by Jamie Hill
Addie buried her face in his neck. “I told you before…you’re all I need.”
* * *
They worked the rest of the day and most of Saturday putting her place back in order. When Addie mentioned replacing the lamps and furnishings that were broken, Ben suggested she wait.
She glanced around the living room, trying to figure it out. “There’s no overhead light in here, that’s why I needed the lamps. It’ll be awfully dark in the evenings without them.”
Ben kicked his feet up on the ottoman in front of his chair. “You don’t have any old lamps you could use temporarily?”
She shook her head.
He rubbed his chin. “I might have one. If not, I’m sure my mom does.”
She moved in front of him. “Why go to all that bother when I can just go buy a couple?”
Ben had a funny expression on his face. “I was, uh, just thinking. If we were to combine households, we’d have way too much furniture and stuff as it is.”
“Combine households?” She stared at him. “You mean move in together?”
“Well, yeah. I know it’s soon, and I wouldn’t have brought it up quite this soon. But you’re talking about buying a bunch of stuff that we won’t need if you come live with me.”
Her mind raced. “If I come live with you?”
“You’ve suddenly become a parrot.” He smiled hopefully.
She planted her hands on her hips.
Ben dropped his feet to the floor and sat up, leaning forward. “It just makes sense, since you rent and I own my house. Of course, down the road if you’d like to look for a different place we could do that. But to start with, I just thought…” He stopped talking and gazed at her.
Addie smiled. “Don’t look so nervous. I’m not saying I don’t like the idea, I’m just processing it. It is soon.” She sat sideways on his lap. “But it sounds nice. I need a little time to think it over. You understand that, don’t you, given my history and everything?”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his chest. “Of course I do. Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.” He kissed the side of her head. “And for now, you’re not going anywhere without me. So decide where you want to stay, and one of us will pack a bag for the week.”
She snuggled into his chest. It only made sense that she went to stay with him, where they had more space. It’d be like a trial run, to see how she felt about living there. “I’ll pack a bag. I might need two, since I’ll have to take work clothes.”
“You sure?”
Addie smiled. “Might as well give it a shot. You’ve got the two bathrooms, in case we need space getting ready for work in the mornings.”
Ben grinned. “I’m pretty low maintenance, but that sounds good to me. Let’s go tonight, whenever you’re ready.”
“I’m ready now. Come help me pack.” She rose and reached for his hand to pull him up.
He stood and grabbed her hips. “This could be dangerous, you know. You and me in the bedroom together.”
Addie winked. “I was counting on that.”
* * *
Sunday, they went for a drive out by the lake. Ben was excited to drive her Mustang, and Addie was happy to put the top down and get out in the open air.
“Sweet ride.” He patted the steering wheel.
His expression amused her. “I might let you drive it again if I can drive your Jeep.”
He glanced sideways at her, a skeptical expression on his face. “I don’t know…”
Addie swatted his arm and he laughed.
“Just kidding. Of course you can drive the Jeep. Keep it on the pavement, no four-wheeling.”
“No promises!” She couldn’t remember the last time her heart felt so happy. Being with Ben was natural and comfortable.
Did I ever feel this way with Cole? She probably had, in the early days. But his behavior by the end of their relationship had wiped out any warm and fuzzy feelings she may have had at one time.
He gazed at her again. “A penny for your thoughts.”
Addie laughed. “Why in the world? They aren’t worth nearly that much.”
Ben smiled. “You just look happy, is all.”
“I feel happy. I was just thinking, I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this good.”
He parked the car under a shade tree with a view of the lake. Ben turned to the side to face her. “We’ve never talked about your marriage. I don’t know if you want to talk about it. But if you do, I’d like to listen.”
She shrugged. “What do you want to know?”
“Were you ever happy with Cole?”
A shiver went down her spine. She knew they had to discuss Cole at some point. Now seemed like as good a time as any. “That’s funny. I was just wondering that myself.”
Ben made a face. “You’re with me and thinking about him. Not sure how I feel about that.”
Addie reached out and squeezed his forearm. “You’re too flippin’ funny, that’s what you are. No, I was wondering if I’ve ever been this happy before. The answer was a resounding ‘no’. I mean, I loved Cole in the beginning. I had to, or I would never have married him. But he was so awful to me by the end it’s hard to remember anything good at all.”
“You never thought about leaving?”
She chuckled. “Only every day. He controlled our money, and I knew I couldn’t get far on the ten dollars a week he gave me for coffee.”
“A generous man. But I don’t buy that. You could have called your parents and they’d have helped you out.”
Guilt flooded through her. “Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Back then I wasn’t so sure. We were barely speaking at that point. Cole drove a wedge between us and they weren’t happy about it. He didn’t want me seeing or even speaking to them. When I did, we argued more than talked. So I hated to call them when I needed help, since I didn’t call them any other time.”
“That’s what abusers do. They cut you off from the people who love you, the ones who want what’s best for you and could help you. I’m sure your folks would have dropped everything to come bail you out of a bad situation.”
Addie nodded. “I know that, now. Back then, I wasn’t thinking clearly. It’s almost like I was brainwashed.”
“It was brainwashing, pure and simple. There’s no better way to describe it.”
She looked down, still uncomfortable talking about it, though she knew she had to open up to Ben. “I know. That’s what the prosecutor told me. And so did the therapist I saw for a few months after the divorce was final.”
“Did that help?”
“For a while. Then I decided that I wanted to stop talking about it and move on with my life. That’s when I found the job here and moved, to make a clean break.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you did.”
Her heart melted. His expression was so endearing, she could have curled up in his arms and been happy in that spot forever. “Me, too.”
Ben cleared his throat. “I don’t want to upset you, but I’m trying to get a handle on what we’re dealing with, here. Can you tell me what he did to you?”
Addie thought for a minute before responding. “I haven’t spoken about this with anyone since the therapist.”
He nodded. “I understand. You don’t have to.”
She shook her head. “But you aren’t just anyone. I need to talk about it with you.”
Ben reached for her hand and held it.
“At first it was verbal. He called me name like ‘stupid’ and ‘worthless’. They were ridiculous names and I knew he was just trying to get to me, but after you hear things repeated over and over for so long, you start to believe them.
“He started doing little things, like squeezing my arms a bit too tight. Digging his fingernails into my arms until I bled. After that, he must have discovered he liked to see blood. It excited him in some sick way.”
Ben’s face paled. “God, Addie.”
She smiled sadly. “Yeah. He was sick, B
en. I don’t believe he was insane, like his lawyer tried to prove. But I definitely think he was sick in the head. His mind was twisted. It gave him pleasure to cause me pain. The prosecutor brought out my x-rays as evidence. In one year I suffered six broken bones, four sprains, three fractured ribs and a concussion. Oh, and he ripped out a chunk of my hair.
“Our last night together he broke a bottle of scotch over my head and sliced me up with the shards of glass.” She pulled back her hair and showed him the raised scars on the side of her neck.
“Not really a bike accident?”
Addie shook her head. “When that didn’t knock me out, he tried to strangle me with his bare hands. I played dead hoping he’d stop. He did, long enough to go find another bottle of booze. I managed to call nine-one-one and was talking to them when he returned. That’s when he pulled out the hair and gave me the concussion.” Addie felt like she was telling someone else’s story. “I thought I was a goner. I had so many regrets.”
Tears flooded her vision and when she glanced up, she saw Ben was crying, too. She reached for him and he pulled her into his arms.
“Oh my God, Addie. I’m so sorry. I am so sorry.”
Nodding, Addie leaned in for a kiss. They kissed and cried and she held him tighter than she’d ever held anyone before.
* * *
Addie was happy to get back to work on Monday. Although she’d been ‘working’ while they were undercover with Mitzi, it felt like she hadn’t been to the office in ages.
A painter’s van was parked by the employee entrance. Inside the building, she could see various rooms taped off in preparation for painting. They’d been talking about fresh paint ever since she’d been hired, but nothing had come of it. Finally, the dingy walls were getting a makeover.
She poked her head into the District Attorney’s office and spoke to her boss. “Good morning.”
Jim Norman looked up. “Addie! Good to have you back. How are you?”
“I’m great, thanks. How’s everything here? I see we’re finally getting that coat of paint.”
“We are, but the contract is for the men to work nights so they don’t interfere with our daily activities. You may have to avoid some wet paint, but the actual crew won’t start until six p.m.”
“Great, thanks.” She smiled. “I can’t wait to see what’s waiting on my desk for me.”
Jim chuckled. “I gave some of the more time sensitive cases away, but left plenty just for you. The best ones.”
“Now I’m scared.” She headed out.
“Live in fear!” He called after her.
Addie made it to her office and settled in behind her desk. The message light was blinking on her phone, but she wanted to flip through the folders on her desk, first. She’d just opened the first one when a knock sounded on her door.
She glanced up and saw a workman in a cap and painter’s coveralls.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” His voice had a distinct Southern twang. “I need to get some quick measurements in here then I’ll get out of your way.”
She frowned. “Okay, I guess. I thought you weren’t supposed to be working while we’re here.”
“I’ll make it quick, I promise.” He pulled out a tape measure and moved to the wall behind her desk.
Glancing down at the folder in front of her, Addie felt the sting of cold steel against her neck.
The man spoke quietly into her ear. “Don’t move a muscle. I’ll cut you if I have to.” The twangy accent was gone.
She inhaled, trying not to panic.
“Before you decide to do something stupid, know this. Your sister is rooming in Ford Hall this year, room number four-twenty. I’ve got a man watching her as we speak. If he doesn’t hear from me every hour, he has instructions to slit her throat. That’s the ultimate goal, anyway. What he does with her before that is totally up to him.” He moved his face close to her and grinned.
Dread filled Addie from head to toe. “Cole!”
Chapter Ten
Topeka, Kansas
Cole relished the look of fear in Addie’s eyes. He’d dreamt of this moment for so long, and it hadn’t disappointed. “Hello, darlin’. Damn, you look good. Almost like before we met.” He brushed the hair away from her neck. “No, wait. There’s a mark. You haven’t forgotten me.”
“How could I?” she sneered. “What are you doing here? What do you want?”
He made a tsk-ing sound with his tongue. “So many questions. You’re in such a hurry. Slow down, Addie. You should take time to stop and smell the roses.” He inhaled the scent of her hair. “Or the strawberries, as the case may be. If prison taught me anything it’s that life is too short to be in such a rush. We need to enjoy the little things while we can.” He fingered a lock of her hair.
She pulled away. “You need to leave. Just go, now. I won’t say anything.”
“I know you won’t, because I’m not leaving. We have some unfinished business, you and I. We’re walking out of here together. And if you say anything to anyone, or make eye contact with someone, sweet little Katie will pay the price.”
“You’re bluffing. I don’t believe you.”
He was prepared for this. Reaching in his pocket, he pulled out his cell phone and punched up a photo of Katie, walking on campus. He showed it to Addie. “Still think I’m bluffing?”
Her eyes widened. “Cole, leave her out of this. It’s between you and me.”
Cole smiled. “Yes it is, sugar. As long as you cooperate, it’ll stay that way.”
“Fine,” Addie relented. “What do you want me to do?”
“Stand up, get your purse and we’ll walk out together. If anyone speaks to you, act naturally. You raise any suspicion and I’ll kill whoever you’re talking to.” He showed her the handle of the knife in his pocket.
Addie rose. “Take it easy, Cole. I’m not going to try anything.”
“You won’t if you know what’s good for you, and that pretty little sister of yours.”
She clutched her purse and they headed for the door.
“Just keep cool, darlin’. My car is parked outside.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“Some place you’re really going to like. Trust me.”
She snorted. “Right.”
Cole grabbed her arm and shoved her forward. “Remember what I said. Keep your eyes down and take the shortest route to employee parking.”
She did as instructed and they made it outside without incident. When they reached his car, Addie gasped.
“The Dodge Dart is yours? I saw it parked on my street. It looks just like my first car.”
“Why, I know that, Addie. That’s why I bought it.” He opened the back door and shoved her inside.
She gazed up at him, fear shining in her eyes. “You have a problem, Cole.”
He grinned and pulled a bag containing a Chloroformed rag from his pocket. “Maybe. But right now, you have a worse one.”
* * *
Topeka, Kansas
Ben fought the urge to call Addie all morning. He knew she was safe in the federal building, but he couldn’t help worrying. He finally gave in at noon and phoned her on their lunch break. He’d offered to pick her up and take her out for a bite to eat, but she’d expected to be swamped her first day back and said she’d grab something from the cafeteria.
Her phone rang and rang, before finally the voicemail picked up. “This is Addie. Leave a message.”
Ben waited for the beep. “Hey gorgeous, just checking in. I hope you weren’t overwhelmed with work today. Did you get something to eat? Call me back, it doesn’t matter what time. I—”
He almost uttered the three little words then stopped himself. Now he was stuttering like an idiot. “Okay then, call me. Thanks. Bye.” He ended the call feeling a little more than foolish.
She hadn’t called back by two so he tried once more. Voicemail. Ben sighed. “It’s just me, starting to worry about you. Call me when you get this. Bye.”
H
e hung up then reconsidered and dialed her work number. A woman answered and he identified himself then asked for Addie.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Decker isn’t available at the moment. May I connect you to her voicemail?”
Ben’s pulse quickened. “She isn’t available? What the hell does that mean? Is she there?”
“I’m sorry, sir. I’m not at liberty to give out that information.”
“Is the DA available?”
“I can check. What did you say your name was?”
Ben tried to keep his voice calm. “US Marshal Ben Markham.”
“One moment, please.” She put the call on hold.
He drummed his fingers on the desk. It felt like forever but was probably a few minutes later when the call was answered. “Marshal Markham? This is Jim Norman.”
“Hello, sir. Thanks for taking my call. I was actually looking for Addie Decker, but the woman who answered said she wasn’t available.”
“No, I’m afraid she went home sick. It must have come over her suddenly. I spoke with her first thing, but she called me about an hour later and said she’d had to leave.”
Ben’s breath caught in his chest. “She went home sick? How did she get there? She didn’t drive to work today.”
“I’d have no idea about that. I’m sorry.”
“You’re aware that her condo was broken into last week, and we’ve been keeping an eye on her as a precaution?”
“Of course I’m aware. I gathered it was related to the Pomeroy case which is now over. She didn’t mention it this morning and frankly, she didn’t seem too concerned.”
“Yeah, well, I’m concerned. She was fine this morning.”
“Did you try to call her cell?”
Ben sighed. “Of course. It goes straight to voicemail.”
“Hmm. This is puzzling.”
“I’ll check it out. Thanks.”
