“I think I’ll just go make some tea.” Mom’s voice cracked as she stood from the couch, moving toward the doorway.
“Can you continue?” Dad asked me, and I nodded.
“I need to get this out, or I’ll never do it.” I nodded in the direction of the kitchen and we stood, both men waiting for me to lead the way.
We soon found ourselves seated around the table, Mom and Dad at one end, Dad comforting her as best he could with his arm around her shoulders and tightly holding her to his chest. I sat on the other end, scooting slightly closer to Davis so that in the event I needed another quick reality check, he’d be there.
My cup was a ceramic mug that I had made for my mother when I was twelve. It was a bit lumpy, but I loved it. The hot bitter tea filled my mouth and I sighed with contentment.
Setting the mug back in front of me, I pulled my hands into my lap and locked my fingers together, letting my mind go back to that day. The day everything changed for good.
* * *
A WEEK AGO
(Sydney, Australia)
NOVA
I was gasping for air. Freezing cold water was rushing over my face in a waterfall that stole my breath away. My eyes flew open and I pushed myself up, screaming. A quick flash of pain seared my cheek as the rest of the water was poured out across my body.
My vision was blurry, but I heard multiple voices around me. I was in a narrow, tiny room I would soon know as my cell. The small mattress rested beneath me, bare and soiled. I heard a scream coming through the wall and I wanted to match it and cry out, too. To let whoever was over there know that they were not alone, and I was here with them.
Demon looked down at me and snickered. “It’s time.” He motioned to a few men behind him. They quickly pushed inside the circle of men and reached down, each one holding an arm.
Within minutes, everything was over. I was screaming tortured sounds as each of the men claimed me and tried to break me into submission. I tried to fight. I tried, but eventually I was knocked unconscious.
* * *
PRESENT DAY
(Jamestown, Texas)
NOVA
“You can imagine what happened from then on. Pretty much every day was the same, but different men, sometimes one, sometimes more than one.” I reached up to wipe my face, trying to clear away the hatred that poured from my eyes. I felt Davis’ foot nudge mine beneath the table, not pushing but just offering me some sort of contact in hopes it would give me some form of comfort. Strangely, it did.
My mom lost it, then. She turned her face into my father’s chest and began to weep loudly. My father’s eyes were red and wet, tears streaming down his hard face as he just stared in fright at my words. Not knowing what to say or do, he just wrapped his arm around my mother and held her to him, never taking his eyes off me.
Noticing my discomfort, Davis stood. “Let’s take a walk,” he said as he offered me his hand, waiting to see if I would take it. I didn’t, but I stood and moved toward the door. Stopping by my mother and father, I bent to kiss my dad on his cheek.
“I love you. I’m sorry.” I whispered before pushing open the screen door and walking out to the creaking porch. Davis followed closely behind as I turned the corner and headed toward the swing. Sitting down, I waited for Davis to take a seat and then pushed my toes into the boards below me, setting us into motion. Davis kept the rhythm so I wouldn’t have to use my energy to keep both of us moving.
“Thank you for trusting me, Nova.”
I nodded and looked out at the pasture. “I don’t know why I do. You scare me a little, but I know without a doubt you’d never hurt me on purpose. It’s pretty obvious you just want to see me safe and out of harm’s way.”
I watch as he nodded briefly, tucking his chin to his chest and fidgeting with his hands.
“You can’t avoid people forever. Eventually, you’re going to have to get used to the touch of other people.”
I knew he was right, but that thought made fear bristle down my skin.
“What if you just started with a few people, then work your way up? It seems as if your mom and Evie are good. You feel safe enough to touch them. Even Evie’s mom.”
“I don’t get that automatic instinct to pull away from them, if that’s what you mean.”
“Exactly. I’m sure that’s because none of them are men.”
I nod, letting him know he had it right.
“All right then, so start with your dad. Let him hold your hand or give him a hug for a few minutes every day.”
“I’ve been trying that already. It’s hard, but as long as I repeat my phrases I’m good.”
“Okay. Well that’s a start. It’s important to start with the people you trust.” He moved his hands into his pockets.
“What about you?” I asked, curious how I would react if Davis tried to touch me more than just the brief contact on my foot.
“What about me?” His stare was calm and guarded as he looked at me.
“I think…I think you should try to hug me or something.”
“I don’t think you’re ready for that, Nova.”
“It’s just a hug.” I shrugged my shoulders, looking away from him, once again feeling slightly dejected.
“I’m sure to you it is, but if I were allowed to hug you I don’t know If I could let you go.”
My heart skipped a beat and I felt warm tingles skitter across my surprised face.
“You’re right. I’m not ready for that.”
“I know,” he stated simply, a small thin smile on his face as if he was humoring me.
“Fine. Can I at least shake your hand and bid you goodnight?”
“Of course you can.” He reached out his rough hand, palm up and I glanced at it, slowly slipping my hand into his. He gently squeezed my hand and softly shook it up and down. I didn’t feel fear this time. I felt excitement, anticipation.
“Goodnight, Davis,” I whispered, focusing on our joined hands, soft and hard, smooth and calloused.
“Goodnight, Nova,” he spoke softly before releasing me and pushing himself to standing position. “I’ll be seeing you.” He tipped his chin and moved out to his horse, carefully lifting himself on top and digging his feet into the horse’s sides.
I sat there watching as he bolted down the driveway. Since Big Blue was no longer on our property, I imagine they had fixed the fence and Davis would have to ride the way back to his property, miles down the gravel road. Watching him ride on that horse was a sight. Everything a true rancher should be, he moved with grace and speed as he galloped away into the night.
Chapter 14
DAVIS
I had barely contained the anger boiling inside of me as I sat and listened to Nova talk, watching her carefully as her beautiful blue eyes dimmed and went blank with memories of the horrid things that scarred her body and soul. I twisted the reigns in my hand tight, before pulling Racer to a halt at the pond in the valley on my property. I dismounted, tossed the reigns above the tree branch, and slowly made my way down the edge of the water. Broken branches and pebbles of every size were scattered around the shore as I walked a little further, unable to calm myself.
Lifting a small round stone in my fingers, I rubbed the pad of my thumb across the gritty surface before hurling it violently into the water, causing a loud splash and ripples to widen across the surface.
How Nova was attempting to deal with those horrible offenses was mind boggling. I thought about Amanda and wonder briefly if she had gone through the same thing. They never gave me the details, knowing I wouldn’t be able to handle that. I know she was beaten, badly, but I didn’t know what else may have been done to her.
I know I said it was time to move on, and I felt like it was, but now that I had heard the details of Nova’s experience, I worried there was no way I will ever be able to make her feel safe. Even though she says she trusts me, and even though my slight touch brings her calm instead of fear, I don’t know if I can be the man to bear the w
eight of her past. No matter how much I want to.
Racer whinnied, and I glanced in his direction. A soft rustling sound came from deeper in the woods, and I quieted my steps to listen carefully. A murmuring voice floated in the air. I quietly strode toward Racer, holding my hand up to quiet him. Slowly I slipped through the tree line and worked my way through the forest, taking refuge behind the thick trunks and glancing around before moving on. A deep voice rumbled louder as I grew closer and the smell of smoke wafted through the air. A flickering flame broke through the shadows, and I saw him.
Ten feet in front of me was Pete, resting against a large tree log that had fallen. He was facing away from the fire with binoculars up to his eyes, looking out over the pasture through a break in the trees. He was quietly talking to himself as if to have a conversation with another person sitting right beside him.
I cleared my throat as I stepped from behind a tree and shoved my fists into my pockets. Pete jumped at the sound and scrambled to stand up, tossing the binoculars on the ground and kicking them away into a pile of leaves.
“Evening,” I spoke first, eyes hard and unmoving from his worried face.
“Davis.” He spoke as if registering who I was.
“What’s got you out here tonight?”
He shuffled a little and moved to poke a large branch into the small fire. He shrugged a little before answering. “Just wanted to spend some time under the sky.”
“Right. Well, if you don’t mind some company…” I stepped closer and slid onto a large boulder opposite the fire.
“Oh. Well, I was just about to kill the fire and head back up to the bunkhouse.”
“Sure! No problem. I’ll take care of the fire, you go on ahead.” My lips spread into a forced smile as I watched him gather his things. His eyes moved toward the pile of leaves where his binoculars rested, partially hidden, but he did not reach for them. He grabbed a dark canvas bag and hoisted it on his shoulder as he walked through the trees toward my father’s bunkhouse. When I knew he was far enough away I stepped over to the binoculars, pulled them up and took up the position where he had been sitting. Lifting the small black tool to my face, I peered through the lens to see what he could have been looking at and my heart jumped at the sight.
Right before my eyes I could see into Nova’s bedroom, where she stood in front of a long mirror. Her arms reached up to wipe at her eyes before pulling a brush through her beautiful blonde hair. I paused for a moment wondering if she was crying, and then refocused as I tossed the binoculars in the fire, thinking hard.
Something just wasn’t right. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I would keep my eyes open. I would not let Nova get hurt again. I would do anything to protect her. I tossed sand on the fire until all the embers were gone before moving back through the trees toward Racer.
I mounted my horse and slowly trotted back across the valley and up the hillside toward my home – a home which housed something that could potentially be damaging to Nova. This is something I could fix, and I would as soon as morning came.
After situating Racer in his stall, I slipped out of the barn quietly and headed toward my house. Quietly, I removed my boots and set them inside the door before tiptoeing across the living room and up the stairs to my room. I undressed and sat on my bed.
Pulling my phone from the pocket of my jeans, I saw a flashing light, notifying me of a new message. I swiped my fingers across the screen and saw an unidentified number had texted me. It was Nova.
Nova: Thanks again for tonight.
I smiled a little and laid back on the bed, opening up a reply screen.
Davis: Thanks for trusting me. You’re probably sleeping by now, hope you get through the whole night.
It didn’t take long for a response. Just a few seconds later, another notification popped up on my screen.
Nova: Not asleep. Can’t. Told parents they had to sleep in their room.
Davis: Good or Bad?
Nova: A little of both, I think.
Davis: You should try to sleep. If you wake up, you can call me. You’re safe now. I promise.
I promised her, because I swore to myself that nothing would ever harm her again. God had brought me through everything I had to experience for a reason. I was starting to believe that she was it.
Nova: Thanks. Goodnight.
Davis: Sweet dreams and peaceful sleep.
I perched my phone on the nightstand beside me and turned the lamp off, flipping over on my stomach. Grabbing the pillow close, I closed my eyes and found the sleep I so desperately needed.
The sunlight woke me early, and it was slightly easier to force myself up and out of bed. I rushed through my morning routine before heading downstairs. Charlie and my grandparents were sitting around the table in the kitchen and nodded greetings as I padded through the doorway. I shuffled over to the counter and reached for a coffee mug, pouring the hot dark liquid inside and bringing it to my lips.
“Morning, grandson,” Papaw spoke, biting a piece of bacon from between his fingers.
“Morning.” I fell into the open chair at the table and started piling food on my plate.
“How was your night?” My grandmother asked, watching me curiously.
“Interesting, that’s for sure.” I glanced over at Charlie as he sipped his own mug. “How well do you know Pete?”
Charlie set his mug down and leaned back, eyes curious. “I suppose as well as any of the guys. He came here looking for work a while back. Grew up around here, went to school with most of the guys.”
“So you know him well?”
“I don’t think anyone knows him well. He’s the sort to keep to himself mostly. Hard worker, but quiet and a bit of a loner, if you ask me.”
I nodded, glancing at my grandfather while bringing the mug to my lips once more. When the liquid had warmed me throughout, I set it down and continued.
“He was out by the fence line last night. He had a fire going and was up to something.”
“Like what?” Papaw asked, leaning forward on his arms.
“I can’t be sure, but I found binoculars. I think he was watching the Drake’s house.”
His eyes widened and he stiffened in his chair. “Are you sure?”
“It was pretty obvious, although he tried to hide it. Didn’t take him long to scurry out of there when I invited myself to stay a while.”
“Why do you think he was looking over there?” Charlie spoke up, rubbing his hand across the back of his neck.
“I saw where he was sitting, and he tried to hide the binoculars when I made myself known. When he left, I took his position and looked around. The only thing I could imagine that was interesting to him was the view into Nova’s bedroom.”
My grandmother gasped and Papaw reached out to grab her hand. “That’s a mighty accusation, son.”
“I know. I’m just stating what I saw and what I figure was happening. Something ain’t right with him. I had a weird feeling at lunch yesterday, but last night really bothered me. Nova’s been through enough; if I even think someone is out to cause her harm, I will personally take care of it. Do you understand?” Resolution was evident in my tone, and everyone at the table could tell I meant what I said.
Papaw and Charlie nodded as Mamaw quirked a small smile before letting her face fall serious once more.
“What are you going to do?” She asked softly, reaching for my mug to refill it.
“For now, I’d like to keep someone working with him at all times. Better to keep an eye on him than let him go, I think. If anything else suspicious happens, we’ll need to terminate him and report him to the authorities. Agreed?”
Papaw and Charlie nodded as they stood.
“I’ll keep Pete with me today. We’ll work the east side of the ranch, away from the Drake line,” Charlie stated as he nodded to my grandmother and stepped out the back door.
“I’ll meet you outside, grandson.” Papaw stood and bent to kiss my grandmother briefly before walking out
the door.
She glanced at me from across the table, smiling slightly. “You like her.”
My eyes rolled as I shoved the last bit of biscuit in my mouth, leaving a trail of crumbs clinging to my lips. I yanked a napkin from a wooden box in the middle of the table and brushed it against my mouth, before taking another sip of coffee.
“Can’t even think about that, Mamaw. She has a lot of healing to do, and even if I did, that tidbit of information would not be welcome by any means.”
“You’d be surprised how that tidbit of information can help in the healing process sometimes, my boy. Going through the horrible things she has had to endure, I imagine a woman would be doubting her self-worth. Probably wondering if she’ll ever be loved or accepted, able to have something special. Sometimes love can simply be the answer. God is the only one who can fully heal her heart, but when He’s ready to entrust someone with it again, you’d better be worthy of it.”
She stood, walking over to my side and bending to wrap her arms strong around my shoulders.
“Just take your time and be careful, son. Be the expression of God’s love and don’t worry about anything else. He’ll guide you.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She kissed me on the cheek and turned to gather the dishes.
So full of wisdom, my grandmother always was. Even if I didn’t want anyone else to see through me, she always could. Always knew how I felt, what I wanted, the words I needed. I guess that’s a grandmother’s prerogative and gift.
“Thanks, Mawmaw,” I whispered and kissed her hair before walking out the door and into the day ahead.
That afternoon, as I was watching the ranch hands corral the cattle for branding, my phone buzzed to life inside my pocket. Yanking off my soiled glove, I pulled it out of my pocket and saw an Australian number on the screen.
“Davis Matthews,” I answered, stepping away from the commotion in front of me.
“Davis, it’s me. Jared.”
“Hey, man! How are things?”
Redemption (The Restoration Series Book 1) Page 14
