Page 74 of Protecting Hailey

She sat in a chair, and I brushed the tangles from her hair. Slowly, ensuring I didn’t pull too hard and hurt her. I had no sisters growing up, so I didn’t know how to braid it, but living with some of the local families while on tour, I learned to manage with elastics. Tying her hair back, I noticed a tear fall down her cheek.

I thought I would suffocate from the pain that clogged my throat, seeing that single tear. I picked her up from the chair and carried her to my bed. Removing the wet robe from her body, she shivered.

I quickly undressed and lay down beside her, wrapping one arm across her chest and another around her middle. Her wet hair dampened my chest and her tears fell onto my arm, but despite it all, a warmth rushed through my veins. She no longer shivered, and her breathing was slower.

I wiped her cheek and rubbed her arm with my thumb.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

The gentleness in her voice tore at my heart. “I love you, Hailey. I love you more than a soldier like me could ever say. Don’t ever doubt how much you mean to me, even when I don’t have the words to tell you myself.”

She pulled my arms tighter against her. “I love you, too. Don’t ever leave me.”

The words haunted me throughout the night. Every part of me wanted to stay except for my sense of loyalty to my family and friends. How could I leave them? We’d been through so much together. But for her, I would.

I closed my eyes and prayed for a solution. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I had to find a way.

***

The next morning, Sam came by the house. I’d spoken to the investigator on the case before granting her access to see Hailey. She and her manager, Frankie, had been cleared of any connection with Ingrid.

“Hailey, girl. How are you holding up?” Sam busted through the house after I opened the door and pulled Hailey in for a hug. “I just can’t believe Ingrid was behind it all. She seemed like a sweet kid. A little possessive of her phone, but sweet. Are you okay?” She slowly moved her hand toward Hailey’s, but Hailey stepped back, rubbing the faint red line on her neck. It wasn’t a cut, only a bruise, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me.

“I’m doing all right. Last night was rough, but I’m feeling better this morning.”

“Good. That’s good.” She pushed a thick strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. “This may not be the best time to mention it, but I spoke with Kendra’s manager. She’s willing to meet with you.”

Hailey sighed. “That’s a relief. I need to explain how I wasn’t the one behind all the nasty texts. I haven’t even had time to check my account to see what Ingrid wrote.” Hailey rolled her eyes. “I don’t even know if I want to read it, but I think I should.”

“Yes,” agreed Sam. “It’s best to know what you’re up against. Kendra may not believe you at first, but I know you’ll win her over.”

As Hailey mulled that over, I received a motion alert on my watch. Checking the window, I recognized her manager’s car. “Frankie’s here.”

“Frankie?” Sam asked. “That guy’s been MIA for some time.”

“He’s been acting strange lately,” Hailey said. “I hope everything’s okay.”

I hardly recognized the guy who walked up to the door. Frankie wore gray sweatpants and a gray hoodie. His eyes were red and swollen and his face ashen.

Hailey’s eyes rounded when she saw him, but quickly recovered. “Frankie, hey, good to see you.”

“You, too, Hailey. It was too late to come by last night after the police showed up, but I knew I had to see you this morning. How are you doing?”

Frankie’s hands shook. When he noticed us looking at them, he shoved them in his pants.

“I’ll be fine, Frankie.” Hailey stepped closer to her manager and put a hand on his shoulder. “How are you?”

He bowed his head and sniffed. After a while, he rubbed his face with both hands. “I tried to hide this from everyone, but I can’t do it anymore.” Looking up at her, he added, “Hailey, I’m checking myself into rehab.”

Hailey inhaled sharply, then pulled Frankie into her arms. Frankie’s face crumbled as he clutched Hailey’s back. It was heartbreaking to watch. The man was in obvious turmoil.

“It’s all right. I’ll be here when you get out. Do you need someone to drive you there?”

“My boyfriend’s going to drive me. But thanks. I appreciate the offer.” He shook his head. “I never thought I’d be back there, but I had a few setbacks six months ago and—”

Hailey held his hands. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. Just get better.”

Sam appeared from behind Hailey, and Frankie wiped the tears from his face. “Sam, hey, I didn’t see you standing there.”

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