Page 64 of Holding Grace

Grace briefly related the story she’d told me months before in her apartment, leaving out some of the smaller details but hitting the main points. The detective interjected with a question or two but for the most part just let Grace talk until she was done.

“Do you know what facility your brother is in now?”

Grace shook her head slowly. She looked like she’d used up the last of her energy telling her story. “No. I just know it’s in Tennessee.”

“And you believe your ex is still living at your previous address?”

“Probably. But I don’t know for sure.”

Grace’s voice sounded as sapped as she looked. I was about to stand and suggest the detective save any more questions for another time when he took a step back.

“I’ll do some checking and see if I can confirm where both men are. I’m going to leave you my card.” He drew a small white card from the breast pocket of his jacket and laid it on the table in front of Grace. “If you think of anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I’ll check in with you soon.”

With a goodbye to Grace and a nod at Mercy and me – his eyes snagging on Mercy again – he was gone.

I stood and went to Grace’s side, running my eyes over her. Her cheeks were pale, and her eyes looked tired, but she didn’t seem scared or upset.

“You okay, Gracie?”

She gave a small nod as she slumped more fully into the pillows behind her. “I’m okay. I think I’m going to nap for a while.” She laughed lightly as her eyes closed and slowly reopened. “Whether I want to or not.”

Seconds later, she was out. I lowered the head of her bed, Mercy tucked the sheets around her, then we stepped out in the hallway to let her get some rest while we talked.

“You alright?” Mercy asked me. “You were looking pretty intense in there. Not that I blame you.”

“I’m okay.” I blew out a breath. “I’d be better if I could get my hands on the fucker who attacked Grace, but I’ll deal.”

“I get it. What did you think of the detective?”

“Other than the fact that he was checking you out?” I grinned as Mercy gave me a look. “He seemed like he listened to Grace and took what she said seriously. I guess we’ll have to see what he comes up with.”

“This really was her brother, wasn’t it?” Mercy shook her head in disgust.

“It would be an incredible coincidence if it wasn’t.” The wave of guilt and frustration I’d been trying to hold at bay crashed over me. “I should have been more careful with her. We knew they were looking for her. I should have done more to protect her.”

Mercy shook her head at me.

“Don’t take this on your shoulders, Michael. All that will do is make Grace feel bad because you feel bad. She doesn’t need that. This isn’t your fault.”

“No, but I promised her if she came here, she’d be safe. That I’d keep her safe.”

“She knew it was a risk, no matter what. And she’s far safer here – with you, with us – than she would be anywhere else. I’m telling you, Michael, it will hurt her if she thinks this is weighing on you. Just help her and be there for her. Don’t make this about your guilt.”

Hands on my hips, I turned and walked away from her, too frustrated to form a response, letting her words spin through my head.

The last thing I wanted to do was add to Grace’s stress or worry. Mercy was right. Making this about me – my anger at myself, my guilt for not keeping Grace safe – would put a burden on Grace that she didn’t deserve and didn’t need.

I turned and walked back to Mercy.

“Feel better?” she asked, watching me closely.

I was honest. “No, but I’ll keep my shit together for Grace. This is about her, what she needs. Not about me.”

Mercy nodded once. “Good man.” She turned back toward Grace’s door. “I’m going to get my things and take off for a little bit.”

Once Mercy left, I sat back down on the loveseat in Grace’s room to watch her sleep. I made her a silent promise...to watch over her better, to do more to keep her safe, to be better for her.

Then I settled in to wait.

---