Page 16 of Evidence of Deceit

“Sam,” said Penny. “Come in.” She peeked her head out to look up and down the block.

“No one followed me,” said Sam as she walked into the shelter.

“I’m sure, but it’s a habit,” said Penny.

Penny relocked the door and turned to her, confusion on her face. “I was surprised to hear from you. You’re not scheduled to be here for another week.”

“I know. I have a problem. Can we discuss this in your office?”

“Of course.” Penny led her down the long hallway. Kids were laughing and playing, and a couple of the moms came out to say hello. They came to a small room, and Penny pulled out a chair for Sam.

“So. What’s up?”

“I believe you have a woman staying here who is a relative of Mark’s.”

“And?”

Penny was good.Sam had to give her credit for that. “And she was staying with him, us. However, her husband suspects she was staying there. She left to protect us. If she’s here, I would like very much to speak to her.”

Penny sat back in her chair and steepled her hands. “Does she want to speak to you?”

“I hope so. I want to convince her to come back to the house.”

Penny looked at her suspiciously. “How do you know this woman wants to leave here?”

“I don’t, but I would like the opportunity to talk to her and convince her we can protect her.”

Silence.

“Her name?”

Penny wasn’t making it easy to talk to Claire, and Sam appreciated how she defended her clients and wouldn’t give out their names even though she knew Sam reasonably well.

Sam told her Claire’s name. Penny stood and said, “I will ask her if she wants to speak with you. You understand there are no guarantees she will. Will you promise me not to make a scene if she doesn’t want to leave?”

“Yes.”

Penny walked out, and Sam heard her footsteps going up the stairs, then murmuring of voices in the room above her.

A few minutes later, Sam heard a door close and the two women talking low as they came down the hall. Claire trudged into the room with Penny trailing her.

Sam stood and walked over to Claire and hugged her. “Thanks for hearing me out.”

Penny asked Claire if she would be all right alone. Claire nodded, and Penny left, closing the door behind her.

Claire sat with her hands folded on her lap, her head down. “I’m so sorry to bring my troubles to you and Mark. I came to Florida because I needed a break to get my head together. I never expected it to go this way.”

“Claire. Look at me.”

Claire looked up. It hurt Sam to see the pain in Claire’s eyes. She took Claire’s hand in hers. “We’re not sorry you came to Mark’s house. We’re glad you did. But we are sorry that you didn’t trust us enough to keep you safe.”

Claire rubbed her brow. “You don’t know Keith. He’s a powerful man and always gets what he wants, even if it’s underhanded. He’s ruined lives. I don’t want him to ruin yours.”

“As if.” Claire had no idea what KnightGuard Security could do to scum like Keith. “I have the means to destroy him, and he wouldn’t even know who did it. But that’s not the point; we want to help you. Protection is my business. KnightGuard Security can protect you and help you get on with your life. We would love to have you come back to the house and let us put together a plan so that you’re free from Keith forever.”

“I…” Claire faltered; a tear slipped down her cheek. “I don’t know.” She twisted a tissue in her hands, took a deep breath. Exhaled. “Don’t think I haven’t asked for help before. I’m not that stupid. However, anyone who helps me gets hurt. I’m so afraid that’s what will happen to you.”

She sat back in the chair, wringing her hands. “Most importantly, I can’t, won’t go back to Keith. I’ve suffered enough abuse, and now it’s time for me to stand up on my own.”

---