“But don’t you see? It’s my choice, Margo. I won’t let one of these psychos control my life.” She’d already given Mitch enough control over her life. She wouldn’t allow it to happen again.
Condescending annoyance dripped from Andrew’s words. “Need I remind you that Robert nearly killed you yesterday?”
She mocked his snotty phrase. “You needn’t remind me of anything.” How had she ever thought Andrew Jennings was on her side?
“What if he gets into the house? What are you going to do then, Jessica? Cower under the desk hoping he’ll go away?”
Her heart jumped. How had he known she’d cowered under the desk? He couldn’t know that. “Pardon me?”
“This guy has already scared you half to death and all he did was get onto the porch and rattle a door handle. What are you going to do when he gets inside?”
Her ire went on high alert. How dare he suggest she’d been afraid? “I was not scared.”
He closed the distance between them as if his closeness would act as a reminder. “You were trembling when you answered the door and your heart was racing.”
“It was not.”
“Was, too.”
Jessica stared him in the eye. “First of all, you couldn’t possibly know whether or not my heart was racing and second, if I seemed frightened, it was only because I was responding to the fear I heard in your voice.”
He studied her then shook his head in disbelief. “Wow. Are you really that stubborn that you won’t even admit when you’re afraid? You sound just like them.”
“Who?”
“These women you counsel. I’ll tell you the truth, Jessica. Right now, you remind me a lot of my sister. She didn’t know when to play it smart, either.”
She clenched her hands into fists. She wanted nothing more than to smack that arrogant attitude right out of him and demand he leave her shelter. She’d run off bigger and meaner men than Andrew Jennings before.
But she didn’t. Instead, she turned and walked away, marching into her office and closing the door. She didn’t need to sit and listen to Andrew give her an account of her behavior.
She grabbed a manual—it didn’t matter which one—and sat at her desk, but minutes later when Margo peeked inside, Jessica was still staring at page one.
Margo closed the door behind her. “Don’t worry. Mr. Tall, Dark and Annoying is gone.”
“Good.”
Instead of choosing a chair, Margo hopped onto the edge of the desk. “Is he right, Jess?”
She cringed. “You know I hate that nickname, Margo.”
She nodded. “I know terror flashes across your face when I say it.”
“Then why do you?”
“Because I keep hoping one day it won’t be so pronounced, but it’s always the same—sheer terror at the mention of a name.”
Jessica didn’t know how to respond. She knew Margo wanted her to open up and share, confide with her friend about what she’d endured, but she couldn’t. Talking about her ordeal with Mitch only weakened her.
“You counsel all these women to share their experiences, yet you continue to keep yours hidden, bottled up so tightly that you think no one notices.” She stood. “We notice, honey. Believe me, you can’t hide that kind of pain forever.”
Jessica leaned back in her chair. Margo was her best friend and knew her better than anyone else. She might be right. In fact, she probably was right, but Jessica knew she wouldn’t be able to function if she opened up about Mitch. She had to remain calm and in control if she hoped to help others survive what she’d been through.
Trouble was her control was slowly but surely slipping away.
“It might not have been Robert who was on my porch,” she admitted. “In fact, it probably wasn’t. There’s no reason to believe he knows where I live.”
“That’s true.”
“It could have been anyone.”
Margo nodded. “Maybe, but we can’t discount Robert Young. He is dangerous.”
Jessica nodded, but she already felt better convincing herself that she’d blown the entire incident out of proportion.
Mitch was still in prison, safely locked away where he could never reach her again.
And Robert Young she could handle.
* * *
Andrew wanted to check on his sister one more time before he left. He would never forget the terror he’d felt at finding his apartment trashed and the realization that Sarah could have been killed had she been there, had Andrew trusted his own instincts instead of listening to Jessica’s.
He found Sarah in the common area rocking and singing to one of the babies residing at the shelter with her mother. Andrew watched her with that baby. She was a natural. She’d always been the nurturing one, and his heart longed to see her settled and safe with a good husband and a family of her own.
He gave her a little wave when she spotted him over the baby’s head. She was safe and that was all that mattered to him now. And, as much as it pained him to admit, it wasn’t because of him. He hadn’t been able to protect her. Jessica had been right to push him. He understood that now and was glad his pig-headedness hadn’t gotten his sister killed.
He made his way back to the grocery store, realizing he hadn’t eaten for hours. As he waited in line, he noticed a little girl in a shopping cart waving to him. He smiled and waved back, causing her to giggle. He watched the girl’s mother poking and prodding the produce for the freshest choice. She picked up a bag of grapes causing the little girl to clap. But when she noticed the price she put them back and Andrew overheard her tell the girl they were too expensive.
The deli server drew his attention, and he placed his order. When he looked again, the little girl and her mother were gone. But the brief encounter had sent his mind back to the baby at the shelter, the one Sarah had been rocking. The common room was sparsely furnished and the play area for the children had only a few toys. And the practically bare cupboards... He knew the center operated on donations, and it seemed to him funds must be meager.
The lady behind the counter called to him and he accepted his food and quickly scanned his credit card. He was signing his name when it hit him. He couldn’t swing a hammer to save his life and he didn’t know how to fix that old dishwasher or do any of the repairs the shelter needed, but he did make a good living. He could afford to offer something to the shelter, especially since his own sister was living there now.
He stopped himself before he made any more excuses. This had nothing to do with his sister. Sarah would never go hungry or homeless as long as he could help it. He wanted to help the shelter because of Jessica, because she fought through fear and stood up for those she guarded. He admired that. He’d seen the look of terror on her face and he’d felt her pulse racing when she’d grabbed his arm. She had tenacity and he liked that.
He hated to admit it. Despite how crazy she made him, he admired her.
He asked to see the manager then made arrangements to have groceries sent to the shelter. He also bought a bag of seedless grapes and tracked down the little girl in the cart.
Tonight, no child would go without, not on his watch.
* * *
The dark house mocked her. She should have stayed at the shelter tonight, but her pride wouldn’t allow it. She would not be run out of her own home by fear.
Jessica quickly got out of the car and rushed toward the front door. The hairs on her neck prickled with fear. Her gaze spread over the lawn, the street and the neighbors’ houses. Everything looked normal. Nothing seemed odd or out of place. She let herself into the house. Nothing looked out of place either, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. She deposited her purse on the desk then opened her laptop and powered it up, navigating quickly to the Dover County Correctional Facility website. She typed in the inmate n
umber she knew by heart and watched as the page loaded. A photograph of Mitch appeared on the screen. She no longer saw the handsome sharp features or the piercing eyes that had first attracted her to Mitch Reynolds. Now, when she looked at him, all she saw was the monster. He’d replaced expensive suits with an orange jumpsuit and a two-hundred-dollar hairstyle with a buzz cut. She breathed a deep sigh of relief when she saw his status hadn’t changed. He was still locked up serving a life sentence for murder.
She hadn’t really believed it was him, but the echoing sound of those boots against her floor had brought back memories she’d tried so hard to bury. She shuddered as they flowed back to her. Margo was right. She needed to talk to someone about him. She needed to be free of his control once and for all.
She stared at his face again and shivered with fear. Even in the photograph, his eyes seemed to whisper to her.
You’re mine, Jess.
She closed the computer. Maybe she would work on her issues with Mitch tomorrow.
Instead, she turned her mind to more practical matters, shelter matters. Dean’s Den ran mostly on donations, and lately they hadn’t been coming in. She fixed herself a glass of warm milk then kicked off her shoes and curled up on the sofa with her Bible and a blanket. She would pray about keeping this house. The small salary she earned from doing crisis intervention calls for the county wasn’t much, but it had provided her the means to have her own place. She didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize the shelter, but she did enjoy having a place to get away to. But maybe that was the point. Maybe she wasn’t supposed to get away. The other women who stayed there had nowhere to go. Why should she?
Most of the women at the shelter knew poverty. Jessica had hoped to protect them from that kind of life at least for a little while. No one should have to worry about where their next meal would come from when bigger issues like physical safety were a major concern. She’d taken them in and promised them shelter and protection and three meals a day. So far, with God’s help and generous donations, she’d been able to keep those promises. But this time she was very close to failing them.
She cringed remembering the bare cabinets Andrew had examined and left standing open, revealing their empty shelves. She opened her Bible and prayed for God to speak His wisdom to her. Resentment was already settling into her heart, resentment at people like Andrew Jennings who never had to worry about where they would get money for their next meal. Sarah was not her typical client. Jessica remembered Andrew’s fierce protectiveness, and jealousy twinged at her but also admiration. How could she not admire him? He took care of his sister in the same way Jessica took care of the women in her care.
God, please help us. These women and children need to eat, and come tomorrow I’ll have nothing to feed them. We need Your intervention.
* * *
“We’re so glad you came by.” Olivia loaded another heap of mashed potatoes onto Andrew’s plate then placed a kiss on the top of his head. “We’ve missed you.”
He’d phoned Tom after leaving the grocery store and was told to come right over. Spending the evening visiting with Tom and Olivia was the smartest decision he’d made in a long time.
“I’ve missed you guys, too. It’s been too long.”
“So what have you been up to lately, Andrew? Besides getting your face on television all the time?”
“Working mostly.”
“What about church? Are you attending anywhere?”
“No. I haven’t set foot in church since...”
She nodded, seeming to understand. “Tory’s funeral.”
He set down his fork and sighed. He’d known this would come up eventually. Tory and Olivia had been best friends since college. “Yes.”
“You know I still find myself picking up the phone to call her or wondering why she hasn’t called me even after all this time.”
He knew that feeling. Expecting to see her when he walked into the apartment. Expecting to hear her on his voice mail. His jaw tightened as he pushed back those memories.
“How’s your family doing?” Tom asked, changing the subject away from Tory. Olivia seemed a little disheartened, but Andrew was glad for the change in subject.
“My mom’s living in Florida with her cousin. I talk to her every week, but I haven’t really seen her since the first of the year.”
“And Sarah?”
“She’s here. She’s had some trouble recently.” He explained the situation to them. “She’s staying at a local shelter.”
“Olivia used to do volunteer work at a local domestic violence shelter—Dean’s Den.”
“That’s where Sarah is. So you know Jessica, then?”
Olivia nodded. “Sure. I’ve helped her out with some tax issues in the past.”
He knew he was walking into a landmine of questions, but he just had to ask. “What do you think about her?”
“Jessica? She’s great. She’s passionate, determined—”
“Reckless?”
She shook her head, a bewildered look on her face. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“The thing is I’ve watched her take some risks, and I’m sure they weren’t necessary.”
“She deals with dangerous situations sometimes.”
Tom finally interjected. “I don’t mean to overstep here, Andrew, but is this about Jessica...or Tory?”
“This has nothing to do with Tory.”
“Doesn’t it? You often complained that Tory took too many unnecessary risks.”
“That’s completely different. Tory worked in an office. Jessica’s entire life is one big risk.”
“Are you worried about Sarah’s safety?”
“No. I’ve been to the shelter and I’ve seen the security measures. Sarah’s fine.”
Olivia exchanged a glance with her husband. “So then it’s Jessica you’re worried about?” The knowing smile she tried to hide told Andrew he’d given them the wrong idea.
“Robert is dangerous. He’ll do anything to try to get to Sarah. I just don’t want to see anything happen to Jessica because she helped us.”
Olivia covered Andrew’s hand with her own in a reassuring gesture. “Jessica can take care of herself. I’ve seen her stand up to people and situations that would send me scampering for cover.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I don’t know why I worry like I do.”
“Because you’re a kind man, Andrew, and you care about those around you.”
“Besides,” Tom interjected, “I’m sure nothing is going to happen.”
Andrew hoped his friends were right. Being here with them did help him feel better and he was glad he’d come. But before he could tell them so, footfalls in the hallway grabbed all their attention. Two little girls came running and squealing down the hall and into the dining room. He scooped them up and hugged them both tight, pulling them into his lap. Olivia laughed and got up, walking over to Tom and wrapping her arms around his neck.
Andrew watched the scene unfold and felt a pang of sorrow pierce him. Yet he was surprised to realize it wasn’t Tory he missed as much as the dreams he’d had for them.
* * *
The shrill ring of her cell phone jerked Jessica from a sound sleep. She grabbed for the phone, realizing she’d fallen asleep on the couch. Her Bible still lay across her chest and the glass of milk was still full.
“Jessica, you’ll never believe this.” Mia’s voice was rushed and excited. “We just received a delivery from Vowell’s Market. They said it was an anonymous donation. It looks like we are fully stocked on groceries now.”
Relief flowed through her followed by a realization of how good God was. She’d just been praying about this very thing last night and already God’s hand had provided for them.
“Some of the women are planning a big breakfast. Come jo
in us.”
“I’m on my way.”
Jessica pushed back the blanket and got up. Excitement rushed through her as she dressed. God always had a way of working things out. Why did she ever doubt Him?
She thought of Andrew and the fierce protectiveness he had for his sister that reminded her so much of Dean. Was it possible God felt that same fierce protectiveness? And He had the means to really safeguard them. It was exciting to watch His hand at work in her ministry.
Still, she allowed herself a moment of gloating. She only hoped Andrew stopped by today so he could see for himself how well she provided for those in her care.
She felt herself flush as she realized that wasn’t the only reason she hoped Andrew would come around today. Despite the blowout they’d had yesterday at the shelter, she couldn’t deny her sudden attachment to him or the growing hope that the attraction might be mutual. Was it possible something could grow between her and Andrew?
She sighed, realizing that was an impossible dream. Andrew had said she was just like the women she counseled...and he was right. She was one of them. And men like Andrew—men who had high-powered women lawyers and fashion models throwing themselves at him—would never settle for someone like her.
“She’s made bad choices,” Andrew had said of Sarah’s dilemma. What would he say if he discovered how much her bad choices had cost Dean?
She shook her head, trying to clear out any thoughts of a future between her and Andrew. It was ridiculous to even contemplate.
She turned on the coffeemaker, anxious to get moving and get to the shelter to see the provisions for herself.
She rushed into the bedroom to get dressed but stopped when she turned toward her dresser. The same words from the note were scrawled in what appeared to be lipstick on her mirror.
You can’t stop true love!
Suddenly, the weight of the truth barreled down on her. Robert had been inside the house, might possibly still be inside.
Jessica screamed and ran.
* * *
Andrew had just parked outside Jessica’s house when he heard the scream. He dropped the box of donuts he’d picked up as a peace offering and ran toward the porch. The front door flew open and Jessica ran from the house, barefoot and without a coat, ignoring the shrill of the alarm and the wail of the wind chimes as she rushed past them.
No Safe Haven Page 6