Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
OK. That wasn’t true. I did want him dead. I didn’t want my hands dirty. How hypocritical was that?
“I swear it, hellcat. He’s not gonna ever hurt anyone again.”
I wound my arms around his neck and let loose a little sob. I didn’t want to break down. Now wasn’t the time. Jerrica would be out of the bathroom soon, and I needed to be strong for her. She had so much to deal with, and I needed to be with her. She needed to know she wasn’t alone and that she had a strong protector. How could I be that when I was losing my mind at the moment?
It wasn’t long before Noelle and Fury entered the room. Sting had taken me to a bedroom where he had finally calmed me down out of the view of the children. Fury stood back while Noelle took the lead.
“I think you’re fine,” she said with a smile. “Just a bit of an emotional release. Want us to look at your sister while we’re here? You can stay with her if she wants, and we can do it in a non-clinical setting.”
It was hard to focus, but I looked from Noelle up to Sting. I have no idea why I did it, but once I did, he took over. I was surprised at how relieved I was. I didn’t feel like I was capable of making any decisions at the moment.
“If Jerrica is comfortable with it, then yes. It will be better to get it over with so she can join the other girls and be a kid for a while.”
“She needs a break the same as you do, Iris.”
I nodded my head. “As long as she’s OK with it.”
“I’ll be gentle when I ask her.” Noelle gave me a genuine smile. I remember how she was with the other girls and knew Jerrica was in good hands.
It wasn’t long before Noelle had Jerrica in the bedroom with us. Noelle had Fury and Sting step outside so she could talk with Jerrica and see any injuries she had.
“If I need Fury to look at an injury, I’ll call him back in. Otherwise, he’ll rely on my judgment. Should be easier on Jerrica.”
Jerrica looked from me to Noelle. “It’s OK, Iris.” Then her gaze went back to Noelle. “As long as there ain’t needles. I don’t like needles.”
“I’m not going to promise. Fury might want to do some blood work. Just not today. That I can promise.”
Jerrica sighed and repeated, “I don’t like needles.”
“Want to know a secret?” Noelle leaned in close to Jerrica. “I don’t like needles either.”
“Really?” Jerrica’s eyes got wide, and the ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. “You might be better’n I thought. I don’t like doctors either.”
“Well, then you’ll love me. I’m not a doctor.” Noelle reached a hand to Jerrica. “I’m an MMA fighter. I help because Fury’s too scary. He looks like a meanie, but he’s really a teddy bear.”
That did get a small giggle out of Jerrica. I could have happily kissed Noelle. Jerrica needed to have someone look her over, but I couldn’t have let anyone else make her submit to an exam.
Thankfully, Noelle didn’t take long. It was just the three of us. When Noelle asked Jerrica the inevitable questions about sexual assault, I had to fight to hold back tears. Again, like with the others, Jerrica denied anyone touching her inappropriately.
“I wasn’t really expecting it.” Noelle brought Fury back to the room after Jerrica joined the other girls.
Sting nodded. “If they were going to sell her, they’d want her to be untouched. It would increase the price.” He pulled me into his arms, kissing my temple. “You satisfied she’ll be good for a while?”
Oh. That’s right. He wanted to talk. “I won’t leave without telling her where I’m going.”
“Didn’t expect you to. Tell her you’ll come get her in the morning. Jezebel knows how to find us if she needs you.”
I did as Sting said, reassuring Jerrica. She didn’t want me to go, but Clover took her hand and led her to Jezebel, climbing up into the woman’s lap. Jerrica looked back at me, then followed Clover, and the girls snuggled against Jezebel and each other. Noelle took a blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped it around the girls’ shoulders. Jezebel spoke softly to them. Jerrica smiled once. Clover looked up at Jezebel and smiled before laying her head on Jezebel’s shoulder and closing her eyes. Jerrica looked at me one last time and smiled.
“I promise I’ll be here in the morning, honey.”
“I know.” Jerrica didn’t look scared. Strangely, I thought Clover’s acceptance helped ease Jerrica’s fear. “You sent Brick after me last time. You didn’t forget me.”
“I could never forget you, Jerrica. Not ever!”
She looked at Sting. “You gonna take us with you, or are we gonna stay here?”