Emily nodded, but her hands were shaking again.
I walked her to the guest room.
I helped her out of the cream dress and into one of my old T-shirts.
I tucked her into bed like she was eight years old.
“Mom?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner.”
“You couldn’t have known.”
“I should have.”
She reached for my hand.
“He was really good at hiding it.”
“I know.”
“And I was really good at pretending.”
“I know that too.”
She closed her eyes.
“I don’t know how to stop being scared.”
“You don’t have to stop tonight,” I said. “You just have to rest.”
She fell asleep holding my hand.
I stayed until her breathing evened out.
Then I went to the living room, where Thomas and Diane were waiting.
“She asleep?” Thomas asked.
“Finally.”
Diane poured me a glass of wine I didn’t ask for and absolutely needed.
“What happens now?” she asked.
“Now we make sure he never gets near her again.”
“And if he tries?”
“He won’t,” Thomas said darkly. “Not if he’s smart.”
I looked at my brother.
“You thinking about doing something stupid?”
