Page 66 of Saved By Love at Christmas
This Christmas was going to be wonderful, spent with the people I loved most in the world. We’d debated whether to have turkey again or something different this year, but we all decided it wouldn’t be Christmas without it. It was the only time of year I ate turkey, so I was happy.
Ben and I had started looking for bits and pieces for the refurb on his home. The first thing we’d sourced was the bath. Neither of us could wait until the bathroom was complete so we could give it atest run.It was going to take time, but I knew it would be amazing when it was finally finished.
There had been no sighting of Jamie since I gave my statement, but we kept in touch with the officer assigned to the case. I didn’t know how I felt about that. On one hand, I was relieved he didn’t appear to be hanging around, but it still left me feeling a little vulnerable not knowing where he was. That sensation wouldn’t go away until he’d been apprehended. And I knew Jamie well enough to know this wasn’t over.
After paying for my mid-morning snack, I headed out to do a little shopping. Ben was only working until two and coming over to Grandad’s straight after work. We were going to look for paint and fixtures for his bathroom. Work would start on it in early January, so we needed to get going.
Once I’d got what I needed for the evening meal and stocking fillers for all five of us—yes, Fred was included too—I decided to take the river path back home. It was a sunny winter’s day, and the tide was in. Several water birds bobbed on the water, along with the boats moored there. I took in a deep breath and blew it out. I could do this walk with my eyes shut.
It was unusually quiet along the path. Especially now the kids had broken up for the holidays. It was normally busy with families and dog walkers. A shiver ran through me, and not from the cold. The hairs at the nape of my neck prickled with warning. I got the impression I was being watched. Turning around, I couldn’t see anyone close to me. I shrugged and carried on walking. When I reached the wooded area close to Grandad’s house, I heard movement from the trees.
“Who’s there?” I called out. “If that’s you, Jamie, stop playing games and hand yourself in to the police. They know all about what you’ve done.”
Everything went still, and I couldn’t stop my gasp when he appeared from behind a group of trees. His eyes seemed angrier than ever, and the tell-tale sign of his nostrils flaring filled me with fear. Jamie wasn’t as smart as he usually looked. He had stubble on his chin, his hair looked greasy, and his clothing was dishevelled, like he hadn’t changed in a few days. I reached for my phone when he began to stride towards me. My hands were shaking so much as I attempted to open my phone. I went for the first number on my call list. Ben. I hit the call button, holding the phone to my ear. There was noise up ahead and a family came into view with a dog. Jamie ran in the opposite direction.
“Hey, beautiful. I’m just leaving the surgery.”
I watched the direction Jamie had run to. My hands shook, my heart thundering inside my chest. I was worried that I might black out and tried to practice my breathing exercises. The family was now past me and going the same way he had. My tears started to fall. My feet felt stuck to the path. I was only five minutes from home, but I was rooted to the spot.
“Rubes, what’s wrong? Where are you?”
I heard him get into his car and start the engine. He had handsfree, so I spoke.
“Jamie… I’ve just seen Jamie.” My teeth chattered as I tried to get the words out.
“Is he still there?”
My feet started to move, and I ran towards the safety of home.
“No. People came past, and he ran away. I’m almost home.”
“How far away from the cottage are you?” His tone was full of concern.
“It’s in sight.” I ran harder, launched myself at the door, and almost broke it down in my rush to get in.
Poor Grandad emerged from the kitchen with a shocked expression. His brows were furrowed, eyes wide with surprise.
“I’m in. I’m safe, Ben.”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Call the police.” He ended the call.
“Ruby, love. What’s happened?” Grandad shut the front door and herded me into the living room.
“I’ve just seen Jamie.” The last word came out on a sob.
“Where?”
“The woods near here. I’ll explain more in a minute. I need to inform Officer Lynch.” He was the officer in charge of my case.
It was fortunate that I had his direct number and he answered quickly. After explaining what had taken place, he said he’d be over shortly. I slumped onto the sofa, still wearing my coat and gloves and clutching my shopping bags. Grandad was just taking the bags out of my hands when Ben rushed through the door. His wild eyes stilled when he saw me, then warmed.
“I’ll leave these in the hall, love, and get the kettle on.”
When Grandad left the room, the floodgates opened, and I cried. Ben managed to get my coat and gloves off me and hauled me onto his lap where I nestled into his neck. I could feel him shaking as he held me and whispered loving words.
“You scared me, Ruby.”
“I was scared too. His eyes, Ben. God, his eyes held so much rage. If that family hadn’t walked past…” I closed my eyes, attempting to erase terrifying thoughts of what he could’ve done to me.
