Mina was crumpled on the floor, Paul kneeling beside her rubbing her back, murder on his face. He collapsed beside her, pulling her against him. She fisted her hands in his shirt clinging to him.
“They let him out. He’s gone.”
She wasn’t making any sense. He looked up just as Nancy came through the door. She and Paul looked at each other for a second before both their eyes fell on Mina and Thomas on the floor.
Paul cleared his throat. “I’m going to go get the kids.”
Nancy gave Thomas a sad smile before turning to Paul. “I’ll go with you.”
TWENTY-THREE
Thomas held Mina tight against his chest, the pounding of his heart beginning to slow. She wasn’t hurt. Paul and his mom were going to get Maddie and Charlie so they would be okay too.
Her words played over and over in his mind as he waited for her to calm down enough to explain. The more he thought about it, the more he was sure he knew what happened. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall behind him trying to stay calm. Mina needed him to be strong. She needed him to lean on right now and he wasn’t going to let the building anger toward a man he didn’t know stop him from being what she needed.
He cradled her head in his hand, brushing away strands of hair clinging to her tear dampened cheeks. Little hiccupy breaths replaced the tears as she began to relax in his arms. He kissed her forehead, letting his lips remain against her clammy skin.
Everything was going to be okay. He said it over and over in his mind. He had to believe it so when he promised her, he would mean it.
“They let him out.” Her voice was quiet and raspy from crying. “He’s been out for weeks.”
Questions raced through his mind. How could they let him out? Where in the hell was he? Anger he’d been keeping at bay roared to life within him. How could they wait so long to call her? The man tried to kill her once, he could do it again. She’d taken small precautions, but a motivated psychopath would be able to find her with a couple hours of internet research.
“I guess somehow his parents shelled out a bunch of money for a new lawyer who found an issue with the investigation.” She tried to take a deep breath, her larynx still spasming after the exertion of crying making it difficult. “They had to release him pending a new trial.”
A new trial. She was going to have to relive everything that happened. “Where is he?”
Fresh tears began to run down her cheeks. “They don’t know. He cut off his ankle monitor.”
Thomas’ leg was beginning to ache from the trip over and sitting on the floor in an odd position, trying to keep Mina comfortable. Cupping her head in his hands, he tilted her face up toward his. Even with puffy eyes, tear stained cheeks and a red nose, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.
No matter what happened, he would make sure she and the kids were okay. “Let’s take you home. You can tell me everything on the way. Okay?”
She sniffed and nodded her head. He stood carefully, gritting his teeth through the pain it caused. Once he was up, he held out a hand to help Mina up. “Is this everything?” He grabbed her purse off a folding chair covered with drywall mud sitting in the corner.
“Yeah. I need my keys to lock up.” She took the purse, fished around for a minute, finally pulling out a keychain with a smiling picture of each of her kids looped amongst the keys.
She held it in her hand for a second, staring at the pictures, her face beginning to crumple up as she chewed her lip. “How am I going to explain this to them?” Tears ran down her cheeks as she tried unsuccessfully to wipe them with her sleeve before they fell. “I promised them it was over. Everything was okay.” She took a ragged breath. “Now I have to tell them it’s not.”
Thomas again wrapped her in his arms. There was nothing else he could do right now. He needed to get her home and comfortable and make sure his mom and Paul were able to get the kids safe. Then he had some calls to make so he could figure this out. “We need to get home. Let you relax and then we can come up with a game plan, okay?”
She wiped her nose across his shirt like a child as she nodded her head into his chest. Pulling away from him, she headed to the door, keys in hand. He stepped out behind her, scanning the neighborhood as she pulled the door shut and locked it. As she finished, she turned to him, her eyes falling to his tear and snot covered shirt. She started laughing through the tears still threatening to fall.
“Sorry.” She wiped at her eyes with one hand. He took the other and led her off the porch toward her van.
“I should probably drive.”
She pushed the button on her key, the lights flashing as the door locks clicked. “You sure you can?” She looked tired.
He gently took the keys from her hand as he opened the passenger door and helped her in. “I’m sure.” If she needed him to run five miles right now he would do it.
She stayed quiet the whole ride, occasionally wiping her eyes with a tissue she found on the console. He’d managed to push the driver’s seat back far enough to give him room to stretch out his leg and keep bending to a minimum. It wasn’t comfortable and he hoped he wouldn’t get yelled at tomorrow afternoon by his therapist, but Mina was in no shape to drive and he wasn’t going to make her sit at that empty torn up house until his mom could come back and get them.
He pulled down her driveway and parked beside his truck. They’d brought it here in case she needed it, not expecting he would be driving anytime soon.
She was out of the car and halfway up the walk before he could make it around to her door. She obviously wasn’t used to having a man around. He heard her open the door and the digital beep of the buttons as she disengaged the alarm. Thank God she already had that. It wouldn’t stop someone who really wanted in, but at least they wouldn’t go unnoticed.
He hobbled up the steps listening as she cooed at Daphne. Shutting the door, he locked the deadbolt and headed into the kitchen. Mina was at the back door, leaned against the frame, staring out the window, waiting for the dog to finish her business.
Thomas crossed the dining room, tossing his coat over a chair as he went. He came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him as he rested his chin on the top of her head.
“Everything’s going to be okay. I promise.” He turned her in his arms and brushed a soft kiss across each swollen eyelid before gently pressing his lips to hers. “You go get comfortable on the couch, I’ll let her in.”
“Okay.” She shuffled across the room, kicking her shoes off beside the sofa.
He watched as she curled up, pulling the soft knit blanket from the back of the couch and tucking it around her. He turned his attention to Daphne as she sniffed around the yard oblivious to what was happening around her. Daphne came in just as the sound of women fighting on the television reached his ears. He made sure the door was secure before heading to the kitchen to start some tea.
Ten minutes later, Mina was relaxing on the couch, sipping some sort of spicy herbal tea he found in the cabinet and watching what appeared to be an eventful episode of Real Housewives.
While she was distracted, he grabbed his phone from his coat pocket and slipped out the front door. He’d felt like he was on fire since he got Mina’s call at the bar and the chilly air felt good against his face. Scrolling through his contacts, he found the name he was looking for.
“Hey Tom. How’s things goin’ with the house situation?”
Jerry was one of Thomas’ best friends from high school and was one of the cops who took care of his mom the night of the house fire. “House is fine, just waiting on the word from the fire inspector before the insurance company will get moving.”
Right now they could take as long as they wanted. The house was at the bottom of the list of things he was worried about. He wouldn’t have been staying there after today anyway. There was no way he was leaving Mina alone.
“Would you be able to look into something for me? Mina got a call today saying
her ex-husband was let out of prison, sounds like on a technicality. He managed to take off his monitor and no one seems to know where he is.”
“Holy shit man. That the one who tried to kill her?” He wasn’t surprised Jerry knew. Word traveled fast in a small town.
“Yeah.”
Maybe it was a good thing everyone in town knew. They might gossip, but people around here watched out for each other. His buddy would make sure all the cops had their eye out, it wouldn’t be long before half the town was giving any strange man the evil eye.
“See if you can find out about what happened and if there are any guesses as to where he might be.”
“Will do. How’s Mina holding up?”
“She’s scared. Worried about her kids.”
“I’ll make sure there’s somebody at the school until we figure this out.”
Jerry was a good guy and had kids of his own. Thomas was prepared to ask him to keep an eye on Maddie and Charlie, but didn’t figure he’d have to and his friend didn’t disappoint him.
“Thanks man. I’m gonna stay here with her and the kids. Make sure they’re okay. I’ll keep my cell with me. Let me know if you find anything out.”
“I will buddy. If you need anything else, let me know. Give Mina my number in case she needs me.”
“I really appreciate it.” Thomas was going to owe him big.
He hung up and dialed his mom.
“How is she?” He could hear the kids in the background, putting his mind at ease.
“Resting. How are the kids?”
“They’re good.”
“Have you told them anything?”
“No.”
Good. This was something they needed to hear from their mother.
“What are you guys doing?” He checked his watch. It was almost 4:00. The kids would be needing dinner soon.
“I think we’re going to head to my place and do homework. Maybe order a pizza. Give Mina some time to get… situated.”
He peeked through the side window of the front door. It didn’t seem like she’d moved since he came outside. She was probably asleep.
“Thanks. Is Paul still with you?” It was nice of him to go with her. It made Thomas feel better than if she was alone with the kids.
“Yes.” Her answer was a little abrupt sounding, but she was under a lot of stress so he tried not to worry about it.
“Well if you need anything call me. I’ll text you Jerry’s number in case it’s an emergency.”
She promised to be careful and keep a close eye on the kids before telling him to relax and she would call later.
He disconnected and headed back in the house. He was getting real tired of things screwing up his time with Mina. Hopefully Jerry would figure out what was going on and this would all be over soon.
**************************************
Mina jumped when Thomas came back in the house. She’d been able to hear his voice as he talked on the phone, but the closed door muffled his words making it impossible to understand what he was saying. After a few minutes she gave up and tried to focus on the television and must have ended up dozing off.
Thomas’ footsteps were quiet as he came her way, the slight drag of his right foot barely perceptible. Her skin began to tingle in anticipation. She knew as soon as he reached her he would be touching her in some way. She loved that about him. Not just how much he touched her, but the way he touched her.
Some men pawed at you constantly, grabbing at you, usually in the boob or butt region. Thomas seemed to touch her with no other purpose than to feel her. Gently stroking her arm. Running his fingers through her hair. Lacing his fingers between hers. Every time he touched her felt natural. Every time he touched her she felt loved.
Daphne must have headed him off, hoping for some affection. She heard the rustle of her collar and the sound of happy pants as he gave in to her doggy diversion. “Is your mommy asleep?” He whispered so softly Mina could barely hear.
A couple seconds later he was at her side smiling down at her. “You’re not asleep.”
She shook her head. “I’m not.” She smiled back at him in spite of the craziness she was currently in the middle of. Having him here with her was making it easier to get her head together.
At first she’d lost it. She was so scared, so angry she couldn’t think straight and she’d just fallen apart. By the time Thomas got there she was spinning out of control, her anxiety feeding off itself creating ‘what-ifs’ at warp speed. But he knew what to do. He held her and let her cry herself out. He was strong when she needed it most.
“I believe you have a pretty nice tub. Maybe a bath would help?”
And he was freakin’ smart.
“That is the best idea I’ve heard all day.” She jumped off the couch and headed to the stairs. “That’s not saying much though. I’ve had a pretty crappy day.” She smiled at him and gave him a wink.
That little nap and the promise of a hot bath had her feeling much better. Thomas was right. Everything was going to be fine. She had faced this down once and she could do it again. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned back to him. He seemed to be favoring his leg a little more than usual.
“Does heat help your leg or make it worse?” A hot bath could make them both feel better. She knew Thomas wouldn’t expect anything more than that. He would just hold her and they could relax together.
He swallowed hard. He figured out what she was thinking right away. He stood, his feet planted to the floor. He clearly didn’t know how to answer the question and it made her love him even more.
Love? Holy shit. Love.
She was very much in love with the man standing there with a look of panic he was trying to hide, on his face.
“You are allowed to say yes. I know you know it doesn’t mean we will… you know.” She cringed at how awkward her words sounded. Luckily Thomas seemed to find her lack of coherence amusing.
“You know I know that you know?” He grinned at her, hesitating one second longer before heading her way, the pronounced limp making her extra glad he’d agreed. “A hot soak actually sounds pretty fantastic.”
She hurried up to the bathroom ahead of him, flipping on the heated floors and turning on the water to begin filling the tub, before peeling off her clothes. Thomas came in just as she was tossing the last of her clothes into the hamper.
He stopped in the doorway clearly surprised at her nakedness. She was proud of her body, imperfections included and wouldn’t be one of those women who hid beneath the sheets avoiding a man’s eyes.
She stepped into the tub of barely bearable water, the heat making her skin pink up immediately. “It’s really hot. Is that okay or should I cool it down?”
Thomas seemed relieved once her body was obscured by the swirling water. “Hot is fine.” He pulled his shirt over his head and laid it on the counter, followed by his socks. He glanced at her before turning away to take off his pants and boxers. She turned in the tub to face away from him, saving him any embarrassment. While he wouldn’t be expecting sex, his penis probably had different ideas.
Scooting to one end, she made space for him to step in behind her. Slowly, carefully, he lowered himself into the steaming tub, stretching his legs up each side of her.
“How’s it feel?”
“Really, really good. I’ve tried to soak in the tub at my mom’s but it’s just a regular size, so it was never really that helpful.” He leaned his back against the tub and held his arms out to her. Careful not to bump against him too much, she scooted back to him and leaned against him, letting the heat of the water and the feel of his arms relax her.
“This is the only room I’ve really done in the house. I probably should have done the kitchen first, but…”
“I think you did the right thing.”
The humidity in the air picked up his cedary scent and swirled it around her. This room had always been her sanctuary but Thomas being there took it to a whole new level. Bath time f
or her always brought a sense of calm to the craziness of her life. Thomas’ presence added feelings of safety and protection, something she needed desperately after the call from Mr. Schaffer today.
They sat together like that until the water began to cool. Thomas held her against him, the sound of his breathing lulling her in and out of sleep. The fading light outside meant dinner time was close.
Pulling herself up, she wrapped her dripping body in a soft towel and padded into her room. She dressed quickly in soft pants and a thick sweatshirt, warmth and comfort were her top priority today.
The water in the tub sloshed as Thomas got out. She peeked in the bathroom just as he wrapped a towel at his waist, his eyes on the floor.
“Are these floors heated?”
“Yeah. Nice isn’t it?”
“Not as nice as the tub. But close.” He walked to the counter smoothly. She smiled, glad to see he seemed to be in less pain.
“I’m going to call and see how your mom and Paul are doing with the kids.” She turned to leave.
“I want to stay here with you guys until we know where he is.”
She turned back as he was pulling on his pants. He came toward her, buttoning the fly as he walked. “I’ll sleep on the couch. I just don’t want you on your own if anything does happen.”
The serious look on his face told her ‘no’ wasn’t an option. There was actually only one part of that statement she wanted to say no to, but she understood his reasons. Knowing Thomas was right down the hall instead of holding her in bed might turn out to be the hardest part of the next few days. Maybe she could figure out a way around that.
TWENTY-FOUR
Mina started at the sound of Thomas’ voice.
“Sweetheart, it’s time to get up.” His voice was gentle, his hand stroking her hair. “Are you hungry?” Her stomach growled at his question in response. He chuckled softly. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He leaned forward and kissed her temple. I’ll let you get ready and meet you downstairs.”
Run (Never Waste A Second Chance Book 1) Page 19
