“She and I have a romantic relationship. I’m the dominant one, and she follows my directions, and I take care of her.”
Caylee didn’t understand the anger in his tone when he said the last thing.
“That’s interesting. You don’t find many women who are submissive nowadays.”
“You’d be surprised how many are out there,” Nolan said. “I think they hide their true nature because it goes against what society says, that they should be independent and sexually free. It’s called a Big/little relationship. Have you ever heard about it?”
“I have. I just didn’t realize it was prevalent in the Midwest,” Richards said.
“They’re everywhere.”
“Let’s get back to the questions,” Sanchez said and turned to her. “Please continue, Miss Holmes.”
“Please call me Caylee.”
He smiled and nodded. “I’m Raul, and that’s Brodie.”
“The man grabbed me from behind, and I fought him. He hit me in the side of the head.” She touched the injury that the doctor had covered up again. “He pulled me to the elevator and continued hitting me. I tried to stall long enough to get us into the elevator when he said he’d shoot Nolan if he came home before they were gone.”
She didn’t look at Nolan. “He talked about the things thatwould happen to me and that he’d get a piece of me.” Now, she did glance at Nolan. “I’m sorry, Daddy. When I found out, I decided I’d rather be dead than have him touch me, so I called him a sick fucker and asked him why his mommy didn’t love him.”
She flinched at the fury on Nolan’s face and then watched as he tried to get control of himself.
“I… I’ve got to take a minute. I’ll be back,” Nolan said.
She nodded. “I understand.” She watched the door close before she looked at the agents.
“You’re a brave girl,” Richards said.
“I just thought it was better for Nolan to know I was dead instead of imagining the things that were happening to me if the man took me away.”
“It’s going to take a while for your man to get over this.”
She nodded. “I know it’s hard for him.”
Sanchez snorted. “Jesus, you’re a sweet one. You’re the one in the bed hurting and more worried about your guy.”
“Because I love him. Isn’t that the way it should be?” she asked.
“I would be the same as you. It’s just we don’t see a lot of it, and we haven’t been able to find a woman like you.”
“You will. Just don’t give up.”
They asked her a few more questions.
“We’ll leave so you can get some rest. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.” Brodie handed over one of his cards.
Caylee took it. “Thank you. Be safe.”
Chapter Twelve
The door clicked behind them, and a feeling of loneliness filled her. She wiped a tear from her eyes as the door opened and the nurse walked in.
There was instant concern on her face when she saw Caylee’s tears. “Are you okay, honey?”
“Yes.”
“You tell me if you need anything. Let’s get the IVs out and clean you up a bit. I think you’ll be out of here by tonight.”