Page 27 of Save Me
“That the serial rapist and killer that kidnapped you is still out there?”
“I…” Crissy frowned. “We’re not sure.”
“It was all over the news,” Beth said quickly. “You don’t think he’s coming for you here?” Beth glanced around.
“I…” Crissy didn’t know what to say. Yes. Yes, she did think he’d come for her. But she was confident that the police would find him first.
Beth shook her head. “I… I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. How afraid you must be now.” Beth wrapped her arms around Crissy. “We’re here for you. If you need to stay with us, until…” Her friend’s words dropped away as she looked over her shoulder.
Brock was walking towards them, holding a giggling Emma.
“Beth, this is…” She didn’t get any further in her introduction. Beth rushed across the patio and hugged Brock.
“I didn’t know you were back,” Beth said cheerfully. “Oh, this makes things much better.”
“I take it the two of you know each other?” Crissy said, taking Emma from Brock’s arms.
“Yes, we went to school together,” Beth answered.
“We went to prom together too,” Brock said. “I was all set to marry you, then you fell for Oliver.”
“He was a better cook than you,” Beth joked. “Are you staying with Crissy and Emma?”
“Yeah,” Brock said, nodding slightly towards Emma.
“That’s good.” Beth sighed heavily. “Very good. Now I don’t have to worry so much.”
“We were going to head to Eddie’s for some pizza. Why don’t you, Johnathan, and Tilly come with us?” Crissy asked.
Beth glanced between the trio. “That sounds great. I can see if Oliver can sneak away for dinner. He’d love to catch up with you,” she said to Brock.
“Great.” Brock smiled. “I can drive?”
“No,” Beth and Crissy said at the same time.
“Parking is a headache. We can walk. It’s only a block away,” Beth answered.
“We’ll leave in fifteen then,” Crissy added. “I need to freshen up.”
“Sounds good. I’ll go get Johnathan, Tilly and myself ready.” Beth turned to go. “Given the circumstances, I’m really happy you’re here, Brock,” she added before turning and rushing back through the fence.
“I didn’t know Beth and Oliver were Tilly’s parents,” he said softly. “I guess I didn’t put two and two together. I knew they’d had a kid.”
“Two now,” Crissy corrected.
“Right, and I’d heard they’d moved in next door, but…” He shrugged. “I guess I just wasn’t thinking.”
She carted Emma back inside and set her daughter down on the sofa. “Just how serious were you two?” she asked with a smile. “Should I be worried?”
He shook his head and smiled. “No, it was a million years ago. Besides, she and Ollie belonged together.”
She nodded. “I’m going to go change.” She glanced down at her work shorts and tank top. “Emma, why don’t you go on up and put on those new shorts and the pink blouse I bought you last week?”
“Okay.” Emma jumped up from the sofa, then turned to Brock. “Are you going to change too?”
He glanced down at his board shorts and T-shirt, then nodded. “Yeah, I suppose I will.”
CHAPTER TEN
