Page 77 of Jael

“No, Bec, stop. You have never been a burden. I know Hannah told you about my dad, and I’ve been meaning to talk to you. Yes, a lot has happened, but that’s life. I can handle it. You’re not the one making things difficult.”

“Then I don’t understand. It would have been easier if I went back to him myself. He’s so angry now.”

“Are you talking about Martin? Bec, we’ve talked about this. We already knew he’d be angry. That’s not a good reason for you to go back to him. Did you call him?”

“I would have if I’d known.”

“Known what?”

“That he knew where I was.”

Jael jumped to her feet. “What are you saying? Martin’s there?”

“He’s so angry, Jael. The kids are scared, but I’ll get them packed. I’d tell him myself, but I’m scared.”

“No, Bec, I didn’t tell him—” Her breath caught, then came out strained. “He’s outside now?”

“Yeah.”

“Is he alone?”

“No. There’s a guy with him.”

“In his thirties? Blonde hair? Nice suit?”

“Yeah.”

“Becca, you need to listen very carefully to me. I did not tell Martin where you live. He shouldn’t be there right now. Don’t pack your bags. Keep the door locked, and call the police.”

“I can’t call the police.”

“Then I will.”

“No! Please. I don’t want that. Not today. I don’t know what he’d do if they showed up.”

“And maybe that’s a good thing,” Jael almost yelled, then took a breath. “Sorry. I know you don’t want him to get hurt. I’ll hold off calling the police for now, but if he tries to break in, you’ll have to.”

“How many times do I have to say it!” Jael could hear Martin shouting in the background. “I love you, babe. I screwed up. What else do you want me to say?”

“Whatever you do,” Jael said. “You promise me you won’t open that door. I’ll be there soon. Just hang in there.”

“I’ll try.”

“No. You have to promise. Tell me right now you won’t open the door to him. All I need is some time to take care of it. I know the man he’s with. I can talk him down, but you have to give me time.”

“Okay. I promise.”

Jael ran to her room to get dressed, praying as she went. Her petitions started as murmurs to herself, but soon, her heart lifted higher. She didn’t know if God existed, but she felt something. Real or not, she felt like someone was listening.

“It can’t end like this. You can’t let it end like this,” she said a she dragged a shirt over her head. “I don’t care about me, but please protect Becca, whatever you need to do. Keep her safe.”

Christopher and Martin were talking on the lawn when Jael pulled to the curb in front of the house. She took it as a good sign that everything appeared calm.

After a deep breath, she got out and walked cautiously toward the two men. Christopher was a reasonable man, for the most part. He’d done his fair share of violence, and he’d most likely killed multiple people in his life, but this was different. She couldn’t imagine he would resort to violence in a situation like this. It would undermine his position in the company, and that was his reason for being here, as a representative for Heber Industries, doing what he felt was the best for his shareholders.

“Jael,” Christopher said as she approached. “I can’t say I’m surprised to see you here, but I had hoped you’d let me handle it. You’re not emotionally prepared to deal with this situation.”

“Becca called me,” Jael said.

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