“We’re going to go talk to Knox.”
“I have to finish work. Today’s payday. I need the money, Sutton. I’ll go talk to Knox when I get off. At least I’ll have enough money to live off for a couple of weeks.”
“I’ll lend you money until you find another job. I’ll help—”
Cheryl stubbornly shook her head. “I’m getting my money. I worked for it.”
Sutton bit her lip. She didn’t want to push Cheryl too hard, or she could refuse to go to Knox for help.
“Okay. How much longer before you get off?”
“Four hours.”
“Then I’m not leaving your side. I need to pick up some things for my house and Tate’s. Will Jared get suspicious if I hang out that long?”
“No, I always have customers who stay and talk.”
“All right. I hope you have a lot of flood lights.”
“Flood lights? What do you need flood lights for?”
“Tate wants to set them up at my house so he can catch a possum.” She was indirectly telling her that she and Tate were living together.
“Oh.” Cheryl didn’t seem thrilled by the information. “So, you won’t be leaving to go back to Calfironia? When I move in with your friends, you won’t be there?”
Sutton had believed she was upset about Tate living with her; however, it was because she had decided to move and wouldn’t know anyone.
“No, but my boss is driving up next week. I’ll introduce you. I think it would be a good idea for you to go ahead and leave.”
“If I can manage to get my paycheck away from Jared, I might drive back with him,” Cheryl conceded.
Sutton wound her arm through hers. “I’m not going to leave you alone until after you see Knox.”
“Be careful. Jared’s got a temper.”
Sutton reached out and touched the faint bruise that Cheryl had tried to hide with her makeup.
“Jared’s the one who needs to be careful. The next time he thinks he’s going to touch you, he’s going to find out something I wished I had known.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re not alone.”
Chapter 23
“Is that all for you?” Jared asked when she laid another item on the counter.
“No, not yet. Where’s the rope?”
“Last aisle on the left.”
Sutton took her time looking at the rope, as if it was the most important decision she was ever going to make. She picked up a bright yellow one that looked as if Tate could somehow use it. She frankly had no idea, nor did she about the numerous other items she had pretended to be shopping for. She would have come out cheaper if Cheryl had taken her offer of money.
Sighing, she turned to go back to the register, bumping into Jared who came up behind her.
“That it? We’re about to close.”
“Okay. I think that’s the last of it.” She followed him to the register, paying him after he rang up her purchases.
While Cheryl bagged her purchases, she saw Jared begin to take the receipts out of the cash register.
“Go ahead and lock the door after her,” Jared ordered.
“Cheryl, is there a bathroom I could use?”
“Sure. It’s at the back of the store on the left. It’s next to Jared’s office.”
“I’ll show you. I’m going to my office to count the money. When you’re done locking up, Cheryl, come back and pick up your paycheck.”
“Okay.”
Ignoring the aggravated frown Jared threw her, she followed him to the restroom. She made sure he went into his office before she entered the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Taking out her cell phone, she saw several missed calls, calling Tate she knew he was going to be angry she hadn’t already done so. She was angry at herself, She knew better than to try to take on a monster by herself.
He picked it up on the first ring.
“Tate …”
“Where are you? I got home and found out you weren’t there. Then I went to your house, and you’re not here, either.”
She lowered her voice. “I know I’m not at home,” she snapped. “Listen to me. I’ll explain later. I’m still at the hardware store with Cheryl. Could you come and meet me outside? I found out Jared’s been hurting Cheryl, and I’ve talked her into going to Knox when she gets off. I’d feel better if you were here.”
“Get the fuck out of there. I’ll be right there. I’m going to call Knox.”
Tate hung up before she could say anything. She flushed the toilet and washed her hands before opening the door, coming face to face with a furious Jared.
His hand struck out, hitting her in the face and knocking her into the sink. She barely managed to catch herself before she hit her head.
“Jared, have you lost your mind?” Cheryl shoved him out of the way, rushing to help Sutton to her feet.
“You dumb cunt, do you think I’m stupid?” Jared yelled at Cheryl.