Page 152 of Unraveling Rain
Mama sobs. “Oh, my sweet child. How did you go through all that without me?”
I rush to hug her, holding her close.
“With all due respect, Joss,” Xanders says gently, “the last thing Rain needs is guilt. She was barely an adult. She and River did what they thought was best. All we can do is support her in any way we can.”
Everyone nods.
I glance at Xander, and he winks.
Granny stands and pulls me into a hug. I melt into her touch, the way I used to as a child.
River and Miles are talking quietly—I can’t tell if they’re processing or plotting. Either way, I won’t change my mind.
Gio leans toward Xander and says, “If Rain needs a lawyer, let me know. I can hire the best civil tort lawyer in the country. Just say the word.”
Xander nods. “Yes, please. Put us in touch, but I’ll cover the fees. I appreciate it, though.”
Gio nods and excuses himself, phone already in hand.
“Can we go with you to the police?” River asks. Miles nods in agreement.
I look to Xander. He gives me a soft smile. “Whatever you want to do, we do. I’m coming with you no matter what.”
I nod, and Granny returns to her seat, patting Mama’s shoulder on her way past.
Mama’s still in shock.
Fuck this asshole. This is the last thing I ever wanted to put her through. First, she lost her husband, then almost lost a daughter. And now this? Dennis needs to pay for everything he’s done—to me and my family.
“Yeah,” I say, turning to River. “I think it’d be good for you to give a statement. You’re a witness.”
River presses his hands together in thanks, and everyone gets up from the table.
“You guys go,” Ruin says as she pulls me into a hug. “I’ll clean up and stay with Mama and Granny.”
“Thank you, sis,” I whisper. She hugs me tighter.
After saying goodbye to Mama and Granny, we head for the door—River and Miles hot on our heels.
As it closes, I hear Mama ask, “Where are the babies? I need a recharge after this.”
I smile, my heart aching and full.
My family’s got my back.
And I’m ready for what’s to come.
Chapter 37
Xander
We took Gio’s helicopter this morning to Raleigh, after Rain filed the report at the Azalea Creek police station. Chief Whitaker was great from the moment we walked in.
I guess the MacAllisters really are royalty in town.
Once Rain explained why we were there, he handled the report himself. River’s statementhelped too.
Now they have to contact Dennis and corroborate Rain’s claims before they can press charges. Since he lives out of state, it could take a while.
