Page 55 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“What is your name?” I inquire, swallowing my fear and moving toward him.

“My name is Earl, and I know that bitch is here. Our neighbor told me she was leaving, spouting some lies about me hitting her.”

That’s the other thing. Marla has agreed to press charges. Earl made it significantly easier for the police to track him down. In fact, here they are now.

Like I said, timing is everything.

Earl is read his rights and handcuffed, hurling obscenities in my direction. One, in particular, shakes me to the core. “Just wait, you filthy whore, until I get out. I’ll find you. I’ll finish what he started.”

As far as I know, Earl doesn’t know the monster I dated, the demon who left the scars along my side. But even the smallest kernel of fear is enough for my knees to wobble.

I return to the exam room and promise Beth and Marla, in a shaky voice, that Earl is headed for the station house, and they are safe to leave, complete with a police escort.

Beth pulls me out of the exam room, grabbing my arm. “What is it, Lu? I see it in your face.”

I shake my head, not letting the seeds of hate Earl tossed about take hold. “Nothing, just another asshole.”

“What did he say? Did he threaten Marla? Her son?”

“No. He threatened me. Said he would finish what my ex started.”

Beth pulls me to her, squeezing me tight. She says nothing. What is there to say? She knows, as well as I do that as long as your abuser is on this side of the dirt, you’re never truly safe. Hell, even when they are behind bars, there’s still a danger.

“Tally? Are you okay?” Great. Owen, who’s never in the ED, just happens to be here.

I pull back from Beth, offering him a stiff smile. “I’m fine.” It may be rude, but I don’t plan on introducing Owen and Beth. Why complicate matters?

Owen takes that job upon himself. “Hi, I’m Owen Stevens.”

How odd. He didn’t introduce himself as a doctor.

Beth shakes his hand, smiling up at him. No woman is immune to the man’s charm. “Beth Smith.”

“How do you know Tally?”

Okay, time for me to jump in. “Dr. Stevens is our new interventional cardiologist. He’s a brilliant addition to Memorial.”

Beth’s eyes widen with recognition. No surprise, since I talked about him non-stop during our brief courtship. To her credit, she hides it well. “You’re a doctor?” Beth inquires. “Well, I suppose the white coat and scrubs are a dead giveaway.”

It’s unfair. Most people are shapeless in scrubs, but Owen? He fills them out to the point of bursting. No wonder he’s on the top of every woman’s eye candy list.

Time to steer the conversation to neutral territory. “Beth runs the women’s shelter downtown. She helps patients who need a safe haven.”

“We’d be lost without Lu. This woman is tireless in her work and dedication.” Beth wraps an arm around me in an embrace. “I’m going to head out.”

“I’ll check in tomorrow. Call me if you need anything,” I remind her, watching as she guides Marla to a new life, free from abuse.

“Ken told me you’re the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.” Figures Owen would glean info off one of my closest cardiology buddies, the talented and big-mouthed Dr. Jessop.

I meet Owen’s gaze, not emotionally ready for another round. Thankfully, I find only compassion in his eyes. “They need a voice. I understand—” I break off, realizing this is the first time I’ve intimated to Owen that I’m an assault survivor.

He pulls me to a quiet alcove, cupping my face with his hands. “My God, Darlin, what did he do to you?”

I blink back tears. Time to come clean. “Bad things.”

Pressing his forehead to mine, I feel the emotion in his voice. “I’m not him, Tally. Please let me in. Let me protect you.”

“What are you doing down here?” I inquire, wiping the tears from my eyes. “Were you looking for me?”

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