I opened my mouth to say something but there was nothing to say. What he said was downright, bottom line true.
Vance got in my space and put his hands on my shoulders and whatever I was going to say flew from my brain. He looked down at me and his eyes changed, the anger was stil there but I watched as whatever was fighting for its place was concealed from me.
“Talk to Eddie,” he said, his voice quiet, his expression now under control and hidden. “Press charges. The kidnapping took place in Colorado at a cop’s house. Bil y Flynn is f**ked.”
He didn’t wait for my response and my heart stopped when he grabbed my chin, pul ed my head to the side and kissed my cheekbone, right where my scabs were. Then he turned, walked around the hood of the Explorer, swung into the driver’s seat, and he was gone.
“Let’s get her inside.” Nancy was there and had her good hand on me. It was stronger than I expected it to be.
She turned me toward the house, her face fil ed with concern.
Uncle Tex’s arm came around my shoulders as I saw lights rounding the corner down the block.
I froze.
It was dark, but I could see, in the streetlamps, it was Hank’s 4Runner.
“No,” I whispered, panic flying through me.
“Roxie?” Uncle Tex asked, he and Nancy stopped with me.
My eyes flew to Tex. “I can’t see Hank.”
Uncle Tex glanced at the oncoming car. “Darlin’ girl…” Tex started and I knew he didn’t agree with me.
“No! No, I can’t see him and… and he can’t see me. Not like this. Please, please, please,” I chanted.
The SUV was close. I had no time. I stopped chanting, shook off Nancy’s hand, Uncle Tex’s arm and I ran.
* * * * *
I went into the house, tearing through it, to the room at the back. I threw the door closed. It was Uncle Tex’s bedroom.
I ran to the windows, cats flying everywhere, sensing my panic, and I pul ed the drapes. Then I went back through the dark room to the door, feeling the knob for a lock but there was none. I put my back to the door and slid down it, sitting with my shoulders pressed against the door.
Then, I heard the voices, Uncle Tex’s a soft boom, Hank’s deep voice control ed and patient, Nancy’s butting in every once in awhile. The boom got louder and then I could tel , even though I couldn’t make out the words, that Hank’s control slipped.
I put my hands over my ears, pul ed my knees up and rested my forehead on them but I could stil hear the voices, I could feel Hank’s impatience and I knew Uncle Tex was trying to protect me.
I started humming.
God, I was so tired. So, f**king, tired.
I couldn’t give into the exhaustion.
I hummed, forcing the voices out of my head, and I planned.
Get my clothes from the hotel.
Get my car.
Go to Chicago.
Go to Annette’s.
Get my money, my stuff and escape.
There came a soft knock at the door and I stil ed.