I paused, frowning at him. "Good night."
"Mr. Rush expressed his apologies, Miss." I stiffened and Gabe continued. "To the extend of my knowledge, Mr. Rush has never apologized for anything, to anyone. He simply does not see the need to grovel because of his actions. I know that might not mean a whole lot to you, but I know Mr. Rush and I will be the first to tell you he means it."
I nodded. "Right now I'm upset with Jace. I'm sure by tomorrow, I will not be so frustrated, but right now I'm in need of a good cup of white hot chocolate and some relaxation." I smiled gently as Gabe nodded. "Good night."
"Good night, Olivia." He called. "I will be here in the morning to take you to work. You have my number. You can call me anytime."
"Thank you." I said as I closed the door. I walked to the door of my condo with a heavy heart and overactive tear ducts. For reasons beyond my ability to comprehend, I was a raging mess of emotions that could not be controlled.
I pushed the door of my condo open and flicked on the lamp that sat on the table by the door. Warm amber light spilled into the space and, I sighed. I looked down to see if Trisha was home with Trey, but there were no shoes. Instead, there was a letter. It was addressed to me in handwriting that resembled the previous letter. My heart stilled before it began beating rapidly in my chest. Who the hell was sending me these letters?
I closed the door and carefully locked it behind me. I wished I would have stayed at Jace's tonight. I was afraid without Trisha home and I really did not want to be alone. I also, did not want to read the letter. Slowly, I bent to pick up the paper envelope. I twisted the thin slice of paper in my hands before I stood and walked into my kitchen. I turned on every light as I moved. I was terrified, and every shadow posed as a threat to my existence. I knew I was being ridiculous. The sender obviously slid the letter under my door and walked away...but, I was still afraid...maybe, I was not alone.
I crossed the distance of my condo and quickly pulled the curtains closed over every window before walking to the kitchen. I was agitated.
A thump sounded back in the condo toward my room and my heart started pounding so loud and hard I could feel it against my eardrums. I froze. I stared into the darkness of the hallway and waited for my assailant to attack me. My heart wept as little black paws with one white toe poked out of the darkness, followed by a stretching kitten eager for some attention.
Moo-moo meowed as he padded across the floor toward me. He arched his back and rubbed against my leg as I laughed aloud at my ridiculousness. Jeez, I couldn't remember a time when I had been more spooked.
I decided to avoid any more fear for the night and texted Trisha.
Are you coming home tonight?
No, babe. See you tomorrow. Xoxo.
Xoxo. I texted back as I stared at the letter on the counter.
I poured Moo-moo a dish of milk before I tore open the envelope. I took a deep breath as I listened to his little tongue lapping up the milk and tried to regain some semblance of courage.
I plucked the letter from the envelope and unfolded the paper.
Olivia,
I see you have chosen to blindly ignore my previous warning to you. I must admit this upsets me. I am deeply bothered by your ignorance. I thought, perhaps, you were smart enough to save yourself and walk away from the monster in the man...but I see now after watching you from afar, you are not stupid or ignorant. You are innocent. And, it is because of that, I must take extensive measures to protect you from him and from yourself. You cannot be trusted to protect yourself and, therefore, I assure you, you can trust in me to protect you. I will shy from nothing to keep you safe.
Be warned, there is nothing I will not do to keep you from the fate I myself have witnessed. You are different from the others who have walked in his past. Unlike them, you have a future and if I do not succeed in saving you, the woman you believe yourself to be will cease to exist.
With love,
Your Savior
My hands shook as I stared at the words. I'd never been one for fear. I didn't watch scary movies and, I certainly, didn't read scary stalker books. There was no rush in feeling the violation of fear. The letter had me spooked. I was going through my day trying to recall seeing anyone watching me from afar, but there was nothing in my mind. There was no image that evoked a feeling of discomfort. I glanced over my shoulder and was thankful I decided to close my curtains before reading the letter. The idea of someone, so mentally unstable, watching the fear form in my eyes in response to their letter was too much for me to fathom.
I shook the thought from my mind and straightened from my perched position over the island. I folded the letter and placed it back into the envelope. I moved cautiously to the hall, flicked on the light and sighed in relief as the golden hue of light flooded the space. I moved quickly through the hall to my bedroom where I tucked the letter in my desk drawer next to the previous letter I'd received.