“It was nothing. He just gets upset sometimes.”
“Sometimes? So this wasn’t the first time this has happened? Does he frequently pin you to the wall and scream in your face?”
When her head turns to face the passenger window and she squeezes the sweatshirt tighter, I assume I’ve gone too far. It just doesn’t make sense. It’s Pastor Jeffries. A man of God and someone I always assumed was one of the kindest people in our town. There’s no doubt that I’ve felt judged by him, but he’s also well aware of what I did to his daughter. Amongst other shenanigans growing up. Such as drinking behind the church because we figured we’d never get caught back there.
“It’s ok. I don’t let it get to me. I’m planning on moving out before I have the baby, anyways.”
“Oh yeah? Where ya going?” She turns to look at me, and nervousness washes over her face. Once again, she’s chewing on her bottom lip. “Well? Where do you plan on going?” I stop looking at her and hope that maybe she will relax a bit without my eyes on her.
“Far away from Redwood. I plan to leave and never come back.”
My foot slams on the break so hard that both of our heads jerk forward. “What the hell do you mean you’re leaving Redwood? Have you forgotten that you’re having a baby? A baby you claim is mine?”
“I know,” she says the words so calmly that I wanna shake her and tell her to stop being so damn calm and nice. “When I told you that I was pregnant, you never let me finish talking. You just took off and left me sitting in the parking lot at the warehouse. I am leaving Redwood.”
“Like hell you are.” I huff, before pressing the gas and continuing the drive.
“Yes, I am.”
“Noooo, you’re not. Jesus. Quit acting like a child.”
She chuckles. “Me? You’re the one acting like a child. You think you can just dictate everyone’s lives because your family has money and power. Or because your friends are scary.”
“My friends are pretty scary.” My head shakes. “That’s beside the point. I’m not trying to dictate your life. You’re having a baby. You’re not just gonna take off and move away where you have no help. Who will support you?”
“I don’t need anyone. I’ve taken care of myself my whole life. Why would I need anyone now?”
This might be harsh, but it’s true and it needs to be said. “Willa, you have no fucking money. You won’t survive on your own.”
“I know I won’t,” she says again, just as calm and collected. “That’s why I need your help. This baby is just as much yours as it is mine and it’s only natural that I’d expect you to support him or her financially.”
“If this baby is mine, as you claim it is, I have every intention of doing the right thing.” My voice rises unintentionally. “I just need you to tell me what the right thing is because I don’t have a fucking clue, Willa.”
“I need you to give me enough money to leave and never come back.”
Something unfamiliar ripples through me. “No,” I say, without hesitation. She’s not leaving.
“No?” she questions.
“For the last time, no.”
“Lars,” her voice becomes tranquil and desperate, “I can’t stay here. I just can’t. If Rick finds out that I’m pregnant, he’ll force me to have an abortion and he’ll…I just can’t stay.”
“He’ll do what? Hit you?” I look over at her, but she avoids eye contact. “Is that what he does? Is he abusive?”
“He’s just very unpredictable and I’m not safe there,” she chokes out. “Tell me you’ll help me leave, Lars. I’m giving you an out. I’ll never ask for anything else from you again, I swear. No one even has to know I’m pregnant.”
Unsure of how I feel about this, I remain quiet. I can feel her eyes burn into the side of my face but keep mine on the road.
I take a sharp left down the beaten path that leads behind Miner Point and hope like hell that I make it without getting stuck or bottoming out.
Willa looks around, taking in the surroundings. “Where are we going?”
“I have to meet up with someone really quick. It won’t take long.” Tapping the brake, I slow the car down as we both bounce in our seats from the uneven terrain.
Bringing Willa out here isn’t my best move, but it was a last-minute decision to get her away from her stepdad, Rick. I know damn well that Zed is going to question this shit if he sees her, so I need to keep my car back and her face hidden.
“This is Lake Ruin. Where they found Josh Moran’s car. This place gives me the creeps.”
You and me both, Willa. You and me both.
We’re on the opposite side of the lake where we pushed the car over, but being here brings back harrowing memories. It feels like yesterday when we were so sure we’d get away with our illegal acts. We’re not caught yet, though. Hopefully I’ll leave here with some reassurance that we never will be.
Willa leans forward in her seat. “Is that Zed King?”
Pressing the brake, I stop the car far enough away that Zed can’t see inside and Willa won’t be able to hear our conversation. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.” Grazing her fingertips on the cross that dangles over her shirt, she drops back in the seat. I leave the car running and climb out, shutting the door behind me.
When Zed starts heading in my direction, I hold up a hand. “Stay there. I’m coming.”
“Who’s that?” He tips his head with his eyes on the car behind me. I look back and notice that the dash light hasn’t timed out yet. I’m a fucking idiot.
Inside, Willa sits with her eyes zeroed in on us.
Turning back, I look at him. “It’s nobody.” Zed still looks the exact same, aside from a little stubble on his chin. Still has that crazed look in his eyes and tick to his fingers as they hang at his side.
“Doesn’t look like nobody. Looks like Willa Mack. What the hell are you doing with that girl? Doesn’t she hate your ass after what you did to her?”
“Forget about her. I wanna know what the hell your deal is? What the fuck is going on with you, Zed?”
Looking over my shoulder, he completely ignores me. “She’s trouble, man.”
“Willa and trouble don’t even belong in the same sentence.”
“I bet she’s just as screwed up as her old man. Fucking entitled prick. He thinks that just because he’s a pastor we all have to bow to him.” He looks right through me as he talks. A dead stare on Willa.
Snapping my fingers in his face, I break his gaze. “I said forget about her.”
“Wanna make another bet?” he smirks.
“Fuck no, I don’t wanna make another bet.” I don’t even have to think twice about that one. “The last time I did, you assholes blasted my win all over the damn town. I wouldn’t trust you with my dog, and he died three years ago.”
A sinister smirk dons his face. “Actually, it was only me. I just let Tommy and Talon take some of the credit, or blame rather.” Taking a step forward, his smile grows. “It’ll be a good one.”