Page 27 of The Secrets We Keep

"Wow! What a jerk,” with a wave of her hand, “sorry you were saying."

I continue to tell her how he grabbed me and made threats to end me and that is why I ran and changed my name. I finished up with Sarah finding me and that it was Landon who led her to me. Surprisingly I have held it together and not broken down.

"Holy shit Evie. Is this why he stopped seeing you?"

I nod. it's the only explanation I can come up with.

"I think so. He's tried to apologize and wants to explain, but really Jessy what is there to explain?" I shrug my shoulders and pick up my glass, taking a long sip.

"I might be the odd man, but I think you need to hear Landon out. He loves you. I know it. The way he looks at you. I would at least hear what he has to say. Besides, it sounds like you have something to confess too.” Jessy says looking me in the eyes. She's serious, her lips are drawn in a thin line. I need more wine, taking another sip and swallowing before speaking.

“I don't know Jessy. I'm most likely going to be moving, it's probably pointless."

"What?!" Jessy shrieks in response, causing me to jump. "No way! You are not leaving me. Not because some dickwad can't keep his pecker in his pants."

"You don't understand Jess. He threatened to kill me or have one of his rich tycoons capture me. I can't risk him coming here again."

Jessy stands and tells me it'll be okay and that we will hand Chet his balls. Then walks off. I laugh deeply. We both do. Jessy comes back with the bottle of wine.

"We are going to the police." She tells me matter of factly. Is she crazy? I go to protest but she holds a hand up.

"No Evie, if you don't go, I'll go without you. I will." She gives me the eyebrow and I know she is dead serious. I sag, not sure I can continue eating.

&n

bsp; "I'm scared Jessy." As soon as the words leave my mouth I feel as though a weight has been lifted slightly even if not for long. I feel it. I’ve never told a soul about Chet.

"Girl, that's okay. Fear is rational. You up and running to hide is not. You will come stay with me while we get this sorted." Jessy's voice is stern. I know she won’t take no for an answer.

"Did you call me Jess a minute ago?" Jessy asks before taking a sip of wine.

I replay our conversation in my head then say, "Ya.. um… I guess I did." Shoot I hope I didn't piss her off.

Jessy laughs, “See, you gave me a nickname. That means I'm your bestie and you can't leave me now." She’s all cheerful like I didn't just dump a load of shit at her feet. We both look at each other and burst into laughter. Boy I am glad Jessy weaseled her way into my life.

Chapter 14

Jessy picks me up the next morning to take me to the police station to file a report. I told her I could drive myself, but of course she didn't believe I would follow through with it. Deep down part of me believes I would have chickened out too. I don't tell Jessy this though. Jessy packed sunglasses and a beanie for me. To hide my identity she claims. I will admit, she thinks of everything.

I phoned Sam last night and told him I would be in after my morning appointment. His only response was “Okay Evie." I'm not sure how to take him sometimes, but one thing I like about him is that he doesn't pry information out of me.

We meet with a female officer, Kate Velle. She’s pretty, yet looks like she can kick some ass. Long black hair, straight as can be. She’s tall and fit. I have no doubt she does her job well. Her expression is intimidating as I replay that night and finish up with Chet showing up at my place. By the time I’m finished with my story, she looks pissed. Officer Velle reassured me several times that I've done the right thing by reporting what happened. If only I could feel that way. Jessy told her I would be moving in with her until this matter was taken care of. I went to argue but Officer Velle stopped me mid sentence and told me Jessy was right.

"See Evie. That wasn't so bad." Jessy says, handing me the sunglasses as we walk out of the station. I feel clammy and mentally drained.

"Hey, Earth to Evie." Jessy brings me out of my thoughts. "You're going to be okay."

"Sorry Jess, I was just thinking of everything that just happened."

"It's okay, you've got this. I'll drop you at S1 and then I'm gonna go back and pack up your place."

"Jessy, you don't have..." I go to argue but she quickly holds a hand up,

"Don't bother." Her reply is sarcastic, just like the smile on her face. Damn her.

The car ride to work is short and quiet. Just what I needed. Time to think and then overthink.

The rest of my day was filled with distractions. I had yesterday's work plus todays to catch up on. I gave Sam a short recap of my current situation because I felt it was best he knew in case Chet made an unwelcome appearance. He was very understanding about it all. He told me he wasn't going to dock my pay for yesterday and that right there sent me over the edge. The dam that had been barely keeping the tears at bay, burst. I cried for a good fifteen minutes. Sam ended up handing me tissues and walking out. I assume that was because he didn't know what to do with a girl crying.

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