Troy tries to put her at ease. “Mind if I hide in here with you? It’s chaos out there.”
She gives him a nervous look and he can see tears pooling, threatening to spill down her cheek. “I said I was sorry for breaking in here. Did you have to call the damn cops on me?”
Troy can see the panic rising in her eyes and he moves closer, reaching out to take her hand to keep her from bolting. He catches her before she steps out of reach. Her hand feels small and warm, with the slightest tremor of fear. “Oh no, Hallie. We didn’t call the police. At least not the way you think. The police found your car in the ditch. They were worried about what happened to you.”
“Oh. Thank goodness.” The relief is short. True terror fills her eyes.
“Hallie? What’s wrong?” Troy tries to get her to answer, but she’s frozen in fear. He moves to catch her as she looks like she might collapse. “Hey… what’s this? You should be happy. Your aunt and uncle just arrived. They can’t wait to see you.”
Instead of cheering her up, he hears a sob escape instead. Troy is surprised when she hugs him tightly as if he might be her lifeline. He hates to see her in distress, but can’t help but like how she feels in his arms, so warm and feminine. Her head tucks neatly under his chin and her scent stirs inappropriate feelings under the circumstances.
He holds her until she calms. Reaching to the box of tissues on Traci’s desk, he grabs a few and helps wipe at her tears. In spite of their red rims, her green eyes are intoxicating.
Her nose is running courtesy of her crying jag. Troy grabs another tissue and holds it out to her. “Here you go. Blow for me.” She blushes, embarrassed, yet she grabs the tissue to comply. “Good girl.” It’s in that second Troy knows how important praise is to Hallie, making him suspect she hasn’t received much of it in her twenty-three years. He watches her relax under his simple compliment.
“Now, why don’t you tell me what has you so upset? Don’t you want to see your aunt and uncle?”
Her answer is quiet. “Yes, of course I do.”
“So why the tears?” She tries to look away. He suspects she’s remembering how they’d met the night before as she tries to yank out of his grasp. He lets her step back, but remains close enough to gently tilt her chin to look up into his eyes. “Please don’t be afraid of me, Hallie. I know we got off to a bit of a rough start, but I promise you. No one, including me, is going to hurt you.”
She hesitates before answering softly. “Okay.” It’s not much, but it’s a start.
“Why the tears?”
“It’s not my car I was driving.”
“Yes, the police said it belonged to an Edward somebody. Is he a friend or something?”
“Or something.” Yep, there’s a story there.
“Boyfriend?”
She just nods her head, too afraid to speak.
“Let me guess. He didn’t know you were taking the car, did he?”
This time a slight shake of the head.
“And he isn’t going to be happy to find it… and you… gone?”
Several tears streaming down her face is his only answer. He hates the next question, but he has to ask. “Edward is the person who hurt you, isn’t he? Traci said she and the doctor found old bruises all over your body. Edward gave them to you, didn’t he?”
He can detect her trembling and knows he’s put the pieces of her puzzle together. “Do you think he’s chasing you? Is that why you were running in the middle of the night?”
She finally tries to speak. “I really don’t think he could give a shit about me, so no. I think he might miss the car though. It’s the gopher.”
That was unexpected. “Gopher?”
She’s wiping at her tears again, reaching for more tissues. “Yeah. Edward is Eddie. He’s the lead singer of The Kings. You’ve probably never heard of them before but…”
“You mean the band The Kings that started out a few years ago in New Orleans and has been touring with several larger bands? I think they were the opening act out in DC when I went to see Matchbox 20.”
Hallie’s face lights up. “Hey, I was at that concert. Isn’t it cool we were both there?”
Troy isn’t as impressed. “I’ve heard some not so great things about his off-stage antics. I’m hoping it was all just gossip-rag shit.”
“I doubt it. Eddie loved to call the paparazzi on himself. He used to say it was free advertising. It made him feel important.”
“Sounds like a real smart guy… not.”
“Well, his brains aren’t his best quality.” Hallie blushes beet red after she realizes what she’d said. Troy wants to punch something when he thinks of this young woman in the clutches of an asshole like Eddie Kingston.
He tries to bring the conversation back to safer territory. “So Gopher?”
“Right. We used the car when we needed to make short runs for supplies. It was a pain to have to drive the tour bus around town for stuff like groceries.”
“Ah. Gopher. Well, he can call a fucking cab now.” Hallie looks surprised at his choice of words and Troy realizes he needs to rein his temper in. “So, you ready to go out and talk to everyone? The sooner you get through explaining what happened, the sooner you can get back to bed and get more rest.”
“Do I have to?”
“I’m afraid so. It won’t be so bad. We’ll all be there to help you.”
She gets a reticent look on her face. “You too? I mean… you’ll be there?”
Hallie’s long hair has fallen softly around her heart-shaped face. The winter sun illuminates the patch of light freckles that dot her cheeks. She looks so young and Troy hates the pang of vulnerability in her eyes. It makes him want to pound on his chest and drag her back to his mancave to protect her and…
‘Don’t go there, old man. She’s over ten years younger than you.’
“I guess that’s up to you, Hallie. I don’t want to upset you… like last night.”
The energy is charging between them as they each remember the odd circumstances of how they met less than twelve hours earlier. Troy worries she’s going to bolt from the room as she recalls the spanking she’d interrupted. He’s relieved with her quiet reply. “It won’t upset me… I mean, if you want to be there, that is.” Her voice betrays how emotionally frail she is.
She needs a friend. He can be that. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Troy holds out his hand as an official peace offering. She stands stock-still, staring at his open palm, a pensive look on her face. He’s amazed when Hallie slowly slides her hand into his. Based on the events of the previous twelve hours, Troy is surprised she’s not running from the room instead.
They both stand and stare at how one hand so large, the other so small could fit each other so neatly, fingers intertwining together perfectly. Troy’s gaze moves to her face, waiting for her to look up and satisfied that when she does, he sees no fear in her green eyes. Progress has been made. “Let’s go get ‘em, shall we?”
She rewards him with what he suspects might be a rare smile. He feels privileged to witness it.
Troy leads Hallie from the room, down the hall and into the open living space. They must stand there for thirty seconds before they’re noticed in the craziness. Aunt Gina’s piercing scream of “Haaalllliieee!” manages to bring an end to all conversation.
Hallie shoots him a nervous glance as she squeezes his hand for moral support. She waits, glued to her spot, for her aunt to bowl her over. Gina scoops her up into her arms and Troy is forced to release Hallie’s hand as she’s pulled away.
Adam isn’t far behind. Now that they’re closer, Troy vaguely remembers meeting the couple at the picnic last summer. His impression of them at the time was that they’re good people and for that, he’s relieved. The protective look in Adam’s eyes as he watches his wife and niece hugging tells Troy everything is going to be okay for Hallie.
Gina is looking over her niece like she would were she about to buy a new car. She circles
Hallie, tsking the whole while. Hallie throws an embarrassed glance Troy’s way and he gives her a supportive smile. In the end, Hallie handles the inspection with grace, even when her aunt starts talking about how she’s going to have to fatten Hallie up now that she’s going to be living with them.
Troy doesn’t miss the concerned look passed between Brent, Jason and Lelo. He wonders what it’s about. He doesn’t have to wait long.
Brent speaks first. “Adam, maybe we should convene an emergency Housing Board meeting to talk about this a bit later this afternoon.”
Adam’s first reaction is of surprise, but he seems to catch on quickly. Troy wishes he did.
Adam answers with a simple, “I understand. Let me get the girls home and then I’ll meet you at the community center.”
Troy butts in. “What? What’s going on?”
Brent is nice enough to humor him, considering he’s not an official member of the community. “We have strict rules in our co-op. Were Hallie a minor, there would be nothing to discuss. As a twenty-three year old niece, things are not that cut and dried. As an adult, she’ll need to apply to Corbin’s Bend and participate in the co-op if she wants to live here.”
The room breaks out into multiple conversations until Troy injects and once again, everyone stops talking. “With all due respect, I think there are some extenuating circumstances. Not to mention, Christmas is less than two weeks away. I’d think you could defer any discussion on this point until after the holidays. Can’t you let Hallie and her family focus on their reunion and try to figure out what she wants to do before you make any decisions? She may decide she doesn’t want to stay in Corbin’s Bend, after all.”
Aunt Gina gasps at that suggestion, clearly unhappy with the possibility Hallie may choose not to live with her family.
Brent’s eyes are intense as he sizes Troy up. Finally breaking into a grin, he agrees with Troy’s plan. “You’re right, Troy. There’s no rush. We’ll put this matter on our January agenda. That’s about three weeks from now. Would that be better?”
For some curious reason, Brent’s looking to Troy for his approval, not the Newberrys. “I think that’s more than fair.” Glancing to Hallie, he can see relief on her face.
“Great. Well Char, let’s get our little munchkin packed up and ready to go home. Adam, you’ll of course go through the co-op rules with your houseguest, right?“
Adam has approached his friend to shake his hand. “You know I will, Brent and… well.. Thank you. This means a lot to Gina and me to give us time to get Hallie settled.”
Brent smiles. “We’re a family here, Adam. Of course we’ll give Hallie some time to get settled. Just make sure she understands what being a guest in Corbin’s Bend entails before the weekend is over.”
Troy moves to talk with Hallie, but he’s too late. She’s being whisked away by her aunt across the room to confer with Dr. Devon.
Traci notices him standing on the sidelines and comes to talk. “Hey. You did good.”
“Yeah. Well, I just want to give the kid some time to get it together, you know?”
“I do. That’s why she’s gonna begin meeting with me a couple times a week starting Monday.”
Troy looks down at his sister. “That’s great, Trace. I can tell she really likes you. I think you’re going to be able to help her.”
“Thanks, but I can tell I’m not the only one she likes.”
Troy thinks he knows where this is going. “Oh no you don’t. Don’t look at me like that. You’re forgetting she burst in here because she thought I was the devil incarnate, here to beat you to death.”
“Yeah, well I set her straight on that this morning.”
Troy hates how much that pleases him. “Thanks, sis. I appreciate you sticking up for me, even though sometimes I can be a pain in the ass.”
“You can say that again… literally.”
While Troy and Traci were bantering, Gina and Adam have bundled their niece up in a heavy blanket and are shooing her out the door to their waiting SUV. At the last minute, Hallie looks back to connect her green eyes with his and then she’s gone. Thirty minutes ago, he would have done anything for some peace and quiet around here. Now, Troy hates how empty Traci’s house feels.
Chapter 6
Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you, honey?” It’s only the fifth time Aunt Gina has asked since breakfast.
Hallie takes a deep breath, trying to keep the impatience out of her reply. “Thanks for the offer, Aunt Gina, but really, I think it’s best that I go in by myself.” Moving quickly, Hallie opens the door to the SUV and is standing in Traci’s driveway, ready to close the door, quick before Aunt Gina could insist on coming in.
“Well, okay. What time would you like me to pick you up?”
Hallie honestly didn’t know. “How about I call you when I’m done. I have your cell number and my phone is charged.”
Gina doesn’t look happy, but she still plasters an indulgent smile on her face. “Sure, honey. I’ll just wait for your call. Have a good time, okay?”
Hallie can’t help but chuckle. “Well, considering I’m going to get my head shrunk, I’m not sure about how much fun I’m gonna have.”
“Now, Hallie. Don’t say rude things like that about Traci. She’s a wonderful lady and therapist. You need to let her help you.”
“Yes, Aunt Gina.”
Hallie is nervous. It feels like she’s about to spring out of her skin. It may have only been forty-eight hours since she was here last, but it feels like a lifetime ago. She takes a deep cleansing breath, trying to lower her heart rate. The front door swings open before her finger connects with the doorbell. A smiling Traci greets her.
“Dr. Jackson. Thanks for seeing me.”
“Oh no you don’t. I’m a psychologist, not a psychiatrist so technically, I’m not a doctor. I’m just Traci. It’s great to see you again, Hallie. You look about a thousand times better than the last time I saw you. Please, come on in.” She swings the door wide, ushering her newest client in.
Hallie stomps her snow-covered boots on the mat and takes off her proper winter coat, gloves and scarf to hand to a waiting Traci. “I see someone’s gone shopping. I like your new winter gear.”
“Thanks. Yeah, I’m glad the storm cleared enough on Sunday that Uncle Adam and Aunt Gina could take me on a marathon shopping spree yesterday in Denver to pick up a lot of the things I needed.”
“That’s really great of them. Were you able to get your stuff out of the car before they towed it away? I heard it’s totaled, but I was hoping you’d be able to save some of your belongings.”
They’d been walking and talking, arriving in the kitchen where the smell of coffee welcomes her. Hallie notices a steaming cup already waiting for her at the island. She takes a sip to try to calm her nerves before answering the question hanging in the air.
“Well, I left in a hurry so I didn’t really have that much stuff with me. We were on the road and I only had clothes with me on the tour bus. Uncle Adam is trying to find someone to go to my apartment in California to pack up the rest of my belongings there and send them.”
“Wow, I hadn’t realized you had so little with you. It’s nice of them to buy you what you need. At least you can take your time now with moving.”
Hallie chuckles. “Well, if it were up to Uncle Adam, they’d be packing up my apartment today.” When she sees the confused look on Traci’s face, she answers her unasked question. “He’s afraid I’m going to change my mind and decide to go back to Eddie. I think he’s trying to hurry and get me all moved before I can back out.”
Traci’s smile seems genuine. “I’m sure they’re just worried about you. They love you, you know.”
“Yeah, I know. Unfortunately, they think I’m still that eighteen year-old girl they last saw. If someone finds me dead, have it investigated as ‘death by smothering.’”
That draws a chuckle out of the therapist. “How are your injuries? Are you in any pain?
”
Hallie’s been here for several minutes and is growing more and more anxious. “Um… aren’t we supposed to go into your office? I mean, have me lay down on the couch and shit?”
Traci’s grin is contagious. “Well, we can do that if you’d like to, but truthfully, I meet with most of my patients here in the kitchen over a cup of coffee. It just seems easier to talk freely this way.”
“But… I mean, what if…?” Hallie doesn’t know what she’s trying to say and then she blushes pink. “What if Troy comes in and hears us talking? Isn’t there doctor-patient privilege or something?”
Traci stutters in surprise. “Of course… how would… Hallie, I thought you knew. Troy doesn’t live with me. He was just visiting for the weekend to help me celebrate my birthday.”
The figurative kick to the gut is unexpected. Hallie has already spent more time than she’d like thinking about Troy Jackson and the unusual circumstances that had brought them together. Now she hates to acknowledge her disappointment in not seeing him today. “Oh, it’s just as well… I mean… it’s good… he can’t overhear…”
“Until a few weeks ago Troy lived near Washington D.C., but he recently transferred back to the Denver base.”
“Base?”
“Troy is an officer in the Air Force. To be honest, I don’t know all that much about what he does, but I do know he had to get top security clearance before his last assignment. Several members of the FBI interviewed me when they were validating his status. He can’t talk about what he’s working on. Sometimes I like to tease him that he’s like James Bond.”
As exciting as his career might sound, the unexpected news that he doesn’t even live in Corbin’s Bend brings conflicting emotions.
‘I should be happy. He scares me, in more ways than one.’
“Hallie?”
Lost in thought, Hallie finally hears Traci. “Yes.”
“Are you okay? You look upset.” Traci’s concern is written on her face.
“I’m fine.” Hallie works on changing the subject away from Traci’s handsome older brother. “So how does this work?”
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