Page 11 of With Love

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Marshall

As I close the door behind me, I try and compose myself a bit. The way she looked at me when I took her hand in mine was heartbreaking. I know that she isn’t exactly the same Adrienne that she once was, but seeing the difference in her eyes now, from the way that she used to look at me when I touched her is a very hard pill to swallow.

As I reach the kitchen, I see Max there waiting for me.

“All set?” he asks.

“We’re good. Thank you so much for getting us here safely. I appreciate your service.” I offer him my hand, in it is an envelope with $1000.00 in it.

“That’s not necessary Mr. Trent. It’s my pleasure. Here is my contact info including my personal cell phone number. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“I won’t. Thank you, again. Be safe getting home.” I say as he walks toward the ambulance.

I go back inside and see that Lucy is in the kitchen waiting for me.

“Hey, how is she?”

“She’s settled into bed. I gave her some pain medicine. Between that and the late hour, she should be asleep in no time.”

“Thank you for your help. And thank you for dropping everything in order to care for Adrienne. I know that decision couldn’t have been an easy one for you to make.”

“It’s really my pleasure. I don’t have much of a life outside of the hospital, so this will make for a nice change of scenery,” she says

“Well, then I’m glad it worked out for you,” I say as I guide her through the kitchen.

I stop just before the butler’s pantry and turn on the overhead light.

“I was thinking that this might be a good space for you to put all of your supplies, but I’m not the expert here, so please let me know your thoughts.”

“Oh, this will be great. It’s kind of like what I’m used to in the hospital; a counter, upper and lower cabinets for supplies. It’s perfect.”

“Wonderful.” I give her a tight smile.

“I’ll grab all of my supplies and get everything stocked,” she says.

“That’s alright. It’s been a long day for you too. Why don’t you go get some rest?”

“I’m used to long days, sir. Plus it will help me decompress a little,” she explains.

“Whatever works best for you. There is an intercom in each room. If you need anything, just click the button labeled ‘BR2’. That’s the room upstairs that I am in. If you don’t get an answer, hit ‘OFC’. That’s my office.”

“Thank you, Mr. Trent.”

“Please, call me Marshall. Goodnight, Lucy.”

“Goodnight, Marshall.” She nods as I walk through the great room and take the stairs, two at a time.

* * *

Adrienne

This bed must have cost a fortune. It’s one of those adjustable beds where you can elevate your back or your legs, depending on what is most comfortable. Like a really big, really comfortable, really expensive hospital bed. I can’t see much more of the room. Even though the moon is full and bright, we are tucked away deep in the forest keeping the moonlight from illuminating more of the area surrounding me. I am sure that Marshall has some heavy security in place here, but that doesn’t keep me from being terrified that Lock is out there in the woods, watching me. Waiting for the right moment to take me; to kill me. This is a false sense of hope. A false sense of security. I can feel my anxiety creeping in. There is only one person that would make me feel comfortable and safe right now… Owen.

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