Page 13 of Concrete Evidence
“I know you, Avery, and you know exactly where you’re going. Which is?”
Stiffening her shoulders, she forced resolve into every inch of her being. “A quiet place to pray and contemplate the future.”
“About what? You sound ridiculous. You sneak down the stairs at three thirty in the morning like a criminal with this bull of a story?”
“I was trying not to disturb you.”
“Are you catching a flight?”
Avery could easily lie and stop the inquisition. “No. I’m driving. I have a lot of miles ahead of me.”
“What did Senator Elliott say about this?”
She tilted her head. “He isn’t aware.”
“How could you do such a thing to the poor man?” Mia’s eyes widened. “He’ll be worried sick.”
“He will understand why, and I’ll be in contact with him.”
“Have you two quarreled?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Can’t you tell me anything? I want to ease his shock when he finds out.”
“He’ll be back sometime today, and I left a note on his bed. Sealed.”
“You’re not a coward. Something has happened between you two. What is it?”
Avery set her suitcase and shoulder bag on the wooden floor and embraced Mia. Oh, how she loved the woman. “There’s no need to worry. My problem is personal, and alone time will help me find answers.”
“Do you have your Bible?”
Avery nodded and stepped back. “Mia, go on back to bed, and I’ll see you in a few days. Tell Granddad we talked.”
“Does Craig know?”
“No. This is a private matter.”
“What about Leanne?”
“No one.”
Mia eyed her. “Have your parents contacted you for money? Threatened you?”
“They aren’t part of my dilemma.” Avery hoisted her shoulder bag.
“Guess there’s nothing I can do to stop you.” Her shoulders drooped. “Do you have your gun?”
“Yes, I’m packing. Why?”
“No woman needs to be driving alone without protection. We never know what will happen. Bad people are out there, Avery.”
10
AVERY DROVE FROM HER HOMEin a mix of tears and warring emotions. For the first time in her life, she didn’t want to be an Elliott.
On the dark road ahead, she’d make her way to Houston and find a hotel property to stay where she’d have a kitchenette. The threatening caller had told her to obey Granddad or face death. She shuddered. Had her decision to leave the ranch made things worse? She hoped not. She prayed not.
