Page 166 of Hutch
“Then shut the fuck up and go get the fucking bleach.”
The guy doesn’t move and his head turns to me. I can barely see him, but I can see his head tilt down toward me. Maybe he’ll help me.
“Now!” Joseph screams and the guy all but runs up the stairs. I had a glimmer of hope for a second, but he’s not going to do anything but go buy bleach.
Joseph comes over and sits down beside of me. He’s oddly calm as he leans down and strokes my hair. You wouldn’t know he’d just screamed at a guy to go get bleach.
“My poor girl…why did you have to go and get a restraining order? Do you know the trouble you’ve caused me? I was asked to quietly withdraw from the draft until this situation resolved itself. Why did you do that, Daisy? Why ruin my dreams? All I did was call you and send you a birthday present. That’s all I did. I tried to explain it, but the NFL wouldn’t listen. They saw a restraining order for past violence and chucked me out until I resolved the situation. Do you understand how embarrassed I was?”
He’s so calm, it’s actually scary.
“Cat got your tongue, sweetness?” His thumb strokes my cheek. “I suppose I’d be quiet too if I were in your shoes. But let me tell you how I felt. In one moment, everything I’ve worked so hard for was threatened. All my dreams could go away because you couldn’t keep your fucking mouth shut. I was embarrassed, enraged, and hurt. Yes, yes, I was hurt. I thought you loved me. I love you.”
He doesn’t understand what love is.
“I’ve loved you for so long and this betrayal, it cut deep. We were supposed to be there at the draft together. I was going to be a first round pick with you next to me, smiling and sharing inall the glory. I’m a fucking Heismann winner. Oh, did I tell you that might go away to according to my coach if it can be proven I really did what you alleged? You and I both know those pictures will paint an unflattering picture of a misunderstanding.”
“Misunderstanding?” I whisper, the fear finally giving way to anger. “Misunderstanding? You almost killed me!” I wish my voice was stronger, but he’d punched me in the throat during the initial attack tonight and it’s swollen. I can whisper and that’s about it.
“If you hadn’t of tried to break up with me, then you never would have had to see this side of me. I treated you well, Daisy. Gave you anything you wanted and made sure you were always first when I was with you. It’s more than any woman could ask for and you go and backstab me. I can’t let that go. Your allegations could cost me my career.”
“You almost cost me my life.”
“Your actions have cost you your life this time around.” He turns my face up to look at him. “But it’s not going to be quick. You’re going to suffer because of how you mademesuffer. Do you understand?”
The calmness has fled from his eyes. They look crazed.
His fingers twine with mine.
“I wish you didn’t force my hand. We could have been so happy together.”
He pulls my hands to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.
“I will always love you, sweetness.”
Then he flips all my fingers back on one hand, forcing a scream out of me as I literally feel the bones break.
He stands.
“Remember, you caused me to do this.”
My biggest regret is not telling Hutch I love him. I tried so hard not to, but I do. And now I’ll never get to tell him. Because I’m going to die. Its written all over Joe’s face.
“Daisy!” he barks and I look at him, the crazed, insane expression still there.
“Good girl,” he says and then he starts to kick me everywhere. It’s not long before darkness overcomes me as a glancing kick to my head robs me of consciousness.
CHAPTER 41
Hutch
Mom madecoffee and shoved a cup of it at me. It’s a little sweeter than I like, but she’s trying to make sure I have enough sugar in me to help stave off shock. That’s my best guess at least. Barry, Gloria, and Cherese have set up shop in Mom’s living room while Collin, Dylan, and myself are at the kitchen table. I was pacing earlier, but Dylan forced me to sit and drink some coffee. He said I was making him dizzy. I probably was. Hell, I feel dizzy myself right now.
All I can see is what my imagination is forcing on me. I keep thinking of those texts and voicemails. What he promised to do to her. Is she even still alive?
“Hutch?”
I look up to see Barry standing to the left of us.
