When Danger Knocks

Chapter Thirteen

 One evening, a restless urge for fresh air compelled me to venture out. The house lay empty, devoid of any presence but my own. Leaving a note to inform my absent family of my whereabouts, I set off for the local track. It was a haven of familiarity and safety, being a public space where others sought solace in the embrace of the open air.

The oppressive walls of our home had begun to close in on me, the monotony of solitary confinement driving me perilously close to madness. As I approached the track, I noticed a group of women engaged in spirited conversation while power-walking together. They were a regular fixture here, their evening ritual a testament to their dedication to health and camaraderie. I figured it might be prudent to keep close to them, should the need for a helping hand arise, for there was a certain safety in numbers.

The evening was gracefully surrendering to twilight, a gentle descent into the shadowy embrace of dusk. In the sultry heat of southern summers, this moment, when the oppressive sun finally relented, was the most opportune for an outdoor stroll. The cicadas sang their cacophonous song, a soundtrack to the rhythmic tapping of sneakers on the track.

I inserted my earbuds, letting the music flow into my ears like a lifeline. It helped to keep my pace steady, a rhythmic counterpoint to the thoughts that swirled through my head. I trailed a few paces behind the group of women, finding solace in their presence as we moved in unison around the track.

My mind, however, was not occupied by the evening's peaceful surroundings. Instead, the turbulent currents of the past surged back to the forefront. I wrestled with thoughts of my mother's inexplicable actions, her decision to align herself with Ray of all people. It was wholly out of character for her.

My mother was a creature of transient passions, never lingering in the company of a man who courted trouble with the law. Such associations had always drawn too much-unwanted attention, something she avoided at all costs. So, what had changed? What was it about Ray that had ensnared her so deeply?

The thought of love was laughable in her case. She was a woman who had never understood the concept, let alone felt its gentle touch. Her apathy toward the sexual abuse I had suffered made it clear that she wouldn't concern herself with the fate of another victim. There had to be more to this puzzle, another layer hidden beneath the surface. Perhaps the police could help me peel back those layers, investigate her past, and uncover the twisted reason behind her newfound allegiance.

I fished my cell phone out of my pocket, scanning the surroundings to ensure that the group of women was still within sight. Their lively chatter continued a few paces ahead, offering a momentary distraction from my troubled thoughts. One woman shared stories of her children's adventures at summer camp, their words a comforting backdrop to my unease.

My thumb danced over the touchscreen, selecting the contact labeled 'Officer Smith.' The message window opened, and I began typing, fingers moving with urgency. Perhaps Officer Smith could shed some light on my mother's perplexing alliance with Ray.

As I pressed the send button, I glanced up, only to find that the once-chatty group had vanished, their minivans retreating from the parking lot. A sense of isolation crept over me, prompting the thought that I should return home as well.

But before I could take a step in that direction, a sudden, tight grip on my arm yanked me backward. Fear surged through me, triggering an instinctive response. I whirled around, hand poised to strike, heart pounding, and mind racing. Another hand clamped onto my wrist, restraining me. Panic and confusion overwhelmed me.

"Alaina, it's me! Calm down. It is just me!" Lucas' voice cut through the turmoil, his grip loosening as he pleaded with me. His hands retreated, replaced by the reassuring embrace of his arms encircling me. "It's me. Calm down, baby." His lips brushed against my forehead, attempting to soothe my frazzled nerves. A welcome tranquility washed over me, momentarily eclipsing the fear that had gripped me just moments ago.