Page 31 of Coveting Catherine

Kassie waited a few more minutes to hear Maddie start the dishwasher. Dishes clanked as Maddie finished putting everything away. Kassie eased from the bed and waited by the door. The pantry drawers opened, and she heard Maddie rummaging in search of raisins. Kassie darted out of the bedroom, grabbed a kitchen chair, and slammed the pantry door shut.

“What in tarnation.” Maddie exclaimed as Kassie slid the chair under the knob. “Kassie Winters. You let me out right now, young lady,” she yelled.

Kassie cringed as she grabbed her shoes and the keys hanging by the garage door. “I’m sorry, Maddie. Catherine’s in trouble. I need to stop her. Joe will be back shortly,” she called as she shut the door and jumped into Chase’s truck.

Kassie pressed the gas pedal and started down the mountain, hoping Catherine stayed in town. When Maddie managed to get out of the pantry, Chase would be alerted. Her best friend planned to flee. If anyone understood how she felt, it was Kassie.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

Catherine hugged her mom tightly. “Thank you for breakfast, Mom. You know exactly what I need. I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetie. What time will you drop Melody off in the morning?” Carol returned the hug and stared at Catherine. The wise eyes took in her daughter, trying to decipher what went on in Catherine's head.

“I'll drop her off around ten in the morning. Ash has group therapy at noon, and I want to check on Samantha.” Catherine busied herself, adjusting Melody's bag of crayons and coloring books.

“I'll see you both tomorrow.” Carol waved at her granddaughter before reentering the house.

Catherine settled Melody in and took a deep breath. One last memory with her mom. Their plane left at one o’ clock in this afternoon. She already missed the town she fell in love with. Her mom enjoyed living there as much as Catherine did. She easily made friends with Maddie and Joe, while Catherine’s friendships grew with Samantha and Bryanna. Kassie lived close by on the mountain and Catherine counted on her to care for her mom when Carol realized she and Melody fled. Catherine wiped her nose on her sleeve and swiped her eyes.

“Okay, June Bug, how about a new adventure today?” Catherine attempted to sound cheerful for her daughter's sake.

“Can we go see Emma?” Melody asked?

“Not today, sweetie.” Catherine started the car and put it in reverse.

A big black truck blocked her car, and Kassie jumped out. Her chest moved heavily as she walked toward the car. Catherine slammed the vehicle back into park.

“I'll be right back. Aunt Kassie wants to talk to me.” Catherine jumped out of the car and angrily stared down her friend. “What are you doing? Move your truck.”

Kassie's hair whipped around her as her eyes narrowed at Catherine. “You're running and I'm stopping you.”

“You don't know anything. I'm headed to work. Go away,” Catherine gritted out.

“Admit it. You're planning on leaving. Your big show at telling me to stay and fight and you’re running like a chicken,” Kassie ground out.

“I…I… don't know what you're talking about. What the hell happened to your head?” Catherine noticed the stitches across Kassie's hairline.

“I got those trying to protect you. Not to mention, Chase promised if I pulled any more stunts, he’d tie me to the thinking chair forever. Don't do this, Catherine. We will figure this out. I don't know what happened between you and Ash. I would've never made the promise if he hurt you.” Kassie's voice got louder.

“Be quiet. You'll bring my mom to the door again.” Catherine shushed her friend.

Kassie leaned down, opened the car door, and smiled. “Hey, June Bug. Do you have your headphones? I need to talk to your mama for a minute.”

Melody nodded before grabbing them from her bag, and the children’s tablet Leo gave to both the girls.

“Kassie, please go. I made it clear I don't want you in my life. You betrayed me.” Catherine's eyes watered. I’ll miss you and I forgave you a long time ago. Please take care of my mom.

“I didn't do anything you haven't done to me. You are my best friend. I didn't betray you on purpose. I tried to make it right. I watched over you every night. Victoria and her men stayed with me. I’d never leave you unprotected. Well, not until Leo clocked me with his gun and Chase found out.” Kassie held her hand to the top of her head.

“Is that why you have stitches?” Catherine demanded.

“No, he dropped my head into the asphalt.” Kassie spat angrily.

Catherine shook her head, “Leo doesn’t hurt women. Don’t lie about it.”

“Oh yeah? When you try to take his balls off, he doesn't take to it kindly.” Kassie argued.

“You tried to take his balls off? Why?” Catherine asked, completely confused.

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