Page 40 of Brought to Light

Sawyer leaned in, his honey-brown eyes searching mine. “Shoot.”

“It’s about a patient of mine. And something Alex and I found in the forest.” My voice wavered. “I... I think there’s abuse going on here in town, Sawyer. And I can’t just sit back and do nothing about it.”

The playfulness in his expression ebbed away, replaced by a current of concern that matched the gravity in my words. “Hannah, that’s heavy.”

“I know,” I admitted, a shudder running through me. “But I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to report it.”

“Good for you.” Sawyer’s approval washed over me like a wave of warmth. “And you know I’ve got your back, right? Whatever you need.”

“Thanks,” I whispered, my throat tight. His reassurance was the buoy I needed to keep from drowning in doubt. “I’m scared, though. This could stir up some trouble, and I don’t want to drag you into—“

“Hey, stop that.” He cut me off, his voice firm like the unwavering shoreline. “Trouble or not, you’re doing the right thing. Besides, I’ve never played it safe. I can handle you, Hannah Wilson.”

A laugh escaped me, short but genuine, as I nodded. The anchor on his forearm caught my eye—a symbol of steadfastness amidst life’s tempests.

“Plus,” Sawyer continued, his gaze locking with mine, “you’ve got more guts than anyone I know. You’re like a damn lighthouse, guiding us all to do better.”

“Guess we’ll find out if I can weather the storm,” I said, unsure.

* * *

Back at home, the click of my phone against the kitchen counter sounded like a gunshot in the stillness.

“Jesus, Hannah, get it together,” I muttered to myself, scrubbing a hand over my face. The house felt too quiet, suffocating almost, as if the walls were closing in on the decision I was about to make. I could feel the weight of the town’s unseeing eyes on me, their whispers like the distant crash of waves—inescapable, constant.

“Okay, okay,” I coached myself, reaching for the phone again. My fingers trembled as I dialed Theo’s number. Each ring was a lurch in my stomach, a tightening of the invisible noose of consequence that seemed to hang around my neck.

“Baldwin,” a voice finally answered, gruff and steady as the tide.

“Hey, Theo, it’s Hannah. Hannah Wilson.” My voice came out steadier than I felt. “I need to talk to you about something important. Something... well, I think there might be an animal abuse situation here in town.”

“Abuse?” His tone sharpened, all business now. “You have evidence?”

“Enough to raise concern. Can we meet? I’d rather discuss this in person.”

“Tomorrow morning, ten o’clock, at the station?”

“Perfect. Thank you, Theo.”

“Of course. See you tomorrow, Hannah.”

The line went dead, leaving me clutching the phone like a lifeline. I let out a breath and sank down onto a stool. My gaze found the ocean through the window, its surface deceptively calm. The reflection of sunlight danced across the water, fragmented, as though even the sea couldn’t hold itself together.

“Fuck,” I whispered, releasing the pent-up fear in one succinct expletive.

“Talking to yourself now?” Sawyer’s voice startled me from behind, his presence in my kitchen both unnerving and comforting.

“Making decisions,” I corrected him, offering a shaky smile. “Theo agreed to meet tomorrow.”

“Good.” He leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, the anchor tattoo peeking out from under his rolled-up sleeve. “You don’t have to do this next part alone either. I’ll be there.”

“Like my own personal bodyguard?” I teased, pushing back the dread with weak humor.

“More like your badass sidekick.” His grin was cocky, but his eyes held a serious glint. “Someone’s gotta watch your six.”

“Right. Because reporting animal abuse is just like being in an action movie,” I retorted, but the warmth in my chest at his words was undeniable.

“Exactly.” He winked. “And every hero needs their trusty...what are you, anyway? A concerned citizen? A whistleblower?”

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