Page 45 of Claiming Liberty
I sigh and turn to Prudence who’s hiding at my back, using me as a shield from Sawyer. “There’s a gate to my house over there.” I motion toward the trees. “Go ahead. I’ll be there soon.”
She crosses her arms over her chest and squeezes like she’s cold, her uncertain stare aimed at Sawyer. I take off my jacket and hold it out for her.
“It’s okay,” I assure her again.
She makes eye contact as she takes the jacket, searching me for truth while she slips on the wool, then finally, she starts toward the tree line. I walk to Sawyer, take off my shoes, roll up my pants, and sit beside him. The cool water hugs my bare feet as I dip them into the pool.
“I’m sorry about Anna,” I say, lowering my head to mimic his posture. “I know you cared for her…”
“Yeah.” Sawyer huffs, sniffing as he straightens his spine. “I could tell you were real sorry by the way you ran out of here.”
I open my mouth to defend myself, but instead, turn to look at the blue water, lit up by pool lights. “You’re right… That was fucked up.”
I angle my neck to peer at him as he runs his hands over imaginary stubble. “I think I might have loved her.”
My brows bunch, but then I force my face to relax. It strikes me what a hypocrite I am to question his ability to love a woman he brought onto the island to whore out. He could’ve loved her as much as I love Liberty.
“I’m sorry,” I say.
He doesn't reply, just stares solemnly at the water.
“What do you think happened?”
He lifts a shoulder and lets it fall. “I have no idea.”
“Do you think something got spiked?” I ask.
“I don’t know, Angel,” he reiterates. “Right now, I really don’t care.”
I look away and lower my head. “Right.”
“I’ll find out, though… Tomorrow. If it was foul play, I’ll bring hell down on whoever did this.” He takes a deep inhale through his nose. “Can I count on you to be with me?”
“Of course,” I say, my face sinking. “You know that.”
He glances at me, then looks back at the water. Several seconds pass as we sit in silence.
“You should get back to Prudence,” Sawyer says. “I’m sure she’s freaked out.”
I slowly nod, letting another couple of seconds pass before I stand. I pull on my socks and shoes and turn to start for the gate when Sawyer speaks.
“I don’t know what she’s told you, but I can tell that her being here is turning us against each other… I’ll get her someplace safe. I promise.”
I turn to him, hoping my expression displays the relief I feel at hearing him say that.
I don’t believe the idea of the island is inherently bad. In fact, I think this place could be great if used the way it was initially intended. A place for play. A place for people to live out their fantasies without judgment from the outside world. It’s gone off track, and I don’t plan on allowing the depravity to continue. For the first time since realizing this, I feel like it’s possible for Sawyer and I to get on the same page.
“Thank you,” I say before turning and heading for the trees.
Prudence is shuffling her feet when I arrive at the gate, nervously watching for me.
I type in the code for the gate and swing it open for her before pulling out the flashlight. I could walk this trail blindfolded, but something tells me Prudence will appreciate having more than the moon to illuminate our way. I wouldn’t be surprised if she told me she was afraid of the dark.
“Ready?” I extend my hand to beckon her through.
She hurries past me, hugging herself as we start down the path to my house. Every time leaves rustle, she jumps, and I have to assure her everything’s okay. It’s only animals, nature sounds. No one is after her. No one is coming to take her away.
At one point, just before my house comes into view, she stops and spins to face me. The flashlight illuminates the tears in her eyes, the paralyzing fear on her face. I lower the beam so I don’t have to see it so clearly.