Surrounded by Darkness

by Rachel Dylan

  “Wait, I think that’s who I met.”

  “And Stacey is knee-deep in this,” Nina Marie said.

  She didn’t like where this was headed. “What a mess. I wish I could have some time with Stacey away from this craziness and the influences of Optimism.”

  “She has to make her own choices. You know that. Maybe one day she’ll come around. If I can change, then I think there’s hope for anyone.”

  “Do you think the rest of the Wiccans are supportive of this Optimism effort or against it?”

  “There’s disagreement,” Nina Marie said knowingly. “A core group of their members believes they are doing good and refuse to engage in anything that could be construed as dark magic or sorcery that could hurt anyone. We know Layton is the epitome of all of that.”

  “Why would Eliza and the others consider going to Optimism?”

  “Maybe they got a dose of powers the dark side can hold? Or maybe they’re drawn in by Layton’s smooth-talking and fancy parties. That kind of thing can be very alluring to people.”

  “You realize that from my standpoint, Wiccans are also problematic.”

  “Yes, but Layton is even worse,” Nina Marie replied.

  Olivia wanted to be clear. “I’ll give that to you, but we can’t sanitize the situation. The Wiccans may or may not realize what they’re doing, but they’re aligned with evil whether they understand it or not.”

  “You can’t give up though. Shouldn’t you try to talk to Eliza at least?” Nina Marie asked.

  “You think she’d listen to me? I wouldn’t just be saying that she shouldn’t go to Optimism. I’d also be encouraging her to give up witchcraft completely.”

  Nina Marie patted Olivia’s hand. “Do I need to remind you how convincing you can be? I was a lot further gone than Eliza, and I was able to change my life.”

  “You want me to do this? Why?” Olivia asked.

  “Because I believe in you.”

  Olivia shook her head. “It’s not me. It’s the Lord.” Olivia thought for a moment. “I’ll talk to Eliza on one condition.”

  “What?”

  “You come with me.”

  Nina Marie’s eyes widened. “Me? Who am I?”

  It seemed like the best solution. “You’re the perfect person to talk to her. You made the point a minute ago without even realizing it.”

  Nina Marie paled. “I’m not good at sharing my faith, Olivia. I’m still getting my own bearings.”

  “We’ll do it together. We both bring something to the table here.”

  Nina Marie averted her eyes. “If you really think I could be of any help.”

  “I definitely do. What do you say?” Olivia asked.

  “Let’s do it.”

  On Saturday, Olivia had a meeting with a new potential client who had sent her a cryptic email. She had said in the note that it was important they met soon, so Olivia had made the time. She hadn’t asked Jess to come in on the weekend, but Olivia didn’t have any issues with it. Spending almost ten years as a BCR lawyer, she often worked weekends and long hours.

  Right at ten o’clock on the dot, the door opened, and she went to meet Katy Leonard.

  “You must be Katy?” Olivia provided her hand to the pretty, young blonde.

  “Yes. Thanks for meeting me.” Katy turned and closed the office door. “Are we safe here?”

  “Yes.” That was the first thing that let Olivia know this was serious.

  “Can you lock the door? Especially since it’s the weekend. You’re not expecting anyone else, are you?” Katy’s voice shook as she spoke.

  “Just you.” A sense of unease washed over Olivia, and she locked the door before turning her attention back to Katy. “Can I get you anything? Coffee, water, tea?”

  “Water would be great.”

  Olivia went to their mini fridge then gave Katy the bottle. “Come on into my office.”

  Katy followed her and took a seat. She clenched the water bottle tightly. A tell-tell sign of nerves.

  “Katy, take a deep breath and get comfortable. No one is going to harm you here.”

  “I know logically that’s right, but it’s a lot harder than you may think to feel safe.”

  Olivia looked into Katy’s light brown eyes that were full of fear. “Please start at the beginning. I need to know everything in order to best help you.”

  Katy drank some water before setting the bottle down on Olivia’s desk. “I met this guy about six months ago. At first, things were amazing. He was super handsome, had a great job, wonderful personality. Basically, he was like the total package. He told me ran a company that did really well, but we never got into a lot of details about his work. Mainly, he was focused on me, and always was very attentive.”

  “All right.” Olivia took down some basic notes. She knew enough to realize that this dream guy was going to turn out to be a nightmare.

  “He was a bit older than me, but I’ve always been mature for my age, and I was so tired of dating deadbeats who didn’t have jobs or were still living at home.”

  “And how old are you?”

  “I’m twenty-eight.”

  “So you’re with the guy and things are going well.”

  Katy nodded. “Yeah. He bought me nice gifts, and he always knew the right thing to say. I was swept off my feet.” Katy looked down. “But then we didn’t see each other for a few months. When he called me a couple of weeks ago, that’s when things started to change.”

  “How so?” Olivia feared it would be a similar story to all the others she heard.

  “He started getting really possessive and jealous. He wanted to know my whereabouts all the time, who I was texting, everything. It was like my dream guy became my worst nightmare.”

  “And then what happened?”

  Katy clasped her shaking hands in her lap. “He started getting violent.”

  Olivia leaned forward. “You’re not alone, Katy. I’m right here, and we can get you help.”

  “It’s not just the violence.”

  “Is he emotionally abusive too?” she asked.

  “Not in the way you’re thinking.”

  “Tell me.”

  “He was into some weird stuff,” Katy said softly.

  “Do you mean sexually?” Olivia feared where this might be going.

  Katy shook her head. “No. Not like that. You’re going to want to commit me after I tell you this.”

  Olivia wanted Katy to feel like she could tell her the whole story. That was the only way she could really help her. “I am not going to judge you. I promise you that. I’m here to help. Here as your legal counsel. Whatever you tell me remains confidential unless you give me permission to share.”

  Katy sat silently, and Olivia didn’t push her. She needed to give Katy time to get comfortable, and she had all day, if need be. This was exactly the type of work Olivia wanted to do. Really help those that needed it the most.

  Katy looked back up at her. “I think he was into some weird black magic.”

  Olivia’s gut clenched.

  “See, you think I’m psycho.”

  Olivia shook her head. “No. That’s not it at all. What is this man’s name?”

  “Layton. Layton Alito.”

  Of course. Olivia thought back to Katy’s description of the guy. It all made sense now. “Did he try to get you involved in his New Age group?”

  Katy paled. “How in the world could you’ve known that?”

  “Because unfortunately I know all about Layton and Optimism.”

  “You actually believe me?” Katy’s voice cracked.

  “Absolutely. What did he try to get you to do?”

  “Some weird séance or something. I don’t even know. When I got to his house, there were other people, and there was some type of ceremony he wanted me to take part in. Thankfully, I was able to sneak out, but then he broke into my house the next night, and things got out of control.”

  Olivia seethed inside. “Layton is an evil man, Katy
.”

  Katy’s eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t figure that out until it was too late, and now I don’t know how to get him to leave me alone.”

  “That’s what I’m here for.”

  Katy leaned over the desk. “Do you believe he actually has magical powers?”

  “Unfortunately, Layton does have power that is derived from a spiritually dark place.”

  Katy’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think much about this stuff. I haven’t been to church since high school.”

  “You see now with your own eyes that there is spiritual darkness in this world, Katy. We are often surrounded by darkness, but God is stronger than Layton or anything else.” Olivia didn’t know how much to discuss this topic with Katy. She didn’t want to scare her off, but she also wanted her to know what she had gotten into. “This is bigger than just you or me.”

  “What can I do?” Katy asked.

  “There are a few things that we can do. Obviously, I’ll file for an order of protection against Layton, but I want to be completely transparent with you.”

  “You don’t think he’ll leave me alone, do you?”

  “Layton isn’t deterred much by the law, and he has a lot of friends in high places.”

  “Then what in the world can I do? Just be a sitting duck?”

  Olivia shook her head. “You could consider trying to reconnect with God. Go to a church service. I’m not saying you should jump into something, but you’ve seen enough with Layton to know you will want God on your side. He can provide protection I can’t.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. “Do you really believe that?”

  “I do.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’ve seen God work in my own life. He’s protected and provided for me in my times of need. When I literally thought I might not see the next day, He was there.”

  Katy gripped her hand. “I’m scared. Can you please help me?”

  Olivia’s heart broke into pieces. “I’ll get this paperwork filed with the court right away. In the meantime, where did you leave things with Layton?”

  She blew out a breath. “After he hit me the other night, I haven’t seen him. He did send me some texts acting like nothing had happened, but I ignored him.”

  “Absolutely no contact with him, okay? No calls, texts, emails. Nothing.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t want to be with him.”

  Olivia felt like she had to say something else. “I’m fully aware of how convincing Layton can be. He’s a charmer, and he may come back to you with an awfully sincere sounding apology. Probably with some extravagant and very thoughtful gifts. He’s a master of manipulation.”

  “I don’t care. I’ve had enough. This whole cult ceremony was the final straw. I can’t be a part of his demented world.”

  “Layton doesn’t take no for an answer. We have to be prepared that he will lose it over us seeking an order of protection. Is there anyone you can stay with until we get through this patch, so you won’t have to be alone?”

  “Not really.”

  Olivia tapped her pen on her legal pad as she tried to think through options.

  “If he knew I was here, he would hurt me again. That’s why I wanted to come in on a Saturday when he wouldn’t be working. I couldn’t believe how close the clinic is to his office.”

  Olivia couldn’t argue with that. “How did you find out about this clinic?”

  “I saw the flyers at the grocery store.”

  Jess had taken flyers out to the local businesses the other week. “I should also say that because Layton and I have such a tumultuous history, that having my involvement may make things worse for you. Maybe I should get you a referral.”

  Katy shook her head. “No. I can tell by listening to you that you’re not afraid of him. You’ll stand up for me and do what’s right. That’s what I need.”

  “Are you certain? I could find you another lawyer who isn’t connected to any of this.” Maybe Olivia should’ve suggested that the moment she heard Layton’s name.

  “No. No one else will believe me. They will think I’m delusional. I can tell that you get it.”

  Olivia knew what she had to do. “Then you should come and stay at my place. You don’t need to be alone.”

  Katy shook her head. “No way. You’re already doing all of this without pay. I couldn’t do that. I will be fine.”

  “Layton isn’t one to underestimate. I can’t guarantee your safety if you go back to your house alone.”

  Katy relented. “I do have one person I could reach out to. We used to be really good friends in college. She’ll let me crash with her.”

  “Why didn’t you mention this person earlier?” Olivia was wondering if this friend existed.

  “Because we didn’t part on the best of terms, but if I tell her that I need her, she’ll come through. That’s the type of person she is.”

  “I suggest you go pack a bag and visit your friend, and if you decide you want to go to a church service, just let me know.”

  Katy smiled for the first time since she entered the office. “Thanks, Olivia. You’re a good woman.”

  “I haven’t done anything yet.”

  Tears filled Katy’s eyes. “Yes, you have. More than you could know.”

  Layton watched with interest from the parking lot as Katy walked out of Olivia’s clinic. Now wasn’t that something? There was a reason he’d put that tracking software on Katy’s phone. They’d started casually seeing each other months ago, but he had cooled things off while he was preparing for the trial. Thankfully for him, Katy had been oblivious to his legal troubles.

  He liked Katy, but he wasn’t into serious relationships. Yeah, he’d gotten a little rough with her the other day after they had reconnected and had actually felt a little bad about it. That was until now. Because she’d committed the worst type of offense—she’d sought help from the enemy. Olivia was up to no good. Now he’d have to take care of this situation before it escalated.

  One thing he’d learned was not to underestimate Olivia’s legal skills. If she came after him over what he’d done to Katy, then that could cause him a lot of negative publicity he didn’t need, especially after the Nina Marie fiasco.

  Layton made sure he gave Katy enough of a head start to her house. Knowing Olivia, she had probably counseled Katy to get somewhere safe. That’s another reason Layton didn’t have time to spare.

  When he’d met Katy, he’d instantly wanted her. She was not only gorgeous, but she was able to carry on an enjoyable conversation. It wasn’t a combination he saw every day. He’d made the mistake of inviting her to an Optimism ceremony. Why he couldn’t learn his lesson and keep the two things completely separate, he didn’t know. It was one of his weaknesses and something he had to be more careful about, and now he had another mess to clean up.

  But his feelings for Katy weren’t like those for Nina Marie. Katy made the mistake of seeking help from the wrong person, but that’s all it was—a mistake. One she’d have to pay for, but not in the same way he made Nina Marie pay.

  A few minutes later, he arrived on Katy’s street. He parked a few houses down and started to make his way to her house. He was almost there when a small gray sedan pulled up in her driveway. He sidestepped behind one of the neighbor’s cars.

  He watched as Katy came out of her house and embraced the tall, wavy-haired brunette who got out of the car.

  The woman turned. What was this? Some sick joke?

  Why was Eliza at Katy’s house? His day had just gone from bad to worse. He turned around and walked back to his car. He’d have to figure out another way to handle this situation—and fast.

  “Katy, are you okay?” Eliza looked into the eyes of her old college roommate whom she hadn’t spoken to in months.

  Katy’s eyes darted back and forth looking at the street. “Please come inside. It’s not safe out here.”

  “You’re scaring me.”

  Katy grabbed onto h
er hands and pulled her into the house.

  “Katy, tell me what’s going on,” Eliza demanded.

  “Come with me as I pack a few things, and I’ll explain.”

  Eliza’s mind scrambled with awful thoughts as she followed Katy into the bedroom.

  Katy pulled a suitcase out from under the bed and started grabbing clothes from her drawers.

  “Talk to me,” Eliza said.

  “I’ve been in an abusive relationship, and I found out from the legal clinic some even scarier things about the man.”

  “Did you go to the new domestic violence clinic?” Eliza asked.

  “Yes. Do you know anything about it?”

  “Yeah, I met the lawyer in charge at the summer festival.”

  Katy folded a couple of shirts and placed them into the suitcase. “We’re going to file for some type of restraining order, but this man is powerful, and he is scary.”

  “In what way?”

  “I know you believe in magic stuff, so maybe you’ll get it. He belongs to some occult group.”

  Eliza’s heartbeat sped up. “Wait a minute. Are you talking about Optimism?”

  Katy stopped and turned. “You know them too? Am I the last person in this town to hear about this group?”

  Eliza started feeling sick. It was like she knew the answer before she asked.

  Katy stared at her. “Please don’t tell me you’re involved with them? I thought you said your witchcraft didn’t hurt people.”

  “It doesn’t,” Eliza shot back. “I’ve been approached by them, but I haven’t joined their group.”

  “Good. Don’t. Stay far, far away. Especially from their leader, Layton Alito.”

  And there it was. Her worst suspicions were confirmed. “He’s the one who hurt you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Physically?”

  “Yes. On multiple occasions.” Katy turned toward her. “Do you not believe me?”

  “Of course I do. It’s just I never would’ve thought that.”

  “That’s what makes abusers like him so powerful.”

  Eliza felt she might get ill as she remembered feeding Layton cookies and them having long talks together—all alone. She could’ve ended up like Katy.