Page 62 of Embracing Hope

“Will do, buddy.”

Chapter Sixteen

Hope noticed she had missed Jinx's calls. If the call was urgent, he’d leave her a message. Right now, she needed to clear her head and check on Courtney.

She left her cell phone in her car and headed toward the house.

There were no lights on, which Hope thought was odd. She had sent Courtney a message to let her know she was on her way.

Knocking twice, no one answered.

Hope tried the door, finding it unlocked. Poking her head in, she called out, “Courtney? Are you here?”

Hearing rustling sounds from inside, Hope stepped over to the lamp and switched on the light. She jumped and let out a scream when she saw Courtney bound to a chair in the middle of the living room. Her eyes were swollen and red and she had a fresh bruise on her cheek.

“Oh no, Courtney. What happened?” Hope rushed over and tugged at the ropes around Courtney’s hands were tied behind her back, and a washcloth was stuffed in her mouth, which Hope removed. “Hope, go and get help. Hurry. He’s lost his mind.”

“Who?”

“Move away from her,” came a raspy voice from the other side of the room.

Hope stood and gasped when she saw Dex in the doorway to the kitchen. His appearance was disheveled and he held a gun aimed at her.

She hurried to block a defenseless Courtney with her body by standing in front of her. “What are you doing, Dex?”

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m taking out the trash.” He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. Blood spattered his shirt and pants.

Fear raced through Hope. “Where’s Marah?”

“She’s with her grandparents,” he said quietly. “My child is innocent. She needs to be saved from her whore mother.”

“I don’t know why you’re doing this, but it’s not too late to put the gun down and leave before someone gets hurt.” Hope forced the words through her tight throat.

“Too late for that. I need to finish my job.” He stepped around the couch to move in closer.

“Why, Dex? You love Courtney, remember? You don’t want to hurt her.” Hope knew she needed to keep him talking.

“I did once upon a time, but no more. Not after I found out she was fucking my brother. How cozy would that be? With me out of the picture, they can be a happy family.” He stared blankly.

“I know Courtney. She’d never do that,” Hope said, amazed that she could remain calm.

Anger slashed his features. “This is all your fault. If you had kept your nose out of my business, Courtney and I would have worked out the problems in our marriage. You and your family deserve to suffer greatly, and I’ll start with you.” He raised the gun slightly, his finger hovering over the trigger.

“Don’t do this, Dex. Think of our daughter,” Courtney pleaded.

“I have thought of our daughter. You should have been thinking of her too,” he said in a monotone voice. “Now say goodbye, Hope.”

A shot shattered the silence.

Hope screamed and dove for cover.

Dex fell, clutching his bleeding hand. The gun had slid across the hardwood floor.

Isaac stood over Dex who was rolling around in his blood and wailing in pain. Hope hurried over to Courtney, who had tears streaming down her face. “I thought he was going to kill us,” Courtney sobbed.

“It’s okay.” Hope pulled her friend into her arms. “We’re safe now.”

“I’m so sorry, Hope. He used my phone to text you.”

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