Page 28 of Ranch's Resolve

Tanya considers my question before responding. “I can admit that the first time Ghost replied ‘club business’ when I asked him a question gave me pause. I took a step back to think. That term pissed me off and made me think he was hiding something from me. Hell, he was. Ghost saw my reaction and explained why he couldn’t answer my question. He said part of the reason was to protect me. What I didn’t know about their business couldn’t be used to hurt me. He gave me an example scenario. But he also said that I wasn’t the only one he was protecting. He couldn’t tell me club business because he needed to protect his brothers.”

I slowly nod as I consider her words. They make sense, but still. How can someone accept that the person they care about most is keeping secrets? Not just small secrets, but big, dangerous ones?

Before I can press this point, Tanya continues. “Ghost’s explanation helped, but it didn’t solve all my concerns. I spoke with the other Old Ladies. I talked to Tally, Evie, Caitlin, and Kingsley. All but Tally said it didn’t bother them. Kingsley was used to keeping club secrets and having the club keep secrets from her, so she never questioned Grimm having secrets he couldn’t share with her. Tally was the only one who struggled. She admitted that knowing Dante had secrets he wouldn’t share with her almost ended their relationship. She couldn’t accept his explanations. She admitted that she had struggled until Evie offered her a different perspective. She pointed out that Tally had to maintain the confidentiality of her patients just like Evie had to maintain the same for her clients. Evie suggested that Tally view the stance of ‘club business’ as being along the same lines. That’s what helped me cope. That and the fact I trust Ghost to always do the right thing, even if it isn’t always legal.”

I sit back, stunned by her words. Could it be that simple? It doesn’t change the fact that their secrets could be tied to criminal activity. It’s more likely that they are. However, it comes down to trust. Do I trust Ranch to always do the right thing, even if it isn’t always the legal thing to do? That’s what I need to consider.

“That sounds lovely. Do you still struggle with being alone?”

“A little, but not as much. I’m hardly ever alone. Until the guys find Jordan, Ghost ensures a prospect is watching me. Today, it is Izzy. However, we’re heading to Master Wen’s for self-defense training today. That helps, too, the training. It makes me feel strong and able to protect myself.”

“That’s good.”

A commotion in the waiting room draws our attention. Rising, Tanya and I rush out to find Raven holding a distraught Georgie.

“Georgie? What’s wrong?”

“Dr. Stokes. I don’t know what to do. I think I’m going to be arrested.”

“Why would you think that?”

“He was shot. Someone shot him.”

“Who got shot?” Izzy asks.

“Robert Harden. Someone shot him last night outside the building where we worked. Outside the building where he raped me. Now the police are going to think I killed him. What am I going to do?” She’s crying so hard her breath is coming out in gasps.

“Georgie, take a deep breath. Look at me, sweetie, that’s it. Now breathe with me.” I keep my eyes locked with hers as I take a deep breath, hold it, and then release it. “There you go, let’s do that again.” I repeat the process with her until her breathing evens out and the panic leaves her eyes. Once she’s breathing normally and appears calmer, I guide her to the couch. “Okay, sit down. Let me get you some water.”

“Here,” Raven says, handing me a bottle. I crack the seal and give it to Georgie.

She takes a large swallow and chokes, so I lower the bottle and stare at her to get her attention. “Slowly. Small sips. Come on, honey, you can do it.”

Georgie takes a small sip and then another. She closes her eyes briefly before opening them to stare at me.

“I saw on the news that Robert Harding was dead. Why do you think the police will believe you did it?”

“Because I filed a complaint against him yesterday after I left here.”

“You did?” I ask in surprise.

“Not right after, but later in the day. I went home after our session and felt really good after sharing the details of what happened to me. I felt stronger and in control. But I was also angry. Angry at myself for hiding away and letting myself be a victim. I was angry at him for turning me into one. I decided I wouldn’t let him get away with it. He attacked me. He deserved to pay for it.” She sobs once before continuing. “I had saved my clothes from that day and put them in a plastic bag. Then, I marched down to the police station and filed the report. They took the clothes into evidence and took my statement. I went home feeling so proud of myself, but then I saw it on the news. Someone shot him. They’re going to think I did it.”

“Okay, let’s not panic,” I say. “When did you go to the police?”

“I was there from three to four-thirty. He was shot at six-thirty.”

“Where did you go after you left the police station?”

“Home. I had dinner and a glass of wine. I fell asleep on the couch and woke up to see the news report. What am I going to do?” She ends with a wail, and I can see she’s working herself into another panic attack.

“First, you aren’t going to panic. You aren’t alone in this. The police aren’t going to arrest you because they don’t have evidence against you. You didn’t do it. They may question you, so you will likely need a lawyer.”

“Evie will do it,” Tanya says. “She’s the best lawyer you can get. I’ll call her and see if she can meet with us. Athena is right. The police may want to talk to you.”

Tanya steps away and makes a call. A few minutes later, she’s back. “Evie said she can meet with you. How about Izzy and I take you over to her office?”

“Let’s drive by your apartment first,” Izzy suggests. “I want to check the security on your apartment building. We might be able to prove you never left your apartment.”

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