“I called the police. Dude do you have a death wish? You’re not Nancy Drew for fucks sake. With all that’s been going on you need to be careful about what you do from here on out until he is caught.” Ash is mad. I would be too, I wasn’t thinking. I nod in agreement blaming it on adrenaline while bending over with my hands on my thighs all while taking deep breaths.
“FUCK!” I yell out to no one in particular. I’m just so sick of this shit.
Once again, the police show up. Luckily, it’s the same cops from earlier. We start to explain what happened when Zander’s truck pulls into the driveway along with Josh’s SUV. They all get out when they see the lights flashing and sprint up the driveway. Zander pulls me into his arms squeezing the life out of me.
“Savvy what the fuck happened?” Pulling me back at arm’s length he looks me over to make sure I’m not physically harmed. When he is satisfied that I am fine he pulls me back to him crushing me in another hug.
“Babe, I can’t breathe.”
He eases up on the bone crunching hug but turns me and keeps his arm around my shoulders. I don’t mind, he’s my safe place right now. I begin again to explain what happened so everyone can hear it fully without repeating myself.
When I had finished the story, I couldn’t help but shiver at how menacing Luke had looked. He clearly isn’t right in the head which makes me fear for our well-being when he is around. Ash adds her input with my story saying she also saw it was Luke and agreeing with what I said happened.
We all proceed to walk over to the window that was broken and the cops take a look. “Okay folks, I want the owner of this house to take a walk through with me to make sure nothing was stolen. It’s hard to tell if he was just trying to get in when Miss Jenks pulled in or if he was fleeing the scene.
“Not Miss Jenks sir, Mrs. Cage, we’ve been married for a couple weeks now.”
Leave it to Zander not to let that little bit of information slide. The officer nods his head in acknowledgment as they escort Zander into the house.
They come out fifteen minutes later and I notice the anger in their eyes. Zander thanks the police officers as they head over to the broken window to take pictures of the damage and bag the baseball bat that I somehow didn’t see for finger prints.
“What’s the matter babe? Did he take something of yours?” He looks at me hesitantly and I know I’m not going to like what I’m about to hear.
“Come with me baby, but don’t touch anything. They have to send in a special team to deal with all of this.”
We head through the front door and up the stairs. We enter the bedroom and I gasp. The place has been trashed. I’m talking clothes thrown everywhere, his bed looks like it’s been ripped apart by a dog, and there is a message on the wall written in bright orange paint.
I’VE TRIED TO WARN YOU.
STAY AWAY FROM WHAT’S
MINE OR NEXT TIME SHE WON’T
JUST BE SLEEPING
I read the last part to myself as a shiver runs up my spine. “Next time she won’t be sleeping?” Then it clicks in my brain. “Oh no! Where’s Daisy??” I go to run out of the room but Zander catches me by the elbow.
“Baby Daisy is going to be fine. I found her in the closet passed out but breathing. The officers think he drugged her, but I’m going to head on down to the vet in town with her to be sure she’s okay. I have her wrapped in a blanket on the couch.”
I look up into his eyes as the tears begin to cascade down my face. “Babe…I am so incredibly sorry, I don’t even know what to do anymore. Clearly, he is unstable and our marriage somehow set him over the edge. Daisy’s…” unable to finish my sentence a sob bursts from my mouth and Zander pulls me into his arms. “Savvy your safety is my first priority do you hear me? I will do whatever it takes to make sure this sick fuck never bothers you again.” I nod my head in agreement in his chest.
Zander grabs Daisy as we head out to his truck. One of the officer’s pulls me to the side asking me to come down to the station because there are a few things they want to discuss with me. I ask Ash if she can give me a ride and fill in Zander that I need to go. The police station is the last place I want to be right now, I belong with Zander and Daisy, but the officers looked worried so I know it’s not anything good. Telling me to go ahead and to meet up with him later, I head off to the police station with Ash.
*****
Sitting in a shitty chair three hours later in a detective’s office my back is screaming at me. You would think if they were planning on having people hang around that they would at least invest in a better chair. Ash is sitting next to me with our hands tightly together. I’m still trying to process what the officers told me.
When they got to Luke’s apartment to arrest him he wasn’t there which I already knew from finding him breaking into my house. They got a warrant and searched the whole place. I just looked at picture after picture of what I can only describe as fucking disgusting. His walls were plastered of pictures of me. They found journal’s he had kept while following me and even found some of my personal possessions. I knew I wasn’t going crazy when I realized things had gone missing. They found panties, my necklace, and a few other articles of clothing. Even the stuff I noticed was missing when I was in Vegas! He must have broken into my house when I was living there and took them from my room. I wonder how he got his hands on the things that I brought to Vegas.
I just can’t believe he is doing this. The detective told me that he is being actively pursued and that there is an arrest warrant in his name with an APB out. That’s all fine and dandy, but he is still out there planning who knows what. Thanking the detective for his time and getting a warning from him to be careful we leave and head to my dad’s house. Zander is still at the vet and he told me he would meet me as soon as he could. I am now under strict orders to be under the watchful eye of one of the guys that Zander trusts.
Pulling into my dad’s driveway what unfolds you’d think was playing out in a movie. My Dad marches out to the car with a shotgun on his shoulder all while checking his surroundings. He pulls me out of the car, yells at Ashlyn to haul ass and drags us into the house.
“I think it’s a little overkill dad. I would bet a million dollars that Luke would never mess with you. Crazy doesn’t mess with crazy.”
“Bullshit, I’m not taking any chances with you sweetie. Ashlyn do something helpful and shut all the blinds while I dead bolt the doors.”
“STOP! Sit down and relax Dad, and Ash don’t you dare touch those blinds. I need to feel normal right now and you going crazy, well crazier than usual, is not making me feel normal. Please take a chill pill.”
“Baby girl, I’ll ease up but I will most certainly not take a chill pill. Tried one in the 80’s and I thought I was dying. No way will I make that mistake again nor will I impair my protection duties.”
Placing my face in my hands I groan. I just want this day over with.
When Zander shows up and I fill him in on what I learned at the police station, he takes his phone out and books us a hotel room for a few nights. I guess it’s a good idea seeing as our house is a mess. Kissing my Dad and Ash goodbye we head out for our temporary home for the next couple of days. Zander tells me we get to pick Daisy up in the morning. They want to watch her tonight to make sure she is going to be okay.
As we are lying in bed wrapped around each other that night Zander decides that his house isn’t going to work for us anymore because it is too easily accessible. I love his house, but I have to agree with him. His house is only set back about 30 feet from the main road so it’s not private in the least and putting a fence up in the front yard would do very little to keep people from peeking over. Not to mention the fact that I will never feel safe in that house again. The pictures Luke took of us there, they make me feel dirty, like I need to constantly shower and wash it off. He tells me that he already contacted a realtor and has some appointments to looks at some houses tomorrow. I agree as my eyes begin to feel heavy with slee
p.
Tomorrow we will tackle the mess of our house. Right now, I’m going to enjoy laying in my husband’s arms, locked away from the shit storm that is my life right now.
CHAPTER 21
The next month flies by without a hitch. We found the perfect house and Zander made sure to seal the deal as fast as possible. We are settling into living with each other and being typical newlyweds. Mostly everyone stays away from the house because we’ve been caught on more than one occasion “christening” different rooms in the house. They know to call and announce they are coming over for a surprise visit.
Tonight is a big deal and I’m a big bundle of nerves. Even though we’ve been married for a while now, tonight we are seeing Zander’s mom and granny for the first time since we got married. Right before the fight Zander’s mom Judy had to fly back to Texas to take care of her mother who took a nasty fall. She didn’t want to move up to Massachusetts having been born and raised in Texas, but with nobody out there to watch her Judy talked her into moving up here to be with family. They had to wait until she was cleared to travel before they made their journey up here.
Zander’s been down there a few times to visit but I couldn’t get away from the bar. The Christmas season is our busiest and I couldn’t let Ash run the place by herself with a clear conscience.
I’m just pulling a lasagna I made from scratch--yeah that’s laughable, I’m pulling a lasagna that Ashlyn made from scratch out of my oven when I hear the doorbell.
“I’ve got it baby,” Zander yells from the living room. Taking a deep breath, I head for the front door to greet the two women that have played a vital role in his life.
“There she is!” Judy pummels me with a hug squeezing the life out of me. “I’ve always wanted a daughter and Zander couldn’t have done a better job bringing you into my life.” Not having a mother most of my life, only having Aunt Cheryl, her words hit me hard as moisture begins to build behind my eyes.
“Thanks Judy, that means a lot.” Zander comes up to me wrapping an arm around my shoulders knowing I need his support.
“Baby this is my Granny Liz.”
Pulling me out of Zander’s arms she engulfs me in a hug. I guess these people are huggers.
“It’s so nice to finally meet the young lady that has our Zandy so smitten.” Zander cringes and groans when she uses his nickname.
“Knock it off Zandy, I have plenty of stories up in this old mind that if you’re not careful can just pop out in my forgetfulness. You know the memory is a funny thing when you’re older,” she stares down Zander and he actually cowers like he’s a five-year-old getting scolded.
“Liz I think we are going to get along just fine.” I’m laughing at Zander when he starts to pout.
“None of that dear, call me granny.”
“I’d like that,” I say shyly.
They all walk into the dining room as I head to the kitchen to serve the food. They all want to help but I insist they let me do it while they catch up. When I get to the kitchen I hear another knock on the door. Now who could that be? We’re not expecting anymore company. I yell to Zander that I’ve got it and head for the front door.
I open the door to find my Dad and his girlfriend Mrs. Adams, who lived next door to us my whole childhood, standing on the front step. I know her well but I haven’t seen her since she became an item with my dad. What the hell are they doing here? He hasn’t introduced me to her as his girlfriend yet because he said he read an article on introducing your kids to a new partner too soon. Explaining to him that I wasn’t ten fell on deaf ears. Apparently tonight is that special moment to do it.
“Hey dad, what’s going on?”
“I taught you better than this Savannah, where are your manners?” he gives me a stern look and shifts his eyes towards Mrs. Adams.
“Please won’t you guys come in?”
They walk by me as I shut the door. Zander rounds the corner and greets my Dad with a hand shake.
“Son this is Dee my woman friend, Dee this is my son in law Zander.” Leaning in Zander kisses her on the cheek before the three of them turn towards me.
“Sweetie you remember Dee from next door, right?”
“How could I forget? How are you Mrs. Adams?” I ask politely giving her a hug.
“I’m great dear. I know this is kind of awkward, but I hope that all fades away when you see how much I care about your father.”
“I’m sure it will. I’m glad he found someone that makes him happy. I hate to be rude but we have Zander’s mom and granny here for dinner.” I’m trying to get my subtle hint across to come back another time.
“Great! I’m starving. We were on our way to get some dinner but I love Ashlyn’s food way more than any old restaurant.”
“Shhhhhh. Don’t say that out loud old man or I’ll tell Mrs. Adams all of your secrets,” I stare him down as he slightly nods his head in agreement at me.
“There’s plenty of food, this is a good opportunity for our parents to meet.”
I could strangle him, I can’t handle his mom, granny, my Dad and Mrs. Adam’s all in one night. I just paste a smile on my face and usher them all into the dining room. Zander hangs back waiting for me before entering the dining room.
“Just so you know, I’m revoking your shower privileges in the morning.” Zander loves starting the day with a nice shower session.
“You wouldn’t dare. You love our morning showers just as much as I do baby.” Damn he has me there.
“If this goes horribly wrong I’m holding you personally responsible.”
Walking by him heading into the dining room I yelp out loud when I feel the sharp sting of a slap on my ass. Glaring at him I let him know he is in trouble later.
We’re all just finishing up our food when our lovely evening takes a turn for the worst.
There is a knock on the door so I excuse myself to go answer it. We sure are popular tonight. Opening the door, I gasp when I find Luke at my front door.
I get ready to scream but he rushes in grabbing my arm and slamming his hand over my mouth. He pulls me just outside the door and slams me up against the house.
“Hey sweetheart, great to see you too.”
His eyes are utterly terrifying and he looks completely disheveled. The smell I’m inhaling makes me want to vomit, it’s like he hasn’t showered in a year.
“I need to talk to you for a minute. Preferably without your behemoth of a boyfriend,” he says, removing his hand from my mouth.
“You mean my husband? Why the fuck would you knock on the door if you knew he was home?” I stare him down daring him to challenge me.
“Stop calling him that,” he gets out through gritted teeth. “I took my chances. This has gone on long enough. I let you have your fun but now it’s time to come home sweetie.” Hearing the pet name makes me cringe.
“Have you lost your fucking mind? Let me go!” I try to wiggle my way out of his hold causing him to slam me into the house again making pain to radiate up my spine from the impact.
I feel him place an envelope in my hand as he leans in pressing his nose into my hair inhaling. “I don’t need to say anything, it’s all in here. Once you look through it you’ll realize it’s not too late for us. I’ll be expecting you to pack up your shit and come home by the end of the week and that’s me being very very accommodating Savannah seeing as my patience wore thin a long fucking time ago. If you’re not home by the end of the week, let’s just say I have ways of dealing with the Neanderthal in there.”
A shiver races up my spine and my whole body goes cold at this threat. What the fuck is he talking about?
“If you don’t let me go I swear to god I’ll scream so loud every neighbor in a five-mile radius will call the cops.” Looking at me his eyes go crazy then he crashes his mouth to mine. He quickly lets me go and takes off as we hear heavy footsteps approach the door. I crumple to the ground, my legs not wanting to hold me up any longer.
Sticking his head out the door Z
ander finds me on the ground a sobbing mess.
“Baby what’s the matter? Talk to me.”
“Luke was at the door.”
“What the fuck?” he roars going hard as stone.
“He pulled me out the door and slammed me up against the house. He…he kissed me. I think I’m going to be sick!”
Crouching down he pushes my head between my knees. “Put your head between your legs Savvy, take slow deep breaths. What did he want, where did he go?”
Once I catch my breath and feel like I can speak without puking I tell him. “He told me he expects me to come home at the end of the week after I look in this packet. He told me to pack my shit up and move home otherwise he has ways of dealing with you.” I say this all in a whisper shaking from the altercation.
“What packet Savvy? Did you open it? Baby look at me…” I look up into his eyes. “He will never take you away from me, I don’t give a fuck what’s in there.”
He snatches it out of my hands, I don’t even remember Luke putting it there, and opens it as we look at the pages together. Realizing what they are, I gasp in shock. We are looking at page after page of pictures of the two of us in Vegas all over the place. There are pictures from the hotel lobby when I first arrived, one from outside the jewelry store where he bought me that beautiful necklace and a few of me walking into the hotel by myself. I know these pictures were taken moments after Zander walked into the hotel before me trying not to cause a scene when our relationship was still a secret. The last picture has me seeing red as I see a picture of us up at the counter of the chapel filling out our paperwork with a guy that I now recognize as the overly snoopy photographer. I knew he looked familiar that night but I couldn’t place him. He must have been keeping tabs on us for Luke the whole time we were in Vegas posing as a Photographer. He clearly wasn’t working alone because another person had to be there to take this picture he is in.
Caged (Bound by Cage Book 1) Page 19
