Page 95 of Poisoned Pawn

Those are the scars everyone sees and focuses on.

She gives me a small greeting nod before her eyes move to Frankie, and I see a flash of something. Familiarity maybe but it’s gone before I can be sure.

“These are all her belongings,” says Ms Price, stepping forward to indicate the bags sitting off to the side. “There are some larger items that Mr Beckett has arranged the collection of at a later date.”

Zak and Frankie collect Erica’s bags at Ms Price’s less than subtle indication to move things along. Isla wheels Erica out of the room as we follow behind.

Once we reach the ambulance, Frankie and Zak load the bags inside while Isla stops at the bottom of the ramp.

“I can walk from here, Isla,” Erica tells her quietly.

“Very well.” She holds the wheelchair steady as Erica eases herself up to her feet. Her steps are a little unsteady to begin with, but after the first few, she settles into a good pace.

I stop beside Isla and watch as Erica reaches the back of the ambulance.

“Miss Independent that one.” She pauses before turning to face me. “Take good care of her for me.” Her voice wobbles, choked with emotion.

“I promise we will,” I tell her, giving her arm a comforting rub. As I walk away, I pray I can keep my promise. Not only for Isla but for Carter too.

Frankie has lowered the ramp for Erica to walk up, which she manages without any help. When I enter the ambulance, Roxy and Frankie have raised the stretcher to a more upright position, and Erica is just getting comfortable.

“What the fuck is going on, Frankie?” Erica says, confirming my earlier suspicion about her knowing who he is and showing a spark of fire.

“Not here,” he tells her, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. There’s nothing romantic about it. More of a brotherly affection just like with me and Aidan.

The moment we set off, Erica starts asking questions.

“What’s going on? Where are you taking me?”

Roxy and I share a look because neither of us are entirely sure what Carter wants us to share with her.

“Is Carter okay?”

I don’t hesitate to reply. “Yes, he’s fine. He just wants to make sure you’re safe.”

She doesn’t look convinced. “I’ve been there for the past fourteen years, so something must have happened for him to be moving me now,” she presses.

“I’m sure Frankie will explain once we get to your new place.” She holds my gaze long after I spoke, and I know she’s not convinced I don’t know anything.

“Who are you?”

“Friends,” I say feeling like that is the lamest thing I could have said.

“Friends? Carter doesn’t do friends unless you count Frankie. And he’s never brought anyone bar him to me before.”

Frankie’s voice calls through the small window. “That’s ‘cause I’m special.”

Erica’s mouth twitches in an almost smile. “Special my arse,” she says.

“Sounds like you got yourself someone special too. Who the fuck is Gage?” Frankie asks with a little humour but mostly a cautious curiosity.

Her left cheek pinks slightly and she rolls her eyes. “He’s one of the therapists that’s all.”

“Yeah, and what’s his specialty seduction?”

“Fuck off, Frankie. He’s a nice guy. He understands me.” Her pain bleeds through her final words.

“I’m only messing with you. What’s he been helping you with?”