by Ivy Jordan
“Just breathe,” Lyla encouraged from behind me, her hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently.
I wasn’t used to being touched so frequently and so gently. It felt nice, and it calmed me down before I had a fit right there in front of the judge, Luke, and whoever those men were that sat with him and Theo.
The charges against me were heard by the state prosecutor, and then Damien was allowed to speak.
“That stupid bitch nearly killed me and left me for dead,” he spat, the prosecutor whispering in his ear and causing him to silence.
“We won’t tolerate that language in the courtroom, Mr. Jones,” the judge warned.
After his unruly outburst, Evelyn was given a turn to speak. Instead of addressing the entire courtroom like the prosecutor, she asked to approach the bench.
The prosecutor joined her, and they both swarmed the judge, whispering, pointing, and pushing back and forth documents, photos, and x-rays that Evelyn presented.
Finally, they both retreated to their original spots, the prosecutor by Damien, and Evelyn by me.
I wondered what was said and what the outcome would be. Would it be as simple as Evelyn said, or would I be going back to jail to await trial?
Evelyn’s smile was smug and confident as she shared it with me. I was nervous, ready to start into a panic when the judge finally spoke.
“Mr. Jones. I find it reprehensible that you’d press charges against a woman you’ve abused for years,” her eyes glared at him like balls of fire.
“That cunt wasn’t abused; she was taken care of. If anything, she was a burden to me, abusing me,” Damien spat.
“That’s enough from you. Another word and I’ll find you in contempt,” the judge scoured, slamming her gavel onto the bench in front of her. “Miss Lennon. It is my understanding that you were attempting to escape an abusive situation; is that correct?” the judge asked, looking directly into my eyes.
“It is,” I replied.
“Did you fear for your life in any way?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” I replied.
“With the evidence you presented, and the fact that the plaintiff can produce none, I have no choice but to dismiss this case,” the judge slammed down her gavel one more time.
My stomach flipped and flopped, happy, scared, anxious.
“Your honor, if we may present the evidence into the state’s care, Miss Lennon would like to formally press charges against Mr. Jones,” Evelyn stood and announced proudly.
I didn’t want to look towards Damien, afraid of the glare I’d be receiving. I stared at my feet, unable to move; again, the elephant had me, sitting on my entire body this time, not just my chest.
“This is fuckin’ bullshit,” I heard Damien screech, and then orders for him to control his behavior.
He didn’t. He never could. I turned to find Officer Flowers clasping cuffs on his good arm, confining him to the chair he was in, and quickly wheeling him out of the courtroom.
“File the proper paperwork, and we’ll keep Mr. Jones in custody until the charges are heard formally,” the judge smiled in my direction, then nodded at my lawyer.
“It’s good to be in a small town,” Evelyn winked in my direction and then ushered me from the courtroom.
Chapter 17
Luke
My heart raced as the silent courtroom turned to chatter. I watched Candace, straight, tall, and poised as she kept her seat. Damien fell apart, cursing and screaming as they took him into custody. Jake turned, winked with a smile, and wheeled him through the back door.
I knew I’d have to be satisfied that he’d have his turn in court, hopefully receiving a long jail sentence, but a part of me still wanted to lay my own justice upon him for what he’d done.
Evelyn and Candace made their way to the back of the courtroom where I, Theo, Liam, and Aiden all huddled together. They were talking softly in their group, to each other, maybe to me, but I was too far in the clouds to notice.
Candace’s smile was enough to bring me to my knees as she approached, so warm, so inviting.
“Thank you,” she gasped, reaching her arms around my shoulders, pulling herself close to my chest for a hug.
I was shocked at first, uneasy about her touch, uncertain of its meaning. When she pulled back, there were tears in her eyes, ones that I assumed were happy, maybe from relief.
“You don’t have to thank me,” I chuckled, my cheeks burning from my blush.
“I’m treating everyone to lunch,” Liam boasted, slapping me on the back hard.
“There’s a great taco place right up the street,” Theo interjected, beaming with the same relief and excitement as myself.
“That sounds great. You hungry?” I asked Candace.
Her eyes widened as I spoke. She rubbed her belly as her lips curled into a smile.
“I’m starved,” she growled cheerfully.
“That settles it then; everyone’s invited,” Liam announced.
“I just need a few moments with Candace to go over our next steps,” Evelyn explained, gripping Candace’s arm softly.
She didn’t flinch, pull away, or show any signs of anxiety from Evelyn’s touch. Wow. She must’ve really begun to trust her in such a short period of time.
This woman standing before me, still frail, too thin, and looking worn from her hard life, had changed somehow. It wasn’t just the clothes, the stylish slacks and white sweater, but a demeanor, a stance, a confidence that I found familiar from when we were young. My heart floated in my chest from seeing her like this.
Candace and Evelyn disappeared to a quiet area on the opposite side of the courtroom while the guys and I left through the large wooden doors to the lobby.
“I can’t believe you guys showed up,” I gasped, still in disbelief that Liam and Aiden made the trip.
“We knew you’d need someone on your side if things went south,” Aiden said, patting me gently on the back.
“I appreciate it,” I replied, looking each man in the eye, including Theo, who I knew was the one who’d called them.
“So, what happens now?” Liam asked.
“I don’t know,” I shrugged.
“I mean, will Candace go back to your place, stay there?” Aiden clarified.
I shrugged again. “It’s up to her. She’s a free woman now,” I sighed.
I hated the thought of her leaving, but there was no way I’d ever make her feel as though she had to stay. She’d been trapped, held down, and abused her entire life. It was time she made her own decisions, even if that meant breaking my heart in the process.
“Jackson said he offered her a place on the ranch,” Theo nodded.
“Yes. I talked to him last night, caught him as he was leaving the office,” I explained.
“Surely she’ll stick around,” Liam patted me on the back.
Evelyn and Candace emerged from the courtroom and headed our way. I watched Candace, her stride somewhat straighter, more confident, her eyes brighter, and filled with the familiar light I’d remembered from when we were kids.
“Are you ready?” I asked as she approached.
“Yes,” she gasped, her eyes lingering on the unfamiliar faces that surrounded her.
“These guys are Liam and Aiden, two of my SEAL brothers,” I explained.
They both greeted her politely, extending a hand for her to shake. She was shy, still showing signs of an introvert, an abused woman, one without much self-confidence, but it was a thousand times better than before.
“I’m going to skip out on lunch,” Evelyn excused herself, smiling at each of the men, and then offering me a quick wink.
“What’s next?” I questioned.
“I’ll handle all the paperwork, and then let Candace know the details,” she smiled.
I watched as she rested her hand on Candace’s back, offering a gentle rub as she smiled warmly.
We disassembled our huddle, exiting through the large wooden courthouse doors, and stopped just outside on th
e sidewalk. Candace looked back, her eyes gazing up the steps and to the doors we’d just exited. I couldn’t explain the sadness I noticed in her eyes, and it made me wonder if she was going to be able to truly escape Damien, not just physically, but mentally.
“The place is close enough to walk if you’d like,” Theo suggested, not in any real direction of anyone specifically.
“I’m up for it. How about the lady?” Aiden asked, his smile as warm as his heart.
“That would be great,” Candace smiled faintly, her eyes shifting to her feet as she replied.
“We’ll catch up. You guys go ahead,” I instructed, nodding towards the men, my friends, my brothers.
My heart was swollen from their support. I wanted to show Candace she had the same support, not just from me, but from them as well, from everyone at the ranch.
“You did great today,” I smiled towards Candace, receiving eye contact for a solid four seconds before her cheeks reddened, and her eyes shifted back towards her feet.
That was a start.
We walked behind the guys, not speaking, not touching. There were so many things I wanted to ask, to say, but it was nice just walking beside her, knowing she was going to be okay.
We reached the restaurant. It was small, but the aroma flowing through the building as I opened the door for Candace was amazing. I hadn’t been in town long enough to know the place, but if the food tasted anything like it smelled, I’d never forget about it.
Theo grinned as we entered, obviously proud to show off his hidden gem.
“Your table,” a short Hispanic woman spoke with little patience, motioning us all from the doorway and into the dining area.
It was bright, cheerful, and the decorations made me feel as though I was back in Mexico; I had lived there for a while, and parts of me missed it.
We took our seats at a large, round table in the corner, Candace next to me and tucked in the corner next to the empty chair at the six-top.
The hostess slid menus to each of our place settings and then scurried away before we could order drinks. Candace looked nervous, but she was holding herself together quite well.
I decided to forego the immediate slam of questions about the case, and instead, asked Aiden and Liam about their lives.
Candace was quiet but appeared interested as Liam told stories about my time in Del Rio, the wedding, and how Aiden’s marriage was doing so well.
“I have you to thank for that,” Aiden chuckled, smiling warmly in my direction.
“It was hard not to notice how much you loved that girl,” I said softly, feeling a twist in my gut as I spoke.
Candace’s eyes were on me; I could feel them burning through my skin even without turning in her direction.
“Yes, sometimes that’s as plain as day to see from the outside,” Liam grinned, his subtleness lacking.
My cheeks were starting to redden. I was grateful for the interruption by the waitress. She dropped a basket of chips and two bowls of salsa on the table, and took our orders, quickly disappearing into the kitchen, yelling in Spanish to the cook. I could only make out a few words, my Spanish a bit rusty.
“So, do you plan to stay on at the ranch with Luke, Candace?” Theo asked.
I gave him a swift kick under the table as a warning to tread lightly. I didn’t want to push her, to make her feel obligated to me in any way. She was free. Finally free.
“Evelyn gave me some information on some great places that could help give me a fresh start, a job, a place to live,” Candace spoke softly, breaking my heart with every word.
“You know, Luke talked to Jackson, and he was willing to give you a job caring for the animals,” Theo replied, receiving another swift kick from my size ten under the table.
Candace looked towards me, her eyes bright and filled with excitement. “I’d like to stay,” she whispered.
Chapter 18
Candace
The smell of the barn would be offensive to most, but to me, it was heaven. The hay, the mustiness, and even the manure all smelled of freedom to me. I slid a bowl of milk onto the barn floor, calling for the kittens as the metal clanked against the planks wood. They all ran toward me, greeting me with quick brushes against my leg with their soft fur.
I sat down, letting the little fur balls climb upon my leg, scratch at my arms, and make their way to my neck where their purrs were easily heard.
“You look like you’re enjoying yourself,” a voice said. I turned to find Lyla standing at the barn door.
She walked in as I smiled in her direction. Her demeanor was slow, careful, and cautious, as if she was afraid of spooking me away.
“I missed them,” I admitted, running my fingers through the mother cat’s fur.
“I heard the good news,” she said softly, taking a spot on a bale of hay near me.
I wasn’t sure how she heard or what exactly she knew. It was embarrassing still, even with the charges dropped, the police no longer looking for me, and my name cleared of any wrongdoing. It was still wrong. I knew it was. I wanted Damien dead. I would’ve done anything to be free. I didn’t quite understand the self-defense case they built, but I was grateful for it.
“So what’s the plan now?” Lyla asked so casually, like I had so many options.
“Stay here, I guess. Jackson said I could care for the animals,” I replied.
Lyla didn’t reply. Her lips tightened as they formed a forced smile, and she nodded in my direction.
“Stay here and go through the program so you can heal?” she questioned.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“It’s a great program,” she continued.
It was growing clear to me that she wasn’t there to participate in the program, but rather to oversee it: a doctor, a shrink of some sort.
“Luke’s said nothing but great things about it,” I smiled.
“About Luke, do you intend on staying at his place?” Lyla asked.
Her judgment was under breath, but still obvious as she spoke.
“I think so,” I replied.
“Do you think Luke’s couch is really the best place for you?” she questioned.
I continued playing with the kittens, avoiding looking up and into her eyes.
“He wants me to stay,” I said softly, still refusing eye contact.
“I’m sure he does. But what do you want?” she asked.
That was a question never asked, at least not to me. What did I want?
I shrugged.
My life had been dictated to me since I was a child. I didn’t want to leave home, but I wasn’t given a choice. I didn’t want to live in a foster home, but I was sent anyways without being asked if I minded living in a strange home. I didn’t want to leave Luke, but our foster dad gave me little choice. I didn’t want to be held down, forced to have sex with a man who should’ve been taking care of me, but I was given no other option. I didn’t want to be with Damien, be treated the way I was for so many years, but he was the only one in my world, the only one willing to protect me from others. As far as I could see, the world had evils, and it was easier to stay with the ones more familiar, rather than venture out to new, unexplored ones.
“Luke’s good to me. He makes me feel safe,” I blurted.
“That’s great. You must feel safe,” Lyla stated as if she agreed with and understood my decision to stay.
“Sometimes, it’s easy to give in, to do what’s easy, worrying about what others want. I just want to make sure you’re doing what you want,” Lyla added.
“I’m not sure what I want, other than to feel safe,” I admitted.
“Do you have feelings for Luke?” Lyla asked.
“I don’t know,” I answered without pause.
I didn’t know. I hadn’t had time to think about Luke much with my mind consumed with anxiety and fear about Damien, the police, and my future.
“You may need some time to yourself to heal. Otherwise, it’s very difficult to know what you truly want for your
self,” Lyla smiled warmly.
“Maybe,” I agreed, more than anything, just to make her stop pushing.
My heart was already racing, beating hard against my chest. My palms were starting to sweat, causing the kitten’s fur to stick to my flesh as I petted them gently on the back. I couldn’t think about leaving, about being alone.
“You could always stay with me, or even get a place of your own if one opens up here,” Lyla suggested.
I looked up, curious about what she’d just said. I could stay, but on my own?
“It’s something to think about,” Lyla added, standing from her hay bale, and smiling as she turned to walk away.
Luke had saved me from my life, helped me avoid prison, and worse, going back to Damien. I hated to think about how he’d feel if I just up and left. I was grateful for what he’d done. He didn’t have to do any of it. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt him.
I watched the kittens as they finished their milk, wondering if it were more hurtful to Luke to leave or to stay if that’s not what I truly wanted.
I said my goodbyes to the kittens, leaving another bowl of milk for the poor mother who’d been nursed nearly dry.
Luke was whistling in the kitchen, stirring a pot of chili on the stove. He was happy.
“You’re back,” he said cheerfully as I walked into the room.
I smiled, leaning against the door frame watching him in his amazing mood. I loved seeing him so happy.
“Yes. Lyla stopped by,” I hinted, trying to find a reaction, but got nothing.
“You hungry?” Luke asked, offering up a wide smile as he turned in my direction holding a wooden spoon.
“I am,” I replied, moving towards the sink to wash my hands.
The soap was in a bottle, foamy, not like the bar he’d originally had on the sink. I rubbed my hands together, smelling the sweet scent of strawberry and melon as the lather worked through my fingers. I knew he’d bought this for me. It wasn’t man soap. He was changing his entire life for me. He was supposed to be here to get help for himself, to help others, not to spend all his attention on me.