Chapter Twenty Six
Johnnie
I make my way around the room, talking to Rhonda as I work. We came home last night and, immediately, went to bed. Everyone was exhausted, both mentally and physically, by the time we arrived home.
“How did you meet these guys?”
I chuckle, “It wasn’t a matter of me meeting them; it was a matter of Cash relentlessly pursuing me.”
“Yeah, well, I’m glad he did because you all basically rescued Talia and me from a very bad situation.”
“What the hell happened, Rhonda?”
“After I married him, he completely turned on me. The son of a bitch transformed into a totally different man. When we lived in Florida, he monitored every move I made. When I threatened to leave him, he wouldn’t let me out of his sight. I was on the pill and the son of a bitch had my doctor replace them with placebos. Steven had the kind of power that only comes from having organized crime connections. He purposely made sure I got pregnant because he knew it would give him more control over me. After what our mother did to us, I vowed I wouldn’t be like her. He knew I would do anything to protect my child if I had one, so he made sure I did.”
“Why didn’t you try to call me?” I ask.
“He threatened to take Talia out of the country after he staged my death. Having everyone believe I was dead was his way of cutting any ties I had with anyone but him. After he supposedly killed me off, he moved us back here to Louisville.”
She reaches over to hug me. “I’m so sorry. I feel like I deserted you. I always tried to protect you. The whole time we were growing up in Puerto Rico and our stepdad was molesting me, I did everything I could to protect you from him.”
“You did protect me from him.” I brush away the tears rolling down her cheek. The look in her eyes… it’s as if she feels like she betrayed me by not contacting me. I can feel the pull on my heartstrings and compassion for the guilt that she must have felt over something that wasn’t her fault or her responsibility. What she was forced to do wasn’t her fault and I, in no way, hold her responsible or blame her.
“It’s over now, Rhonda. You and Talia have a home here now, a safe haven.”
“I don’t ever want to go back to that house, not even to get our things.”
“You don’t ever have to go back.” I look up to see Cash standing in the doorway.
“I want the two of you to make a list of everything you need and I’m sending a personal shopper out to get it. It’s a woman who works for me so you don’t have to feel awkward about feminine items. I have a personal doctor and also a lawyer if you’re questioned in any way by the police.”
“I am certain the police are well aware of my husband’s illegal activities. They aren’t going to blame me for his death. They’ll, no doubt, know it was Colombian Cartel.”
Cash makes his way over and puts his hand on Rhonda’s shoulder as he speaks. “I’m head over heels in love with your little sister. You have a home here. There is plenty room at the mansion. I can give you a job doing secretarial work for the agency. It will mean sharing an office with Hunter and he’s like working with a big kid, but…”
“Hey, hey, I heard that…” We all look up to see Hunter walking in with Talia in his arms.
“Mommy, this is Hunter.”
“I see that,” Rhonda answers.
Talia continues talking, “He took me out to see the horses, mommy, and one of them is pregnant,” she whispers like it’s a secret.
Hunter studies Rhonda as he speaks, “Talia said you’re quite the rider. I’d love to take you out riding later.”
“I’d love to go,” she answers. Rhonda has a love for horses that goes back to her childhood days when we lived in Puerto Rico. I can remember going down to the stables where they held a weekly rodeo and riding horses when we were kids.
“Mommy, it would be so much fun and I can go with you!”
“I want you to go too, little buddy,” Hunter answers and reaches over, lovingly patting Talia’s head.
Rhonda is a natural with horses. I was always scared of them but she would jump on one bareback and think nothing of taking off through the woods at breakneck speeds.
“I can’t thank you guys enough. You rescued Talia and me and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful.”
“We’re a family here, Rhonda. All the guys will make sure that you and Talia are kept safe. The only thing I ask is that you stay here so we can continue to keep you safe. You’re more than welcome to be part of the family but we do ask that whatever goes on here, stays here.” Cash says.