Desert Heat

by A. D. Herrick

  Just as predicted, my doorbell rang at six-thirty-five. Hopping on one foot as I slid on my heels, I made my way to the door.

  “I’m coming.” I shouted as I staggered to the door, slipping on my final heel as I turned the handle.

  I stood, mouth gaping wide, as the door swung open to a badly beaten Emily Davidson, her three children gathered around her like a hen protecting her chicks.

  “Oh my god, Emily, come in. Come in.” I motioned for her and her children to enter.

  “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know where else to go.” Emily broke down in my arms the moment the door closed behind her.

  Her tall slender frame collapsed in my arms as she clung to me. Her bright red hair cascaded around her face in a shroud as she sobbed openly on my shoulder. Hot, wet tears soaked my dress. Rubbing her back, I held her, whispering soothing words into her ear.

  With a weeping Emily in my arms, I surveyed the three children, puffy red eyes with tear-streaked faces peered back at me. Both of the boys and the young girl looked free of physical harm from what I could see but the emotional scarring would take years to heal.

  “Emily, we have to call the police.” I encouraged softly as not to startle her, pulling her back to survey her face.

  Her eyes were red and puffy, matching her swollen lips which had been busted. Dark angry bruises covered her face; black, purple, and blue marks had already begun to form around her eyes.

  “No.” She shouted, ripping out of my arms.

  Hunching down, she gathered her children to her chest in fear.

  “He said he would kill us. He had a gun Sasha. I can’t go to the police. I have to get away.” Emily was on the edge of hysteria, her eyes wide with terror.

  The children clung to their mother, fear written all over their faces. Taking several calming breaths, I tried to think. Legally I could not house them here with me. I could lose my job. By law I was to report the incident and take them to a shelter. I could tell from the looks of her, Emily would not be willing to go to a shelter; not with the threat of her husband having a gun and the shelters unable to provide security. I needed to think of something.

  “Emily, do you have any family? Anyone you can turn to that Bob wouldn’t think to look for?”

  Emily looked down, pain etched across her face. “I have no one. Bob saw to that a long time ago. My parents passed away several years ago and my sister vowed to never speak to me if I stayed with Bob.” I could hear the pain in her voice as the woman before me shattered into a million pieces.

  I felt her pain, myself not having anyone left in my family. My parents died in a car accident when I was a child, leaving my grandmother to take care of me. My grandfather died in the war when my mother was only a child. My father’s parents were also deceased. I had no uncles, cousins, or siblings. Sam was the only family I had.

  I knew that asking Sam for help was out of the question, she was about to get married and there was no way I was going to drag her into this mess.

  My phone dinged signaling a text. Pulling it out of my pocket I glanced at the screen. Devon had messaged wishing me a fun night out.

  Devon… Mashing the call button I brought the phone to my ear.

  “Hello gorgeous, how’s your night out with Sam?” His deep sexy voice purred through the phone.

  “Devon, I need your help.” I closed my eyes sighing into the phone.

  Quickly I explained the situation the best I could to Devon, begging him for help.

  Devon sighed into the phone, clearly disturbed by the scene I painted.

  “I may know someone who can help them. My sister has a place out in North Carolina; I’ll make a quick call and let you know for sure.” Thanking him I hung up the phone and relayed the message to Emily.

  “Is he safe?” Emily asked, fear penetrating her badly injured face.

  “He’s perfectly safe. I have known him for years, he’s a good man.” I promised, giving her an encouraging smile.

  “He is calling his sister in North Carolina, I know it isn’t Miami but you’ll be safe there.” I hugged her to me in an attempt to soothe her fears.

  Minutes later my phone rang.

  “My sister said she would help them. I’m on my way over now.” Devon’s voice held calm, a stark contrast to the nervousness that had taken up residence in my stomach threatening to revolt.

  “Thank you, Devon.” I closed my eyes, sighing in relief.

  Hanging up I quickly rummaged through my closet, packing up a bag of clothes for Emily. We weren’t the same size, Emily had at least five inches on me in height, her waist far narrower than mine, but anything was better than nothing. I made short work going through my reserve toiletries and emergency stashes, loading her and the children up with the necessities.

  With several bags packed I placed them by the door waiting for Devon to arrive.

  “Remember, don’t use your cell phone, don’t swipe your bank card or do anything that will give away your location.” I reminded the shaken Emily who sat stiffly on the couch, her children huddled around her.

  “I’ll remember.” She promised, her voice just above a whisper.

  Going to the kitchen I dug through the freezer pulling out a wad of bills from my emergency stash. Returning to the living room I pressed the wad of bills into her hand.

  “Everything’s going to be okay. Just promise me, no matter what, you won’t go back.” Emily’s eyes widened at the sight of the bills in her palm, her hand thrust out to shove them back in my direction.

  “No, you take it. You’re going to need it a helluva lot more than I am.” I closed my hand around her fist, locking the money in her grip.

  A knock at the door had us both jumping. Her fear was nearly palpable, the beating of her heart I was sure matched the staccato of my own. Pressing my finger to my lips I warned her to stay quiet.

  “Who is it?” I called at the door nervously.

  “Devon.” My heart leapt at the sound of his deep voice.

  Throwing the door open I ushered him in.

  I knew the moment Devon’s eyes spotted Emily; he stopped dead in his tracks, his body freezing on the spot.

  “Devon, this is Emily and her children, Zach, Joseph, and Meghan.” I introduced the shocked Devon to the frightened family.

  Emily ducked her head to hide her face, shame was written all over her. I couldn’t see her face but I could see in the way her body huddled in on itself, shoulders curved in, and her inability to look Devon in the eyes.

  “I promise I’ll take good care of them.” Devon said, his words just above a whisper, his gaze never leaving the woman and her three frightened children.

  Gathering up the bags I had packed, I followed Devon, Emily, and the children out to his car. A small smile crossed my lips when I saw that he had come prepared, bringing his Tahoe with the third row and built in screens in the back. I felt my heart leap in my chest at his thoughtfulness.

  I helped Devon get the four of them in the car and buckled in. It was already dark, providing the perfect coverage for them to escape.

  “I’ll call you when we get there.” Devon promised, giving my hand a squeeze.

  It was not the goodbye I had expected.

  I had anticipated a goodbye hug and even a kiss but received none. Finding Emily battered on my sofa must have been more than he could take.

  I held the sad smile on my lips as I watched them drive away, feeling more lonely than I had before. I knew in that moment that whatever there was between me and Devon had broken, the line had disconnected. I only hoped that when he returned we would be able to put it back together.

  I wasn’t in love with him yet but I was in deep like. I hated to lose him due to the fact that he couldn’t accept my job. Admittedly, having battered women show up on my doorstep was not a customary part of my job but it was always a possibility, Emily had proven that. I had no idea how she found out where I lived or how she had got there but that was a worry for another day. Right now my main conce
rn was getting her to safety.

  Now that Devon had carried Emily away, the shock and fear I had so carefully hidden came rushing forward like a tidal wave. My knees quivered, threatening to give out. Hurriedly I rushed into the house, unease settling over me. I could feel the nerves in my stomach rolling around.

  All of my senses were heightened, the fine hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. Rubbing my hands up and down my arms I rocked myself, gently swaying to the rhythm of my heartbeat sounding in my ears.

  I had broken the rules. I had gone against everything I knew was right and I had helped a woman escape. Though the knowledge that Emily and her children would be safe should have put me at ease, knowing that I had broken the rules to do so was more than I could handle at the moment. Fear and anxiety coursed through my veins.

  Chapter five

  “I can’t believe you’re not ready yet. I even gave you extra time.” Sam groaned stamping her foot.

  Sam had arrived shortly after I walked back into the house. With the commotion of Emily showing up I had completely forgotten about our plans until she had shown up at the door pulling me out of my shocked state. With unnatural swiftness I donned a smile, masking the inner turmoil that threatened to rip me apart.

  “It will just take a second.” I promised, walking to the bathroom to straighten my hair, Sam following at my heels.

  Through all the rushing and comforting, my perfectly styled hair had looked more like it just walked out of an F-5 tornado from my hands running through it.

  “Everything okay?” Sam asked, concern etching her face.

  “Yeah, just thinking about some cases, ya know. Same shit, different day.” I gave her a reassuring smile.

  I could tell by the look in her eyes she didn’t believe me. As badly as I wanted to tell Sam about what had happened just before she arrived I knew I couldn’t. I couldn’t drag Sam into the mess I had created. I would need to paint a smile on my face and pretend that everything was normal. Taking long deep breaths I pushed the memories of the night from my mind.

  “If you’re sure.” A small smile tugged at her lips, not fully reaching her eyes.

  “Yeah, babes, totally. You know, that time of the month, emotions go crazy.” The lie tasted like acid on my tongue.

  Sam nodded her understanding, her eyes studying me for a lie. Ignoring her watchful gaze, I focused on my hair.

  With a quick twist and the assistance of a few bobby pins, my limp locks became a stylish up-do. Checking my makeup in the mirror, I wiped at the mess of my smeared eyeliner, smudging it and reapplying the thin lines; taking my simple look and turning it into a smoky eye.

  “You look adorable.” Sam cried from the doorway, admiring me through the mirror.

  I locked eyes with her, smiling, taking in her petite frame. She was stylishly dressed in a little black dress that hung off her shoulders and clung to her curves like a second skin. Black strappy sandals adorned her feet, making her look taller than her five-foot height.

  “Thank you.” I winked, giving myself a final once over.

  The dress I had chosen to wear was a simple navy blue that hugged my center giving the illusion of curves. The dark color was the perfect contrast for my alabaster skin and my light blond hair, causing them both to stand out.

  “I like you in blue best. It brings out your eyes,” Sam smiled, tugging on my hand.

  Following Sam out of the house I let her drive, not trusting myself yet behind the wheel. I was still nervous and shaken. Images of Emily’s battered face flashed behind my lids. The black and blue bruises on her face marred with the bright red welt and crusted blood. I should have checked her over. I should have helped her to clean her face and given her something comforting to wear. So many regrets surged through my mind, angry tears burned at the back of my lids.

  “We’re here.” Sam’s voice pulled me to the present. Blinking my eyes, I forced back the unshed tears painting a smile onto my face.

  “The Lounge.” I said, feigning delight and adding in an extra wiggle of faux excitement.

  “I know, I know. You hate the crowd. But I really wanted you to meet Anthony and this is where he’s at.” I could hear the sadness in her voice at my lack of genuine enthusiasm.

  I felt guilty knowing I was the one that had put it there. Taking her hand in mine I gave it a quick squeeze. “So, is he the bus boy?” I teased with a wink, forcing a giggle from her lips.

  “No, he owns it.” She giggled, sticking out her tongue.

  Suddenly everything began to make sense. “Why didn’t you say so before? Were you trying to hide him from me?” I accused, teasing her.

  I had always wondered why Sam had developed an insufferable love for the swanky over-crowded club. She had never been much of a clubber, and like me, preferred quieter establishments, the ones where conversation wasn’t drowned out by obnoxious laughter, loud music, and ear-piercing screams of young girls as they squealed excitedly to garner the attention of the male clientele.

  “I wasn’t trying to hide him. I just didn’t want you to instantly hate him because of the job he has.” She said as if that explained everything.

  “You thought I would hate him for owning a bar?” I asked, confusion crinkling my forehead.

  “Don’t do that, you’ll get wrinkles.” Sam used her thumb to soothe out the skin on my forehead.

  “Explain and I’ll stop.”

  Sam let out a long sigh. “I didn’t want you to judge him because he has money.”

  I fell back against the door of the car giving her a long hard look.

  “Why the hell would I judge him for having money?”

  I had never considered myself a snob and I sure as hell would never judge someone because they had money.

  Oh - Mr. Edwards face popped into my head, reminding me of my first impression of him. I was indeed a snob.

  “See,” She said as if reading my thoughts.

  I hated it, but she was right.

  “What do you have against people with money?” She asked, her nose wrinkling up like a bunny.

  “I don’t exactly have anything against people with money.” I hedged.

  “Yes, you do.” Sam cut in, not allowing me to get out of answering.

  “I just hate that they can buy their way out of anything no matter what they do.” I sighed, dropping my head into my hands.

  “They aren’t all Calvin Hobbs, Sash. They aren’t all like him. I promise you.” Sam’s hand gently stroked my arms comforting me from the wretched memories that threatened to consume me.

  Calvin Hobbs was the man that killed my parents. He was coming home drunk from a gala, too intoxicated to notice he ran a red light, smashing directly into the driver’s side door killing my father on impact. The collision caused my parent’s car to tumble; rolling into a telephone pole, the impact to the passenger’s side door killed my mother. The accident was gruesome. Calvin Hobbs walked away with a few minor injuries. Using his wealth and status he bought off the police, avoiding prison and a charge of vehicular manslaughter.

  The news of his charges being dropped was devastating, nearly crushing my grandmother and myself. I had never fully recovered from the tragedy. Instead of blaming Calvin Hobbs for their death, I extended the blame to anyone wealthy enough to pay their way out of a horrendous crime.

  It wasn’t six months later, Calvin Hobbs was killed in a car accident. He had been driving drunk, yet again, having not learned from the last time. He collided with a semi-truck, his body so badly mangled his family had to have him cremated. If it wasn’t for the dash cam on the truck, the driver would have been charged with the accident, lord knows the Hobbs family tried to pursue charges. Thankfully the truck driver walked away from the accident free from injury and criminal charges.

  Sam pulled me in for a hug, her arms wrapping around me, holding me close. “If you cry and smear your makeup I swear to God I will murder you and hide your body in the dumpster.” She threatened, crushing me to her.

&
nbsp; “Let’s go meet this sexy man meat you have been hiding away.” I said, giving her one last squeeze, shoving my feelings back down where they belonged.

  -

  Anthony Bates was nothing I imagined and yet everything I had hoped Sam would find. He was just over five and a half feet tall; though average height he more than made up for it in looks. The man was downright gorgeous. His thick dark hair was long, pulled back into a man bun, a thick short beard added to his looks; he resembled a shorter version of Jason Momoa, complete with rich olive skin and deep soul-penetrating dark brown eyes. His thick broad shoulders made him appear larger than life topped with his charming witty personality and the fact that he only had eyes for Sam, who glowed brilliantly at his side.

  The love between the two of them was easy to see, it shone through their eyes, in the way they smiled at one another, and through the small touches they shared when they thought no one was looking. It was easy to see how perfectly the two fit together. I was sorry that I had missed it, missed the chance to watch the love blossom between my best friend and her soon-to-be husband. I felt grateful Sam had not given up on me and had continued to push me, forcing me to step out of my comfort zone and meet the man of her dreams. Now I only wished he had a single brother.

  “Why don’t you call and invite Devon out?” Sam shouted across the table over the loud pulsing music.

  The mention of Devon’s name brought me tumbling back to reality.

  Putting on my best smile I shook my head. “I don’t think he’s available tonight” I shouted back.

  “That’s a shame. How are things between the two of you?” Boy if that wasn’t a loaded million-dollar question.

  Unwilling to divulge any details I shrugged my shoulders.

  “It’s still too new to know for sure.” I replied, answering as truthfully as possible.