Not this. Not again, Lord. Please, rescue me!
* * *
Something is wrong.
Tony grabbed his metal flashlight and made his way down the path in the direction Renata had taken. He heard the low rumble of a male voice. He stayed in the shadow for a second to adjust his eyes to the dark.
Bryan? What is he doing?
Tony watched the knife slice Renata’s clothing. His heart pounded in his ears. He moved around to come up behind his friend and, with one quick swing, drove his flashlight into the side of Bryan’s head.
Bryan fell over, dazed, and struggled to rise. His pants were unzipped and starting to fall down, and he could not move fast enough to avoid Tony’s fury. They struggled over the knife before Tony was able to kick it to the side and land a fist to his friend’s face which rendered him motionless. Tony shook out his hand. The knuckles ached.
Grabbing the knife, he knelt down by Renata. Her eyes opened in surprise as he pulled her upright. He motioned for her to stay quiet, pulled off his Packers sweatshirt and gave it to her. He turned his back to give her privacy as he removed Bryan’s belt and secured the unconscious man’s hands behind his back. He heard Renata retching behind him.
When he turned, he noticed her shivering in spite of the sweatshirt. He snuck back toward the fire pit where he had left his leather jacket. He told Sharon he was taking his guest home and disappeared through the trees. Renata sat by the rock, her ruined clothing folded in a neat pile. She stared out at the river, but he doubted she focused on anything. He knelt down beside her. She jerked away when he touched her shoulder. He figured she was in shock. He wrapped his leather jacket around her and helped her get her arms in the sleeves as he would his four-year-old nephew, Eliot. He put his arms on her shoulders, and she trembled. He lifted her chin and forced her to look him in the eye.
“I’m calling the police. You are going to be okay,” he whispered. She nodded but didn’t speak. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself as she rocked. Tony pulled out his cell phone, dialed 911, and talked the police officer into the area without disturbing the gathering on the other side of the trees.
Bryan came to and glared at Tony with hatred in his eyes. Tony went over to him and crouched down.
“Why, Bryan? I thought I knew you.”
His friend only growled in response.
The officers arrived. They checked Renata, removed Bryan’s belt, read him his rights, and took him away in handcuffs. Tony led Renata back toward the house where the car was. He guided her to a picnic table where an officer waited to get a report. The pile of Renata’s clothes sat in an evidence bag.
“Do you want me to wait for you by the car?” Tony asked.
Renata looked up at him. “Stay. Please?”
Tony nodded. He shivered in his gray t-shirt, goose bumps sprinkled up and down his arms. He slid onto the bench next to her.
Officer Maria Alvarez from the Washington County Sherriff’s Department gently asked questions, and Renata managed to choke out the story of what had happened. Tony shared about what he had witnessed and how he had responded.
“Miss Blake, would you like a ride to the hospital to have your wound checked out?”
Renata’s finger moved up to the raised welt on her cheek and her pierced neck, drew back her finger to see the blood had dried and shook her head.
The officer turned to Tony. “Mr. De Luca, do you need medical attention for the cut on your arm?” She pointed to his right bicep.
Tony looked down at the slash in his arm and only then became aware of the sting.
“Thank you, Officer. I can patch this up at home.”
The officer handed Renata a card with her contact information and the case number on it, as well as a pamphlet, and explained it contained information on services for sexual abuse survivors. “You may find you need help to cope with this. Please take advantage of these services when you are ready.”
“Thank you,” said Renata, her voice soft. She turned to Tony. “Would you take me home?”
He nodded, rose, and held her hand as she stood. He walked her to the car and helped her in. After going around to his side, he sat, buckled up, started up the car, and cranked up the heat. He looked over at Renata, who hugged herself and stared straight ahead. He made careful turns as if he transported fragile china. He wished he could make it better. He’d failed her tonight, and his stomach ached as a migraine threatened.
Neither one of them said a word.
* * *
Tony had called Stephanie before they left and let her know Renata needed her. As they drove up, the lights were on. Stephanie raced out to the car and whipped open the passenger door before Tony could make it around to the passenger side.
“Renata, are you okay?”
Renata got out of the car and shook her head. She proceeded to walk toward the house with her head bent as Stephanie fussed over her. Tony followed at a distance. Renata got to the patio doors, stopped, and turned to him as he watched with his hands in his pockets.
“Thank you, Tony.” Renata turned and, with heavy steps and head down, she went inside. Stephanie followed, closed and locked the patio door, and drew the blinds.
Tony stood there until the cold brought him to his senses. He returned to the car, slammed the passenger door, got in on his side, and drove home.
Once he entered his one bedroom apartment, his anger flared. He paced and longed to punch the wall. How dare Bryan attack and try to rape a woman? Tony railed against himself. Why didn’t I watch over her better? He sat down, put his head in his hands, and groaned in frustration and self-condemnation.
Sleep remained elusive for most of the night.
* * *
Renata showered and dressed her wounds. The cuts were not deep, but stung, although not as badly as her heart ached. When she emerged, dressed in her pajamas, Stephanie waited with a cup of chamomile tea sweetened with honey. They sat on the couch, and Renata’s tears flowed freely. Safety surrounded her as Stephanie held her. “Never in a million years would I have wished this on you. Not after what you went through with Mick. I’m so sorry.”
Renata sniffled and grabbed a facial tissue. She looked at her friend and smiled. “But back then, with Mick, I didn’t have you to comfort me. If Tony hadn’t gotten there when he did—”
“Tony? What did he do? Come on, Ren, tell me all now.”
Renata repeated to Stephanie what had happened in the woods.
CHAPTER THREE
It was a bright Friday morning, and Renata had pulled her Papasan chair out on the deck with her journal, Bible, and a cup of spiced chai. She snuggled into the sunken, curved, wicker cane chair with the round cream cushion. She wore plaid flannel pants in a soft mauve mixed with purple and heather gray. She wore her flannel gray slippers to keep her feet warm and Tony’s gray Packers sweatshirt.
The sweatshirt smelled like him, all garlic and smoke, and it served almost as a security blanket. She would wash it tomorrow, sew up the rip in the sleeve, and return it to him at church on Sunday. She smiled as she sat cross-legged in her chair and picked up her mug to hold it close and warm her hands. It was a quiet morning, and Stephanie had already left for work at her other part-time job at a furniture store. Renata had seen neighborhood kids go off to school, getting on the traditional yellow bus.
Last night taunted her like a bad dream. She had marks to prove it wasn’t, and a sweatshirt and leather jacket testified to God’s protection.
Evil happens. Life is never safe. How could I have forgotten?
Tony, a man she had known less than a week, had rescued her. No one had ever come to her aid before. Not even after a rape, as a young woman of eighteen. Not when she was battered and abused as Mick’s wife. Instead, blame fell on her shoulders. Not this time. This time someone had fought for her, risked health and friendship for her.
A tear trickled down her cheek. What if he knew who I was? What if he knew my past? He wouldn’t have come to my rescue. Renat
a shook her head. Lies! All Lies! I belong to Jesus! Satan, you will not win this battle! Waves of despair threatened to drown her. She hadn’t slept well until she’d taken prescription pain meds for her back and shoulder pain. Old injuries from Mick flared up because of last night’s assault and reminded her of how fragile her body was now. She had drifted off into an uneasy sleep that kept the monsters at bay. She was awake now, and they had returned.
A motorcycle stopped in front of the apartment complex. She glanced up to see the man remove his helmet. It was Tony. He turned and strode toward her. The bike wasn’t fancy. A simple motorcycle, probably purchased used but still holding a nice deep forest green color. Tony wore a Green Bay Packers jacket, zipped up against the brisk cool air, and Renata regretted depriving him of his sweatshirt and leather jacket last night. She recalled how good he looked in his t-shirt. All muscle and strength. She sighed as he walked towards her now in faded blue jeans and cowboy boots, which showed he was slightly bow legged. He reminded her of a cowboy. Her Italian cowboy. She smiled. He had banished the monsters for now.
* * *
Tony approached, unsure of how to greet Renata after the traumatic events of the previous evening. He stood before her, a few feet away, thumbs in his jean pockets. “I called the bank and they said you were out sick. I wanted to see for myself if you were all right.”
“I’m a little shaken. I didn’t think I could deal with mutual funds, annuities, and the like today. It’ll probably cost me in commissions as I only started my job last week, but it’ll work out.” She set down her coffee cup. “I’m sorry. Where are my manners?” She jumped up, and motioned to a chair. “Would you like some coffee, tea, or chai?”
“Whatever you are having will be fine.” He sat.
“Chai it is.” Renata went inside and closed the door behind her.
Tony watched her through the sliding glass door as she disappeared into the kitchen. He fidgeted with his fingers and bounced one leg as he waited for her to return. Was it too forward for him to come and check on her in person? He had to assure himself she was okay. If he were honest with himself, he really just wanted to see her.
She soon emerged with a steaming cup of spiced tea. “Be careful, it’s hot.” She handed him his leather jacket. “I’m sorry I forgot to give this back to you last night. You had to have been frozen.”
“I was more concerned about you.” He noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the welts on her cheek and neck from the knife. A pain settled in the back of his throat.
“Hmmm.” She sipped her chai, holding the cup up by her face. “As difficult as last night was, you were a steady comfort. I don’t know if I adequately thanked you for all you did for me.”
“I did what any decent, Christian man should have done. I hope you will trust me enough to attend another event in the future. I would like to make it up to you.” He snorted. “As if I could. I let you down, Renata. I’d promised to keep you safe, and I failed. I never dreamed any friend of mine would—” He set his cup down on the table between them. He didn’t know what to say. He brushed his hand over his eyes and forehead. His heart ached over what had happened. His mind had repeatedly played back the memory of Bryan slicing her clothing apart before unbuttoning—
Renata leaned forward, set her cup down on the table, and put her hand on Tony’s arm. He glanced at her and she met his gaze. “None of what happened was your fault. Nor was it mine when I left to calm my panic attack by the stream. Bryan has to take responsibility for his sin. I’ll press charges. If I have to go to court and testify against him, I will. I cannot let him do this again. To me or anyone else.”
A panic attack? She had been that anxious at the fire and then this? He bit his lip. “Thank you for absolving me. I wish I could do that for myself. Not all men are like him.”
Renata’s eyelids fell.
“Did I say something wrong?” Why did he seem to upset her with his words? He didn’t intend to.
“No. You are fine, Tony. Someday, maybe I’ll share my past with you and the monsters that dwell there. But not now.”
Tony nodded, picked his cup back up and sipped, pulling his mouth back. “Ouch! Hot!” He grimaced. “You warned me.”
Renata smiled back. They sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments, observing each other. Tony liked her smile. He could see sadness behind her eyes, but she was all that was grace and beauty. She wore his sweatshirt, which pleased him. She had not taken a dislike to him after last night. But why would it matter? He wasn’t in the market for a girlfriend.
He cleared his throat. “I called Pastor Dan to let him know what happened. I didn’t want to tell your secrets, but he needed to know about Bryan and how you had been hurt. I didn’t go into details. I didn’t mention...you know.” He looked out toward his bike, unable to make eye contact, and heat crept into his cheeks.
“I understand...that’s fine. It is good for them to be informed.”
He glanced back and saw her blushed cheeks. He sipped the sweet tea. The heat warmed his chest.
More silence.
“Do you have to work today?” Renata asked as she picked up her cup and held it close.
“Yes. I asked my dad to go in to help prep the food for the day. I promised to be there by ten.” Tony looked at his watch and frowned. “I wish I could stay longer.” He sighed. “I want you to be okay. Know I’m praying for you.” He stood, and heat washed over his face. “And I care.”
Renata also rose. “I owe you a world of thanks, Tony. I’m sure in time I’ll be fine. I know God allows things to happen, and I need to trust Him.” Tears filled her eyes and, as he looked at them, they reflected the sunlight like deep pools of water he could swim in. Tony broke off his stare. He finished off his chai, set down his cup, and reached for his leather jacket.
“Well, I guess I had better get to De Luca’s. Text me if you need anything.” His gaze was intense. “I mean it, Renata. Anything.”
Renata reached out and touched his sleeve, and a tingle coursed up his arm. She took a step closer to him, and he could smell the smoke on the sweatshirt. She was so petite, she only came to his shoulder. She raised herself on her toes and planted a light kiss on his cheek. She stepped back and gave him a faint smile. “I will, Tony. Thank you.”
Tony nodded. He didn’t know how to respond as those pink lips mouthed those words of gratitude. Lips that had touched his cheek and left him branded in a strange way. He resisted the urge to reach up and touch the spot. He turned to leave.
* * *
She watched him walk back to his bike. It was a nice view. The thought made her warm. He put his leather jacket in a storage area under the seat, secured his helmet, started up the bike, and, with a wave, he was off.
She snuggled back into her chair, sipped her chai, and smiled. She shook her head at her own audacity. What was it about this man that made her want...? She sighed. It didn’t matter what she wanted. She’d made a vow to herself and God. She suspected this tall, handsome, Italian chef was going to be a challenge in the most delightful of ways. She enjoyed his friendship, and there was nothing wrong with that.
After time spent in her Bible and journaling, she returned inside the apartment and went to nap as emotional exhaustion overwhelmed her. A few hours later, she wasn’t sure how long, she was startled awake by a knock on her door in the hallway. She rose, put her slippers back on, and peered out the little peephole. It was Gabby and Jacob. Renata opened the door.
“Hi, Renata, I’m sorry to drop by unannounced. I was hoping you weren’t working today. Do you like brownies?” Gabby asked.
Renata smiled and reached to take the plate of brownies from Gabby’s hands. “I adore brownies. Please, won’t you come in?”
Gabby hauled her sleeping baby in with her. Renata motioned to the kitchen table where she set the brownies down.
“Can I get you coffee or something else to drink? You are going to share these with me, of course.”
“I thought y
ou would never ask,” said Gabby, sitting down. “Do you have any herbal tea?”
“Sure do.” Renata turned to the stove to turn on the burner under the teapot and grabbed mugs out of the cabinet.
“I called Tony this morning. He would not tell me anything about last night, except that it was a disaster and he is kicking himself for not taking better care of you. What happened?” She stopped her rapid speech to take a breath. “I’m rattling on and on, and it’s not nice. If you don’t want to share, I’ll survive the blow to my curiosity, and you only have to tell me to leave, and I’ll go.”
Renata didn’t look at Gabby, glad to be preoccupied with putting together a selection of tea bags and sweeteners. The kettle whistled, and she poured the steaming water into the cups and returned to the table.
“I’m not sure how much I’m ready to talk about, Gabby. I’m okay, and your brother was a hero.” Renata selected an apple cinnamon tea bag and put it in to steep, pulled it up and down by the string and avoided eye contact.
“I didn’t mean to trespass, Renata. I want to be your friend. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard Antonio this broken up about someone.”
“I’m sure the truth will eventually come out, Gabby. I don’t want to be secretive, because that’s where lies and evil dwell. I’ve spent too much of my life there. Last night is hard to talk about.”
“I can respect that.”
Renata sighed deeply as she played with the string on her tea bag. “Bryan attacked and tried to rape me,” she blurted out.
Gabby gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Her amber eyes were wide.
Renata gave a reassuring smile. “Tony saved me.” She pulled the tea bag out of her cup to sit on the saucer while she grabbed a packet of sweetener to pour in and stir with a spoon. She lifted her eyes to meet Gabby’s.
“Renata. I am sorry. I never in my wildest imaginings thought this could have happened. Are you okay?”
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