Page 36 of Kept in the Dark

She heard a siren in the distance and hoped it was for her, but it quickly disappeared.

He smiled again as he got within inches of her face. Just like all those years ago, the sharp scents of liquor and nicotine were on his breath. She fought hard against the nausea that was now worsening as the smell nearly transported her back in time to her worst nightmare.

“Let go of me!” Instinctively, Hailey’s hand connected with his cheek.

Rage flickered behind his dark eyes.

Before she could bolt, he let go of her arm and grabbed her by the hair. She screamed, as he yelled, “You stupid bitch!”

Then, he jerked back, his body hitting the ground with a loud thud as Trey tackled him.

Shaking off the impact, Ryan stood quickly and returned with a punch to Trey’s jaw. Trey stumbled back but ducked as Ryan’s fist barreled at him. Trey swung hard, aiming at Ryan’s eye.

Ryan threw an uppercut, blood gushing from Trey’s nose. He came back, his fist landing a blow to Ryan’s stomach. As Ryan crumpled to the ground, Trey climbed on top of him, blow after blow connecting with Ryan’s face.

Restaurant staff and onlookers crowded around the scene as Hailey screamed, “Trey, stop! You’re going to kill him!”

With a raised fist, he looked from Hailey to Ryan. Panting, Trey stood as blood dripped from his nose and above his left brow. He rolled Ryan to his stomach and quickly placed handcuffs around his wrists. Trey pulled Ryan to his feet. “I’m going to enjoy putting you behind bars.”

“You know, the last time this happened you threatened to kill me.” Ryan chuckled. “Look at that, Trey Harbor’s gone soft.”

Trey clenched his jaw and started dragging him toward the truck, but Ryan stopped and turned to Hailey. “This isn’t the last time you’ll see me, Hailey. I'm coming for you.”

Trey opened his mouth to reply, but it was Sara who responded. “I just got out of prison for killing my own mother. If you so much as look at my sister the wrong way, I’ll kill you.”

With that, Trey shoved him into the truck and dispatched another patrol car to come take Ryan to the station.

After she had a chance to calm down, Hailey said to Sara, “You probably shouldn’t have said that since you’re trying to convince people you’re not a murderer.”

“He doesn’t have to know that.”

Hailey smiled and shook her head, thankful for Sara’s protective instincts and dark humor.

A few moments later, another police cruiser pulled into the parking lot. The officer parked on the opposite side, hoping for some privacy from the crowd. After assessing Trey’s wounds, the officer retrieved an icepack and gauze from the trunk of his car and handed it to Trey. Though Trey didn’t look nearly as hurt as Ryan, he still sported a gash on his left cheek and a bloody lip, nose, and brow. Trey winced at the cold that stung the lacerations now decorating his handsome face.

Hailey felt the need to run to him, to make sure he was okay. But instead, she held his gaze, stunned and scared.

Then the two men exchanged words as the officer took note of Trey’s recollection of what happened. No doubt they’d have to give a statement later. Satisfied for the moment, the officer climbed in his car and drove off with Ryan.

Once they were out of sight, Trey quickly made his way to Hailey and wrapped his arms around her. Though she tried her hardest not to, tears streamed down her face.

“You’re okay. I’ve got you," he said.

Sara ignored Hailey’s tears, awkwardly looking at the sidewalk.

After a moment, she was able to compose herself and quickly pulled away from his embrace.

Trey said, “I meant what I said all those years ago about protecting you from him. If I ever see Ryan even look at you wrong, it will be the last thing he ever does.”

Hailey wanted to cry again but held her breath.

“Why did he attack you?” Trey asked.

“I don’t know,” Hailey said. She looked at Sara, pleading with her to not tell Trey about Ryan.

Sara raised a brow, surprised by Hailey’s secrecy. “Don’t lie to him, Hailey.” She said it as if to warn Hailey, as if to protect her. Hailey found that rather curious.

“What is she talking about?” Trey asked.

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