Read Online Protect Me: Oakville Series:Book Three by Kathy-Jo Reinhart - Free Book Online Page B

me. Holly Anders is my new name. She says keeping the same first name makes it a lot easier for me to keep straight. I have no idea how she thought of all this or how she was able to get a new license for me, but I’m so grateful. Once I’m dressed and all checked out, the policeman walks with us out to the parking lot. For some reason, he’s not in uniform today. Maybe it’s his day off and he’s just doing Tanya a favor. She seems to know everyone. As soon as I step out into the open, my throat tightens and my heart begins to beat at such a rapid pace, I think it might explode. My eyes are scanning every inch of the huge parking lot. Joe, the police officer, grabs my hand.
    “Holly, calm down. You’re safe. I promise. We do this for women like you all the time.” He looks down at me to make sure I comprehend what he’s telling me. “There will be three of us following you until you reach the place you decide is right for you. We’ll make sure you’re safe, okay?”
    “It’s time to go. Take care of yourself, Holly. Please, try to be happy. I know it doesn’t always come easy for you, but you deserve it.” My cheeks heat from her words. “I wouldn’t lie to you. You’re a smart, beautiful, and strong woman. Make a great life for yourself,” she demands as she hugs me so tight, I’m finding it hard to breathe. She holds me for a few more minutes. I thank her and get into my car. She definitely wasn’t kidding. The car is a piece of shit, but I’m still smiling bigger than ever before. For once, it’s my piece of shit — the first thing I’ve ever been able to call mine.
    The Florida Keys is the destination I keep picturing over and over, so that’s where I’m heading. We stop in this tiny little town called Oakville, somewhere around the Everglades, for gas and something about this place catches my attention. It’s small, quiet, and everyone seems to know everyone else. This is the type of place you read about in books and magazines. I walk over to Joe and the others.
    “This is it, Joe. I’m staying here,” I tell him, and I can’t help the smile that creeps across my face. “This is my new home.” That sounds really good.
    “I don’t blame you. This is a beautiful little town. A perfect choice. Good luck, Holly. I hope you find happiness here,” he says as he puts his hand out waiting for me to shake it. Taking him totally by surprise, I reach up and hug him. This man basically saved me and made me feel safe and protected for days, I’m not shaking his hand.
    “Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done, I’ll never forget you,” I sob. After a few moments, I take a deep breath and center myself. No more being weak. No more crying over my past. This is my new start and no one will ever make the mistake of thinking I’m a weak woman who can be pushed around again. Joe breaks our hug, looks into my eyes, and grins.
    “There it is. The fire I knew you’ve been hiding. You’re a lot tougher than you think. Don’t you let anybody push you around” He kisses the top of my head. “Now, go start your new life.” I wave bye to the others as I get into my car. Taking one last look at the three of them, I say goodbye to Ray, my past, and most of all, the old Holly. “Hello, Holly Anders! Welcome to Oakville,” I shout as I drive in search of a hotel.

F OR THE last two months, I’ve been staying at this little motel, but today, I move into my new apartment. Actually, it’s my first apartment. I’ve never lived alone before. I’ve never had anything I could call my own until now. It’s a small place, but it’s very nice and comes furnished. There are four apartments in the building. The landlord said a young couple who just got married lives in the one directly upstairs from me. The other two apartments are occupied by hot, single guys around my age. Poor lady, she thinks she’s being nice and doing me a favor by