Page 45 of Home Changes
Allison bit her lip, pushing off the wall the moment she heard the water start. The soft hum of the pipes and the patter of the shower brought a flicker of relief. It was a step in the right direction.
She rummaged through her drawers, frowning asshe tried to gauge Loretta’s size. Even with her lost weight, the woman was much lighter. Allison found a pair of drawstring leggings and the smallest T-shirt she owned. She added a sports bra and, thankfully, had a new package of underwear she could offer. Then she placed everything in a neat pile on the floor outside the bathroom door and popped back to her room to grab a pair of pink fluffy socks and an oversized hoodie. The way Loretta had shivered, it had probably been a long time since she’d been warm.
In the kitchen, she pulled out a container of the chicken rice soup she’d picked up from the diner. It was always made fresh, and it always hit the spot. While warming it in a saucepan, she slid a couple of slices of sourdough into the oven. As the bread began to crisp, she checked on the clothes. The door creaked open, and a hand reached out to grab the pile. Then the door clicked shut again.
Allison waited another twenty minutes before Loretta finally emerged. Her hair was damp, combed back, and she looked … less haunted, though exhaustion still hung around her like a storm cloud.
“I borrowed your comb,” she said quietly.
Allison waved her off. “Anything you need, you’ve got. Are you ready to eat something?”
Loretta nodded. “Yeah.”
She followed Allison into the kitchen, her movements sluggish, shoulders hunched. Allison handed her a steaming bowl of soup and two warm, thick slices of sourdough slathered with butter. The woman took a few careful bites, then leaned back, arms wrapping around herself again.
“I don’t think I can eat much more.”
“That’s okay,” Allison said gently. “You’ve got time to ease into it. How about I get you a blanket? You can sit on the couch and rest. We can talk a little later.”
Loretta nodded, and when she stood, she wobbled. Allison rushed forward, catching her before she could fall.
“Whoa there. Come on, let’s get you comfy.” She guided her to the couch and returned with a thick, soft blanket. Kneeling in front of her, Allison tucked the blanket over her legs. “Listen,” she said, meeting Loretta’s eyes. “I’m fine with you staying here. I’m fine with feeding you and keeping you warm. But I really think Dr. Johnson needs to take a look at you. Those bruises … you’ve been through something. And you nearly passed out just now.”
“I don’t wanna cause any trouble,” Loretta whispered.
“It’s no trouble, I promise you. And while we’re at it, we could maybe let Ken, the sheriff, know you’re here.”
“No.” The word cut through the air, sharp and sudden. Loretta bolted upright, nearly knocking Allison back. “No police. No police whatsoever.”
Allison raised her hands, palms out. “Okay. Totally cool. No police. No Ken. I get it.”
Loretta was shaking, her eyes wide and filled with panic. Tears welled up and rolled down her cheeks. “I haven’t done anything wrong,” she said again, her voice cracking. “I haven’t done anything illegal. I haven’t hurt anyone.”
“I believe you,” Allison said softly, stepping closer. “And we’re not going to call anyone unless you want us to. But I’d still like Doc Johnson to take a look at you. I’m worried about you, Loretta.”
Loretta’s arms hung at her sides, one awkwardly crooked, and Allison wondered if her shoulder was hurt.
“Can I just sleep?” she whispered. “Just sleep without shivering, without worrying that I’m gonna be found?”
“You’re safe here,” Allison said firmly, pointing toward the couch. “Do you want a pillow?”
“No. I just wanna lie down.”
“Then lie down. When you wake up, we’ll talk more. We’ll go at your pace. Okay?”
Loretta nodded, curled onto the couch, facing the back cushions, and pulled the blanket up to her shoulders. Within moments, her breathing slowed, and soft snores filled the quiet apartment.
Allison stood there for a long while, watching her sleep. Then she turned and made her way into the kitchen. Before she could start clearing away the dishes, she reached for her phone and typed out a quick message.
Could you come up to my apartment when you get to town?
I have a window we can see Chester through.
She hit send, knowing Seth would come.
Something told her this woman was in a hell of a lot of trouble.
CHAPTER 15
