Page 18 of Ranch's Resolve

We pass through the foot-wide opening in the fence to reach the small parking lot behind my building. We dash across the space to the rear exit. As we approach, the door opens. Izzy steps out first, with Selena and Santina right behind her. Killian and I flank Serena as we speedwalk back the way we came. I unlock the doors with my fob so Izzy can help Selena and Santina into the backseat. As I slide behind the wheel, Izzy slides into the front passenger seat.

“Let’s go,” Izzy says, laying a gun on her thigh. Izzy’s eyes never stop moving as we leave the parking lot. “Take the long way to Crossroads. The assholes haven’t moved, but they could have eyes elsewhere.”

“Are you in contact with them?” I ask.

Izzy taps her ear. “Earbud. Okay, I haven’t seen any tails, so we can go directly to Crossroads.”

I aim the car for Crossroads but don’t breathe easy until we pull through the first gate. I park near the entrance to the guardhouse. Izzy helps Selena and Santina exit the vehicle before leading them inside.

“I’ll leave you here,” Izzy says. “I need to get back to work. It was nice meeting you, Selena and Santina. I promise you’re in good hands here.”

Selena glances around the building with wide eyes. I try to imagine what she’s thinking. When building Crossroads, Caitlin spared no expense when designing an impenetrable haven for victims of domestic abuse and assault. Caitlin purchased a decaying apartment building with the money she inherited fromher grandmother. She then poured funds into renovating each apartment to ensure the residents' comfort and safety. She enclosed the complex behind massive walls topped with the best security money could buy. Diablo Security, run by Smoke and Byte from the Demon Dawgs, handled the security. The complex is as impenetrable as the Demon Dawgs' clubhouse.

The formidable woman guarding the reception desk inside the guardhouse takes our information before passing us through the metal door into a room where Caitlin and Kingsley stand waiting. With them is a woman holding a baby. When the woman turns around, I recognize her.

“Angelica? I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” I say as I stroke the sleeping baby’s head.

Angelica smiles at me, but then her eyes pass over me to Selena and Santina.

“Selena!” Angelica enthusiastically greets her. The two rapidly speak to each other in Spanish as they both admire the other’s offspring.

When the two women slow down and turn to beam at us, Kingsley questions them. After a short discussion, Kingsley turns back to Caitlin and me.

“I take it they know each other?” Caitlin asks with a smirk.

“They’re both from Santa Ana. Selena trained Angelica at the ice cream shop where they both worked. They hadn’t seen each other since Selena left the shop and moved away.”

“So, they know each other? This could be helpful. Ranch said you gave the last apartment to Angelica. Do you think maybe they could share the apartment? That is if they are willing?”

“I don’t see why not,” Caitlin says, turning to Kingsley. “Can you tell them the situation and ask if they’d be willing to share?”

“Of course,” Kingsley says, turning to the two women. Angelica and Selena speak rapidly after Kingsley explains. Angelica looks at Selena and nods imploringly. Selena places herhand on Santina before turning back to Kingsley. She asks a few questions, and Kingsley responds. Selena looks unsure, and I’m worried she’s refusing the offer.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Selena is afraid she’ll be jeopardizing Angelica if they live together. She’s scared Santina’s father will find them and hurt Angelica and the baby.”

“Oh, I didn’t think,” Caitlin says. “They don’t know how safe Crossroads is. Of course. Kingsley, tell them they should have the tour before making a decision.”

Kingsley relays the message, and although Selena still frowns in doubt, she nods.

Caitlin begins the tour by explaining how the intake system works. Most seeking refuge would be brought to the compound by someone working for Crossroads. However, they also have an entrance that leads from the outside into the same reception area we passed through. Cameras monitor the outside. No one can get past the first gate without the code. However, even if someone gets past the first wall, a second wall blocks them from entering the compound. Whoever wants into the compound has to go through the guardhouse, and there is always a guard on duty.

Caitlin explains how secure Crossroads is as she presses her hand to the security plate beside the door leading into the compound. “Every entrance to the complex is monitored and secure. There are no blind spots, so no one can scale the wall or tunnel their way through. Even if someone gets past the first wall, they won’t make it past the second. The only entrance is through the guardhouse, and someone is on duty twenty-four/seven.”

I watch Angelica and Selena get their first look at Crossroads when we enter the compound. With the massive walls surrounding the space, one would expect it to feel like a prison,but Caitlin ensured this wasn’t the case. Green space surrounds the apartment complex. The garden boasts bushes, flowers, benches, ponds, and waterfalls. The gardens, rather than the walls, draw the eyes.

Caitlin kept the apartment complex's original footprint. A gravel path lined with bushes and flowerbeds leads through the complex and up to each unit. Trees provide added shade and depth. A clubhouse occupies the center spot. Inside, residents can share a meal with other residents or just hang out together. They have a large entertainment room for movie nights. Residents also have access to a sauna and a gym. Outside, there is a pool, tennis courts, and a playground. Several children are running around the playground, filling the air with laughter. Santina’s eyes stay riveted on the children. Her pretty little face is lit up with joy and hope.

“Mommy,” Santina says, pointing toward the playground.

“Yes, baby. We’ll play in a few minutes. Let’s see our new home first,” Selena says.

I share a relieved look with Caitlin and Kingsley. Selena calling this place home means she has decided to stay. She and her daughter are safe.

“Let’s show you to your new place,” Caitlin beams as she leads the way. “It’s a downstairs unit with three bedrooms. We’ve furnished it with the basics, but we’ll need to get you a bassinet or a crib. Which would you rather?”

Selena translates to Angelica as Caitlin unlocks the door. The apartment is bright and cheerful inside. Ceramic tile the color of sand covers the floor. Someone has placed bright throw rugs in the entryway, the kitchen, and the living area. Blue denim covers the deep cushions of the sofa, as are the chairs. A mounted television sits above the gas fireplace. Beautiful paintings of seascapes and meadows bring peace into the room. The kitchenis open to the family area and boasts updated appliances, including a dishwasher.

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