Page 50 of Bone Dust

Her body sinks. As her posture deflates, she drops her chin and shakes her head no.

Jeri sidles up next to Savannah in a sisterly way. “Are you okay?”

Savannah nods.

“I don’t mind following you home.” A smile sneaks onto her lips. “I’ve got mace and mad ninja skills. Hiiiii-ya!” Jerri pops up, hand-chops the air, and lands in a martial arts pose which, I’m sure, isn’t an actual pose.

Savannah forces a smile as Sam comes up behind her and lays his arm around her shoulder. “I got this, Jeri. I’ll make sure she gets home alright.”

Savannah looks up at him. “I’m good, Sam. I can drive.” She then looks to Jeri. “Thank you, but I’m okay.”

“Both of you don’t know what kind of crazy he is, or what he’s capable of,” Sam warns.

“Unfortunately, I do know his kind of crazy,” Jeri nods. “I’ll be careful.”

She and Sam exchange a look that I can’t define. She holds his gaze for a moment and behind her eyes I sense that there’s something more to that comment. Some story that maybe I’ll hear one day.

Jeri grabs her purse, gives Savi a tender look, and squeezes her hand. “Call me if you need a friend.”

Savi forces a milquetoast smile. “I will.”

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to walk her to her car.” Sam follows Jeri to the door and, once they clear the entrance, I press for information.

“Did Drake stalk you here?”

“It looks that way,” she says, sadly.

“And he’s an old boyfriend?”

“He’s an entitled, little prick.”

“That much I figured,” I weakly chuckle. I reach for Savi’s chin, lifting her head with one finger. “He scares you.”

“Maybe a long time ago. Now I’m just angry.”

“But he tracked you? Any idea how?”

“I changed my name after I left town. I suppose I could have been more creative. My parents’ murders hit national news and I wanted a fresh start, so I dropped my last name. With all the information on the internet, I guess it was easier to find me than I thought.” Her shoulders pulse a quick shrug. “Also, his dad has lots of connections and resources. If Drake wanted to find me, I’m sure his dad helped him.”

I swallow my rage, and give her a moment, knowing the toxic mix of emotions that comes with being hunted. I barely have time to digest what she’s told me when I hear the familiar sound of Sam’s boots scuffing the floor as he approaches Savannah.

“I’m going to report him. He’s not supposed to be anywhere near you.” Savannah pales and he pauses. “You look like you’re going to be sick.”

“I’m fine,” she insists. I move closer and, like Sam, note the sudden change. He’s on one side of her and I take the other, concerned she might pass out.

“No, you’re not, and he’s the reason. He’s got no business here. He should have gone to jail for what he did. How you convinced your father not to beat the living shit out of him, I’ll never know. The man I knew wouldn’t have let him get away with it.” He runs a hand over his face before meeting her eyes again. “I’ll never understand it, Savi. Never.”

“He never knew.” Savi’s voice is barely audible.

Sam draws back. “What?” Shock lines crease his forehead. “Why?”

“Because I didn’t tell him.”

“Why the hell not?” Anger sharpens his tone. “Your father would ha?—"

“Stop, Sam. He didn’t know and I’m glad.”

“But Savi … you were his pride and joy. You know he would have done something.”

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