After a few deep breaths and trying to gain control of my anger, I step into the shower and hope the hot water washes away my rage. I’m not an inherently violent person, but when it comes to Everleigh, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Sassy too.

By the time I’m clean, I’m calmer but still feel uneasy. I go to my bedroom and find Everleigh tucked under the covers. She tilts her head and looks at me.

“Somethin’ wrong?”

“Nah. Just have some things on my mind.”

She smiles. “Come snuggle with me.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.”

Once I’m under the sheets, Everleigh scoots closer until her ass presses against me. I hold her to my chest.

The next morning, I kiss Everleigh goodbye before I leave to meet my parole officer. I’ve seen him a few times already, but this time I’m more anxious than usual.

When I enter, Calvin is sitting behind his desk. I have to piss in a cup to make sure I’m not breaking any of my probation rules. I happily do it because I’m clean and always have been. It’s protocol, but I understand why it’s in place.

Once I’m done, I sit across from him.

“So, fill me in with what's going on.”

I suck in a deep breath, not sure where to start, but knowing I have to tell him the truth. “There’s been a lot.”

“Go ahead,” he encourages.

“My girlfriend was stabbed and had to have emergency surgery.”

The man deserves an Emmy because he doesn’t react. “Is she okay?”

“Yes, she is. She’ll fully recover, just taking it easy now.”

“That’s good news. Do you know who did it?”

“I don’t. That’s why I’m worried. Not to mention I’ve been receiving threatening text messages from Krystal, Chad’s sister.”

“Archer, you need to file a report. They can’t charge her without proper evidence, so it needs to be documented now. That way, if her threats become actions, a file has already been started.”

I listen to his every word, remembering how I stressed the same things to Annie when she was with Chad. The realization that the situations are familiar nearly knocks the breath out of me.

“You’re right. I’ll go to the station after I leave here.”

“Archer, if you need me for anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I just don’t want you to get caught up in something that’s not your fault. Understand what I mean?”

I nod. “Absolutely.”

“Anything else you want to discuss?”

“That’s about it. I love being in Alabama. It was the change of pace I needed.”