Karma

by Barbara Huffert

  “He trained Andie well but he left out moves that could seriously injure someone. If Jesse had been there, he might have killed Earl.”

  Abby was so startled she looked at Dwayne. “No,” she gasped.

  Dwayne squelched his fury at her bruises going unattended. “I’ll be right back.” He patted her arm before leaving her alone again.

  Outside, Dwayne stormed past everyone in the station and barged into Scott’s office. “Has it escaped your notice that my client is injured? Your treatment is absolutely unacceptable. Mrs. Monroe is an innocent victim and yet she has been kept in isolation. You left her on her own at a time when you should have done everything possible to reassure her that her safety is your utmost concern.

  “A man brutally attacks her, trespassing in a home where she is a guest, and you bend over backward to show him only the finest this town can offer. I am appalled, no, disgusted at your lack of respect and caring for one of your town’s newest residents. Get me some ice and decide what your next move is before I recommend that my client file a lawsuit against you and your entire staff. And, since you haven’t charged Mrs. Monroe with anything, her husband will be waiting with us.” Dwayne spun around and left Scott and his assistant speechless. “Jesse.” He motioned for him to follow as he stalked back to the room where he had left Abby.

  Inside, Jesse’s heart broke when he saw how alone Abby seemed. Crouching next to her chair, he covered her folded hands with his. “I’m so sorry, precious. They wouldn’t let me in.” He felt resistance as he tipped her face. “Let me see please. Dwayne said you needed ice.” Jesse could tell Abby was waiting for his reaction. “He’s right. I’d give anything to start this morning over again so you didn’t have to live with this hurt again.”

  “But your meeting…”

  “Has already been rescheduled. Wyatt took care of that as soon as Andie set off the alarm.”

  “Shane tried to stay.”

  “I know. He’s still outside. He told me Scott made him wait there instead of with you. He and Dwayne were already arguing with Scott, trying to get to you when I got here.”

  “I-I had to tell him my name.”

  “Shane told me that too. They’re all happy for us. You’ll see once things are calmer.”

  “But…”

  “But nothing. I love you. I’m ecstatic that you are my wife. No bruises or lies can ever change that. I’m proud to be able to share our marriage. It doesn’t really matter how we told our friends.”

  A tear slipped from Abby’s eye. “Is Kiley okay? Earl pushed her and she fell.”

  “Kiley is just fine. Max too. Jordan already took her to the doctor who assured both of them that, other than a few bumps, she’s completely unharmed.”

  “It’s my fault. If she’d been hurt it would have been all my fault.”

  “No, Abby. It was Earl who pushed her, not you. Kiley is perfectly fine. You can’t torture yourself with these what ifs.”

  A knock interrupted them. “Excuse me.” Scott entered and handed Jesse an icepack which he gently placed against the side of Abby’s lowered face. “Mrs. Monroe, I can’t apologize enough. There’s no excuse for what I’ve put you through after your incident earlier. I was wrong to let another officer’s opinion color my better judgment.”

  “Stop beating around the bush and get on with it,” Dwayne growled. “Either charge Mrs. Monroe so I can see about posting bail or take her statement and let her go.”

  Scott was visibly rattled. “Well, I would like to ask a few questions. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

  “I’m not leaving you alone with my wife,” Jesse declared.

  “No, no, that’s not necessary. This is merely a formality, now that we have Mr. Green’s history.”

  “And how did you get that?” Dwayne seemed curious at the change in the chief’s demeanor.

  “A gentleman just arrived saying that a Wyatt Monroe sent him to clear things up. He had some documentation that supports Shane’s statement that Mr. Green intended to kidnap you and do greater harm once he had.”

  “So who exactly is this gentleman?” Dwayne motioned for Jesse to remain quiet.

  “I’m not entirely sure. He showed me a badge that associates him with the FBI but he’s more than a field agent. He has papers that transfer Mr. Green to his custody and made it clear that he was permitting me to speak with you out of courtesy more than anything else. He felt I needed to be informed about the citizens in this town in order to do my job effectively although he expressed his doubts over whether or not you would be staying.”

  “And that’s the only reason behind your about-face, Chief?”

  “No. I already knew how poorly I handled this whole thing, thanks to you, Mr. Peterson. I was on my way to beg forgiveness when he arrived.”

  “Up to you, Abby. You don’t have to explain a thing but, if you decide to go through with buying the house, it might do some good for him to know what happened. I’m sure Green won’t be a problem for you in the future but it could help prevent the chief’s judgment from being clouded for someone else in a similar situation.”

  Jesse knew Dwayne was hoping for him to urge Abby to tell them what Earl did before Kiley noticed them. “Abby, I know you don’t want to talk about it but I’m asking you to anyway. Please tell me what went on inside so the chief knows the kind of lies men like Earl use to twist minds. I promise we’ll go home as soon as you’re done.”

  Abby finally nodded. Without looking up, she described what occurred in a flat voice. Jesse paled when she explained how Earl had located her. When she related his plans for her future, all three men tensed. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you, Jesse. You already went to so much trouble for me. If I done had as you suggested, you wouldn’t have to put up with this now.”

  “Shh.” Jesse embraced her gently. “You are not responsible for Earl or your mother. He mistreated you and she helped him. She didn’t have to give him Shane’s tag number. It was her choice, Abby. All you’ve done is decide to make some changes in your life.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Monroe. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I do hope you won’t let this change your mind about remaining in this town. It really is a nice place and I usually manage to do right by people.”

  “I’m sorry,” Abby whispered.

  “Don’t, Abby.” Dwayne cut her off before Jesse could. “Chief Burns is right to apologize. His behavior has been unconscionable. Especially since Shane, a man whose home he’s spent time in, told him how Alyssa, the same photographer he enlisted on more than one occasion, had documented Green’s prior abuse.” He stood. “Now I think we’re done here. Let’s get you out of here.”

  “What did he say?” Abby asked, surprising them. “To make that cop believe him.”

  Scott shifted nervously. “Mr. Green created doubts regarding your stability. He stated how you had tried to discredit him in front of his coworkers several times and insisted that this is just one of the many stunts you’ve pulled to draw attention to yourself. I don’t think my man would have been swayed but when your mother confirmed Mr. Green’s allegations…”

  “My mother is here?” Abby shrank away from Jesse.

  “Yes, she’s outside with the others. The agent is with Mr. Green but he wouldn’t permit Mrs. James to remain in the room.”

  “You let Mrs. James wait with Green but Abby had to sit here alone?” Dwayne sputtered before he regained control of his temper. “Consider this your one gift. I doubt Mrs. Monroe will follow my advice to have you removed from your position so I suggest you show your gratitude by never making a mistake like this again.”

  “Thank you,” Scott said lamely as Jesse led Abby from the room.

  “What have you done this time, Abigail?” Marge James sprang from her chair as soon as she saw her daughter. “When Earl called me and said you had some woman attack him…”

  “Shut up.” Jesse stepped between them, shielding Abby. “You have nothing to say that Abby needs to hear
.”

  “Oh my.” Marge practically purred. “Who do we have here?”

  “I guess you don’t recognize me today since I shaved and put on a suit. We met the other week. In front of Green’s house. When I helped my wife move the few possessions she chose to keep. Jesse, remember?”

  “Your wife?”

  “Yes, my wife. Now get the hell out of my way before I forget where we are and say the things I want to.”

  “I can’t believe you’re still defending him.” Abby spoke quietly. “Look at my face, Mom. Earl hit me. Again. He kicked me. He was forcing me to go with him so he could make me into his whore. Why can’t you see what he’s like? How many more times are you going to have to bail him out before it sinks in that he really is doing what he’s accused of?”

  “Shh, Abby. She’s not worth you upsetting yourself over. You have my family now and they love you as you should be loved. You don’t need to let this sad woman poison your mind ever again. Come with me, precious. Let me make up for the way they hurt you.” Jesse folded her protectively against his side but waited for Abby to move before he took her out of the police station.

  Shane and the others followed instantly. Outside, Dwayne promised to call soon. He would wait for the man Wyatt sent to find out how he was involved and what he had planned for Earl. The rest expressed their support after Kiley assured Abby that she and the baby were in no danger due to Earl’s push. Shane was the last to leave. He waited until it was just the three of them before returning Alyssa’s photographs. The fact that only Scott had seen them did little to ease Abby’s tension.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Jesse kept quiet while Abby cleared away the ruined brunch. His offer to help had been refused. When they walked in, Trevor covered Abby’s face with slurpy dog kisses as soon as she stooped to tell him how good he was. Now the poor creature was leaning against Jesse’s leg, watching her every move.

  When she finished, Abby stood at the sink. Jesse could feel the hurt radiating from her. “Abby?”

  “I need a shower,” she announced, practically racing from the room without looking at him.

  He waited until he heard the water start before he went upstairs to wait for her. He knew not to crowd her but couldn’t bring himself to leave her alone. Not when she had already withdrawn so far back inside herself. Trevor thumped his tail and whimpered from his spot outside the bathroom door when he saw Jesse. The dog’s eyes pleaded with him to do something to ease Abby’s distress.

  He knew she was trying to wash away the scum of Earl’s touch. She didn’t need to tell him how much worse it was for her this time, happening away from the confines of Earl’s house. It seemed she didn’t want to face him or any of his friends because she blamed herself for bringing trouble to their lives. He had to find a way to get through to her.

  Jesse stood as soon as the door opened. More than anything, he wanted to hold her. He wanted to comfort her with his touch and show her he had meant every word he said in the interrogation room about her bruises not having any effect on his feelings.

  “Please come sit down,” he urged when Abby swayed on her feet. When she perched on the edge of the chair in the corner of the room and folded her hands in her lap without looking at him, Jesse slid to the floor at her feet. “I’m so very sorry,” he whispered, not letting himself clasp her hands. “I let you down again. First my family behaved as they haven’t since we were teenagers. Then I ignored my gut feeling this morning because I didn’t want you to think I was being paranoid. I asked you to trust me and sent you off with Shane after assuring you you would be treated with decency. I promised nothing would ever hurt you again because I would take care of you. I failed you every step of the way.” Jesse couldn’t keep from resting his forehead on her lap and wrapping his arms around her legs as he started to sob. “I love you so much but I don’t deserve to have you as my wife.”

  Abby moved her hand to the back of his head. “No, Jesse, don’t. You’ve done everything for me.” She was crying with him. “You taught me how to dream again. You gave me hope. You showed me I really do have something to live for. You gave me so much. I’m the one who ruined it all.”

  When Jesse calmed himself and realized how tightly he had her trapped, he loosened his arms. So much for not crowding her. The word “ruined” kept echoing in his mind and he fought back another wave of emotions. “Nothing’s ruined.”

  She slid onto the floor with him and absently stroked Trevor’s head. “How can you say that? Kiley could have lost her baby. They almost charged Andie with assault. My mother raced to Earl’s side to help convince everyone I’m insane. And then, then she turned around and made a pass at you, which everyone witnessed. I told you what he said in front of them. How can you possibly think they’ll want me in their homes after today? I don’t want to see the pity they have for you being stuck with me.”

  Jesse slipped his arms around Abby and held her as she gave in to her tears. When they subsided, he tipped her chin and waited for her to meet his gaze. “Wyatt’s buddy will straighten things out with Earl.”

  “Oh God, Wyatt,” Abby moaned.

  “Don’t even start on that train of thought. I bet Wyatt is more than pleased he found some way to help.”

  “Do you think that guy’s really in the FBI?”

  “I’m positive he is. Dwayne will give us the scoop when they’re done.”

  Abby shifted against his side and frowned. “Sorry,” she apologized. “The thing in your pocket…”

  “Damn, I completely forgot.” Jesse reached into his jacket and removed a jeweler’s box. “I had time for a little errand before the meeting.” He opened the box to reveal a set of wedding bands. “I wanted to surprise you. I thought this would look nice with your other ring.” Jesse slid the band on her finger and held her hand so they could both see it. “If you don’t like them, we can pick out something else.”

  Abby stared in disbelief when Jesse raised her hand and kissed it. “I can’t…”

  “Sure you can.” He had hoped she would repeat his gesture but wasn’t surprised when he ended up putting on his own ring. “If you can find it in your heart to give me another chance, even after my repeated failures, I would be so honored to wear this so the whole world knows I’m yours.”

  Before she could respond, his phone rang. “Hey, Dwayne,” he answered after glancing at the display.

  “I hate like hell to intrude, Jess, but I’d like to swing by before I head home. Abby needs to make a decision and it’s best if she does it sooner rather than later.”

  Jesse sighed. “Okay, let’s get this over with.” He explained that Dwayne was on his was to speak to them, hating the terror that resurfaced on her face. “I wish I could handle this part for you but you know I can’t. Gods, I’m sorry you need to go through this.”

  Abby’s features transformed into a blank mask as she retreated even further. Without responding, she pulled away and stood. Jesse followed her down to wait for Dwayne.

  Dwayne and Jesse exchanged pleasantries briefly before he got to the point. “Apparently Green has a history of abuse that started when he was a teenager. Wyatt located some sealed files that contained several instances where he was accused of getting rough with his girlfriends. There were also two accusations of rape. Unfortunately none made it to court. You already know about the time your mother bailed him out. Those charges were dropped as well. Wyatt found some complaints of sexual harassment at various branches of the bank but they all came from younger women who had histories of liking to party, all of whom either quit or were transferred soon after they were filed.” Dwayne paused while Jesse fought to contain his reaction. Abby continued to stare at the table, seemingly unaware of his struggle.

  “Add that to the record Wyatt gave you of his obsession with your finances, the evidence Alyssa captured, and the events of today, Green wouldn’t be able to avoid being convicted this time. I’ve spoken to Kiley and Andie and they both agreed to do whatever you want them to
do.”

  “Do?” Abby asked in a small voice. “What do you mean?”

  “About pressing charges. If you do, your friends will too. They are willing to, even without you but the case will be much stronger with you involved.”

  Abby was visibly upset for a moment before she shut down again. “If I press charges, I’d have to go to court.”

  “Yes.”

  Jesse had to stand by helplessly as Abby wrapped her arms around herself. It didn’t hide her shaking. “I’d have to tell them everything.”

  “Yes. You would be subpoenaed to testify.”

  “They’d ask questions that twisted things to make me seem as insane as Earl was always telling people I was. And my mother, my mother would agree with him.”

  “I won’t lie to you, Abby. In all probability, yes, the defense would do their best to discredit you.”

  “And if they did, he could get away with it.”

  “It’s a possibility but a very slim one.”

  “If he gets away with it now, he’ll do it again.”

  “Probably.”

  Abby raised her head. “I can’t,” she said, sobbing. “I just can’t. I know that’s wrong and I should but I can’t.”

  Jesse reached out and caressed an unbruised spot on her cheek. “No one is going to force you. It’s your decision, Abby. I’ll stand by you either way.”

  “But why? I’m too much of a coward to stop him.”

  Dwayne interrupted. “Oh he’ll stop. Or he will if he has one ounce of sense. The only thing in question is whether or not you want him legally punished for what he did to you.”

  “I think we need a bit more explanation, Dwayne.” Jesse expressed their confusion.

  “The mystery man Wyatt sent is going to issue Green an ultimatum, whether or not you prosecute. I don’t know where he finds these guys or what motivates them to step in like they do, but this one is extremely good. Green was whimpering when I got a glimpse of him. Begging too. Apparently Wyatt determined that Green’s biggest weakness is his image.”