I close my eyes and shake my head. “I’m sorry he’s wasting your time like this.”
Matt smiles. “It’s not wasting my time. It’s my job.”
We walk back to where Aiden and the other officer are standing.
Looking at Aiden, my face tightens into a frown. “I have to go to the station to make a statement.”
Aiden runs his hand along my arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll take you in the truck, so I’ll be with you.”
Matt takes his hat off and picks some lint from it. “Aiden, I’m sorry but I can’t let you do that.” He scrunches his face. “I’m going to have to bring you to the station as well.” He glances at his partner. “You’re not under arrest, but I have to take you in my car.”
Aiden reaches into his pocket, pulls out the keys to the truck and hands them to me. “You think you can follow us or do you want me to get Toddy to drive you?”
A pained look crosses my face. “I’ll follow you. We don’t need to bother Toddy with any of this.”
Aiden rubs his jaw. “Okay, Matt. Let’s go get this over with.”
Matt and the other officer turn and walk to their car with Aiden.
My fingers grip the keys tightly against my palm. I swallow, but the lump in my throat remains as I walk to Aiden’s truck.
Not long ago, it was me doing the questioning as a parole officer, but this time the tables have turned. I breathe slowly, trying to calm my nerves, while I get into the truck and turn the key in the ignition.
WE ARRIVE AT the station, which is no bigger than the local pub. An officer takes me into a secure room to question me in private, but the effort feels futile considering the walls look paper thin.
“We’re sorry to make you come in, but given what your husband told us, we had to get you off the property and somewhere safe to make sure you were all right.”
“I’m fine, officer.”
“Are you willing to make a formal statement?”
“Yes,” I reply without hesitation.
The officer studies my expression while drumming his fingers on the metal table. “Holly, you’re safe here and can tell us if you are in danger of any sort.”
I lean towards the table and look into the officer’s eyes. “Honestly, I’m fine and I’m safe.”
The officer skims the notes on my casefile. “According to Tom, you were kidnapped and are currently being held against your will.”
I shake my head and smirk. “Officer, I’m not being held against my will. I’m sorry my soon-to-be ex-husband has wasted your time. He’s angry because I don’t want anything to do with him.”
The officer relaxes back in his chair and rubs his chin. “So, you’re saying your husband lied?”
I know I must be careful in how I answer every question. I don’t want anything to come back on me or Aiden if I can avoid it.
Could I be charged with perjury? Or is that only if you lie in court?
I rest my arms against the hard table. “Tom is not happy that I don’t want to be with him anymore. He’s had his chance, but if you want to know the truth, he’s a lying, cheating bastard.”
The officer grins tight lipped. “So, you’ve not been kidnapped by Aiden?”
I take a breath. This is where I have no choice but to lie. “No.”
“You’re not being held against your will?”
“No, I’m not being held against my will. I’m happy to be living with Aiden on his property.”
“So, are you saying, I can close the file on you?”
“Yes, you can.”
“Can I ask why you didn’t just tell your husband you left him?”
I steeple my hands in front of my face. “He was in Singapore for work, and we hadn’t been on speaking terms. I should have left him sooner, but I didn’t know how.”
“And when he left to go overseas, you suddenly knew how to?”
Not exactly, but a hero on a horse sure did.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Yes, I did.”
He nods. “Why not tell anyone?”
Holly, think! How can I get this officer to accept that it was easier to disappear than to deal with Tom? What about his erratic behaviour and how he struck me? That might work.
I answer timidly. “I was afraid of what Tom would do to me.”
“Are you saying you were worried about your safety?”
“Yes.”
“Did he ever hit you?”
I look at my hands. “He shoved me.”
The officer shuts the folder, tapping it on its edge as if to line everything neatly inside. “I understand. You don’t need to say anymore. We see this from time to time. I’m glad you’re out of that situation. No woman should be living in fear.”
“Can you tell that to the lawmakers? It seems you can beat up a stranger and get serious jail time, yet you beat up your wife and you wind up with only a few months’ probation. It’d be nice if wives and partners were treated as well as strangers in the eyes of the law.”
He snickers. “You’re right.” The officer scratches his cheek. “I’m not sure how we change it, though.”
I shrug. “I don’t know either.”
He stands and picks up the folder. “Well, I don’t see any reason to bother you any longer. Thanks for coming in and helping us clear this up.”
Standing up to leave, I ask with mock concern, “Can you charge my drug-taking ex for wasting your time?”
A smile spreads across the officer’s face. “We could, but there’s really no point, is there? In the report, it said you worked as a parole officer, so I’m sure you are aware of how much time would be spent on paperwork if we did.”
The officer escorts me back to the waiting area.
Matt is standing by the reception desk and smiles when he sees me. “How did it go?”
“Everything went fine. Do you know how long Aiden will be?”
“Just a few more minutes. Can I get you a coffee or something to drink?”
I shake my head. “No, thanks. I’m good for the moment.” I scan around the room. Only Matt and I are there. “Umm, Matt?”
He looks up from his work. “Yeah?”
“Do you happen to know a good divorce lawyer?”
“I do. I’ll go get his number.” He turns and walks over to his desk, bringing back the contact card for the solicitor.
Thumbing the card, I sit on a plastic waiting room chair, hoping Aiden doesn’t take much longer. Taking a deep breath, calm settles over me.
It’s over. We don’t have to worry about the police any longer.
A few minutes later, Aiden comes out of the other private room. He smiles, walking into the waiting area. “Thanks, guys. Sorry to take up your time.”
Matt stands from his desk. “No worries, Aiden. Say hello to your folks for me. Maybe we can catch up for dinner sometime?”
“That’d be great. Give me a ring sometime.” Aiden walks towards me.
“Thanks for coming in.” Matt waves goodbye.
Walking to the truck, Aiden takes my hand. “Nothing more to worry about, my sweet Holly. It’s all over.”
I sigh. “What a relief.”
At the truck, he opens my door, offering to help me in. “Now, we can put this behind us and begin our life together.”
A warm feeling spreads through me as he shuts the door.
We are free to be together out in the open. I didn’t think this day would come so easily. Now, I must make it official and get divorced.
I inhale and hold my breath. “When we get home, can I borrow your phone to call that solicitor Matt mentioned?”
“Of course.”
Back at the house, Aiden pulls out his phone, types in his pin and hands it to me. “I’ll get a few things done in my office, and when you’re done, we can finish what we started earlier.”
I pull the solicitor’s card out of my pocket and dial the number.
Wonder how soon I can see him. Hopefully, it won’t take long. I want that part of my life
to be over.
After two rings, a friendly voice answers. “Dawson Law Office, how can I help you?”
“Hi, ah…” I clear my throat. “I need to talk to Mr Dawson about filing for separation from my husband.”
“Sure thing. Let me just check when Mr Dawson will be available. Can you hold for a moment?”
“Sure.”
The on-hold music version of “Waltzing Matilda” plays into my ear while I wait.
After the first verse has finished, the receptionist returns. “He’s available now for a chat if you’d like.”
He’s available now? You mean I don’t have to wait days for him to call me back?
“Great. Yes, please.”
“One moment and I’ll put you through.”
Once again, the on-hold music chimes into my ear.
“Hello, this is John Dawson.”
“Hi, my name is Holly. I was hoping you could help me file for separation. I’m happy to make an appointment and come in.”
“That might not be necessary. Do you have any children?”
“No, we never got that far.”
“Then you essentially start your separation by leaving him. In twelve months, you can file for divorce.”
“I’ve left him already, but I’m concerned about some financial matters.”
“In that case, I can commence with a property settlement right away if you’d like. This can help make sure he pays you any support you need.”
“Well, I don’t need any support. I’m more concerned with protecting my trust fund and a few other assets he told me we invested in.” I pause, knowing I’m going to sound like a naïve woman. “The trouble is…I don’t know exactly what we were involved in.”
Why didn’t I pay more attention to the papers I’ve signed over the years?
“I can do some digging and find out for you. Do you expect your ex-husband will be difficult about things?”
If you only knew how difficult he can be.
“Yes, I expect he’s going to be very difficult.”
“You can choose to talk to him through me if you want.”
“That’s probably my best option at this point.”
“Can you get me copies of any financial records you may have or a copy of your trust?”
“Yes, I can. Do you want me to bring these in or should I email them to you?”
“Whatever is easiest for you is fine. You can post them as well. I need to send you some documents that will explain our fee structure and agreement. What is your address?”
I don’t know the address here.
“I’m not sure of the address. I only just started, ahh, working on a property out here. Can you give me a moment to get it?”
“No worries.”
I put the phone down and glance into Aiden’s office. “Hon, what is the address here?”
He opens his desk drawer and pulls out a card.
I take the card, go back to the phone and read off the address.
“Thanks for that, Holly. That address sounds familiar. Is that Aiden’s new place?”
OMG, another person that knows Aiden? How small is this place?
“Yes, I…” My voice trails off because I’m lost for words.
“Tell Aiden I said hello. In the meantime, why don’t you get together whatever financial information you have and a copy of your trust for me. I will draft a letter to your ex-husband, so we can start getting your financial settlement sorted.”
“Thank you so much, Mr Dawson.”
“Please call me John. I’ll transfer you to my paralegal, and she’ll get the rest your contact details.”
“Thanks, John.”
“No worries, Holly. Rest assured we’ll get everything sorted for you.”
I slowly exhale.
That was easier than I thought. Now, why is my stomach in a knot?
ROLLING THUNDER WAKES me from a deep sleep as another thunderstorm brings much needed rain to the property. Glancing to my side, I find Aiden sleeping soundly. Stretching my legs out, I roll onto my stomach, hoping to fall back to sleep.
In the distance, the sound of shattering glass resonates through the house.
Sitting up, I listen intently, wondering if I imagined the sound. Looking at Aiden, I contemplate waking him.
It’s been a long two days, so maybe I’ll let him sleep and just take a look around myself. This is a chance to be tougher.
Walking down the steps, the reflection of the kitchen light shines through the foyer mirror.
It must be Toddy again.
Walking down the stairs, I stop while a chill runs up my spine.
Crap, what if it is Tom again?
Glancing around, I try to find something I could use as a weapon, but there isn’t anything.
Tiptoeing, I peer around the corner into the kitchen.
Phew! It’s only Toddy.
He is fumbling around on his hands and knees, trying to clean up glass shards and a puddle of beer.
“Need some help?” My voice echoes through the quiet kitchen.
He jolts upright, hitting his head on the stool in the process. He peers at me through groggy eyes. “Nah, honey. I’m good.”
“You sure?”
“Just need to clean my mess before Aiden sees.” Faltering, he tries to stand upright. Grabbing onto the stool, he steadies himself.
“You heading to bed?”
“Yeah, yeah.” He scratches at his forehead. “You want to help me upstairs?” He peers through the slits of his eyes, struggling to smirk in my direction.
“No, I’ll think I’ll let you take care of yourself this time.” I frown, looking at the half dozen empty bottles on the counter.
“It sure would be nice to have someone like you in my bed.”
My jaw goes tight. “Thanks for the compliment, but I’m sure Aiden wouldn’t appreciate you talking like that.”
He grimaces. “Aiden wouldn’t appreciate many of the things I could say to you.” Toddy cackles to himself, slurring his words. “Like, did you know Aiden has this black rucksack you should look in? I’m sure he’d love that I told you about it.”
Black rucksack?
I grit my teeth. “I’m going to bed.” I turn and leave him alone in the kitchen.
I don’t want to hear any of what Toddy has to say.
Toddy shouts behind me. “I think he’d also appreciate if I told you about who got him connected years ago and helped him set up his little business?”
Entering the bedroom, I shut the door behind me. I don’t want to engage in any drunken discussion where Toddy tries to make me suspicious of Aiden.
The past is the past, right?
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
SITTING AT THE kitchen benchtop, I sip my coffee and watch Aiden cooking breakfast on the stove. The smoky aroma of maple bacon and toast fills the air while heavy rain continues to fall outside.
Toddy walks in and stands near me, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Aiden glances at him while he hands me a plate of eggs, bacon and avocado toast. “Want some eggs, Toddy?”
“Yeah, thanks.” He yawns and takes a plate from Aiden.
Aiden turns off the stove and sits next to me. Taking a sip of from his mug, he looks out the window. “Geez, this rain is not letting up.”
I swallow a bite of toast. “It was so heavy last night it woke me up.”
Aiden nods, his lips pressed together tight. “I hope it slows down before I have to head into town for my parole appointment. I bet the roads are a mess.”
Concerned, I raise my eyebrows and place my hand over his. “Why don’t you try to reschedule?”
“I’d rather get it over with.” He swallows a bite of bacon layered with the eggs and toast.
Toddy mumbles through a mouthful of food.
Aiden narrows his eyes on Toddy. “What?”
“I’m going out to the shed.” His eyes are bloodshot as he massages his temple with his thumbs.
“Stil
l working on that pump engine?”
“Yeah.” Toddy puts his plate of half eaten food on the counter before leaving to work in the shed.
Aiden sighs. “He’s not good, is he?”
I pick up my coffee. “No, I don’t think so.” I take a sip and savour the creamy, arabica flavour before continuing. “You think he’s got a drinking problem?”
“I think he has more than that.”
“You mean drugs?”
Aiden drinks his coffee then answers. “No, not drugs. I’m certain he’s got an issue with gambling.”
“Oh. How bad do you think it is?”
“You know when James rang and said there’s a rumour going around?”
“Yeah.”
“It seems Toddy owes quite a few people money. And these people are not the type you mess around with. Sounds like they’ve been to his mum’s trying to find him and collect.”
“What do you mean?”
“They’ve threatened to, umm…” He pauses and looks down at his plate. “Hurt him.”
“Crap, can we help him?”
“My father’s been trying, but no one knows how big of a debt Toddy’s racked up.” Aiden’s eyes narrow. “Someone’s also been saying he’s tied up in some cattle theft ring.”
“Shit, does this mean some of the cattle you bought off him may have been stolen?”
Aiden’s jaw tightens while he shrugs.
“But didn’t you have to do something with records or paperwork when the cattle came in?”
“I gave Toddy that responsibility.”
“So, what can you do?”
“Don’t know.” He drinks the last of his coffee.
“Should you ask him about it?”
“Maybe, but I’m sure he’ll brush it off and say he didn’t do anything of the sort.”
“I guess this is why he keeps getting drunk.” I bite a corner of the buttery avocado toast.
Aiden’s face goes pale. “What do you mean ‘keeps getting drunk’?”
“I’ve found him down here a couple of times passed out.”
Aiden clenches his hand into a fist and looks to the ceiling. “He promised he would stop if I gave him this job.”
“Maybe it’s not as often as we think.”
Leading Hand (The Dusty Rider Series Book 2) Page 23