Cheryl Tardif - Submerged

She smiled. “Sometimes that’s how fast it happens.”

There was a long pause.

“How have you been, Marcus?”

“I think I should be the one asking you that question. You look better.”

“I look like crap.”

He leaned over her, examining her face. When he touched the small scar on her chin, she flinched. She’d been self-conscious about the scar for so long—not because of what it looked like but what it represented.

“Childhood accident?” he asked.

“Not exactly.”

“Your husband?”

She nodded, and he opened his mouth as if to say something, but then shut it quickly.

“He hasn’t… hit me in a long time.”

The muscle in Marcus’s jaw twitched. “He shouldn’t have hit you at all.”

“I know.”

“Did you report him?”

She shook her head. “I couldn’t. The kids…”

“He needs to know it’s not right to hit a woman. Or anyone for that matter.”

“You’re right. I know that. But I had to give him a second chance. For Ella and Colton’s sake.”

He sighed. “I guess I understand second chances better than anyone.”

“After the last time Wesley hurt me, I let him know I wanted a divorce. I went to Carter, my lawyer, and told him everything. And we had hospital records to back up my story. When we met with Wesley, Carter told him I wouldn’t press charges if he’d agree to an amicable divorce. And he had to agree that I’d have sole custody of the kids.”

“That must not have gone over too well.”

“He didn’t like it. But he didn’t argue.”

“Possibly we’re all looking at this from the wrong point of view. Maybe it’s not about the money. Maybe it’s about the kids.”

“He’d never get custody of them, even if I died. Carter took care of that too. Kelly and Steve are named as guardians, and Wesley would have the same arrangement as he does now. He agreed to everything.”

“Otherwise you’d charge him for the abuse.”

“Yes. And there’s no way he’d give up his freedom to fight me in court. That’s why I don’t think he hired that guy to kill me.”

“It’s not the sole possible explanation. The police do have other suspects. But no one else has as strong a motive.”

“The money, you mean.”

“Who else would benefit from it besides Wesley?”

“No one.” She let out a soft groan. “I keep going over everything in my head. Nothing makes sense. I do not understand why someone would do this. What would they gain if they’d killed me?”

“Police think maybe it was supposed to be a message. For your husband.”

“ Ex -husband-to-be. And what message would that send exactly?”

Marcus shrugged. “Maybe that they could hurt him anytime, anywhere. Perhaps they meant to scare you. Scare him.”

“But the guy ran me off the road and into a river.”

“It could be that things went a bit too far.”

“But you still think this guy might come after me again.”

“Perhaps. We can’t rule that out.” He leaned forward. “Better to be safe than sorry, don’t you think?”

“What about when I go home? They may let me out tomorrow or the day after.”

“I’m sure they’ll have a police guard on your house.”

“The kids are going to stay with my sister. I haven’t told them yet.”

“Why won’t you stay there too?”

She shook her head. “I can’t take the chance that whoever did this won’t follow me there. I won’t put Kelly and her family in harm’s way.”

“So you’re going to stay in your house alone?”

“Kelly said she’ll stay with me. I don’t want her to. It’s too dangerous. And I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her.” She took a deep breath. “I wanted to know… if you would, uh… maybe consider… staying with me. For a few days, until they catch this guy. I could even pay you. Like a bodyguard.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “I’m thinking that’s not such a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not really the bodyguard type. I’m no hero.”

She cocked her head to one side and stared at him. “Really? You saved us already once.”

“That’s different.”

“How? You came after us when there was no one else who could. If it hadn’t been for you, we’d all be dead. You’re the perfect choice for one main reason.”

“What’s that?”

“I trust you, Marcus.” She saw doubt in his eyes. “With my life.”

“You shouldn’t. I have a bad habit of letting people—”

“Just say yes,” she cut in. “Please. I need to know I won’t be alone when I’m released from the hospital. And I need to tell Kelly I have someone else I can trust who’ll be with me.” She sighed. “I know it’s a lot to ask. I really do. But I have a feeling they’re going to catch this guy—soon. So maybe it’ll be a few days. Maybe a week.” She reached out and touched his hand. “Since you’re not working right now, you can’t tell me you’ve got better things to do.”

And she couldn’t tell him she was worried he’d relapse. Because of her. If he used again because of the stress of being suspended, she’d never forgive herself.

“You forget I have a dog,” came his mumbled reply. “Arizona.”

“I love dogs. Bring her along.”

“She’s not small.”

Rebecca smiled. “I have a big house, big backyard.”

They stared at each other.

Finally Marcus nodded. “If that’s what you want.”

“Yes.”

“Okay then.”

Grinning, she nudged her head in the direction of the locker. “My purse is in there. Can you get it for me?”

When he brought her purse to her, she rummaged around until she found her keys, a pen and a notebook. “I’ll write down my address for you. This key is for the front door. There should be a light on outside. It’s on a timer, so it should be on by the time you get there.”

“You want me to go today?”

She made a face. “Yeah. If that’s okay with you. I really need some clothes for me and the kids. I forgot to ask Kelly. Everything we have here is either ripped or bloody.”

Marcus’s face reddened. “And you want me to do it?”

“Yes. Whatever you can find in the kids’ rooms will do. And jeans and a shirt for me. They’re in my bedroom closet in a drawer. Um…bra and underwear,” she was blushing now, “in the drawer above it. And jackets from the front hallway.”

“You sure you don’t want to ask your sister?”

She shook her head.

When she didn’t offer an explanation, he nodded and said, “Ah, you’re afraid to have her go into your house, in case someone’s waiting there.”

Now she felt like crap. What gave her the right to ask him to put himself in danger for her—yet again? “I shouldn’t be asking you to do this. I’m sorry. You’ve already done so much for us.”

He smiled. “Consider it taken care of, Rebecca. I’m sure Detective Zur already has a car on your house. And officer will check your house before you return. But you’re right. You can’t be too careful.”

He gave her a nod, then headed for the door.

“Marcus?”

He looked over his shoulder. “Yeah?”

“Thank you. For everything.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I might eat you out of house and home. I’m starving!”

Rebecca’s laughter followed Marcus down the hall.

He entered an empty elevator and shook his head in bewilderment. “What the hell did I agree to?”

Uh, you’re going to sleep in the same house as a beautiful woman, whom you are strongly attracted to, and try to pretend you’re there only to protect her.