Page 20 of Evidence of Deceit

Mark broke in and said, “I hate to leave the party just as it’s getting good, but I need to get to work.” He turned to Sam. “Man, things always get interesting just as I have to leave. You’ll fill me in later?”

Sam nodded. He bent over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left.

“Okay, then, let’s take this into the living room,” said Sam as she led the way. Claire followed, Joe right behind them, his mind filled with questions and threats. If Claire was the abused woman, whoever abused her was in a shitload of trouble.

“Joey. Joe, I’m sorry this was sprung on you. I had no idea you were the person Sam said would be guarding me until a few minutes ago.” Claire had settled into a comfy chair and was staring intently at him.

“Claire, you are the last person I expected to hear was abused.” He let out a tortured groan. “Give me a minute to process this.”

“While you’re processing,” said Sam, “I’ll fill you in on what’s going on.”

Sam started by telling him what happened. Joe knew for sure he wasn’t processing half of what she said. The quote from the movieCasablancakept repeating in his mind, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”

All he got from Sam’s voice in the background was that Claire was running, abused and needed help. His Claire. The girl who had saved his life. The love of his life.

“Joe?”

He turned toward Sam, who looked at him curiously. “Are you going to be okay guarding Claire?” she asked.

Oh, hell, yes. “There’s no problem.”

Claire slumped with relief.

Joe looked at her and shook his head.

Was she upset with him? His heart was pounding, as she rubbed her hands on her shorts, and stared into space,

“Claire,” he said. “I’m so angry about this.” Her face was flushed, and he knew she was trying to keep herself composed. He hoped she also knew that he wasn’t angry at her. “I don’t know how to respond. I want to beat the shit out of your husband until he understands hurting women is not okay,” he said in a soft voice. A voice he hoped she knew held a world of pain for whoever tried to hurt her.

“Humph,” said Claire. “Me too.”

“Okay, you two. The plan right now is that Joe will stay here with you until Mark or I get home. Is that all right with you, Claire?” Sam tipped her head, waiting for her acknowledgment.

Claire nodded.

“Great. I have to go to work.” Sam slapped her thighs and stood. “You two get reacquainted. Either Mark or I will be here later.” Sam gathered her purse and left.

Joe held Claire’s gaze for a minute. Emotions he couldn’t identify flitted through her eyes. Then he let out a heavy sigh. “Claire.”

“What?”

“Let’s make something to eat, and then we can catch up. I’m sure this is uncomfortable for you but tell me whatever you can. I know Sam skimmed over the surface of what’s going on.”

He stood, put out his hand to her and pulled her up. “Believe me when I tell you nobody is going to hurt you again.”

She gave him a small smile. Joe promised himself that Keith or anyone would be in a world of pain if Claire was hurt again.

Chapter Eleven

Claire thought it would be awkward being with Joe, but she was wrong.

She sat at the small table and watched Joe as he moved around the kitchen. A scene that she sure wasn’t familiar with since Keith hardly ever stepped foot in the kitchen. The sun flashed in and out as it went behind clouds and peeked out again. The rays bounced off the frying pan and highlighted Joe’s back.

He was gorgeous. All muscle and sinew. Sex on a stick.

Stop.You’re off men—forever. Remember?Claire remembered all right. But still.

“Claire. Claire?”

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