Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“You give her a call and check on her, and I’ll talk to the police.”
“Okay.”
The police had pulled my father up into a standing position and were walking him out of the apartment. Nate followed as I headed to the kitchen to get my phone. Pulling up my mother’s name, I hit call.
“Merry Christmas Eve!” she singsonged.
“Mom, where are you?”
“What do you mean, where am I?”
“Have you not been home for two days?”
The line went silent. “How did you know that?”
“Just answer me this: are you okay? Safe?”
She let out a nervous laugh. “Of course I am, Haven. What is wrong?”
With a breath, I walked over to my sofa and sat down. “Something happened.”
“Are you okay? Is Nate okay?”
“Everyone is okay, for the most part. Nate asked me earlier this morning to move in with him.”
She let out a little squeak of happiness. “Haven! That is wonderful. Did you say yes?”
“I did say yes. We stopped at Home Depot before they closed for the holiday, picked up some boxes, and then headed to my apartment to pack some things. Nate wanted to do it as soon as possible.”
Mom laughed.
I closed my eyes. I had no idea how to say what I needed to say, so I just decided to be blunt.
“I came up to the apartment first while Nate was getting the boxes out of his truck. Dad was in my apartment waiting for me.”
I was met with silence on the other end of the line. “Mom?”
“What did you say?”
“Dad was in my apartment waiting for me. I’m okay, he didn’t do anything, but he did have a gun.”
She gasped, and I heard what sounded like a chair slide across the floor. “Oh my God,” she said.
“When I saw him, I screamed, and Nate heard me. He ran into the apartment and heard Dad talking, so he called 911. He was able to approach Dad without him knowing, and he hit him over the head. The police arrived within seconds of Nate knocking him out.”
“Oh, Haven, I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“I am. He mentioned you hadn’t been home for two days, and I got worried because you didn’t mention you would be out of town. Thank God you were, Mom. I’m not sure what he would have done if he had found you home alone.”
She let out an exhale. “I’m at Doug’s.”
I drew back in surprise. “Doug’s? Like…as in staying with Doug?”
“Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s just so new for me, and Doug and I are enjoying our company together, and well…”
Her voice trailed off. “Mom, you’re a grown woman and can spend your time however you would like. I’m thrilled you and Doug have hit it off as well as you had. I knew you had gone out a few times, but I had no idea it was that serious.”
“I should have told you I was staying with him. I planned on telling you tomorrow.”
“Mom, you don’t owe me any explanations.”
“What is going to happen with your father now?”
I looked at the front door. “I’m not sure. Nate is down there talking to the police now. I’m sure they’ll need me to make a statement.”
“Haven, you need to tell them what he did to you. He needs to be held accountable for his actions and be kept away from you.”
“From both of us, Mom.”
The door opened, and Nate walked in. “They need to talk to you, Haven.”
“I need to go, Mom. I’ll call you later and give you an update. I’m glad you’re safe and happy, Mom.”
“You as well, sweetheart. Call me when you can.”
I stood. “I will. Bye.”
Hitting End, I slipped my phone into my back pocket and grabbed my coat as I headed down to the police with Nate holding my hand. Seeing my father sitting in the back seat of a police car should have been a relief, but it wasn’t. What if he got away with this and was let go? Then what would we do?
“Ms. Larson?” the female officer asked as she approached me and Nate.
“Yes, Haven Larson,” I replied, holding my hand out to shake hers.
“Officer Miller. If you’re up to it, I need to ask you a few questions.”
I nodded. “Yes, of course.”
“Can we go to the police station and speak?” Nate asked. “It’s getting colder.”
Officer Miller nodded. “Of course. We can meet you there.”
Nate nodded. “Thank you. We’ll go lock up her apartment and then head straight over.”
She smiled at Nate and then looked at me. Her smile softened, and she nodded. “See you in a bit, Ms. Larson.”
Nate faced me. “I’ll go get your purse and lock up the apartment. Go to the truck and start it up; I’ll be right back.”
I felt numb, and it had nothing to do with how cold it was. It was knowing that my father was only a few feet away from me. Yes, he was sitting in the back of a police car, but knowing how close I had come to him hurting me again, my entire body shivered in fear.