Loverboy Read Free Page B

“That’s one way of looking at it.”
    I nod, standing and straightening my uniform. “I’ll leave you to get some rest, but I’ll be just outside. Let me know if you can remember anything else.”
    She nods as I see myself out the door. Hopefully, over time, things will be easier for her.
     

 
    - 3 -
    Charlie
     
     
     
     
    It has been a long week. Long, tiring, and draining while trying to remember, trying to heal, trying to live in general. It’s not every day that you’re kidnapped by one of the current most wanted serial killers. A serial killer that, after months of tracking, finally had a name; Loverboy. Just thinking about the name makes me sick to my stomach. I still haven’t regained much of my memory; just a few tidbits here and there. Not enough to catch Loverboy, like I had hoped.
    And, after spending a week in the hospital, many of my wounds are on the mend enough for the doctor to feel as though releasing me is the best idea. I feel safer in the hospital. I can’t imagine how being home is going to make me feel. At least here I have Nick right outside the door, and he isn’t about to let anyone pass without a thorough questioning, which I am eternally grateful for. But, home? My apartment is small, big enough for just me, but lonely, too lonely, and certainly not as safe as I like it. Though it’s a secure building, there’s not much protection. I don’t have a gun; I don’t own a tazer. I let out a breath as I feel the fear wash over me. I don’t want to be alone, and I’m not ready for it.
    I remember Nick had mentioned about having protection at my home, but that was the last I heard of any protection. Now, here I am, slowly dressing as I fight through the surges of aches and pains. I am lucky that a good friend stopped by my apartment and brought me some of my own clothes and shoes. I can’t describe just how good it feels to put on my own fabric softener scented clothes. That seems to be enough to ease my mind for now as I take another deep breath. I carefully layer a few tank tops and gingerly pull the open sweater around me. I take another look at myself in the mirror. Though on the mend, the cuts and bruises are certainly all visible. A few of them even had the stitches removed. I still can’t help but wonder how many of them will leave scars. I blow a tuft of hair from my eyes and begin brushing my hair back. No sense in worrying; I am alive. I pull my thick gob of blonde hair into a pony tail. I sigh deeply when the knock at the door makes me jump. That part still hasn’t gotten easier. It seems that even the slightest noise can make me jump now.
    “Charlie?” I can hear Nick’s voice on the other side of the door.
    “Yeah?” I answer, sliding into my slip-on UGGs.
    “Is everything okay?” He asks.
    I nod, stepping out of the small bathroom and open the door all the way. “I’m fine, just getting dressed. You can come in.” As horrible as my ordeal has been and as awkward as I have been around men, Nick is completely different. After having spent a week with him, I am beginning to warm up to him. I am almost sad to be out of his protection.
    “I have good news.” He smiles.
    “They caught him?” I ask.
    He shakes his head. “I wish I could tell you that, but no; I’ve actually been ordered to accompany you home and be your live in body guard.”
    “Really?” I ask. For some reason, some part of me swells with happiness and relief. I feel a little of the fear I had been carrying around lift off my shoulders. At least now, I know that I won’t be going home alone. And that , is the biggest relief yet.
    He nods again. “They figured since you have been doing so well with me, it wouldn’t work out to change things around, and everyone thinks that your recovery will go smoother at your home.”
    I nod. “I’m sure they’re right.” I take a seat on the bed that I’d just spent a week in. They may be right, but it doesn’t make it less scary for me.