Page 16 of Her Faithful Protector

“It’s fine.” He puts a hand on my shoulder, the other rubbing my hand. His eyes radiate with concern and kindness that my slowed-down brain can still perceive. “Can I get Sam to join us?”

I nod. Sam then enters and discreetly hides the pad and pencil, but not before he takes a quick glance at his brother, perhaps surprised at what I’ve drawn. Sam then passes me a strip of pills. “Your medication.”

“Thanks.”

Jack helps me pop the blisters and take out two pills.

Seeing the two brothers side by side, my attention is drawn to their contrasting appearances. Jack, the younger but taller brother, is more serious and reserved. His complexion is naturally light but appears tanned, hinting at days spent under the scorching sun.

By contrast, Sam the ex-Navy SEAL epitomizes the phrase ‘dark and handsome,’ with his brunette locks and dusky skin. He’s also the more laid-back of the two. Despite their physical disparities, a common trait unites them. Beyond their rugged masculinity, they radiate a gentle demeanor. From what they do and how they do it, it’s clear the men possess an innate ability to nurture and care for others.

After taking my time to swallow the pills, I confess, “I think I killed my fiancé.”

Jack and Sam stare at me intently.

“Did you really do it?” Jack asks, his tone implying he’s not taking my statement literally.

“I put a sedative in his tea. I just wanted him to sleep so I could escape.”

“How did you find out that he died?” Jack presses.

“The men who took Quinton, they knew what I did. They told me my fiancé was dead. So now, when they make their demands, if I don’t comply or if I go to the police, they’ll hurt Quinton—or at least take him away from me forever—and expose everything. I’ll spend the rest of my life in jail, Jack!”

He holds me firmly, his face burning like hell has just put down its roots in him.

I add, “I swear, I measured the dose carefully. I just wanted him to sleep until the morning. Enough to give me time to disappear.” I pause, thinking about what could’ve happened. “He never did drugs. I didn’t smell alcohol on him. So there’s no way he died from complications. No way!”

“Those men lied to you!” Jack bellows, full of certainty.

In the silence, I try to recall the kidnappers’ expressions. I should have been able to read them, but at that moment, all I could think about was my baby.

“Maybe his body couldn’t handle it,” I reason. “We were going to get married. He sent out the invitations without me knowing. I couldn’t bear the thought of living another day with him, let alone forever! Maybe I accidentally gave him the wrong dose. I don’t know…”

“He’s trying to manipulate you,” Jack adds. “Don’t let him. Trust yourself. The sedative you put in his tea didn’t kill him.” He says it with such conviction that I almost believe him.

But no matter what I’ve done, I’ve put my baby in danger. “I just wanted to get away from him. I want Quinton to growup free from such a controlling and violent man. And now, my baby isn’t even safe!”

Jack kneels in front of me, holding both of my hands. “Listen, if it’s true that your fiancé is dead, it’s because those men killed him. Whoever they are. Not you, not your tea.”

While Jack tries to comfort me, Sam says, “He’s right. You shouldn’t blame yourself. You’re not just a case, Ava. You’re our family. But let me tell you, I’ve seen how families get torn apart under pressure because they either blame each other or themselves. Blame is your worst enemy when you need to find your loved one.”

“Ava,” Jack interrupts, restarting the conversation. “If I’m correct in thinking that those men were lying and your fiancé is still alive, it means you won’t go to jail. And he won’t harm baby Quinton.”

“You can’t know that,” I reply.

Jack let out an exasperated huff, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Are you suggesting that the father of your child is capable of hurting his own flesh and blood?”

The intensity of his gaze is so intimidating that I instinctively look away.

“He… um, he never hurt Quinton. But he had a temper, and I was always there to protect my son. So I never really tested him,” I explain.

The air thickens with unresolved anger as Jack, his face flushed with fury, abruptly stands up and marches toward the corner of the room.

“I’ll talk to him,” Sam offers, apparently trying to ease the tension.

Jack hears him and shouts, “I’m fine! Just give me a minute.”

Jack Kelleher, a Marine who has likely witnessed atrocities that most people can’t even fathom, is shaken by the idea thatQuinton’s own father could harm him. After another stretch of silence, he turns back to me and apologizes. “I just never thought I’d hear it. I’m okay now.”

---