Page 30 of Johnathan

“I’ll see what I can do then. Why don’t you start at the beginning of the dream.”

“I’m standing in the alley. He… he’s got his arm around my neck and he’s choking me. I’m trying to fight, but my body’s not moving. I don’t know how to protect myself.”

“You feel really out of control?”

“Yes. It’s terrifying, John. I couldn’t save myself. I knew I was going to die.”

“Do you die in these dreams?”

“No. I hear his voice…”

“He talks to you? Did he talk to you in the alley that night?”

“Yes.”

“You didn’t… that’s not anywhere in your witness statement.”

“I didn’t remember until after. I can’t be sure, I was feeling so loopy from the drug he injected. But it’s always the same thing in my dream, and I think somewhere deep down I know it’s what he said to me.”

“What does he say?”

“I don’t want to?—”

“No, I shouldn’t have asked. You don’t have to share anything you aren’t ready to. Do you want to tell me what happens after that?”

“I see the knife and know what’s coming. But then you show up and he pauses. For a minute I think it’s going to be okay. And then he cuts me.” She paused to breathe deeply. “I’m always looking down at my blood soaked hands and then I wake up screaming.”

“I’m so sorry, Abby.”

“It’s not your fault.”

The silence on the line was deafening.

“What are you doing today after school?” John asked.

“Just prepping for the rest of the week’s activities for my kids. Why?”

“Have you ever been to that old gym by the paper mill?”

“I don’t think so. Isn’t it named after someone? Lloyd? Larry?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s never been named after a person,” he laughed. “It’s called Ridge Warrior Gym. Jackson and I go there to spar sometimes. We can go this afternoon and get started on your training.”

Images of John sweating in nothing but gym shorts flashed in her mind. Yeah, she’d be insane to turn that offer down.

“It’s not going to be a problem with your schedule, right?”

“Abby. We’re doing this. You’re not going to be out running by yourself at night again, I know because you promised me. But even if you’re running during the day, I want you to know these skills. So no. It’s not a problem.”

“Okay.”

“Good girl.”

Oh hell. Why did that shake something loose deep in her belly? She’d be saving that memory for later.

“You still there?” he asked.

“Yeah, yep. Just thinking I should try to get back to sleep. And I should let you do the same.”

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