Page 37 of Ultimate Freedom

Then he got the call and the choice had been made for him.

Chapter Twenty-one

Charlie knew that Orville would be coming for him, and he knew why. Filled with disgust, he remembered the creepy vow in his eyes… the promise that he’d be back.

Charlie wasn’t stupid. Living with Beth had taught him many things. Any money-making scheme was a big deal. Beth had always said that Orville liked nothing better than money. As far as that asshole was concerned, Charlie could be useful and wouldn’t be able to fight back… the perfect meal ticket.

Scared to stay, yet terrified to leave the only real home he’d ever known, Charlie waited. He felt Demi’s tension relax and tried to let go of his own fear. Teddy had become a good friend, one he felt safe with and so he let himself roll with the flow. School had also become a favorite place to hang out. He loved learning, couldn’t sop up the lessons fast enough. In fact, his skills grew every day, and he began to feel like he belonged.

Most of his teachers seemed to understand that his being behind had never been his fault, and so they spent more time with him, giving him extra studies to work on. And he sucked it all up like a dried sponge thirsting for fluids.

During this time, everyone waited for Whit to arrive, and the day-to-day news hadn’t been great. All along the way, as if Mother Nature played games with the man, he’d been stuck in storms and held up by weather conditions. Sensing that Demi had been on pins and needles over Whit’s delay, Charlie picked up on her stress and knew his body’s tense reactions were feeding off of hers.

Finally, they got the call they’d been waiting for…. one that made Demi do a happy dance. Mrs. Stanch informed them that the DNA sample given by Mr. Blanchard had not been a match.Therefore, the government would continue processing Demi’s papers, and Charlie would remain with her.

“Charlie. It’s great news. Aren’t you excited?” Demi saw the fear on his face and questioned his reaction.

“Yeah, I’m glad. Of course, I am. Iwantto stay with you.”

“Phew, for a minute there I thought maybe you were sad. You know I want you too? And that Whit feels the same way? This is your home for as long as you like. Right?”

“Yeah.” Charlie said, his eyes down, staring at his feet. “I know that. I’m really glad, Demi. You can’t know what it means to me.”

“Except, I do know. And I know something isn’t right. You gotta tell me. Has that snake Orville come near you? Has he shown up here in Hyder?”

Charlie looked up; shock he couldn’t hide written all over his face. “Not yet. But you expect him too, don’t ya?”

“I do. From what I’ve heard about the prick, he’s not one to give up that easy.”

Charlie felt a ton of fear lift. He whispered words from behind the hands now covering his face. “I’ve been expecting him.”

“You have? Why haven’t you said anything?”

“I don’t want him to come near you. He’s evil, Demi. A disgusting devil. I figured to run away like my mom always did… but-but I don’t know how.” Tears poured as he blurted the truth from trembling lips.

Demi rushed him then, taking him in her arms and holding him close. She rocked them back and forth, shushing him the whole time. “Don’t you worry, my lad. If that prick comes anywhere near you I’ll sic Nito on him, so help me God. And if the little bastard isn’t around, I’ve got Harold’s old rifle, and it still works just fine.”

Charlie had never felt such a rush of love before. He clung to the woman who gave him such joy. “I love you, Demi.”

“Me too, Charlie. You’re mine now and no one will change that or hurt you as long as I’m alive. Now let’s make plans. We need to have the others in town help with this. I can’t be with you every minute. So, we’ll let the rest of Hyder know what we’re up against. That loser won’t get near you, and if he tries, we’ll be on him before he knows what hit him.”

***

The next day being Saturday, Charlie went with Demi to a few of the most active businesses in town like the bars, the garage, and the café and told the owners the same story. They even had a photo of Orville they found on Facebook to show everyone the man they needed to watch for.

“This is the loser who wants to take Charlie. He says he’s his father, but the government proved it to be a lie. Please, if you see the dude, let Sheriff Dawson know and contact me right away so I can keep Charlie safe. This man’s pure evil. Don’t take any chances.”

By the time they’d made their way to Norrie at the store, Dawson trailed them inside. He gestured for Demi and Norrie to follow him to the coffee area. Leaving Charlie to begin shoveling the snow outside, the three were soon in deep discussion.

Dawson took a sip from the large mug he kept there with his name on it, groaned with delight, and then opened the discussion. “I hear you’ve been going around town with a story about Orville. Good for you. I’ve come across some strong evidence he might have been the one who gave Beth the shit that killed her. One of the locals said he’d seen him in the bar talking with Beth the night she died. After he left, Beth bragged about getting high.”

“If you find enough proof, would it be considered manslaughter?” Demi spoke aloud, hoping he’d say yes.

“Up to the courts to decide, but I’d sure as hell arrest his ass and hope they find enough evidence to convict him.”

“Like maybe his fingerprints on the bag?” Demi was on a roll.

“Hey. Good call. Kinda wondered about that myself.”

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