Returning Injury Read Free Page A

from a number she didn’t recognize. She listened to the message, then slowly set the phone down on the table. Rebecca was stunned. She called the number back and talked to the woman who left the message. After hanging up, Rebecca’s mind raced but she didn’t know what to do, so she stayed sitting on the couch.
    Jack came out of the bedroom. “What’s wrong?”
    “Remember I told you about that guy, Roy? Well, I guess he’ll be released from prison next month and they wanted to warn me.”
    “He went to prison? For how long?”
    “Five years,” Rebecca answered, dazed.
    “Reb, did you tell me everything? That’s a long time.”
    “Yes, I told you everything, but it was a long time ago. I hardly remember that night myself,” Rebecca lied. And she didn’t know if she had told Jack everything. Did she just tell him he stalked her, or did she tell him that he busted her eardrum and bruised her body, face and self-worth? Did she tell him that he said he loved her and wanted to be with her? Did she tell him she feared being raped by him? She didn’t know.
    “Five years is a long time.”
    “I guess while he was on the run, he committed an armed robbery.” She shook her head in disbelief. “And remember he was on the run for a couple years. He probably got more time for that.”
    “No, Rebecca. That’s not what I mean. He deserved ten years or more for what he did to you. I’m just thinking that five years is a long time to sit and plan revenge.”
    “Why would you say that to me?” Rebecca snapped angrily. “You think he’s coming after me?”
    “I’m just saying we have to be careful,” Jack backpedaled. “I’m sure he has better things to do with his life now. He probably got counseling, and he’ll have to check in with a parole officer, right? I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.”
    “You know, you are giving me mixed messages! I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
    “I’m sorry.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t know what I’m talking about either. I’ve just never been mixed up in anything like this before. I don’t know what to say or do. Should I get you a bodyguard? Should I put a trace on him?”
    Rebecca closed her eyes and took a deep breath herself. “Okay. Sit down and listen to me.” She patted the couch next to her.
    Jack sat down.
    “I am going to write the date of his release on my calendar. I will not worry about it or think about it until then. I want you to do the same. When we get to next month, we will pay attention for a while and if nothing strange happens, then it’s fine. I’m sure I will get a call if he leaves town or skips out on seeing his parole officer. This happened such a long time ago, can we please leave it alone. I’llremind you about this in a month and then we can worry if we want to, okay? Deal?”
    “Deal.”
    They shook hands, then Jack kissed hers. “I love you and I won’t let anything happen to you,” Jack said.
    “I love you, too. I won’t let anything happen to you either.” She smiled, and they finished getting ready.

     
4:50 PM
    On her way home from the Billings airport, she had to drive across the state line back into Wyoming. She drove the long, hilly country roads deep in thought. The mountains were barely visible because of the cloudy weather, and the trees were beginning to change colors. She drove past several pastures filled with horses and a donkey in the mix, the theory being that donkeys hated coyotes and would attack them.
    Rebecca thought about the phone call from Victim Services. The woman had said that Roy would be released from prison in a month, a month that had been up a week and a half ago. Rebecca didn’t want to bother Jack or make him worry. And she didn’t like how he had reacted, so she decided to keep it to herself. It was her problem. The attack happened long before Jack came into her life. Even though she really didn’t think she had anything to worry about, she knew it would be