Broken: In Harm's Way, #2

By Stephanie Hurt

Abusive husband… Old love… Tested Faith…

Harper…

Harper was trapped in a nightmare. Every morning she woke expecting it to be her last. How could she have married a monster? The only light in her dark world is the faith that she holds close to her heart.

Reid…

Reid has struggled for years to forget the one woman that was everything to him. While doing rounds at the hospital, he comes face to face with her. He sees the truth to her injuries, but she quickly denies them, leaving the hospital before he can convince her to get help. Now he can't get her out of his head. She's in trouble and he needs to help her.

To his surprise, she shows up at his front door needing his help. She risks everything to get help. When she learns more of her husband's secrets, she knows she must leave Reid forever to keep him safe.

Reid is frantic to find her before her abusive husband does. Will he be too late to save her? With not much to go on, the police extend the search, but they may not get there in time. Reid fears he'll never see her again.

This is a story of abuse, suspense, faith, and lost love…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Horseshoe Publishing
• Release date: Sep 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201184605

Stephanie Hurt

Stephanie Hurt lives in Georgia with her husband Tommy and their son Hunter, along with two dogs, Daisy and Jake. When Stephanie is not lost in one of the worlds that she creates, she’s an accountant and children’s minister. She has been writing the stories that fill her mind since she was a teenager. The moment a story comes into her mind, she’s mesmerized and soon she’s diving into the story with a cup of hot green tea and a notebook. Before long, the story has bones and is ready for the laptop. She happily types away in the early morning and at night. You can always find her with a notebook full of stories that have yet to come to life. Follow her journey in each of her over 40 published works! Stephanie Payne Hurt loves to hear from fans and hopes that she’s helped them go to another world for at least a while! Connect with Author: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieHurt4 Email: https://[e-mail] Website: www.stephaniehurtauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephaniePayneHurt Sign up for my newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com to keep up with upcoming events and new releases.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Harper’s heart was racing as she crouched in the corner of the closet. She was trying her best not to be found. The fact that she was still healing from the last encounter only made her more anxious. The sound of footsteps on the stairs made her try to sink back into the wall. If only she were invisible, he’d never find her.

The closer the steps came, the more sweat ran down her back. It was hot in the closet and the fact that she had encased herself in coats to stay hidden only added to the heat. She couldn’t take a deep breath or move as he opened the bedroom door.

Harper, where are you? Terrell slurred in a loud, angry voice. You know I hate when you hide from me.

Harper closed her eyes tight, praying he wouldn’t find her. When the closet door was snatched open, she covered her mouth to keep from screaming. The rush of cool air wasn’t comforting because that was proof that he’d found her.

She yelped when he snatched her out of the closet by her hair. The pain sliced through her skull as he continued gripping her hair, pulling her through the bedroom. Terrell, you’re hurting me. Harper cried out.

I wouldn’t if you’d behave. Another slurred response.

The stench of whiskey filled the air as he spoke. Harper tried desperately to get his fingers out of her hair. If only she could gain some ground, she usually could outrun him when he was this drunk, but the grip he had on her hair was iron tight.

I haven’t done anything wrong. Harper said, trying to keep him talking so he’d lose interest on his grip on her hair. Please, just stop hurting me.

Terrell’s grip got tighter as he continued out into the hallway. I’m taking you to see what you did wrong?

Harper wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but she didn’t have time to think on that. All she could think about was getting away from him.

Just as they reached the stairs, Terrell lost his balance and let go of Harper. She was too occupied trying to get away to realize she was at the top of the stairs. When his grip loosened, she took a step back and tumbled down the stairs. Harper said a prayer just before she lost consciousness.

...

Reid, I have a case I would love to get your opinion on.

Reid handed the chart to the nurse and turned to his old friend, Kyle. Sure.

She’s a patient that I’ve seen before in the ER. This time is like the other times.

Give me the chart. Reid fell into step beside Kyle. The hospital was busy with flu season, and it was a nice change of pace from the small county hospital he’d been working at before.

I treated her about a month ago for a sprained wrist.

That’s not too serious. Why the need for the consult now?

Kyle turned to him and handed him the chart he’d been holding. Check this out.

Reid took the chart as they stepped into the elevator. He flipped through it as they descended to the first floor. In the last two years she’s had three broken ribs, a broken nose, and the sprained wrist? That’s a lot. Does she have something causing her to be off balance?

Not that I see in her blood work.

I’ve seen that look before. What are you thinking? Reid said as he closed the chart.

Kyle held the door for a couple of nurses to come in the elevator. I’ll tell you more once we get to the ER.

When they reached the first floor, Kyle led Reid into the doctor’s lounge just past the nurse’s station. I didn’t want to say anything in front of the nurses, but I think she’s being abused.

Reid walked to the coffee pot to pour a cup, but at Kyle’s words, he stopped pouring. Are you sure?

Kyle shrugged. I’m not a hundred percent sure, but the signs are all there.

Who is the supposed abuser? Reid asked. He’d seen way too much abuse at the county hospital to last him for quite a time. How a man could hit a woman was almost too much for him to imagine. It infuriated him beyond words.

Her drunken husband. Kyle said.

Reid poured coffee in a disposable cup. How much do you know about this husband?

Enough to know that he comes in here, smelling of booze and this time was no different. One of the attendants has him sobering up in a room upstairs.

Let’s go see her. Reid started for the door, then turned back to Kyle. Do you know this woman personally?

No, they have only been living here for a little over two years.

Reid followed Kyle to the triage area. When he pulled the curtain back, Reid had a strange feeling. He couldn’t see the woman’s face, but there was a tingle that went down his spine.

How is she? Kyle asked the nurse as he walked over to the other side of the gurney.

She’s doing somewhat better.

Reid waited for the nurse to move aside so that he could step up to the side of the bed. When she took a step away, he stepped up to the bed. At first, he was business as usual. Did her CT scan come back clear?

No swelling. She’s just got a large lump on the back of her head, but there’s no sign of concussion. She regained consciousness before he got her to the hospital. Kyle said as he gave her a pat on the arm. Then he checked her pupils with a light.

Reid finally gave her a good once over and his heart stopped beating. He took a step back, thrusting his fingers through his hair. Is the name on the chart Harper? He couldn’t take his eyes off her face.

Kyle gave him a strange look. Reid, you look as though you’ve seen a ghost.

I think I have. Reid moved closer to the bed and leaned forward. At the same moment Harper opened her eyes. Harper.

Reid. Her voice was raspy but shocked.

Do you two know one another? Kyle asked.

Reid was having a hard time finding words. We did once upon a time.

This is a small world then. Kyle said as he closed the chart. I’ll give you two a moment.

Thanks Kyle. Reid didn’t take his eyes off her as he sat down on the edge of the bed. Harper, what happened to you? The last time he saw Harper, she was leaving town to go to college. They’d just broken up and she accepted a scholarship to a college out of state.

Tears began to roll down her face as she focused on a spot on the ceiling. What do you want me to say?

That this is not what it looks like. Reid grasped her hand, but she pulled it back. Harper, did your husband do this to you?

A noise outside the room interrupted them. Then a man came into the room. Harper, baby. They wouldn’t let me see you.

Reid stood up, putting his hands in the pockets of his doctor’s coat. And you are?

Terrell glared at Reid. I’m her husband. Who are you?

The doctor that is treating your wife for some pretty nasty injuries. Reid tensed his jaw as he squared up to Terrell. How did she end up like this?

She fell. Harper is the clumsiest person. She’s always falling. Terrell grabbed her hand. Isn’t that right baby?

Harper sniffed back the tears as she closed her eyes. That’s right. I’m real clumsy. I caught my toe on the edge of the step and fell.

Reid couldn’t believe this. Harper was the most graceful person he’d ever known. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad in high school and lettered in gymnastics. Why was she covering for him? Was she that afraid of him? Then his heart dropped when he thought of the most likely reason, she just loved him that much.

You’re a lucky woman. That fall could’ve crippled you. Reid’s tone was clipped as he turned his attention on Terrell. And you need to help make sure that this doesn’t happen again.

Terrell snarled at Reid. You or nobody else will tell me how to take care of my wife. I got her to the doctor as fast as I could. So, back off.

Harper grabbed Terrell’s arm. The doctor is just trying to help. Stop being overprotective.

At that moment, the nurse came in with paperwork. Mr. Banks, I need for you to come fill out some paperwork.

Terrell glanced at Reid. I can’t leave my wife.

Dr. Hart is here, so she’s in good hands. The nurse said with a coaxing smile.

I’ll be right back. Terrell said it to Harper, but his eyes were on Reid.

Once Terrell was out of the room, Reid focused on her. Harper, what is going on? You’ve never been clumsy. What really happened? I think I’m pretty sure I know what did, but I want to hear you say it.

Harper placed her hand on Reid’s arm. Please drop this. There’s nothing to this other than I tripped and fell. That’s all. Don’t make anything out of it.

Reid leaned forward and lowered his voice. It may be none of my business Harper, but your husband smells like a bottle of whiskey and from your medical chart there seems to be a lot of accidents that makes me think there’s more to it.

Please, just drop it. Harper begged, her eyes filling with tears.

Harper, I can’t drop it if he’s abusing you. I won’t. Reid said, grabbing her hand, this time too tight for her to pull it away. Once upon a time you would listen to me, so listen now. If he’s hurting you then walk away. This is now my business, and I won’t stand by and let this happen.

Terrell’s voice was getting closer as he talked to the nurse on his way back to the room. Harper began to panic, trying to sit up. Her eyes were large with fear as she heard her husband’s voice.

Reid, I can’t do this. Not now.

When? I’ll meet you somewhere and we can talk. Reid knew the look of fear in her eyes. It made him crazy to think that someone was harming Harper. Even though they’d been away from one another for a long while, he still cared for her. He cared more than he was prepared to admit. The fact that he’d never forgot about her only spurred his anger that Harper was letting this happen.

No Reid. That can’t happen. Harper started pulling at her IV.

Stop that. Just relax. I won’t make things worse. Reid gently pushed her back against the pillows. And from your reaction just now, you proved to me what I already thought.

Terrell walked into the room in time to hear Reid’s words. What are you talking about by ‘you proved to me what I already thought’?

Reid stood up, adjusting his white coat. I was just discussing all of the injuries that are on Harper’s chart.

She’s just real clumsy. That’s all, so don’t try to make something out of nothing. Terrell started around the end of the bed, his eyes bulging with fury. And stay out of my business. That is my wife and what happens in my home is my business. He poked Reid in the chest.

Kyle walked in as Terrell poked Reid. Mr. Banks, take a step back or I’ll call security. And I don’t think you want me to do that.

Reid crossed his arms across his chest to keep from punching Harper’s arrogant husband. He was just about to speak when Harper spoke up. Terrell, calm down. The doctor was just trying to be helpful.

Terrell pointed at Harpers arm. That needs to be removed because I’m taking my wife home. She’s fine.

When Reid started to protest, Kyle held up his hand. We can’t keep her against her wishes, but it has to be Mrs. Banks decision.

Harper saw the way Terrell was acting. She knew it well. I need to get home.

I’ll have the nurse get the paperwork ready. Kyle said.

Reid followed Kyle out of the room. He had to stay professional, but it was hard when he saw the way she was with her husband. It was fear. This wasn’t the end of this, and he knew it. He’d do whatever he could to keep her from being a statistic.

Chapter 2

Harper walked into the house, her heart heavy with seeing Reid for the first time in a long while. He was still the same caring man he’d been in high school. She had so many regrets in her life, but she couldn’t dwell on the past.

Terrell walked inside and slammed the door. What was up with you and that doctor?

Are you kidding me? I was at the hospital. He was a doctor. They ask questions. It’s what they do. Harper said, anger bubbling up inside of her. Maybe it was seeing Reid that gave her the strength to talk back to her husband. Or maybe it was the fact that she was tired of ending up at the ER every time he drank himself into a stupor.

Maybe so. Terrell said as he dropped into his recliner and turned on the television. What’s for dinner? I’m starving.

Harper frowned as she walked to the kitchen. There was no sense in arguing with him when he was hungover. It would just end up badly for her. She opened the freezer and pulled out some ground beef. Maybe some beef and gravy would help ease some of the tension in the house. She even made his favorite, mashed potatoes. Then for dessert she thawed out the lemon pie that had been saved from their anniversary a couple of weeks earlier.

Dinner was almost done when arms snaked around her waist. Baby, you’re the best cook around. And mashed potatoes. You know how to ask for forgiveness the right way. We’ll see how they taste, then I’ll decide if you’re forgiven. He said, kissing her neck.

Harper knew that asking what she needed to be forgiven for was useless. He’d only get angry. To keep the peace, she just nodded and finished getting dinner ready. When she heard the glasses clinking together in the cabinet, she turned to see Terrell fixing himself a drink. Don’t you think you had enough last night? She asked, trying to keep her tone light, not condemning.

Terrell turned back to glare at her. Just cook dinner and mind your own business. I’m a grown man and know when I can or can’t have a drink. He waved the glass with amber liquid at her.

She put the food in proper dishes as he preferred. It was evident that he was edgy this evening and she didn’t have it in her to get punished again. As she placed the food on the table, he watched her over the rim of his glass. She hated when he watched her like that. It made her want to cringe. Once everything was on the table, she stood by her chair, waiting for an invitation to the table.

You can sit down. Terrell grumbled.

Thank you. Harper had learned the rules quick. It didn’t take too many times of waking up lying on the floor to figure out how things had to be.

They ate in silence. Harper’s head was pounding and since Terrell refused the pain medication the doctor prescribed, she was left to tough it out. If she was lucky, he’d drink enough to pass out, then she could soak in a tub for a while.

Terrell placed his fork on the empty plate and sat back. You did good, so I guess you’re forgiven.

Thank you. I’m glad you approved of the meal. Harper said, not turning her gaze toward him.

When he left the kitchen to let her clean the dishes, she almost collapsed with relief. Only last week he’d been unhappy with the peas she’d cooked. They were too mushy, so he’d poured them all on the floor and made her get them up with a teaspoon. She didn’t want a repeat.

She stood at the sink, gazing out at the sunset. The outside world seemed beautiful. Harper rarely saw the beauty for the darkness inside her home. Terrell didn’t like for her to venture outside much. He said that other men would see her and want to have her. She told him that wasn’t true, but that comment earned a backhanded slap.

As she waited for the water to fill up the sink, she thought about seeing Reid. It was good to see him in a way. But in another, it made her heart ache for what could’ve been. The last time she’d seen him was the day she left for college. He’d been standing across the street, his hands in his jean’s pockets. They’d spoken a couple of times for a few months, but then nothing.

A sound in the den made her jump. The remote had fell from his hands. He’d passed out, finally. She hurried and washed the dishes, careful to dry them and place them in the cabinets. If he woke the next day and everything wasn’t