Page 6 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

She refused to back away. Refused to let him see her fear.

“Big, brave woman now, huh? I want you to lay in our bed tonight and think about what a mistake you made. How I’m out there, watching and waiting. You can’t get rid of me. Ever.”

Without a single glance at the kids, he marched back outside.

With shaking hands, she rushed to shut and lock the door then faced her terrified children.

“Mama? Is Daddy coming back home?” Tears filled Davey’s eyes, and he folded into himself where he sat on the floor.

Avery’s pouty lips quivered. “I no like him.”

“No babies, Daddy’s not coming back. Don’t worry, okay? Mama’s going to take care of everything.”

They didn’t look convinced, and she couldn’t blame them. She’d exposed them to too much ugliness in their little lives. But no more. She’d finally escaped Mitch’s nasty clutches. She wouldn’t get trapped again.

“Clara!” Laura’s panicked yell refocused her attention on the phone.

She placed a kiss on each of her child’s cheeks then brought the phone back to her ear. “Laura?”

“Oh my God, Clara. Is he gone? Are you all right?”

Adrenaline leaked from her system, and her teeth began to chatter. She squeezed her eyes shut and inhaled deep breaths in through her nose. “He left but for how long? What am I going to do? I feel like staying here makes me and the kids nothing more than sitting ducks.”

“Do you feel safe in your home right now?” Laura asked.

She shook her head even though Laura couldn’t see her. “No.”

“Then leave.”

Opening her eyes, she glanced around the cozy living room filled with hand-drawn pictures and coloring pages. Framed photos and bright colors. “I don’t want to run away and leave everything I’ve worked for.”

“You’re not running away. Heck, you aren’t even leaving forever. You’re giving you and the kids some space, some time and distance to let a potentially dangerous situation diffuse a bit. Mitch has a temper. It won’t be long before he does something stupid. Don’t sit around and give him a chance to do something stupid to you.”

Laura was right, but it didn’t make things easier. A familiar ache echoed in her chest. “I don’t have anywhere to go.”

“Yes, you do. Go to the shelter. You always have a home there.”

Clara looked into the terrified eyes of her children. Laura was right. They couldn’t stay here, at least not for a couple of nights. “You’re right. I’ll call Mrs. Collins and let her know we’re on our way. I’ll let her know we’re coming home.”

3

Heath carried the dirty dishes to the sink and rinsed them before placing them in the dishwasher. “Mila outdid herself with dinner.”

“She always does. Such a lovely girl. I’ll hate to see her go. Not much longer before I won’t need an aide hovering around all day. Honestly, I don’t really need one now, but I do enjoy her company.” Sally rose to her feet, putting most of her weight on the glittery cane.

He bit back a response, anticipating an argument about her not needing help. His mom was fiercely independent. She preferred to spend her days volunteering around town and lunching with friends over being laid up at home, depending on others for the littlest things.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better. Any pain?” He closed the dishwasher then wiped down the counters. If he didn’t make sure everything was cleaned, his mom would wait until he left and attempt to do it herself.

“Nah, just a little tender. I want to relax in my chair and fall asleep watching reruns.” She shuffled toward the living room.

He fought his instinct to rush to her side and help get her settled. Hooking the dishtowel on the oven handle, he stayed a couple steps behind her. “You sure you don’t want to sleep in your bed tonight? I can put a television in there for you. Might be more comfortable.”

Shifting, she cupped his jaw with her palm. “Stop hovering, dear. I’m fine.”

He gritted his teeth when she turned away. He wasn’t hovering, he was trying to keep her safe. Keep her healthy. The same thing he’d done most of his life. After she’d left his abusive father when he’d been a young kid, he’d taken his duties of protecting his mother seriously. Helping around the house, taking on responsibilities most kids never thought of, and trying his hardest to always be someone his mom would be proud of.

Something easy when his mom was his biggest cheerleader no matter what.

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