Page 30 of With Love

Marshall

“What the fuck happened?” I question as soon as Adrienne is out of earshot. Travis had called me a little while ago to let me know that they would be here a little later than planned.

“Lock’s men were entering the parking lot as we were leaving. They must not have known that it was us, otherwise they would have followed behind immediately. I guess once they found out that Branch was already gone, it didn’t take them long to realize where he was. Once I started speeding away and dodging traffic, that confirmed it for them.”

“So you weren’t followed from the city.”

“No, I was watching the whole time. Nothing. They must have found him and been waiting to go after him the moment he got out.”

“Shit. How long were they following you for?

“Only about 30 minutes, but it felt like it was a lot longer. There are some dings in my window and on my side of the car, so I’m going to go and get that taken care of now.”

“Are you sure? You don’t want to stay and chill for a little bit?” The only answer I get is Travis cocking his eye at me.

“Okay, got it.” I say, putting my hands up, pretending to surrender.

* * *

Adrienne

“Here you go. This room is very comfortable.”

“Do you sleep in here too?” He asks, hopeful.

“No, I stayed here for a little bit, but now I sleep upstairs.”

“Where? With him?” he accuses.

“No! No, of course not. I have my own room up there. Marshall sleeps in the spare room.” I try not to feel affronted. I know that Owen has a problem with Marshall, but he is fresh out of the hospital and it was a long ride up here so I decide to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“There is a walk-in closet, a master bathroom. The view from the porch is magnificent.”

He drops his duffel on the floor and walks over to the door leading to the porch. He goes outside and leans up against the wooden railing, his head hanging.

I war between giving him his space and going out there to comfort him. It can’t be easy being here. I decide to join him outside.

Standing there next to him, I am at a loss for what to say.

“It's very peaceful here, I promise. You can make yourself at home. Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat. Can I get you a drink?”

Nothing.

“I’m sorry, I’m babbling. I’ll let you get settled in.” I turn and walk away.

“Adrienne, wait.”

I stop and turn around to look at him.

“I’m sorry. It’s just not easy being here. It’s like when you first move out of your parents’ house, fail, and then have to move back in. I’ve always taken care of myself, so having to rely on others is a new thing for me. It’s going to take a lot of getting used to.”

“I understand that. I barely came out of my room when I first got here. I kept thinking it was going to be the same here as it was… there. But, I am free to do whatever I want to here. And believe me I have been. It was a lot to take in, but now that I’ve gotten used to it, I can’t believe the difference.”

He smiles at me.

“We don’t have to worry about him here. This is the safest place for us.”

“We don’t know that. He could be anywhere, Adrienne. He… We can’t hide out here forever.”

---