Husband dumped his disabled wife in the forest unaware a mysterious man watched everything
«I don’t know what to do,» she said. «I mean, what now? Call the cops? Tell them what? That my husband tried to get rid of me in the woods?» His expression didn’t change.
«Yes,» he said. That’s exactly what we’re going to do. The fire crackled softly in the stone, hearth, casting flickering amber light across the room. Leah sat curled in a heavy-knit blanket, her tea now lukewarm in her lap. Her fingers rested on the handle, but she hadn’t sipped it in a while.
She couldn’t stop staring into the flames. Need anything? Cal’s voice came from the kitchen, low and calm. Leah shook her head. then realized he couldn’t see her.
«No, I’m okay. Thanks.» He walked back into the room carrying a small plate with crackers and sliced apples. He placed it on the coffee table in front of her and sat down again across from her, his posture relaxed but alert, the way someone trained to read people always sat. She glanced at him. «You don’t have to babysit me,» she said, attempting a smile.
I’m not going to throw myself back in the woods. Cal’s expression didn’t flinch. I know. I just don’t like leaving people alone after they’ve been in shock. Is that from your training?
He nodded. Partly. The rest comes from personal mistakes. Leah didn’t ask what he meant. Not yet.
There was enough weight between them already. How long have you lived here? She asked instead, scanning the room. a few months bought the place after I left the department. Left or got pushed.
That made him grin. The first real smile she’d seen from him since he appeared like a ghost in the woods. You always did cut through the small talk. She shrugged. Some of us don’t have time for polite fiction anymore.
He looked at her, something soft in his eyes. I left officially. early retirement, burnout, injury, mix of things. You hurt? Not the kind that shows up on X-rays.
She nodded slowly. That kind of pain she understood intimately. There was a long pause. Only the fire moved between them. Leah finally said it.
I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. Cal looked up. Yeah. Well, small town, big trees. She let out a small laugh.
It surprised her. You look good, he added after a beat. Different, but still. You? Leah raised an eyebrow.
Different how? Less apologetic. That landed deeper than she expected. Her throat tightened. I used to apologize for taking up space, for needing help.
Now I still need help, but I stopped apologizing for it. Cal nodded, the corner of his mouth twitching like he wanted to say something, but thought better of it. She took a slow breath. You said earlier we’d call the cops. I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Cal leaned forward slightly. You think they won’t believe you? I think Matthew’s good at pretending. He’s charming. He’s a lawyer.
He’ll spin it into something else. Say, «I wandered off or had a breakdown.» And I don’t have proof. You don’t need proof to start a report. You just need to speak up. Leah stared at him.
Do you believe me? I wouldn’t have carried you half a mile through mud and thorns if I didn’t. Her chest tightened. She’d forgotten what it felt like to be believed instantly without suspicion, without are you sure? Or maybe you misunderstood.
But you’re right about one thing, Cal continued. He’s going to lie. He’ll move fast to get ahead of whatever version you tell. So, we need to be smart and quick. We I’m not letting this go.
She looked at him for a long time. Why? Why are you helping me like this? It’s been over a decade. Cal’s jaw flexed.
Because I know what it looks like when someone loses themselves under someone else’s control. I’ve seen it before. I’ve lived it kind of. He didn’t elaborate, but the room went quieter anyway. Besides, he added, «You were the only person who ever stood up for me in high school.
Remember that day with my old man in the parking lot?» «I do,» she said quietly. «I was scared out of my mind. But you looked like you were going to vanish. You kept me anchored.» He said, «I didn’t forget that.» She felt the warmth in her throat rise again, not the fire. something older, familiar.
They sat for a while without speaking. She finally picked up a cracker and bit into it, more to keep her hands busy than from hunger. Cal checked his watch. You want to call someone? A lawyer?
Your sister maybe? I don’t have one, and I haven’t talked to my brother in years. He nodded. Then start with the truth. Tell me what happened between you and Matthew after the accident.
She hesitated. Everything changed after that day. I got hit on a highway just outside PBLO. Crushed from the waist down. They rebuilt what they could, but Cal didn’t look away.
No pity, just focus. Matthew was there in the beginning. Supportive. But little by little, he took control of everything. my passwords, my medical stuff, my business finances.
He said it was just while I healed, but it never stopped. He decided what I wore, who could visit, what I could post online. It was like like being in a very polite prison. And now, now I guess he wanted a clean exit. Cal’s voice was low.
It wasn’t just an exit. He meant for you to disappear. Leah gripped the mug tighter. I think so, too. We
But first, you rest. Tomorrow we dig. She nodded slowly, her body suddenly heavy with exhaustion. Her nerves had burned all day. There was nothing left but smoke.
As he helped her to the spare room, wide doorway, low bed already prepped, she paused at the threshold. This place is accessible, she said. You planned it that way? Cal’s face shadowed. After I left the force, they weren’t sure if I’d walk again, so I planned for all outcomes…
