Damaged Souls (Broken Man) - By Christopher Scott Page 0,35

nowhere to protect him. “How rude of me. I don’t think I introduced you to Sheriff Ken Warner and his Deputy Sheriff, Bill Warren.”

That’s how it’s going to be, Jack realized he had lost this battle and that he was in a war. “Don’t even begin to think this is over, Mitch. You’re son isn’t going to college to play football, he is going to jail. I’m sure that pretty boy will be very popular there.”

“Jack, such bad manners. I’m sorry, but that is just not going to happen,” Mitch replied, knowing he had the upper hand. “By the way, while you are here, be sure to haul away that piece of junk littering my neighborhood before I have it towed.”

“Fuck you, Mitch,” Jack was at a loss for words as Mike led him away just in time to see Mitch, Jr. pull up in his daddy’s Mercedes.

“Jack, let’s go,” Mike grabbed his arm firmly and tried to steer him in the other direction.

But, Jack wasn’t about to go. He was past the point of no return as he watched Mitch puff up as he walked up the stairs and Jack took pleasure in the damage to his face.

“You tell Greg I am going to kick his ass when I see him,” Mitch tried to act tough.

“I’ll tell him, but it looks like he already kicked your’s,” Jack took his turn to antagonize and then intimidate. “And let me tell you something, you little bitch, if you ever go near Delaney again, I will kill you.”

“Jack, let’s go,” Mike forcefully dragged him away just in time to avoid a brawl as the Caldwell’s henchman came running to Mitch’s defense.

* * *

“Everything happens for a reason,” Greg whispered the survivor’s mantra as he opened his eyes to darkness.

Maybe it really does, he thought to himself as he listened to the sound of Delaney breathing and enjoyed the feel of her body pressed against his. We may have never gotten to this point if last night hadn’t happened, Greg again regretted his hesitance to open up to her, his reluctance to express his feelings. As long as she’s okay, I’d gladly exchange this moment for a little concussion. A tiny headache is a small price to pay.

But, she’s not okay, Greg remembered the victim he found the night before, crying uncontrollably and trying to keep herself together as she told him what Mitch had done to her. It’s going to take time for Delaney to get over that ordeal, he realized and felt guilty about what had almost happened between them earlier.

I’m glad we stopped. Delaney isn’t ready and her feelings and emotions have been polluted by the last twenty four hours. She’s a mess right now, Greg understood what she was going through as he looked down at the most beautiful sight he had ever seen and again felt the touch of her body, unable to not think about what they nearly did. I really do love her, he had no doubts as he softly kissed her forehead and held her more closely in his arms.

We have a future now. Delaney knows how I feel and she understands the problems I face, Greg vaguely remembered the conversation with his mother earlier that day. There will be no more secrets from this day forward, Greg looked to the future as he realized his favorite saying might actually hold water.

Everything really does happen for a reason.

Chapter Thirteen

I am glad this day is almost over, Amanda thought to herself as she pulled into the hospital parking lot.

She turned off her engine and took a minute to gather her thoughts. What else can happen today? It certainly can’t get much worse. Not worse than seeing Delaney’s tears as she watched a beaten up Greg barely able to acknowledge his mother’s presence. Not worse than watching a mother apologize to her son for her alcoholism. I pray nothing else happens, Amanda realized it could get much worse as she worried about what Jack might do.

I have never seen him like this, Amanda realized as she exited her car and remembered the last five years. I’ve seen him broken hearted, I’ve seen him hurt, I’ve seen him frustrated, I’ve even seen him cry. But, I have never seen him this angry.

If we can just get through tonight, things will get better. Greg can come home with us tomorrow, and we can start the process of sorting everything out, we can begin healing. I actually think Greg and