jerking the zipper open, she quickly rifled through the various compartments. Finally certain that it was gone, she stood back up to her feet and faced the others in the room.

  “The rest of my money is gone,” she explained. “It wasn’t an awful lot, about three thousand dollars in cash, but it’s definitely been taken.”

  The sheriff pulled out his notebook to jot down a quick note. He then looked at her and asked, “Do you have any idea who may have done this? Either the break in tonight, or the scare last night?”

  Allie thought for a moment, but then shook her head, “No, I really don’t. There’s no one that I know anywhere around here who would have anything against me personally, and before moving here, I lived on the east coast. No one back there would have any reason to come all this way.”

  The sheriff appraised her and seemed like he wanted to ask her more questions, but instead stopped. He gave her a little smile, “Well, I’m sorry you’ve been having a rough couple of days here.” He nodded in Jason’s direction, “Stick close to Jason here or your friends for the next couple days, just till things start to calm down. And if anything else happens, or you think of anything that may be important, let me know.”

  “I will, Sheriff.” Allie agreed, “And thank you for your help.”

  Sheriff Donaldson tipped his hat to her and grunted a quick goodbye in Jason’s direction, before walking out the door.

  After the sheriff left, Annie stepped forward and embraced Allie again, “I’m so sorry about all this, Annie.” Allie apologized.

  “Pssh, don’t you worry about a
thing, ok?” Annie said, “I’ve got insurance to cover all of this mess and damage. So if you just want to go through and get your clothes and items from the mess, Jason and I will help you bag it up to take it with you for now. Then I’ll take care of everything else, and we’ll get you moved back in once I get new furniture in here.”

  Tears shone in Allie’s eyes at the older woman’s words. She had honestly expected for Annie to be angry at her or blame her in some way for the damage. But to have Annie not only on her side, but taking care of the problem, it just made her feel so relieved.

  Allie grabbed the bag that she had pulled from the closet, while Annie found the trash bags under the sink, and the three of them started to sift through the items scattered about to find clothes and other things that weren’t damaged enough to be thrown away. Not worrying about organization or making it pretty, they just grabbed everything they thought Allie might want or need and stuffed it into the bags.

  “Do you have somewhere to stay, Allie?” Annie asked her while separating the clothes from the broken dishes. “Because you’re more than welcome to stay with George and me.”

  “She can stay with me as long as she needs to,” Jason interjected quickly.

  Allie looked over at him and smiled her thanks, then turned back to Annie, “Shuggy’s already out at the ranch now, and I’m sure she’s having a blast. So it’ll be easier to stay with Jason until the apartment is livable again. Thank you so much for thinking of me, though.”

  “Of course, dear.” Annie looked back at her, “I’m just so sad that this has happened to you.”

  It felt so good for once to have people in her corner. People who cared about her and looked out for her. That was a new feeling for Allie. The people she had grown up with forever claimed to share a community environment, where everyone helped everybody. But it was all such a sham. Besides the fact that the women tended to have anywhere from five to twenty children each, there was no time to worry about anyone else. The day barely had enough daylight to feed and clothe and clean one family’s worth, let alone look out for and help with the needs of others.