We pass the College of the Redwoods and nearly run a red light while we’re at it. Just before the bridge that spans over Noyo Bay, we turn into the parking lot for Coast RV Park. We nearly side-swipe a sedan that’s backing out of its space on the way through the lot toward the make-shift dirt roads that make up the streets for the RV park. Behind the small park of maybe twenty RVs is a curved road that practically hugs the cliffs of the coastline.
He pulls off to the side of a road that doesn’t look like it gets much action and hops out of the SUV. I pull up behind him and turn off my engine. All I can see is dirt and RVs and, in the distance, the college and some ramshackle buildings that have no distinctive purpose anymore and should probably be torn down. Ian strides around the SUV and looks to the water. From behind him, I can see the water perfectly. Every sharp rock, and every steep dip comes into view. I’ve seen enough sick shit in my time to know that the coast is prime place to dump a body. The salt water and the currents, not the mention the wildlife, do a good job at tearing up flesh. The ocean is nature’s garbage disposal.
To our right is the bridge that connects the southern end of town with everything else. It’s where the Noyo River spills into Noyo Bay, which eventually becomes part of the Pacific. The straight that leads the bay into the ocean is narrow and partially aided by a concrete sea wall that extends out a good twenty feet. The concrete wall is narrow and not made for lounging, but there at the very end, sit two figures. I’m still for a solid minute until I see movement from both of them. My chest hurts from all the stress, but in this moment, it’s as though a weight has been lifted. I have no idea what condition Holly will be in when I get to her, but the fact that she’s moving is enough for me right now. I still won’t let myself consider that he was inside of her, that he violated her in that way. Not after everything we just went through with Duke’s woman and her ex. I can’t go there.
I just can’t.
I take off to the cliff, easily finding a path that’s been worn into the dirt and rock by whoever services the coastline here. I doubt it’s the Coast Guard. We don’t have anything worth their interest up here. The closer I get to the water, the steeper and more difficult to navigate it becomes. Rocks become slick and sharp, and the water itself is more aggressive this close up. Ian is right behind me. He struggles about as much as I do, having to occasionally grab a rock beneath his feet in order to steady himself.
When I reach the sea wall, I breathe a sigh of relief that it’s wider than it appeared from shore. It’s nearly five feet wide and, though it’s wet, the extra width provides me some comfort as I run forward toward Holly. The sea wall is shaped like an “L,” bending midway. I slow at the turn, careful not to lose my footing, and then pick up speed again as I near the girls. The closer I get, the easier it is to see how they’re sitting. Back to back, they each have their legs dangling over the edge of the sea wall. Neither one looks badly hurt.
Holly’s head turns. Her mouth is covered in duct tape, and when her gaze lands on me, her shoulders sink and her eyes water. The absolute terror that shines in them breaks me into a thousand useless pieces. Closing the distance between us, I drop to my knees and take her face in my hands. I don’t know how much of it is insanity and how much is a message from a higher power, but this woman has been thrown into my life and I think it’s for a reason.
I don't want the complication of an Old Lady, but it looks like fate has other plans.
For the first time in a week, I can breathe easy. Holly's here, and I know she's safe. She can fight me all she wants, but I'm here and she's stuck now.
Chapter 18
Holly
THE COLD WIND slices through my thin tee shirt. I knew I should have grabbed a jacket this morning, but we were running late and it didn’t seem important. Apparently, I was wrong. Sitting on this slab of concrete, with the icy breeze and spray from the Pacific rushing up at us, I’m reconsidering not only my wardrobe, but all of my life choices.