Page 109 of Love and Memories

Pressure built in Bella’s chest, and she wrapped her arms around Camille’s neck as soon as she said the last word. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“I won’t stop. I’ll keep praying.”

The door opened, and Travis stepped in. He was still wearing his paramedic uniform, and his chest swelled as his gaze met hers.

Camille stepped back and released Bella’s hands. “I’ll let you two have some privacy.”

Travis closed the distance between them as Camille moved out of the way. Grabbing Bella, he crushed her to his chest and inhaled a deep breath. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.”

“You don’t have to be sorry for anything. This is all my fault. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Stop. You don’t have to apologize for anything. If he’s dead, I’m glad.”

“Travis!”

“I know I’m not supposed to wish harm on anyone, but if it was you or him, I choose you every time. You did what you had to do, and I don’t blame you for defending yourself.”

A knot clogged in her throat. “But they said it wasn’t self-defense. He hurt me, and I… I attacked him later when he wasn’t expecting it.”

Travis leaned back to look her in the eyes. “I don’t care how the law defines self-defense. You were protecting yourself, and I’m just sorry I wasn’t there to do it for you.”

There was a knock at the door, and Asa stepped into the room. “They’re ready to get started again. Bella, after this, you can go home. It shouldn’t take much longer.”

“Home? Why wouldn’t I have to stay?” It didn’t make sense that they’d let her walk out of this place knowing what she’d done.

“You’re innocent until proven guilty,” he said. “Go home and get some rest. Things like this don’t happen quickly.”

Travis crushed her to his side and turned to Asa. “Thanks for everything.”

Asa nodded. “Anytime. Bella, Lyric has food ready for you as soon as you finish this last interview. It’ll be just a few follow-up questions.”

When Asa disappeared out the door, Travis turned to her. “I’ll be right outside waiting for you.”

She could do this without him. She had to be strong. Soon, she might have to do everything without him.

41

ISABELLA

After the interview, Travis met her as soon as she stepped out of the room. Planting himself by her side like a solid oak tree that would not be moved, he held onto her until they reached his truck.

Settled behind the wheel, he reached for her hand as soon as they were on the road and didn’t let go. The warmth of his hand on hers was soothing enough to calm her jagged thoughts.

He didn’t ask her any more questions, and for that she was grateful. The whole afternoon not only caught her off-guard but tested the limits of her memories. There were still gaps in her narrative that didn’t do her any favors.

Her medical records would be studied, the vice and narcotics teams in Omaha would be making changes to their surveillance based on her testimony, and her journal was now considered evidence in the investigation.

When they parked in front of her cabin, Nathan Fox pulled in right behind them.

“I haven’t talked to Nathan yet,” she said, waving at him as he stepped out of his truck.

“I talked to him. Everything will stay the same. He’ll be here whenever I’m not,” Travis said. “It’s getting colder outside, so he’ll be sitting in his truck when he’s here. Same for when Gage or Dawson switch out with him.”

“Why is he here now? Are you leaving?” The thought alone had her stomach churning. It was what she expected, but it didn’t make the moment any easier.

“He’s going to do a sweep of the property before he leaves.”

“Oh.” So many people were watching over her, but she didn’t deserve protection. After all she’d done, she deserved a punishment. Sure, her time in the club was brutal and awful, but she’d taken a life–a choice that couldn’t be undone.

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