Rachel awoke the next morning, her head still hurting and her body aching, but the feeling of Riley’s arms wrapped around her and his warmth surrounding her made her immediately relax. The doctor had checked her over the night before and besides being a bit dehydrated, she had been given a clean bill of health.
She rolled over slowly so that she was facing Riley. His face was relaxed in slumber. She watched him and placed a gentle hand on his cheek as he slept. She knew it would take time to recover from the incident last night; her sleep had been consumed with nightmares. But Riley had been there every time, to hold her close and whisper that it was alright. He’d wiped away her tears and kissed her as she had fallen back into a restless sleep.
Rachel let out a long breath as she realized her life was different now. Before she met Riley, it was safe, predictable, and somewhat boring. Now, it wasn’t the money and a lavish lifestyle that she had experienced with him, it was the obsession, the greed. Greed was so great it turned people into monsters—that was the side she had witnessed, and she hated it.
But he was worth it, this man who lay beside her—he was her world now. His presence, his character, his trust and loyalty for her were all that she needed. The money was a great perk, but it wasn’t why she lay next to him. And the traumas that had occurred, they had only bonded them closer together.
Riley shifted in his sleep and his thick lashes fluttered open. He looked into her eyes and slowly reached a hand up to hold hers. He looked sleepy and exhausted, and his voice was hoarse as he spoke.
“Good morning, gorgeous.”
She kissed him on the forehead and ran a hand through his hair.
“Good morning, handsome.”
“Did you get any sleep, or just bad dreams?” he asked her softly.
She shrugged and shook her head. “I don’t think I’ll be sleeping great for months… maybe even years.”
He nodded. “Think I might be the same.”
They lay there for a while, letting the morning pass quietly as the birds chirped in the growing light outside the window, the flowers opened, and the sprinklers turned on to water the early summer lawns. The doorbell rang, and they both slowly looked at each other and gave a small smile. Neither of them wanted to leave this bed.
“Don’t worry. Titan came back last night, I’m sure he’ll get it. But we do have to get moving. I’m sure it’s Erica and the police.”
Rachel nodded and Riley reached out and gave her a kiss.
“But I do promise we will return to this very soon.”
Rachel looked at him. “Promise promise?”
He chuckled. “Promise promise. Does saying it twice make it secure?”
She nodded. “It does.”
With that Riley groaned and pushed himself out of bed. Rachel slowly pushed herself up, as the movement sent pain through her stiff muscles and bruises. Riley pulled on his briefs and shirt then his pants and headed over to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth as Rachel removed her clothes and stepped in the shower.
“I’ll join you guys in a few minutes. I just need some time to relax,” she said as she stepped in and let the hot water bathe her skin.
“Alright beautiful, take your time.”
Rachel let the hot water pour over her as the images flashed in her mind's eye. The scenes of horror made her feel pangs of terror, but she let it pass and thought of her life now. Yes, it was different. Yes, it would be tough sometimes, but damn it she could make it. And yeah, she was strong as hell.
She let the water take away the pain, the worry, the fear, and the anger. The steam surrounded her, and she felt the weight lift off her shoulders. It was done. And whatever life threw at them, they were going to make it.
Rachel turned off the water and grabbed the fluffy white towel from the rack. She dried herself off and dried her hair. She slipped into her clothes and checked herself in the mirror—not perfect, but fine for sitting at the table talking about how she was almost murdered.
She walked out of the bathroom and down the hall. The conversation from the dining room echoed through the large walkway, and she slipped into the dining area unnoticed. She came up behind Riley and rested her hands on his shoulders. She gave a squeeze, and he reached up and laid his hand on hers.
Erica sat across from Riley, Titan and the police deputy at each side. The group was talking lightheartedly, and Rachel wasn’t sure if the serious conversation was over or had just begun. Erica gave her a wave and gestured for Titan to move over and let her sit. He quickly scooted down, and Rachel thanked him as someone grabbed her a chair and she seated herself at the table.
“Rachel, you won’t need to give your report today. I’ve cleared it with the deputy here to give your account tomorrow. While we usually like to get the memory while it’s fresh, I understand you might need a breather before diving back in, and I don’t think you’ll be forgetting what you experienced anytime soon.” Erica put a hand on Rachel’s and gave it a comforting squeeze. Rachel looked back warmly.
“Thank you, Erica, and thanks, Deputy.”
Both nodded and Rachel turned to the group.
“So, what now?” she asked, her voice quiet as if afraid to really know the answer.
“He gets put away for a very long time, and you two begin to move on with your lives,” Titan replied. He leaned in and gave her a gentle nudge.
Erica nodded. “It will take some time, but we’ll manage to have them both put away for quite a while. With his mental state, I’m not sure he’ll ever get out.”
Rachel gave them all a smile. “Thank you.”
Riley agreed, “Yes, thank you all for your quick response and efforts. Tom, we may need to clean up the security team though, yourself included.”
Riley reached over and gave Tom a playful punch with a chuckle. The man looked terrified and relieved all at once.
Rachel looked at him. “So it’s over.”
He nodded. “It’s all over.”