Unlovable

Chapter 34

"Mrs. Kincaid," an apple haired reporter started. "You were held captive for over a month. In that time, did you ever get a chance to identify your kidnapper?"

Darcie went to speak, to say the words he had told her to say, or at least a variation of them. Instead, Harold stood in front of her.

"There are a few key suspects but no one has been charged as of yet. Trust me, when we can correctly identify him, we'll make sure he pays for what he's done to my wife."

Darcie lowered her eyes to the ground; clutching the sides of her sweater that Harold had made her wear to hide the bruises. She shook her head slowly, sadly, but no one saw her.

"Do you think this man, whoever he is, will kidnap another woman to take her place?" a different reporter interjected.

"There's no sure fire way of telling as of yet. But I do advise all young women to take standard safety precautions to prevent against potential attacks," Harold answered.

"Such as?"

"Such as being sure your keys are in hand when walking toward your vehicle, making.."

"I have a question," a familiar voice in the mob of people interrupted.

Darcie's eyes searched frantically through the audience until they spotted Roger making his way through the crowd. Harold's hands clenched the side of the podium.

"Darcie, or excuse me, Mrs. Kincaid, don't you think it's finally time to take a stand and take back control of your life? How long do you plan on cowering down to this abusive, psychopathic asshole of a husband? Why don't you take the opportunity now, while the world is watching, to tell everyone what's really going on here?"

Roger was pushing his way through the crowd as he spoke, finally reaching the front of the podium.

"This is your chance, Darcie," Roger continued. "This is your chance to be free and live the life you've always wanted. This is your chance to be happy, with me."

Roger's words set off an array of other questions and comments. Camera flashes nearly blinded Darcie as she tried to tell herself that this was real. He had come for her. He had saved her, just like he said he would.

"Mrs. Kincaid, what is this man referring to?"

"Is he accusing our police chief of being a woman beater?"

Darcie looked at Roger as he stood on the ground in front of her. Slowly, she felt all of her fear and inhibitions fall away. The increase of questions and the flashes of light faded into a low drum of noise and color, as a soft smile formed on Darcie's lips.

"That man," Harold said panting angrily with an outstretched finger pointing at Roger "is our key suspect in this case. Anything he says is to be taken off the record immediately until his innocence is proven. Deputy Jackson," Harold said looking at Eli. "Take this man into custody for further questioning."

Eli sighed deeply, but did as he was told. Slowly, Eli jumped off the small podium where he stood behind Harold and gently put Roger's hands behind his back.

"Sorry," Eli whispered.

Roger immediately recognized the voice and nodded his understanding.

"You tried," he said to him softly, pleadingly looking at Darcie as she stood next to Harold.

Darcie stepped forward as Eli clasped the cuffs closed behind Rogers back.

Harold reached out and grabbed Darcie's hand, warning her silently with the deadly look in his eyes. She looked from her husband to her lover and then back again.