Page 15 of Frost Bitten
My saving grace has been Ella. My family has no idea what happened, and I know that was my decision, so she’s been the one to walk with me every step of the way. I don’t rely on her as much as I think she’d allow, but I do take comfort in her knowledge and acceptance of the situation. She’s been the peace I’ve needed, given the chaos and discord with the guys.
I pull my new phone out of my purse and think about that situation. That dissension has eased slightly in the past few days. The guys, since the dinner, have tried to be peaceful and considerate. The random texts I’ve received since I got my replacement phone Wednesday evening, and thus replied to, have been strained and awkward. But the effort means a lot to me. Bast has surprisingly been the most chatty. He didn’t ever seem to be the chatty one before, but Corey’s reluctance for whatever reason is allowing Bast to reach out more.
Cameron has even texted more than Corey, which in itself hurts. I feel bad that Corey is taking this so harshly; I wish he wouldn’t, but there isn’t anything I can do or say beyond what I’ve already done.
Pulling up my messages, I reminisce over the sweetness that Bast has shown this week. He’s checked in several times a day and made an effort to utilize the group chat to include me. Corey, when he did message, was sweet, but it was maybe only once or twice in the couple of days since the dinner. Cam has messaged at least once a day, and his thoughtfulness was shocking. He made sure to message me after my first therapist appointment, just to see how it went.
Dominic was more stand-offish, only responding in the group chat. I’m not sure if that shows his reverence over the situation or his reluctance toward me. When he has sent something directed my way, it’s been kind of sweet, so that was nice. I’m just not sure what to think of him.
Just as I’m about to head inside, my phone rings. When I see “Jefferson County Sheriff” on the screen, I immediately answer the call.
“Hello?”
“Hello, this is Detective Shawn Wallace with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. May I speak with Caitlyn Monroe?”
“This is Cait.”
“For security regarding a sensitive matter, can you please identify your open case number?
“Sure,” I answer, grabbing the detective’s business card from my purse. “It is B-5649032.”
“Thank you, Cait. I wanted to contact you regarding some recent information about your open burglary case. I know this is a joint case, including you and your mother, Sarah Sanders, but she advised me to contact you with any new leads.”
“Ok,” I say, hesitant to have hope. Is it possible they caught him?
“We did submit the DNA that was left at the crime scene, and it did come back to a Jason Sanders. This was found in the child molestation case from approximately four years ago. It seems he was released on parole, and his DNA at a crime scene proves that he crossed state lines and was involved in a crime. A warrant for his arrest has been issued as a revocation of his parole, however, we still need to find him.”
“We’ve been reviewing traffic cameras in the area of your apartment complex, and we have a few leads that we are currently tracking down. I wanted to let you know that we are working hard to find this suspect, and if we find any new information, I will reach out to you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, Detective.” A lump swells in my throat, making it hard to talk. “I appreciate all of your efforts. Good night.”
After disconnecting the call, I contemplate what just happened. So, now they know Jason is in town, at least. And as soon as they find him, he will be going back to prison. I mean, that’s good… The overwhelming sense that he’ll always be tracking me down is unavoidable, though. I know the cops are on the right track, but it’s like the nightmares that haunt me; I feel he’ll always be chasing me.
I have to have hope, though. I can’t give up. I’ll keep going, physically, day after day if I have to. I just can’t let Jason’s threat to my fate dictate my actions, even if I can never outrun the anxious thoughts.
* * *
I exit the car and climb the stairs, ready to get to bed. Tomorrow is a long day, opening after closing the night before.
Saturday morning is rough, getting up at four-thirty a.m. Getting to work by five-thirty is a challenge, but I need to get up in time to take a shower to wake up and chug a quick cup of coffee if I’m going to make it all day. By the time the day actually gets going and people are streaming in for their morning fuel before weekend activities, I’m exhausted.
I am pleasantly surprised to see Bast and Corey show up. They arrive with the lunch rush, so I apologize, but I tell them if they can stick around, I’ll chat with them when my shift is over. I continue with my day, but their visit is just the little boost I need to get me through. I’d begun to drag through my tasks, the weariness starting to actually take its toll. By the time I finish my shift, I’m totally wanting a nap, but instead, I go see the guys waiting for me at the corner table.
“Hey,” I call as I approach them. I try to school my expression to not show my fatigue, but I feel I’ve failed in my efforts.
“Sunshine,” Corey replies. “You’re not looking so great. Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I say with a sigh. “I’m just tired. I closed last night and opened today. It’s just been a long day.”
“Did you want to hang out another day? I was going to see if you wanted to come chill at my house, maybe watch a movie,” Bast offers.
I consider that for a moment, and I figure that’s a safe enough afternoon activity that I won’t need to be alert for. “No,” I exhale. “I think that will be fine. As long as you don’t hold it against me if I fall asleep during the movie. I do want to spend time with you guys, but I might need some shut-eye.”
“That’s fine, Sunshine. We’ll snuggle you nice and warm into the theater room sofa.” Corey, while he’s held back, just can’t help but flirt. His hesitant glance down at me shows his uncertainty, and it wrenches my heart. I weakly smile up at him, assure him I’d follow them, and then make my way to my Jeep. I just hope this afternoon is as chill as they are letting on.
“As a matter of fact,” Corey continues, “why don’t I drive your Jeep? This way you’re safe, and you won’t fall asleep at the wheel. I rode here with Bast, so it’s not like I’ll be leaving my truck behind.”
“Yeah, ok,” I agree with a yawn. That didn’t get much of an argument from me. I’m ready to nap, so driving isn’t a good idea. At least, I tell myself that as an excuse to go hang out with the guys. Corey helps me up into the passenger side of my Jeep, and then he rounds the front and climbs into the driver’s seat. I must doze off as soon as he pulls onto the road, because the next thing I know, we’re pulling up to Bast’s house. I climb out, yawning again with a stretch, and follow Corey inside. He immediately drags me into the theater room and pulls me to his lap.
