Chapter 203 My Plan
Trent's POV
I panicked last night. Watching her all apart like that gutted me. I've had panic attacks before, but this one was more severe than I've ever had. It didn't mean I didn't know what to do, it just took my head a while before I could thing clearly enough to take action.
And after she told me what I was afraid to ask, I wanted to race back to Echo Ridge Point and throttle the man. My dad too. I wanted to call the police and tell them my father was involved in some sort of conspiracy I didn't understand. Then I wanted to beat the shit out of both of them. I probably could too. I don't know who the Jay is, but I'll bet my last dollar he only abuses Charlie because she's weaker than him.
I know I'm stronger than my father. It's what happens after years of alcohol and too much time in front of the TV instead of at the gym.
I wanted to call my dad back and demand every damn piece of evidence and whatever contract Charlie Turner's name is attached to.
But I didn't. I might do it later, but right now I need more information. I can't just go in guns blazing and not a drop of information to back up my ire.
I also didn't want to freak Charlie out more than she already was. She didn't need some testosterone filled fight. She didn't need me raging and pacing, screaming into the air, making empty promises... Even though, I'm pretty damn sure they would not be empty. But she doesn't need to know that right now.
She needed gentle and careful words. She needed to be held while she fell apart. She needed to let her emotions out that she'd been afraid to let out for who the hell knows how many years. She needed to feel safe and secure, and that is what I gave her.
But I swear, if I ever get my hands on the bastard, he will learn the mistake he made. He will learn he is not the biggest guy in the room. He will learn he has to pay for his part in Charlie's pain. I'll get him behind bars! But I can't take him to my dad... No, I'll need to find someone not involved. In fact, I might be putting my own father away by the end of this... And honestly, I don't even feel guilty about it.
I left her after she fell asleep in my arms. I didn't have the strength to leave her right away. I held her for an hour, just listening to her breath in my arms. Just to make sure she didn't wake up scared. She never did, and eventually I knew I needed to get back to my own room.
I carried her to her bed and covered up in her blankets. I kissed her head. I turned off the light and closed the door behind me.
I came home and sent a text to Rick, telling him what went down. He told me to keep an eye on her and keep him in the loop. Then he thanked me for being there for her when she didn't have anyone else.
I really think I like Rick. He's a good guy. I think... I think I'll be talking to him in person this weekend. I still feel like it would be a good idea to drive back home and search my parents' house.
All night long my mind has been spinning. Something tells me my dad is involved in whatever the hell is going on with Charlie's uncle. I just don't know how. I know he's directly related to Charlie's parents' accident. But I don't think that's all there is to it.
Just what is going on? And what contracts. Rick was talking about them but didn't say anything substantial. Nothing I can go back and accuse them of.
He mentioned my father's name was on one that had to do with Charlie's parent's accident. My dad lied on the accident report. The thought makes me sick. But I don't know if I can do anything about it now. Is that a punishable crime?
He mentioned a few other things and gave me a vague impression that whatever they had been doing was illegal. Why the hell does it seem like this goes way beyond just Charlie and car accidents? Something went down and it's been covered up for a decade.
And it seems Rick has been looking in on them. He seems very knowledgeable, but I didn't get the chance to ask him a lot of questions before my girl passed out on me.
I'm scared to ask Charlie about what Dean Kingston's contracts were about. Maybe Rick can fill me in later. He didn't seem reluctant to tell me anything. On the contrary, he sounded like he really wanted to help but didn't get the chance.
I waited by the parking lot waiting for Charlie to show up this morning. I wanted to call her earlier but thought she might need a little time alone. She showed up looking a little worse for wear, but she's here.