Chapter 14

They drove into the parking garage and parked near the elevator.Raul opened her door and helped her out. "I can tell you're getting tired. Would you mind if I carried you?"She shook her head. "Thank you."The three walked into the elevator and pushed the button to her condo.She pretended not to notice the blood stains that still colored the inside. Since it was metal and vinyl on the floor, she thought it would be easy enough to clean.When the door slid open, she gasped at the mess. There seemed to be blood on every surface, and the tangy, sickening smell permeated her nostrils, making her nauseous."Fuck, you can't stay here.""Yes, I can." She didn't have anywhere else to go."Can't we take you to another condo in the building?"She shook her head. "I don't have the codes for them.""How about we get you into bed, honey? You looked wiped out, and you're getting a headache. We'll figure out what to do later.""I am getting tired," she said.They carried her down the hallway and into the master bedroom. Raul pulled back the covers and set her down on the mattress.Brodie came out of the bathroom with a pill in his hand and a glass of water. "Take this."She downed the pill and lay back.Raul covered her up."Thank you so much for your help, guys.""We're not leaving you until someone else is here.""I'm only going to sleep.""Is being back here scaring you at all?""It makes me feel uncomfortable, but I can handle that." She watched the men glance at each other. "Really, guys, I'm okay. I can't thank you enough for bringing me home."Brodie tucked the blanket around her. "Get some rest. We'll be here if you need us.""I didn't want you to upset your life.""You're not," Raul said. "Get some sleep."She nodded, closed her eyes, sighed, and fell asleep.She had no idea how much time had passed before she started to see dark shadows moving around the room, reaching out to her. "No, no, don't. Leave me alone."They wouldn't stop, and her breathing became harsh as she thrashed around on the mattress. "No!" she screamed.She heard running, and then the light turned on. She blinked a few times as the agents rushed into the room and sat down beside her."Easy, honey, it was just a dream," Raul said.She was still gasping for air. Her heart thundered in her chest, but it was starting to settle down.Brodie returned with a washcloth, wiped her face, and then handed her a glass of water that she drank down.Raul helped her lie back. "Do you want to talk about it?"She shook her head. "No. I'm sorry.""Don't be sorry. The whole situation sucks," Brodie said. "I have to admit I'm surprised by your strength. I don't know many people who have it to your level.""I've had to be strong my whole life.""Why?""My parents were violent alcoholics, and I got the brunt of their anger until they died in a car accident.""How old were you?""Seventeen. Holly and I lived in my house and worked part-time to pay the bills and finish high school.""Damn, woman. I'm so proud of you," Brodie said."I had it a lot easier than some.""Do you think you can go back to sleep?"She nodded. "Yes. The pill you gave me is still making me groggy. Thank you.""All right. We'll be here.""Okay."She waited until they turned off the light and left the room before pressing her face into the mattress and sobbing. She didn't understand why everything had to be so difficult. The fact that it felt like she had lost Nolan was more than she could take.Where had her life gone so wrong?