Against All Odds - Angel's Story(39)
••••
Angel
We both decide for now, we’re going to keep what happened last night between us. I get the feeling Chase wants me to report it, but I’m thankful he accepts my decision. I have my reasons for not taking this further. Not only am I not ready to relive that nightmare, but if my dad gets wind of this there’s no telling what he’ll do. I’m also worried if I report it Chase will get in trouble. That’s the last thing I want.
To me he’s a hero for what he did. My hero. Riley’s father on the other hand, won’t see it that way. From what Dana said on the phone earlier, Riley’s father was out to get whoever was responsible.
I check and double-check all the locks again once Chase leaves. I’m surprised how frightened and insecure I feel without him here. Being around him seems to calm me, and makes me forget what Riley did. Well not forget, but calm the feelings of hopelessness and dread. I know it’s only early days, but I hope I can get past the panic I feel whenever I’m alone. I hate how Riley has forcefully taken that from me.
Before jumping in the shower I text Dana, letting her know I’m okay and I’ll talk to her later. I don’t call because I don’t want to get into a discussion, which could possibly cause me to lie to her.
Until Riley comes out of his coma, Chase and I are the only ones who know the truth. I trust Dana with my life, but for now, I think the less people involved, the better. It’s bad enough Chase is entangled in this mess. I don’t want the same for my best friend as well.
Once I step under the spray, I can’t help but repeat the same routine as last night. Again it doesn’t help get the smell or feeling of Riley’s hands off me. Logically, I know it’s impossible that his cologne could still be lingering on my skin after the amount of times I’ve scrubbed myself, but it is.
I feel tears burn my eyes, but this time I hold them in. The only way I’m going to get past the despair I’m feeling is to try and stay focused and positive. I don’t want to succumb to the darkness looming all around me. I just want to forget.
How do I forget?
••••
After dressing, I make my bed and head to the kitchen to wash the breakfast dishes, grabbing my iPod out of my handbag on the way. Music will help keep my mind from wandering to the events of last night.
While I fill the sink with water, I check my phone. I have two messages. One from Dana, saying she’ll call over after work, and one from my mum asking how I’m feeling. I knew she’d be worried about me after our phone call this morning.
I quickly text her telling her I’m fine, asking her not to worry. My phone chimes a few minutes later.
Okay baby. I love you and I’m here if you need me. I’ll call you tonight. Love mum. xoxo
Her message makes me smile. Hopefully I’ve eased her mind.
Once the dishes are washed and the benchtops wiped down, I go and sit by the back window looking out at the ocean. I’d love to go for a walk along the beach right now, but the thought of going out there alone almost sends me into a panic.
I’m not sure how long I sit there, but I’m snapped out of my thoughts by a loud knock. Standing up, I make my way to the door. I automatically presume it’s Chase. He did say when he left, “I’ll see you later,” but that could mean tonight, tomorrow…
When I open the door, my heart drops into the pit of my stomach when I see two men in suits standing on my porch.
“Angel Cavanagh?” one asks, holding up his police badge. Nervous butterflies dance in my stomach and my hands start to tremble. Thinking fast, I quickly slide them into the pockets of my jeans, trying to hide them from the officers. I need to try and stay calm if I’m going to pull this off.
“Yes, I’m Angel Cavanagh. Is there a problem?” I ask. I’m actually surprised how casual my voice sounds, considering how I’m feeling on the inside. I can do this, I tell myself.
“I’m Detective Wilson and this is Detective Barnes,” he says as he extends his hand to me. He has a kind smile. My eyes move over to the other detective, and when I find him looking me up and down with a creepy smirk on his face, it makes my skin crawl. It reminds me of the look Riley gave me when he picked me up for our date yesterday.
“We’d like to ask you a few questions. Do you mind if we come inside?” Now that’s something I don’t feel comfortable with.
“I’d prefer to stay out here,” I answer as I step outside, closing my front door behind me. They exchange looks. I’m not sure if they think I’m hiding something, but I really don’t care. They don’t have a warrant, so I’m not obliged to let them into my home. Truth is, after what happened with Riley, and the way that douche just checked me out, I don’t feel comfortable being alone with them.