MOVING ON(27)

Biting her lip, Rose stared up at the stage then all around her. Not a soul in the room was without a tear. This was the harsh reality of what happened.

“They didn’t think Kelly would have a voice because of the way this fucking town works. It ends now. I was going to leave. I was going to take my wife and children and leave this place because you’re all a waste of my time. No, that’s not going to happen. This ends now, today. You will leave this room, and you will think about that young woman who has been violated. You will leave this town knowing that every single one of you had a part to play in her crime.”

Gabriel stormed off the stage not giving anyone a chance to argue.

The crowd didn’t erupt in argument. Slowly, the crowd disappeared leaving the few outcasts remaining.

“I can’t believe it has taken something like this to get through to them,” Paul Steer said.

Everyone agreed.

Rose glanced down at where her hand was locked with Peter’s. Both of their hands were locked tight.





Chapter Ten



Peter took Rose home. He didn’t want her waiting around any longer than she had to. After he’d spoken with Dean they’d left. She was silent as he pulled into the driveway. He cut the engine off and climbed out. Walking around the car he helped her out.

“I didn’t see my parents. Do you think they even know what’s going on?” Rose asked.

“I think they do.”

He helped her into the house, taking her straight to the sitting room. Peter didn’t see the use of tea or coffee. Pouring a scotch for both of them, he handed her a glass before taking a seat next to her.

“Do you really think Gabriel’s speech will help?”

Shrugging his shoulders, Peter gave her his undivided attention.

“I think the town is in shock. Cape Falls has never had to live through something like this. Everything is always brushed aside as if it doesn’t matter. I hope it changes things,” Peter said.

“What was it like for you and Laura when you left?” Rose asked.

He watched her toe off her shoes and settle her feet underneath her body.

“They cut us off. Her family refused to talk to her, and she was pregnant with Dean’s baby. I was the one who told Dean to walk away. I thought he was too old for her and he’d only make her miserable.” Peter laughed, recalling their conversation. “I then searched him out and begged him to return. At least, I think I begged him.”

“You had two opportunities to get Laura, and you didn’t take either of them.”

Peter smiled. “Laura was never supposed to be my girl. I see that now. I was supposed to wait.”

“What were you supposed to wait for?” Rose asked.

He reached over, twirling a strand of her blonde hair between his fingers. “I was supposed to wait for a beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed vixen who keeps me on my toes. You, Rose, I was supposed to wait for you.”

Peter couldn’t hold back any longer. Leaning down he brushed her lips with his. The first touch was like electric on his lips. He didn’t want it to stop.

“You’re a charmer,” Rose said.

“Always.” He leaned back, giving her enough breathing room. “Then the Steer brothers showed their love for Anna, and the town just went crazy. I think in the last few years it has gotten worse.” He shook his head, thinking about all the things he’d witnessed in the last few years. “Amy with her abusive husband, the town took his side. I never understood that. After Laura, Anna, Amy, and even Daisy, I lost all interest in the town. I didn’t want to be part of something that hit back at the victims.”

Peter took her hand, holding her close.

“I grew apart from the town, and my friends opened my mind up to everything else.”

“Do you feel that if you hadn’t supported Laura, you’d be like them?” Rose asked, getting it right.

“I don’t want to think about what I would have been. I know I wouldn’t be the guy I am today, and for that, I’m thankful.”

Her smile grew wide.

“What?” he asked.

“Don’t freak out, okay?”

He frowned, wondering what she could say that would make him freak out.

“I think I’m a bit in love with you right now,” she said.

Peter’s world stopped. Her smile captured him, but her words made him feel like a superhero.

“I think I’m a bit in love with you, too,” he said.

Her smile brightened. He didn’t know how it was possible for her smile to get better, but it did.

She took another swig from her glass. “Peter Miller, will you do me a favour and turn this day into a better one?”

He took her glass from her, placing it on the counter. Peter took her hand in his, leading her upstairs without speaking a word.