through the roof. I want this month to pass without incident but I know that won't happen. I’m thankful that I have getting the shop up and running to distract me. Joe easily fills our hour together and we have a strong case to plead to the judge on why, even though Ryan refuses to sign divorce papers, he should allow it to happen. Joe found some rather incriminating information on Mick and was able to link it plausibly to the mechanics report on Jenny’s car after the accident. Although the car had caught fire, it was noted that brake lines were fine but the master cylinder had been tampered with. The brakes had failed causing her to hit an oncoming tractor trailer after swerving to avoid hitting the car in front of her. I get chills thinking about it. Mick was brought to trial three years ago for using the same technique associated with someone else’s death. The charge didn’t stick, but with Ryan hiring him, what Mick had said to me about ‘ending up like my sister’ and the fact that Joe was able to trace a payment from Ryan to Mick shortly before her accident he’s confident that one or both of them will be held accountable for her murder.
“The other bad news is this, Ryan’s made a few cash hand offs to a man called Brick.”
“I don't know any Brick’s.” I tell Joe.
“He works for Alister Watson, he’s not a man to be messed with Elle, it looks as though Ryan owes him some money.”
“Well that could be a good thing right? I mean what if this Alister guy takes him out.”
“Elle, it’s more likely that Ryan will demand payment from you to pay off someone else. A desperate man is never a good thing.”
“I understand.” I sigh.
“As long as Ryan thinks he has power over you he’s a danger. I think it’d be best to let Colin stick close.”
“I just want to be free.” I close my eyes, tilt my head back and pinch the bridge of my nose trying to stave off a headache.
“I know.” He reaches across the desk and pats my hand. “You will be soon.” We say our goodbyes and I head downstairs feeling a discouraged.
“What's wrong?” Colin pushes off the building and quickly strides to me.
“I’m just tired of being scared. I want this all to be over with.” I let him wrap his arms around me as I bury my face in his chest.
“It will be. I’m sorry we argued earlier. How about we order Thai food and rent some movies tonight?” I hang my head back and look up to him.
“Alright.”
We ordered way too much Thai. I was so stuffed by the time he popped in the first movie that I had to unbutton my pants to make myself feel better. Just as I snuggled into him, and got comfortable he places an iPhone box on my chest.
“What is this for?” I ask curiously.
“For you. You need a cell and I’ll feel better knowing you can touch base or I can check in with you.” He states firmly. I tilt my face to his and give him a little kiss. He is always thinking of me. Always showing me how much he cares. It still baffles me sometimes that he exists at all.
“Thanks.” I snuggle back into him as he pushes play and the movie comes on lighting the dark room.
***
The next three weeks fly by. I’ve been crazy busy getting everything in order for the shop opening. Jenna has been a huge help. She’s gone to all the flower markets with me and helped me set up accounts with each to buy wholesale. The smell at the markets mixed with the vibrant colors soothes me bringing me out of my winter gloom and ever mounting anxiety. The hearing is in three days and although nothing’s happened I feel watched and spooked for no reason. Colin’s been increasingly on edge but I can't tell if he’s just picking up on my feelings or if he has a bad feeling as well. He’s obsessively concerned about my safety and makes sure that I’m never alone. Jenna and I agreed on The Friendshop for the shop name. I wanted to include everyone somehow for all their efforts and it was the best I could come up with. Sure it’s a little
“The other bad news is this, Ryan’s made a few cash hand offs to a man called Brick.”
“I don't know any Brick’s.” I tell Joe.
“He works for Alister Watson, he’s not a man to be messed with Elle, it looks as though Ryan owes him some money.”
“Well that could be a good thing right? I mean what if this Alister guy takes him out.”
“Elle, it’s more likely that Ryan will demand payment from you to pay off someone else. A desperate man is never a good thing.”
“I understand.” I sigh.
“As long as Ryan thinks he has power over you he’s a danger. I think it’d be best to let Colin stick close.”
“I just want to be free.” I close my eyes, tilt my head back and pinch the bridge of my nose trying to stave off a headache.
“I know.” He reaches across the desk and pats my hand. “You will be soon.” We say our goodbyes and I head downstairs feeling a discouraged.
“What's wrong?” Colin pushes off the building and quickly strides to me.
“I’m just tired of being scared. I want this all to be over with.” I let him wrap his arms around me as I bury my face in his chest.
“It will be. I’m sorry we argued earlier. How about we order Thai food and rent some movies tonight?” I hang my head back and look up to him.
“Alright.”
We ordered way too much Thai. I was so stuffed by the time he popped in the first movie that I had to unbutton my pants to make myself feel better. Just as I snuggled into him, and got comfortable he places an iPhone box on my chest.
“What is this for?” I ask curiously.
“For you. You need a cell and I’ll feel better knowing you can touch base or I can check in with you.” He states firmly. I tilt my face to his and give him a little kiss. He is always thinking of me. Always showing me how much he cares. It still baffles me sometimes that he exists at all.
“Thanks.” I snuggle back into him as he pushes play and the movie comes on lighting the dark room.
***
The next three weeks fly by. I’ve been crazy busy getting everything in order for the shop opening. Jenna has been a huge help. She’s gone to all the flower markets with me and helped me set up accounts with each to buy wholesale. The smell at the markets mixed with the vibrant colors soothes me bringing me out of my winter gloom and ever mounting anxiety. The hearing is in three days and although nothing’s happened I feel watched and spooked for no reason. Colin’s been increasingly on edge but I can't tell if he’s just picking up on my feelings or if he has a bad feeling as well. He’s obsessively concerned about my safety and makes sure that I’m never alone. Jenna and I agreed on The Friendshop for the shop name. I wanted to include everyone somehow for all their efforts and it was the best I could come up with. Sure it’s a little
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