Once I had them all situated, I took the golf cart back to my place to get Amy. When I came inside, I could already hear her crying. I rushed into the living room and found her curled up. Once I got to her side and pulled her into me, she looked up. “He called Conner. All this time had gone by and he picks today to just call and threaten me. Why can’t he just leave me alone. I don’t owe him anything.”
“What do you mean? You don’t owe him shit!”
She shook her head. “I don’t know. I shouldn’t have even answered after it said the number was blocked. He said that he’s been patient, but he isn’t going to wait any longer. He said he is coming for me.”
“Bullshit! He ain’t gettin’ near you.” I’d kill him with my bare hands if I had to. There was no way in hell he was getting anywhere near her.
“How do you know that? He could be right down the road. We don’t know.”
I walked back through the hallway and entered my old bedroom. Here lately it had just been for storage. I could hear Amy talking to me, but I had no idea what she was saying. I reached the cabinet in the back of my closet and grabbed out a few of my favorite pieces. When I came around the corner carrying two rifles and a handgun, I heard Amy gasp. “Ever used one of these?”
She shook her head and I almost wanted to laugh at the shocked look on her face. “They were in our house this whole time?”
“Locked up. Look here, you need to be able to protect yourself. If that bastard comes near you, I want you to know how to shoot his ass.”
She sat down on the couch, so I walked closer to her and handed her a handgun. She sat it down on the table like it was too hot to touch. “I can’t, Conner. I could never shoot someone.”
I sat down beside her and rubbed her leg. She looked right at me, so I rubbed over her belly. “This is my child too. If someone tries to hurt either of you, I’m going to put a bullet in them. This ain’t no laughin’ matter, darlin’. This is as real as it gets. Now, I can either show you how to use it, or I can let John show you. It’s probably going to be easier if we get you somethin’ smaller to start out with anyway.”
“I’m being serious Conner. There is no way I can shoot a gun.”
I kissed her cheek and then the side of her lip. “Blaze, do you trust me?” I moved my nose around her neck and then up to her ear. As it glided across her skin, I could feel her swallowing. I had her attention.
“Yes,” she whispered.
I kept my lips close to her ear. “I need you to do this for me. You may never have to use it, but I need you to know how. Just do it for me.” This was not the time for her to get all stubborn on me. I needed her to be prepared for this fucker.
She nodded. “Okay. It just scares me so much.”
“Well, what scares you more? The idea of using a gun, or not havin’ protection if Rick comes near you.”
“Him! I’m scared of him!”
I stood up from the couch and pulled her into my arms. She looked right up at me. “I need my woman to know how to protect her family. It’s a southern thing. Ain’t you ever seen them old ladies on television? They chase the bad guys off their property?”
She giggled. “Are you comparing me to an old lady?”
I shook my head and laughed too. “No! I am wantin’ you to be able to handle yourself. I think it’s best if I have John do this with you. Maybe just knowin’ that he is the sheriff will make you feel better. In the meantime, I need you to come up to the main house with me.”
“What about Rick’s threats?”
“Amy, he ain’t here. The gates have security. Hell, he probably doesn’t even know where we are. He can threaten all he wants. It don’t mean he is really comin’. It’s been months. I’m sure he’s gotta be gettin’ desperate.”
“Why are we going up to the house? Nobody is there but Lucy.” I had to come up with a good excuse to get her there.”
“I did something special and I want you to see it for yourself. Will you just come with me and stop tryin’ to spoil it. I promise you will like it and it may even take your mind off of the whole Rick thing.”
She finally agreed.
When we walked in that house and she saw her father sitting there, I thought she was going to scream out of excitement. She turned around and smiled before walking over to give him a big hug. “When did you get here?”
“About an hour ago. Conner wanted it to be a surprise,” Her father explained.
She walked over and gave her step-mother and brothers a hug. “It’s so good to see you guys. I miss everyone so much.”