Page 134 of Finding Redemption

“Do you honestly want to know?” I wait with a knotted stomach as she scrutinizes me before shaking her head.

“I will never make the money you do.” She sits down at the table. “It’s gonna be like, here’s my money, a hundred dollars. I contributed! What will I have to offer our marriage?”

“Hold up. It’s not like that, Reese. We’re a team. We’ll work together. There will be no ‘my money, your money’. It’s our money.”

“That’s not happening. No way am I entitled to something like that. I’m no freeloader.” She folds her arms, her eyes downcast.

“Reese.” I kneel before her, lifting her chin. “I love you. We’re in this together. There will be times you’ll lean on me and moments I’ll lean on you. Neither is more valuable. We’re in this together. That’s what’s important.”

“Well, you better lean extra hard some days. Make me earn my keep.” She giggles.

“Deal.” I lean in, kissing her softly.

I park beside Reese at the Crisis Center, walking in the back door to one hell of a ruckus.

“No, we do not give out information on our clients,” Reese answers sternly.

“I don’t give a damn, you fucking bitch,” a deep, rough voice yells, raising the hair on the back of my neck. “You fuckin’ took my family from me. I want them back.”

I round the corner, hands fisted, ready to draw blood. A tall, menacing man stands over Reese. She’s against a wall with her face tilted away from him.

“Hey! Back the fuck up!” The thunderous boom of my voice makes everyone jump. “You do not talk to her that way. Do you understand me?” I shove myself between her and the threatening man.

“Who the fuck do you think you are, pretty boy?” he spits, every word dripping with venom. I realize at this point it’s Heath, Marie’s husband.

“I’m the man who’s gonna fuck you the hell up if you don’t step back now.” I grind my teeth with each word, pounding my fists against my thighs. I loom over him with malicious intent racing through my mind.

“She filled my wife’s head full of bullshit and she left me. I want my family back!” He leers at Reese and I want nothing more than to break his damn face.

“She did nothing of the kind. You fucking beat your wife to a pulp, asshole. That’s why she left you. Now, I’m going to ask once, you son of a bitch. Get the fuck out before I show you how.” I hold back my fury and vitriol as best as I can as my blood boils, coursing through my veins.

“It’s a public place. I have every right to be here, motherfucker.” He angles his body toward me.

Rage pulsates through me. I shift my stance, getting nose to nose with him. A siren can be heard from far away. I see it in his eyes the minute it registers.

“You called the police, you pussy.” He backs away, his finger in my face. “I’ll be back. I’m coming for you and the cunt behind you.” He steps through the back door as the police pull up out front.

I turn to Reese, dragging her into my arms. “Are you all right, baby? Did he touch you? Did he do anything to you?” I step back, looking over her quickly, pulling her back into my arms. My heart thunders in my chest.

“I’m okay. I’m good. Thank fuck you showed up when you did. I don’t know what would’ve happened.” She shudders.

‘I’ve got you. Let’s get you some water.” I jerk my head toward the door, looking at Maisyn. She takes off. I pick Reese up and carry her to the empty room.

“Reese?” Maisyn reaches her the water. “I’ve called One and Lea. They’re on the way.” She sits beside her, wrapping her arms around her. “You kick ass, woman. That was so brave.”

“Too brave for my taste.” She leans into me, trembling. Bile rises in my throat at the thought of what could’ve happened. “I think we should close the office.”

“Lea already called it. They should be here shortly.” Maisyn stands, walking toward the door. “I’m gonna go wait by the door. We’ve got it locked. The police will be in here in a bit to talk to you.”

“What were you thinking, standing up to him like that? Heath could’ve hurt you. You’ve seen what he’s done to Marie.” I search her eyes for understanding, panicked at my own visions.

“I wasn’t. It never crossed my mind. I knew I needed to keep him focused on me, so he wouldn’t hurt anyone else.” She buries her face in my shirt, the impact of the events crashing over her. She begins to sob in my arms, and I hold her as tight as possible.

“Walker, how is she?” One enters the room with Lea behind him.

She steps by him, joining Reese and me on the couch. “Reese, I’m so sorry, sweetie.” Lea rubs her arm, comforting her, taking her opposite hand.

“She held her own. Reese stood her ground with him in her face. I lost my shit and put on a good show, but she handled things well.”