Nadine POV
I hear Logan’s words, it’s a threat, one I can’t afford to ignore. I start pacing back and forth in my house, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
I grab my phone and dial my mother’s number, my heart pounding in my chest. I need to know my son is safe.
“Hello, Mum, how are you? And how’s Shawn?” I ask, trying to sound calm despite my racing thoughts.
“Nadine, are you okay?” my mum asks, concern etched in her voice. “You sound out of breath. What’s wrong?”
I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. I don’t want to alarm her, but I need reassurance. “I just need to know Shawn is okay, Mum.” I pause, waiting for her response.
She stays quiet for some time, and I’m getting frustrated with her silence.
“Mum, please! Say something! You’re scaring me!” I exclaim, my voice rising in desperation.
“Take a deep breath, Nadine. What’s wrong?” my mum asks, but I can sense a hint of frustration in her voice.
“Mum? Please stay indoors and don’t receive any strange visitors!” I plead.
My mum’s tone turns icy. “I don’t take orders from you, Nadine. Tell me what’s wrong, or I won’t follow any of your instructions.”
I realize too late that I’ve forgotten my mum’s stubborn streak. I close my eyes, frustrated.
“Mum, please! My son is in danger! Are you happy now?” I sob, my voice cracking as I scream out my desperation.
“Calm down, Nadine, I just want to know the reason for the instructions so I can take precautions.”
I take a deep breath. “Okay, Mum, I heard you.”
I hear a creak at the back door. I’m startled, my senses on high alert. I’m alone in the house, or at least I thought I was.
I wonder who – or what – could be making that noise. I try to tell myself it’s just the wind or the house settling, but I know better.
That creak sounded like someone stepping onto the porch. I feel a shiver as I realize that whoever it is, they’re trying to be quiet.
I slowly reach for the baseball bat I keep for emergencies like this.
I grip the bat tightly, trying to calm my shaking hands as I make my way to the kitchen.
My senses are on high alert, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of movement. And then, I see him. A figure standing in my kitchen, his back turned against me.
My breath catches in my throat as I freeze. Who is this person? What do they want?
The figure doesn’t move; it doesn’t seem to know I’m there.
I’m scared, but I summon every last bit of courage and take a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum.
I’ve never been in a situation like this before, where my life is threatened and I need to fight to survive. My hands grip the baseball bat tightly, my palms sweating.
I’ve never hit anyone before, but I know I have to defend myself. I slowly raise the bat.
With a loud thud, I bring the bat down on the figure’s head, the impact sending shockwaves through my arms.
The figure crumples to the ground, motionless. I stand frozen, my chest heaving with fear.
I’ve done it. But as I look down at the figure, I realize I have no idea who he is or why they were in my kitchen.
The figure lies motionless on the floor, a small pool of blood forming around their head. I feel a wave of nausea wash over me as I realize what I’ve done. I’ve never hurt anyone before, and the reality of what’s happened is starting to sink in.
Suddenly, the figure stirs, groaning in pain. I jump back, my heart racing with fear. I didn’t expect them to move. I raise the bat again, ready to defend myself if necessary.
Suddenly, three hefty men burst into my kitchen. I stumble backward, fear gripping my heart. I’m overwhelmed, unsure of how I’ll defend myself against three men at once.
But to my surprise, they don’t even glance in my direction. Instead, they rush to the figure on the floor, exchanging brief, urgent glances with each other.
Without a word, they scoop up the injured man and swiftly carry him out of the kitchen, leaving me stunned and confused.
I stand frozen, my mind struggling to process what’s happening. Who are these men? Why did they take the injured man?
I let out a blood-curdling scream at the top of my lungs, but it’s quickly muffled by one of the men, who clamps his hand over my mouth. I struggle to break free, trying to shake him off, but his grip is too strong.
“Shh, you’re safe now,” he whispers urgently in my ear. “We came to help you. We know he was here to harm you.”
I’m taken aback by his words. I stop struggling and push him away, taking a step back from the three men. My eyes darted between them, unsure of what to believe.
I take another step back, trying to create some distance between us, my eyes fixed on them with fear.
The door bursts open and Logan rushes in, his face etched with panic.
“Nadine!” he shouts. “Are you okay?” He hurries to my side, his eyes scanning me for any signs of harm.
I’m taken aback by his sudden arrival, unsure of how to feel. Part of me is relieved he’s here, but another part is wary, wondering if I should trust him.
But I’m too stunned to react to the past few minutes. I slump onto the couch, my mind reeling with questions.
I manage a weak nod, my eyes fixed on Logan as he rushes to the back door, where the three men are still lingering.
Short, sharp words fly from Logan’s mouth as he confronts the three men.
“What the fuck happened? Where were you guys when he barged in? You were paid to do one job, and your negligence almost cost my wife’s life!”
I watch, still trying to process everything, as the men exchange nervous glances. I want to correct Logan – we’re not married, not anymore – but I don’t have the strength.
Besides, a new thought sends my heart racing: why did Logan assign bodyguards to my house? Does he know something I don’t? Is my life really in danger?
Without thinking, I leap from the couch, my legs trembling as I hurry to retrieve my phone. I need to call my mom and ask her what’s going on.
My heart is racing as I exclaim, “Oh my God, my Shawn, is he alright?” Logan quickly notices my panic and rushes to my side.
“What’s wrong, Nadine? Take a deep breath,” he says, trying to calm me down, but I’m beyond consolation.
I’m frantically holding my phone, trying to call my mom, my hands shaking uncontrollably. “My son, I hope he’s fine,” I panic, my voice trembling.
Logan’s response is eerily calm. “It’s okay, Shawn is fine,” he says as if he’s just stating the weather.
But his words only fueled my confusion and panic. “How do you know his name? And how did you even know I was in danger?” I demand, my eyes wide with fear.
Logan smiles softly, his eyes glinting with an air of superiority. “Nadine, stop asking these questions,” he says, his voice dripping with arrogance. “I own this town, so nothing goes down without me knowing.”
I roll my eyes at his boast, but before I can respond, the door bursts open, making me jump.