Fresh Start, New Beginnings

Chapter 17

Abigail's POV

"It can't be him, he is in prison" I keep thinking to myself over and over again. I locked the car doors and am now waiting outside the hotel for Leroy, desperately hoping it was a mistake...Please let it be a mistake...Please...I am pleading with whoever is listening.

As I look towards the hotel I see Leroy come out, his face speaks a thousand words "No" I gasp it can't be true. It can't be him, I feel a sharp pain in my side on my scar as I remember the horror from that night.

"I was right, it was him" My voice was shakey. I tried a hard to control myself, I could feel my body tremble "He is in prison"

"He got out last week" Leroy stunned me "Tony..."

Wait what!?!?! "You knew about this, why the hell didn't anyone tell me?" How could they keep something like this away from me.

"He has a court order, he isn't meant to be within 60 metres of you" Leroy tried to reassure me. How stupid is he, as if a court order would stop someone like Dominic Hendly, the guy is unhinged.

"Yeah because that's working out really well isn't it" I snapped, I could feel my teeth gritting together in my mouth, my hands are now physically shaking...I can feel my stomach churn..."I'm gonna be sick" I cry out before launching myself out of the car towards the curb.

I stand up and lean on the bonnet of the car, Leroy is on the phone. My hands are still shaking as I wipe mouth. I walk slowly to the car door and open it "Maybe it's a good idea if she gets out of town for a while" I can hear Leroy plotting something as I take a bottle of water from the cup holder. I take a sip and rinse my mouth out before having a proper drink.

"Who was that?" I climb back inside the Range Rover and close the door.

"Tony" Leroy sounded like he wanted to tell me something "Tony thinks it would he a good idea if you stay with your parents for a few days. Just until all this is taken care of"

"I would rather be at home" my reply caused Leroy to give me a strange look "What?" I asked instinctively, I knew something was wrong.

"Nothing" Leroy's voice wasn't consistent any more, he was lying.

"Tell me, that look doesn't mean nothing" I snapped, why was he still lying to me?

"Abi don't freak out ok" What a ridiculous thing to say if course I am going to freak out now "Hendly has been in the house"

"My house?" I asked on an in breath "How, When?"

"Yesterday, he claimed to be an electrician so Lex let him in" Lex was another one of my bodyguards. He took care of the house and other things while I was away "How could he not know what Hendly looks like? Did he use a false name?"

"Yeah false name and changed his appearance" Leroy sighed "It was a slip up, granted a stupid mistake...but I promise Abi it won't happen again. Lex has been formally warned"

"So Tony said I should stay with my Mom and Dad" I guess it wouldn't be too bad, I need to tell them about Ryan anyway "It's not a bad idea I guess, at least I can fill them in about Ryan"

"That's great honey, shall we drive past your house and pick up some things?" Leroy has always been a sweetheart. I honestly don't know what I would do without him.

"Please" I reply as I watch him start the ignition and pull away from the curb. I feel my phone vibrate in my hand, it's Harriet 'Hey sweetie, do you fancy shopping and lunch? Love H xx'

'Hey, I am going to my Mom's for a few days. When I get back though, love Ab's xx' I type a quick reply before sitting back and turning on the car stereo, funnily enough a OneRepublic song is playing. It's Apologize, I can't help but smile as I scroll through pics on my phone of me and Ryan, silly selfie pics from our last few dates.

"It's good to see you smile" Leroy grinned "Even now, he must be doing something right"

I smile quietly to myself, the motion of the car is forcing me to sleep. I let my eyes close as I drift off...

I am surprised to be laid in bed when I wake up, Leroy must have carried me inside. It's dark outside, I get out of bed and look around my bedroom "Leroy" I shout, surely he hasn't left me alone "Leroy" I shout again as I look around the house.

Suddenly there is a loud knock at the door, I opened it. Leroy must have nipped out, as I open the door I see him...Hendly. I try and force the door shut but he stops me with his foot "Long time no see gorgeous" she smarms as he forces his way in and grabs me "God how I've imagined this your skin, your scent...your..."

"No please" I plead "Please don't" I try and struggle free but he has me too tightly "Stop" I cry.

"Abi" Leroy's voice sounds like a chorus of angels "Abi" suddenly I can feel my body shake "Abigail it's ok, Abi"

My eyes shoot open and I am still sat in the car "You were dreaming honey, are you alright?" Leroy puts his hand on my shoulder "We are here, did you want me to come in while you collect your things?"

"Yes please" I can barely go inside the house, knowing he has been in there. I open the door and walk through the front door. The place doesn't feel the same anymore, it doesn't feel safe or like home anymore.

Leroy waited in the lounge while I went into my bedroom and got some clothes and toiletries. I had no events planned for a few days so I just collected some jeans and shirts and a bikini, my parents have a pool and hot tub. I grab my brown Louis Vuitton over night bag from out of my closet and put my things in it, before picking up some makeup and perfume.

Leroy is sat on the couch reading a magazine that I left on the coffee table yesterday "Right that's it I am all ready to go" I reply as I walk through the lounge and put my bag near the door "Tell Lex I want all the locks changing on the doors and windows, I need a panic alarm fitting to the intruder alarm and I want this place cleaning throughout" I hated being this bossy with Leroy but I really didnt want some pysco forcing me and my daughter out of our new home.

"Ok I will ring him now" Leroy replied as he picked up my bag and followed me to my car. It was my turn to drive this time, maybe it would help me calm my nerves I hoped.