Page 8 of Protecting What's Mine

Pulling into the curb, I park and jump out of the truck. Em is already waiting at the door for me, her face creased with concern. “She’s in the kitchen and won’t come out until you’re here,” she explains as she moves aside to let me pass.

“Thanks Em.”

“Of course. And please let me know if I can help.”

Striding fast, I pass through the swinging door and see Alex sitting on a folding chair - face streaked with tears, terror in her face, and an anxious energy that I’ve glimpsed in brief moments since she arrived. In seconds she is safe in my arms. Her sobs simultaneously break my heart and steel it to do unspeakable things to whoever or whatever made her like this.

After a minute she composes herself and lifts her chin. “I’m so sorry Jacob, I didn’t know what to do and I realised I didn’t even have your phone number so I had to get Emily to…”

“Ssh, it’s ok. You did the right thing. But you’re gonna have to tell me what’s going on.”

Alex steps back. Every cell in my body wants to step towards her, bring her back under my touch, but I sense she needs the space for the story she’s about to tell. But instead of speaking, she just pulls out her phone and shows me a text. There’s no contact name, and no message history. All I see is a photo of Alex outside the market and holding a loaf of bread. Clearly this was taken today. Underneath are the words ‘found you’.

My vision is blinded by a rage that takes over me with a ferocity I’ve never felt before. Someone was watching my girl, taking her picture without her knowledge, and wanted her to know about it.

“It’s from Marco - my ex-boyfriend.”

My eyes fly to hers, and she nods to confirm I heard correctly. “We were together for four years. He’s… not a nice guy. He was angry and controlling, and expected me to play the role of the pretty but docile arm candy. Which I did until - well, until I came here.”

I already want to rip his throat out, but try not to show it on my face. “Why did you stay with him?”

Alex looks away and swallows. “Marco’s just a small time criminal, stealing cars and stuff. But his uncle is the leader of the Black Mambas, a drug cartel back home. Marco is desperate to get in, and won’t allow anything to hurt his reputation. That included losing his girlfriend. So he made sure everyone knew that I belonged to him, like I was property. I couldn’t go anywhere or talk to anyone without his approval. He would even read my text messages every day. ”

I struggle to keep my voice level. “What do you think he wants with you?”

She stares out the kitchen window, her voice cracking with emotion. “He’s here to take me back. Two months ago I overheard him gloating to a friend about stealing a ring to propose to me with. Just the thought of being with a man like him forever made me physically sick. I knew this was my last chance to leave. The next day I found the job ad for the school here, and applied under a false name. Then I took out what little money I had in my account, caught the midnight bus across state lines, bought my shitty car and a cheap new phone for cash, and here I am.”

Those beautiful blue eyes turn back to me, spilling over with silent tears. “How he traced me so far I don’t know, but he has and I don’t think he’ll leave unless I’m with him. I can’t go back there Jacob - please, don’t let him take me back.” At that she runs into my arms again, weeping. As I stroke her head and tell her she was going to be okay, I quickly come up with a plan. There was nothing in the universe that could take this woman away from me.

Alex clings to me as we leave the office, her eyes darting everywhere in search of Marco’s face. Emily sees my expression and comes straight over, awaiting instruction.

“I’m taking Alex back to the bar to keep her safe. Can you call Ethan and tell him to meet us there? And Lucas should be on duty at the station.”

“Of course. I’ll call Phoenix too.” Seeing the anger flare in my eyes, Emily stares me down. “We both know he’ll want in on whatever you’re planning, Jay. Put whatever childish beef you have with him aside and focus on what’s important.” She glances at Alex for emphasis. Well played.

“Fine. Call him too. I’m not leaving Alex so he’ll have to come to us.”

“Ok, fine. Go. I got this.”

With that I sweep Alex closer to me and walk her out of the market. I don’t let her go until she is inside my truck, and I make sure the door is locked before I leave to get in the driver’s side. She’s too precious to risk with a tiny mistake.

“Who’s Phoenix?” Alex’s voice was small, frightened.

The engine roars to life. “That’s a story for another day. Long story short, he’s the second in charge of the Vipers, the local bikie gang that lives in the hills. We grew up together and never really saw eye to eye.”

I feel her body go still, and I curse under my breath. Probably not the right time to mention that Emerald Springs has a motorcycle gang. “Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you. He’s an asshole but an asshole with a moral compass. And he doesn’t take kindly to anyone harassing women. Emily is right, he’ll want to help track Marco down.”

Alex shivers. “I’ve brought my chaos to this lovely small town. I feel awful.”

“Don’t. Not for a second. And remember what I said - we take care of our own, which includes you now. Your fight is our fight.”

She shuffles closer and lean her head on my shoulder. “Thank you.”

As I pull into the parking lot I see Lucas has already arrived. He must have been on patrol nearby, although what he actually patrols I have no idea. There’s barely any crime around here.

Except today.

Alex sighs in relief at the sight of the sheriff’s car up ahead, and I’m glad. After I park right by the door Lucas walks straight up to the passenger side door and opens it with his signature good-guy charm. “Hey Alex, I’m Sherrif XXX, but friends of Jay get to call me Lucas. Let’s get you inside and then we can talk, ok?”

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