Page 29 of Further To Fall

When the door to the office shut, I slumped back on the couch and looked up at the two police officers that remained. “What now?”

Officer Clark, a kind, middle-aged gentleman, leaned forward and patted the hand resting on my knee. “Now, we get your statement and then let you go home. I want you to know that Joe has already been picked up and is currently being processed. Based on everything the kid said, his mom will probably be given custody back by the beginning of next week. Another officer took her statement earlier today, and she’s beside herself. Sounds like she knew her husband was a jerk but had no idea he’d turned abusive. She’s been an American citizen for over six years, so not sure what the dad threatening to send her back to Mexico was all about. He probably just said it to scare Michael.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples, trying to get a little relief from the raging headache that had come on sometime after lunch. Doing my best to press on, I recounted everything I could think of to the police. When I finished, both officers thanked me and gave me their cards, telling me not to hesitate to reach out if I had any questions. Then they left, and I was alone.

It was already 6 p.m., later than I almost ever stayed. I bent down to pick up my bag and was immediately lightheaded when I rose. I leaned against the wall, realizing I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. Crud. All I wanted was a hot bath and a warm meal and someone to drive me to both.

I pushed open the office door, and my eyes widened. Sitting on the bench opposite the door was Austin. My soul seemed to sigh at the sight of him. Decked out in workout pants and a hoodie, he rose and prowled toward me. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

He grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me into his chest. “You were supposed to meet me at the gym at five. When you didn’t show and weren’t answering your cell, I freaked and drove over here. Joanne told me you had to report a case of abuse and were in with the police. So, I just waited. I’m so sorry, baby.”

I sighed into his chest and then inhaled the scent of clean laundry, spice, and Austin. Something about that smell just calmed me. “It was awful, A. I can’t even talk about it because I’m all talked out, but it was awful.”

“Come on, I’ll drive you home.”

“You can’t, my car’s here,” I groaned.

“Yes, I can. Just leave your car here for the weekend, and I’ll bring you to work on Monday. Do you need it for anything this weekend?”

“I guess I don’t. But you’ll have to chauffeur me around if I decide I need to go anywhere.”

He massaged the back of my neck and pointed me towards the exit. “I’ll even take you to In-N-Out on the way home.”

I smiled a faint smile, my first of the day. “You are a god among men.”

“I know I am.”

I spentthe weekend soothing my soul with Ben & Jerry’s and mindless television. Austin kept me company through most of it too, not pushing me to talk about anything but just lending me his silent support. Monday morning had arrived far too soon, and Austin was now driving me to school. “You ready for this?” he asked.

I blew out a breath. “Ready as I’ll ever be. The social worker called me last night and told me that Michael is back with his mom. They were granted an order of protection against Joe, so that’s good.”

“That’s real good, baby.”

What was with thisbabystuff? “Baby” was way worse than “babe,” and it had me wondering if just maybe Austin was getting ready to take us out of the friend zone. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but I couldn’t help longing for more. Things were so effortless with us. I knew taking things to the next level might complicate things in the beginning, but I had no doubt we could end up in an amazing place.

Austin swung his car into a spot by the front of the school. “Want me to walk you in?”

I grinned at him. “No, I’ll be fine.” So overprotective.

“Okay, I have a late training session tonight, but I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow it is.” I swung out of the car but leaned back down. “And thanks again. For everything.”

“Anything for you.”

I pushed the door shut and watched Austin pull away. As I made my way toward the school, I remembered that I had left my travel mug of stale coffee in my car over the weekend. I needed to grab that to rinse it out. I turned around and headed back towards the parking lot. Just before I reached my car, I heard, “Excuse me, do you know where I can find a Miss McCarthy?”

I turned and saw a large man who looked as if he hadn’t showered or slept in days. His clothing was rumpled, and his eyes were bloodshot. I looked around at the mostly empty parking lot, suddenly uneasy. “Um, yes, I’m Miss McCarthy.”

The man’s gaze darkened, and I took a step back. “You fucking bitch!” His hands struck out faster than I thought possible and grasped my throat. I clawed desperately at his arms, trying to loosen his hold. Panic was rising fast. I couldn’t breathe, I could barely think, and then, my vision started to go black.

15

Austin

As I sat going over my training plan with Mel in his office, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Carter’s face flashing on the screen. “Hold on a sec, Mel, it’s Carter calling, and she’s supposed to be teaching right now.”

A knowing smile spread over Mel’s face. “Go ahead and take it, son. Tell her I said hello.”

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