Her fingers could have unerringly found the scar, even though the skin there no longer felt any sensation. Still, she’d swear she felt Seth lightly touch it with the tip of his finger.
“I have a couple of other places, but I’d have to take clothes off, and I...” Her cheeks felt hot. She didn’t want to strip in front of him, for a whole lot of reasons.
“Okay.” He gently tugged the neckline of her shirt back up. She could hear him breathing behind her. What was he doing? But then he returned to his place at the table, his expression grim. Helen knew what was coming.
“What’s his name, Helen?” He frowned. “What’s your name?”
Panic skittered over her. “You can’t—”
“I can’t what?”
“I don’t know!” she exclaimed. It was obvious Richard already knew where she was. “I just—”
He waited.
Was there any chance at all he could ask questions about Richard without learning about the bodyguard’s murder?
She closed her eyes in resignation. What could she do but tell him? At least for now, running wasn’t an option. The knowledge gave her a claustrophobic feeling.
Possibly because she was, once again, trapped? Another man had seized control over her life? Yes. Dear God, yes.
And yet...relief was part of what she felt, too. She hadn’t wanted to leave this life and people she’d come to care about behind. Surrendering the burden of responsibility, if only briefly, that was a relief, too.
Unless, of course, she ended up being arrested.
Unreadable, Seth kept watching her.
“Richard Winstead. He’s...a corporate attorney in Seattle. He sits on several advisory committees appointed by the mayor and city council members.” Bitterness etched her voice when she added, “If you ask around about him, all you’ll hear are glowing compliments.”
“He’s not the first successful man to abuse his wife. Domestic violence covers every social class.”
She swallowed and nodded. “I’m Robin Hollis.”
Seth’s smile reached his eyes. It was warm and a little crooked. “Thank you, Robin.” He resumed his cop mask. “Here’s what we’re going to do first. If you’ll give me permission, I think we should compile your medical records.”
Stung, she said, “You don’t believe me.” Except... Confused, she realized he’d said “we.” Twice. As if they were taking action, not just him.
“I do,” he said calmly. “It would help to show undeniable proof to a judge that you suffered not just one incident but ongoing abuse at the hands of your then-husband. The dates of your visits to the various ERs are important. I won’t be surprised if doctors or nurses noted some suspicion of abuse, too.”
She’d thought of requesting her records herself, but had been afraid to give a mailing address to the various hospitals. To have them sent to her mother might have drawn attention to her. One of her fears had always been what Richard might do to Mom and Allie to punish her.
“Yes. I’ll sign a permission form.”
“Good. We’ll start with that.” He tapped the ice chest. “Might be a good idea to put everything in here back in the fridge.”
Suddenly exhausted, she pushed herself to her feet while she still could and lifted off the lid. “I need to get some things from the car, too. My toothbrush is out there.”
“Do you have to brush your teeth?”
She blinked at him. Did she really care? No. “I suppose not.”
Shaking his head, he stood. “You need to get to bed. I’ll put the food away.”
“But...”
“I’m sleeping on your couch tonight, Robin.”
“To keep me from taking off once you’re gone.”
He smiled. “I admit the thought crossed my mind that you might try, but I want you to get a good night’s sleep, too, and I know you won’t if you’re listening for a break-in.”
He was right. A part of her had been dreading his departure. She felt guilty, though. This had to be above and beyond the call. Could he get in trouble for staying in her house?
“If I promise—” she began.
Seth shook his head. “Go to bed, Robin.”