Mend the Seams (Buried Secrets #3)

by Silla Webb

  Colton shakes his head to Carly, then grips my chin in his hand forcing me to look at him. He glares down at me scanning my eyes back and forth. “Savannah, when did you last sleep?”

  I open my mouth to answer him, but my response is slurred and inaudible.

  “Damn it, Savannah, answer me.” Colton shakes me roughly and I shrug my shoulders because the words won’t release on their own and I honestly don’t remember sleeping. “Woman, you’re in there. I know you are. Did you sleep last night?” I shake my head no.

  “Good girl. Are you scared, Savannah?”

  I shake my head yes.

  “What happened? I need you to talk to me or I can’t protect you.”

  “Drew. Fireplace,” I choke back a sob that hiccups in my throat.

  “Drew?” I nod and Colton’s lip tips up slightly, pleased that he’s finally getting a response from me. “What did Drew do?”

  “Fireplace. In my house.” My breathing hitches as another sob chokes its way out and Colton tightens his grip around my shoulders, silently telling me I’m safe.

  “Was Drew in your house, Savannah?” I nod my head urgently and the sobs take over. Colton’s eyes draw into tiny slits as rage begins to seep from his pores. Heat radiates around him as his fury ignites. “Make her some tea, then put her in Heidi Jo’s bed. I don’t want her out of this damn house.” Carly nods, making her way into the kitchen. “I’ll be back in a few hours. Momma will pick all the kids up from school. Keep the doors locked and I mean it when I say I want her in the bed, sleeping. She’s wore herself into exhaustion and I’m damn sure she’s in shock right now.” Colton stands up from the couch, then crouches before me, taking my face in his hands. “Savannah, listen to me. I want you to lie down and sleep. You’re safe here, I promise you that. I’m gonna take care of everything, just stay here and please rest. Your kids need you healthy, okay?” I nod my head and Carly sits beside me, placing a cup of tea in my hands.

  “Colton, where are you going?” She asks him as he approaches the front door.

  “Goin’ by Savannah’s house to change all the damn locks first off. After that, I ain’t made up my mind yet.” I can hear the fury in his deep voice. Carly’s spine stiffens and I know she fully understands his reply.

  “Colton, damn it! Please don’t go do anything stupid. You have a family to think of!” Carly yells at him, her eyes filling with tears.

  “No promises, darlin’. I’ll be back shortly. Do what I said.” And with that he’s gone, slamming the door behind him, leaving a trail of coal dust in his wake.

  Chapter Thirteen

  I woke up this morning fighting for oxygen. At first, I thought it was the usual sensation of waking up from the same dream I’ve dreamt over and over, but then I realized I didn’t dream about Alyson and Sawyer’s death last night. Sitting up on the edge of the bed, I scan back through my memory trying to piece together my dream so I can make some sense of this gnawing feeling I woke up with. I see flames and panic. Something feels strange, but for the life of me I can’t clutch my clarity enough to gain a clear sight of this intuition.

  Carryin’ on about my day, I fix a few things around Momma’s house just to kill time. I’m gettin’ antsy sittin’ here in Lexington, and although I’m not ready to go back to Williamstown and face Savannah, I know I gotta eventually put one foot in front of the other and go after the happiness I want.

  I finish up my handyman tasks, then decide to grab a quick shower. I set the shower to warm up then undress. Catchin’ a glance of my grizzly untrimmed beard, I consider shavin’ but decide to leave it for another day. As the white fog envelops the room, I step in the shower and immediately begin to suffocate as the heat and steam of the shower take my breath away. I turn the temperature down, then rest my head against the cool ceramic tiles while I steady my breathing. I can hear my heart thudding wildly in my ears and my chest is tight and painful. Pinching my eyes closed I slowly repeat the fifty states in alphabetical order. Once the panic attack subsides I inhale a calming breath then wash off.

  Pullin’ on my ragged jeans and a dark grey tee-shirt, I head into the kitchen to find some lunch. Momma made a plate of leftovers for me in the fridge, so I warm that up. I flip the TV on and scan through the channels boringly while I eat. Nothing catches my interest so I flip the TV off and eat in silence. It’s so quiet that the usual peaceful calm in the air is replaced with urgency. Scrubbing my hand over my face, I try to pin point whatever it is that I’m feelin’ but I’m comin’ up short.

  The phone rings, startling me from thought. I glance at the caller id to see an eight hundred number flash across the screen. Damn telemarketers will nag the hell outta anyone they get a number for. I answer the phone, screwin’ around with the caller briefly. He’s offering a free installation of a high end security system for only one hundred ninety nine dollars down and thirty seven dollars monthly maintenance fee. I kindly object his offer, knowin’ good and well he’ll urge me to purchase, tryin’ to work his magic with the way of his words. And he does. I tell him I have a few security systems in place already – an American bulldog named King and Old Faithful. He proceeds to ask, with a slight chuckle, who is Old Faithful. I reply, “Glock nine, fully loaded one in the chamber. Clear shot, too. So you can keep that thirty seven dollar monthly maintenance plan because my Old Faithful will only cost me a few pennies if King don’t finish ‘em off first.” Ain’t never heard the lifeless ding of a dial tone so quick in my life. I enjoy a good laugh outta it.

  Placin’ the phone back on the receiver a thought occurs to me. I ain’t seen my cell phone since I got here. I go into the bedroom and check my duffle bag but come up empty, so I search out the truck. Sure enough it’s wedged down between the seats. Pressing the power button, the battery symbol flashes informing me that it’s dead. Should have assumed as much. I grab the extra charger from the glove box and head back inside to charge up my phone.

  I plug the phone into the charger and it dings to life instantly. Ping after ping roll in, and I know immediately this is all Savannah. Leavin’ without an explanation I’m sure I hurt her feelings. I’ll explain it all in time when I’m good and ready. I scan through the notifications to find a mass of missed calls and messages: Figured you’d stopped by tonight? Find another damsel? Where are you? Luke, are you okay? We’re cookin’ out at Carly’s if you wanna join us. Where are you? I miss you and a few others. The one that sticks out to me is the last one, I miss you, but it’s dated over a week ago. Damn, I sure hope she ain’t too upset with me.

  Just then my phone pings again and a slight sliver of hope swells up in my chest. I open the messenger app and my heart plummets to the pit of my stomach when Colton’s name flashes across the screen.

  I don’t know where your dumb ass is, but the woman you’re runnin’ from needs you and I’m pretty sure her needs are far greater than whatever the hell has you runnin’ scared.

  Savannah needs me? Colton knows what I came to Lexington for. Something has had to have happened for him to send a message like that. Without a second thought I pounce to my feet and begin to throw all my shit in my duffle bag. I press TALK next to Colton’s name and wait impatiently for him to pick up.

  “Where the hell you at?”

  “What’s wrong? Is Savannah okay?”

  “Don’t answer my frickin’ question with a question, you dumb ass.”

  “Colton, damn it I’m in Lexington. What the hell is wrong?”

  “Savannah’s in a bad way. I’ve done changed the locks at her house and Carly managed to get her to go to sleep, but this shit ain’t good.” Damn it! I knew better than to stay gone for so long.

  “I’ll be there in an hour. Where the hell is she?” I bark into the phone.

  “She’s at my house right now.”

  That’s all I need to hear. I press END on the phone without offerin’ another reply. Tossin’ my bag in the back seat I fire up the engine, slammin’ the gear shift in drive then haul ass home to save my woma
n.

  Thirty eight minutes later I slam my truck in park and nearly rip the door frame from the jamb trying to get in Carly’s house. The door’s locked, so I rap my knuckles across the glass gently and wait impatiently. Thirty seconds later I knock again, a little harder. The door pulls open wide and Carly’s brow quirks up. Yeah, I’m sure they both have questions, but right now seein’ that Savannah’s safe is far more important than my whereabouts.

  “Beauts, where is she?” I ask, brushin’ past Carly.

  “Well hello to you, too, ass wipe. She’s sleeping, so if you don’t mind keepin’ it down?”

  “How long she been asleep for?”

  “Four hours maybe? I don’t know. This morning is all a blur. Want some coffee? You look like you could use it.”

  “Yeah, sure. Care to fill me in on what the hell’s goin’ on?” Carly shrugs her shoulders as she waits for the cup to fill up. “Don’t give me the silent treatment, beauts. I know I didn’t tell ya where I was goin’, but you’ll understand once I explain it.” She places the cup of coffee in my hand, a small smile playing on the corner of her lip.

  “That’s fine, Luke. I really don’t know what’s goin’ on. She barged in here this morning yelling, crying, and panicked. She was all over the place. Colton had to leave work to come calm her down. All I got outta her was Drew was in her house. Colton left to change the locks and I ain’t seen him sense.” She glances down at the screen of her phone, rolling her eyes. “Figured I’d at least have gotten the call to bail him out by now. Unless he’s still hiding a body, of course. Maybe a few more hours?”

  “That shit ain’t funny, Carly.” I chide her. Shit couldn’t have got this real this fast. Hell I wasn’t gone no more than two friggin’ weeks.

  “Not funny at all, Luke, but you know Colton frickin’ Weston will do whatever it takes to protect his family. That includes Savannah and the kids.” I know Colton’s protective of his family, but I can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy that he was the one Savannah had to turn to today in her state of distress.

  “Do you mind if I just peek in on her. I know she’s safe if she’s with you, but I need to see her for myself.” Carly tips her head towards the hallway and I spring up to my feet in a hurry to check on her. I firmly grip the door handle, easin’ it open quietly. Savannah’s prone form is balled up under a mess of blankets and pillows, and I wouldn’t even be able to discern she is in fact in the bed if it weren’t for Carly reassuring me.

  “She’s there, Luke. She was freezing, so I bundled her up. She’s always slept with a pillow smooshed over her face to keep the light outta her eyes. Guess it’s just become a comforting habit through the years. I’m sure she’ll wake up in a few hours. Just let her rest.” I nod, then pull the door closed.

  I follow Carly back into the living room and drop down on the couch. I scrub my hand over my face in frustration, lettin’ out a breathy sigh. I can’t help but to feel defeated in this moment. I know I should have been here for Savannah, holdin’ her through this shit storm she’s been dragged into. I always show up where I’m needed, until it’s when I’m needed most.

  All I know is Drew somehow got into Savannah’s house, but what happened thereafter is complete mystery. Colton was so pissed on the phone he gave very little details. So I just wait…and I’m not a patient person.

  “I don’t need an explanation on where you’ve been, Luke. Just tell me that you’re home for good. ‘Cause if not, there’s really no point in showin’ up now, only to vanish silently again. Savannah doesn’t need that.”

  I knew to be prepared for Carly’s third degree. She may be the little sister of the two, but she’s protective of Savannah.

  “I know she don’t, beauts. Believe it or not, I left for her. But I promise ya, I’m here to stay.” I assure her.

  “You’re fallin’ for her ain’t ya?” Carly asks with a playful smile tuggin’ up her lips.

  “Don’t start this with me, beauts. Please.” Now she’s takin’ her third degree a bit too far. I know how I feel for Savannah, but I ain’t ready to voice it to anyone. When I am, Savannah will be the first to hear it.

  “Luke, I don’t need you to tell me. I can see it written all over your face. The way you look at her, the way you touch her. The obsessive need to watch over her. It’s so evident. You look at her the way Colton looks at me. Savannah deserves your love, Luke. I just don’t know if she’s ready to receive it.”

  “Lucky for her, I ain’t got nothin’ but time.” Carly doesn’t push any further. She understands what I’m sayin’ without me havin’ to actually say it, thankfully.

  It isn’t long before the kids come in from school. Brailee’s eyes pop open wide when she spots me sittin’ on the couch. She drops her backpack on the floor and rushes over to the couch lockin’ her arms around my neck. I’m quite shocked by her reaction. Don’t get me wrong, she’s always been a chatty little bugger, but this display of affection is different. Welcome, but different.

  Carly puts all the kids at the dining room table and busies them with their homework, offering them snacks to satisfy them ‘til supper.

  “Where’s my momma?” Braden asks quietly, keeping his concentration on his work.

  “She’s laying down in Heidi Jo’s room, sweets.” Carly replies.

  “Why is she asleep? It’s almost supper time.” He retorts, inquisitively.

  “She just wasn’t feelin’ good, Braden. She’ll be awaken in a few hours.” Braden nods at Carly, but I can see the worry fill his eye. He knows it’s uncharacteristic.

  I hear Colton’s truck pull in the driveway and I spring to my feet heading outside. He slaps the back of my shoulder and mutters, “Hey man,” Colton says as he steps up on the porch and begins to pull off his work boots.

  “She’s still asleep. Know anything more than what you’ve told me?”

  “There weren’t any signs of a break in, so only thing I can figure is Drew has a key. Won’t much matter now because I changed the locks and spent the last four hours upgradin’ the damn security system. They should be safe now, but I’m not sure she’ll be ready to go home for a few nights.” He scrubs his hand over his face, taking a deep pull of air. “She stayed a few nights last week, but she’s quiet and stays off to herself. Carly tried to talk to her, but she just kept changin’ the topic. She’s closin’ herself off. But to be honest with ya, Luke, I think you leavin’ may have been the worst thing possible for her.”

  I can’t help but to hang my head low in shame. Colton dismisses our conversation and walks inside the house accepting the warm greetings of his family. Their smiles are contagious and it’s touching to see so much happiness from one family. I envy this. I crave this.

  After dinner, Carly carries on the evening with all the kids as if it’s her everyday routine, giving Colton and I the chance to talk. He tells me that he found a crumpled up note on the couch at Savannah’s house and that the message inscribed in the note alarmed him. He says that Savannah assumes the note was a message from Drew and that he showed up last week urging her not to go see Josh at the county jail.

  “Did she ever go see him?” I inquire.

  “Against our better judgment, she did. I understand that she’s tryin’ to move on, but I just couldn’t understand what seein’ him would do to persuade him to sign the damn paperwork.”

  “I told her to go see him, Colton. She’s been strugglin’ to find her strength and I thought facin’ him would show her the finality of that part of her life.”

  Colton nods. He makes light conversation with me about my trip to Lexington, askin’ about Momma and such. He tip toes around the real reason for my visit, careful not to rattle any memories I don’t need to focus on right now.

  The kids come barrelin’ through the house, burst of squallin’ laughter filterin’ through the air as they chase each other around the furniture and back through the hallway. Their loud enough to wake the dead, and it’s only moments later that a sleepy Savannah comes trudg
in’ through the living room rubbin’ her tired eyes. She heads straight to the Keurig to perk a cup of coffee. Once her mug is full she turns around, leaning against the counter and takes small sips, her eyes drifting closed as the warmth of the coffee spreads through her.

  “Hey Sis, feelin’ any better?” Carly asks walkin’ into the kitchen.

  “I guess. I don’t remember much of anything. Must have been pretty exhausted.” She shrugs.

  Colton stands up and walks into the kitchen. “You’ll be safe now, Savannah. I changed all the locks and upgraded the security system at your house.” Hiding her face from their accusing eyes she mutters, “Thank you.”

  “Go sit down and I’ll bring you a plate. I’m sure you’re famished, having not eaten all day.”

  Savannah pads into the living room with her coffee cup clutched tightly in her hand, keeping her eyes cast down. She balls up in the corner of the couch pulling her knees up in her chest as she lays her head back, releasing a straggled sigh. She’s less than four feet away from me, just sittin’ on the other side of the couch, yet somehow she’s so caught up in her own head she didn’t even recognize my presence. Reaching across the couch I cup my hand over hers’ and say softly, “hey, sweetheart.” Her head snaps up, her eyes wide as saucers as she glares back at me. Judging by the strained look on her face and her mouth hangin’ agape, I’d say her breath must be caught in her throat. “Ya alright, Sav?”

  She glances down at our conjoined hands offensively, then rips her hand from my hold placing it in her lap. “Hi.” She mutters, averting her eyes away from me.

  Carly brings her a plate of food and she eats while answering Carly and Colton’s questions. She does her best to hold back the tears that pool in her eyes, hiding the pain and sheer terror she’s feeling.