Page 60 of Punishing Penelope
I’m out the door in the next second, lock it, and then run.
“Did he hurt you?”
“No, I… no, but I’m scared.”
I hear slamming and screaming in the background.
“Call the cops, Sandra.”
“I can’t!”
“You have to.”
“No. It’s Cole. I don’t want him in trouble. He’s already in enough trouble. Can you please come? Get me out of here? You’re the only one I trust, and he’ll listen to you.”
I highly doubt that, but I’m already driving up the ramp from the underground garage.
“Where do you live?”
Sandra exhales so shakily, it hits me right in the feels, then gives me an address. I tap it into my navigation system before the rollup gate to the garage has opened fully, then I hit the street.
Of course, I’m coming. I don’t think Cole will start pummeling anyone, either. At least not the Cole I knew. He was always a big, safe rock and was the least aggressive of us, not counting Lexi, of course.
“What happened, Sandra? Where is he now? Where are you?”
“I’ve locked us in the bedroom. He’s out there, trashing everything.”
“Why? I mean, what happened? He’s done this before?”
“No… I said…stuff.”
“Okay? Stuff? What stuff?”
I get stuck in one traffic jam after the other, then get loose only to face a red light. Driving in L.A. is maddening if you’re in a hurry.
“I’m leaving him. He went crazy. He got drunk in front of the kids, then punched his fist through a wall and flipped over the dinner table. That’s when I locked us in the bedroom. I want you to come. Please.”
At the next red light, I text Peter.
[Cole trashed their house. Get there asap. I’m omw]
He calls me in the next moment.
“Hang on, Sandra.” I put her on hold to take Peter’s call. The traffic moves again as I explain what Sandra’s told me and give him the address. “Bring some friends.”
“I’m on my way. I’ll tell them it’s a family emergency. I’ll come alone. If I bring partners, they’ll be forced to write a report and probably take him in. I don’t think either of us wants that for Cole. I’ll get him out of that house, and you can get Sandra and the kids somewhere safe.”
My heart pounds hard, and the adrenaline seems to carbonate my blood. I glance at Sandra’s name on the display on the dashboard, hoping she’s safe.
“All right. See you there. I’m going in whether or not you’re there, so be quick.”
“Pen—”
I kill the call and get back to Sandra.
“Talk to me, girl. I’m here. I’m bringing backup.”
“No cops! My reputation… I’m sorry. It’s such a mess.”