Page 134 of Traces Of You

“Couldn’t have been anyone that knew we were dating or that would have been added.”

She shook her head. “They said they hadn’t known where I was living so they’d been watching the orchards for me to leave, assuming the truck was mine, then they followed me. Clay said you found me because of the necklace.”

Her fingers went to the gold heart. “Yeah. He’s always one step ahead. I owe him big time.”

“Me too,” she said. “Guess he does like me, in a way.”

“He does,” Ford said, lifting his palm, waiting for her to put hers in it. She didn’t hesitate. “Don’t think otherwise. Clay doesn’t compliment people much. I’m so proud of you for fighting back. I knew you had it in you.”

A tear traveled down her cheek. “I almost didn’t. I froze when they grabbed me in the alley between buildings. He had a knife and he stuck me.”

“You were stabbed?” He was reaching for her shirt, but her hand was rubbing his arm.

“Just a little one in the side. Blaze glued it closed. It was a warning to not draw attention. We got close to your truck going to his van and I thought if I could just sound the alarm on it I could run, but it wasn’t close enough. I lost my chance. When we got to his van, though, I knew if I didn’t fight, I might die. I started to kick and stomp my feet, but I wasn’t hitting more than air. Then they knocked me out.”

“Who did?” If it was Randy, he’d go down and beat the shit out of the guy himself in lockup.

“Bobby. Randy was the one who cut me. For me to think about where the pills were hidden. I didn’t know. I told them that, but I also put doubt in his head, saying it was Oliver who took them. Must have been enough because he left me alone after I was cut.”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should have done a better job protecting you. It’s my fault.”

“No,” she said. “It’s not. Don’t think that for one minute. No one is to blame.”

“You got free,” he said. He saw the rope burns on her wrist. He remembered it hanging on one hand when he raced toward her.

“I used the knife. I told myself I could do this. I cut it just enough to have it break free when I could catch them off guard. I stabbed Lyle. Am I going to get in trouble for that?”

“Fuck no,” he said. “Good for you.”

“I reacted. I lunged and got him in the side. Then Bobby grabbed me and I did everything that you taught me. I’ve got a concussion, not sure if it’s from them hitting me or me hitting Bobby with the back of my head.”

“That’s my girl,” he said. “I need to hug you for your heroism.”

Her smile was wobbly. She leaned down to kiss him, then climbed on the bed and under his arm.

“I was so worried I’d never see you again.” She was weeping. “I didn’t want you to think that I took off.”

“Never.”

“Then I thought you’d never know how much I love you,” she said.

“How much do you?” he asked, his hand tracing the side of her face.

“Why do I hear humor in your voice?”

“No humor,” he said. “Just happiness because I love you too.”

He kissed the top of her head.

“Ford,” his mother said, rushing in. “Blaze said you’re all good, but I needed to see for myself. My boys. I can’t stand this. All of you make me nervous.”

Reenie tried to get off the bed, but he held her there, just hitting the button to sit up better.

“I’ll be okay. Thinking clearer now.”

“Reenie, honey,” his mother said. “Blaze said you’ve got fifteen stitches in your arm too. I’m going to need you to stay home and take care of Ford for a bit. No arguing with me about work. You need to rest too.”

“Don’t even try,” he said, squeezing her side. “I mean it. She won’t listen and I will need some help.”