Unlovable

Chapter 20

Earlier in the day, Darcie and Roger picked up the newest issue of Better Homes and Gardens. When Roger had left, she lay back on the couch and flipped it open, scanning through the pages for ideas.

Finally, the day had taken a toll on her and Darcie felt her eyes begin to burn. She was almost asleep when she heard the familiar sound of gravel crunching in the driveway.

Darcie squinted at the clock and was surprised to see that it was well after midnight.

Who on earth could be coming over at such a late hour?

Fear nestled itself in the pit of her stomach but dissipated as she peaked through the curtain and saw Roger jump down from his truck. She headed toward the front door and opened it before he had the chance to knock.

"Miss me already?" she asked in greeting.

She pulled her robe tighter around her body, trying not to let the night air evade. Roger frowned in response.

"Roger? Is everything alright?" she asked, genuine concern coating her words.

Darcie backed away from the door, allowing him room to enter.

"Is it Lily? Is everything alright?" she asked.

Roger shook his head, reached for her hand and led her to the couch. He sat beside her and nestled her hands in both of his.

"What is it, Roger? You're beginning to scare me."

He looked over at her and sighed deeply.

"Darcie. You really need to get a TV."

Darcie smiled softly, confused.

"A TV? It's on my to do list. Is that what you came over to tell me? To get a TV?"

He shook his head again, making a mental note to pick her one up first thing in the morning.

"No. It's something else."

"Well?"

"I was at home watching the news."

"Yeah?"

Roger didn't want to upset her, but she had to know what Harold was doing. She had to be careful. Roger would always blame himself if something happened to her. He took a deep breath and ran his thumb lovingly over the back of her hand.

"To the outside world, Darcie Kincaid is the victim of an abduction."

Darcie's mouth dropped open in shock.

"There's a whole got damned news story about it, Darcie. That prick even offered a reward for any information leading to your location."

Darcie felt the tears gather in her eyes and blinked them back.

"I guess they've been showing your face all over the news, all over the fricken' country since five o'clock tonight. The whole town's seen it by now, I'm sure."

Darcie didn't know what to say. She knew this day would come. She had known Harold wouldn't give up easily. She just didn't expect it to happen so soon.

She began to worry that maybe someone had recognized her. She could only hope that wasn't the case. She thought briefly about turning herself in, but knew it was no longer an option. Harold knew by now that Darcie had not only left him, but had stolen the majority of his money. Any contact with him now was bound to have dire consequences. Roger found her silence deafening.

Darcie's head was lowered, almost ashamed of the situation she had found herself in.

"Listen. I told you I would protect you and I meant it." Roger said to her as he lifted her chin with the tip of his finger.