Page 48 of Saving His Heart

“Start driving. When you’re out of the neighborhood, ask Emory if they need the hospital. I will cover all expenses if they do. If they refuse the hospital, take them straight to the hotel, and stand by for my call. Oh, and prepare yourself for a fight. Make sure you activate the child locks.”

I hang up the phone before he can question the legality of what I just requested. My next call is to Mona.

“Hi, Mona. I need the Camden Crossing sheriff at Emory’s father’s house. No one else, no other officers, just the sheriff. Then please make arrangements to get Liam Camden into a six-month in-patient rehab facility. He needs to be on a plane tonight.”

“Preston, where is Emory?”

“I made the driver take her to the hotel,” I admit.

“It sounds like you’re being very high-handed, and that girl will not take well to this.”

“I know. Listen, I’m not done. I hope you have a pen ready.”

As I dictate my list, I walk around the home, never allowing Liam out of my site. School pictures of all the girls hang on the walls, all of them except Emory. Through all the destruction, I can see the attempts at making this hell a home. I have no doubt that would be Emory’s doing as well.

“Thanks, Mona,” I say, finishing the call. “Let me know when all arrangements are ready.”

“You got it, boss.”

Liam is snoring away on the couch, so I leave him be and head to the kitchen to make him some coffee. Less than fifteen minutes later, there is a knock at the door. I open it, then place the cup of coffee in front of Emory’s dad.

“You must be Mr. Westbrook?” the older gentleman asks. “I’m Sheriff Anderson.”

“Yes. Please, call me Preston. It’s nice to meet you.” I motion for him to follow me, and we step over the glass on the way to the family room.

“Jesus Christ, Liam. What did you do now?” the sheriff asks. It’s easy to see these two have a history that is not all bad.

“This is my house,” he slurs.

The sheriff takes a seat opposite him. “Mr. Westbrook, you requested my presence. Has a crime been committed here?”

“Well, Sheriff, that depends on how Mr. Camden proceeds from here on out. In the next two hours, a car is going to arrive. He will then be escorted to the closest airport and brought to one of the country’s top rehabilitation facilities. If he chooses not to go, then yes, I will be pressing charges for assault I witnessed against two of his daughters. Should he take the smart option, I will pay all expenses. I will also manage and maintain his home for his return in six-months to one-year, dependent on the facility’s recommendation.”

“Just who the hell do you think you are?” Liam bellows, attempting to stand.

“Sit down, Liam.”

I notice the sheriff has a way of handling him.

“Mr. Westbrook, can I ask what your horse is in this race?”

“I have no stock here, sir. I don’t give a shit if he goes to rehab or to jail. I just want him out of his daughter’s lives so they can attempt to have some normalcy.”

“What one of those whores spread their legs for you?” he spits.

I’m across the room in an instant. I have Liam off the couch and jacked up against the wall of his home. My voice is murderous. “If I ever hear you speak about any of your daughters that way again, and I will ruin your sorry excuse for a life, do you hear me?”

“Okay, let’s settle down. Am I right in assuming you are a friend of my nieces?” the sheriff asks.

“Your nieces?” I question, letting go of Liam and allowing him to fall to the ground.

“Yes, sir. Liam here is my ex-brother-in-law. It’s a long story, but my ex-wife was Tilly and Eli’s aunt. I may have divorced that nightmare, but I’ve done my best to keep tabs on the girls.” As he crouches down in front of the fallen man, I hear, “It sounds like you have a choice to make, Liam. You’re out of options, and what Mr. Westbrook is offering sounds more than generous to me.”

“Sheriff? I need to check on the girls. They both had nasty cuts,” I say, focusing all my hatred in Liam’s direction. “Can you handle this while I do that?”

“I’ve got it, son. If you need anything, call the station, and we’ll send over some supplies. I imagine Emory has already taken care of the others, but her stubborn ass may need some help.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Thanks, sir. And, Liam? I swear to God if I find out you are not on that plane or that you attempt to leave treatment early, I will end you.”