The Blood Barn (Book #2 in trilogy)

Chapter 12: The Next Step

Being patient was thankfully my forte in life. It took Marta nearly four weeks to call me again, and when she did, I just so happened to be turning off the water in the shower.

My phone rang and vibrated as it sat on the bathroom sink. I hopped out quickly, grabbed my towel to dab some of the excess water off me, then snatched up my phone on the third ring to answer the call.

"Hello?"

"Hi, baby," greeted Marta with enthusiasm. "I miss you."

"I miss you too," I replied, leaning against the counter naked, some drops of water still on my body.

"How have things been there without me?" she asked.

"Good," I answered. "I mean... as good as they can be without you that is. I wish your sentence in prison was up already. I never thought I would miss you so much after your first visitation."

"Why not, baby?"

"Well, I figured it would take time to build up the feelings again, but I was wrong. It was like they instantly reignited. I can't really explain it either."

"That's good, baby. I wish I was free too. I am actually calling to plan my next visit."

"Okay, do you know what weekend?" I glanced out the bathroom window at the tree in the backyard.

"You have to tell me, baby," she reminded me. "I have to put in a request, remember?"

"Oh, right, sorry," I apologized. "Uhm... I was going to say maybe in two months actually."

"What? Why so long, baby?" She was suspicious of the time gap.

"Well... I was just thinking of the threat your driver mentioned. Maybe it's a good thing to space out your next visit in case that threat happens again. Don't you think so?"

There was silence on the other end of the line as Marta paused to think about the risk to her safety.

"Honestly, baby, I am not scared of anything. I can take care of myself, you know that."

"Yes," I laughed. "Yes you can. So you don't want to wait then?"

"Not really, baby. I want to see you as soon as I can."

"All right, then request the earliest weekend available and surprise me."

"Okay!" Marta was super excited by my answer. "I will ask right now since my time is up. I love you, baby."

"I love you too."

At least you tried, Sam.

Tilting my head down as I set my phone on the counter again, I kind of knew Marta wouldn't want to wait. She was a strong and fearless woman, one who didn't want to let anything get in her way. I had to accept the fact that she was ready for a fight and willing to defend herself if something happened during her next visit. I had to accept the fact that, my wife was also a fighter.