Tides of Blue by Sharon Brubaker

Author:Sharon Brubaker [Brubaker, Sharon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tivshe Publishing

Twenty-Three

BETH

Seaham, England, is considered the United Kingdom’s Sea glass treasure chest.

On the way home, Marsha broached the subject they had avoided talking about all day.

“What happened, Beth? What happened to changing your days off from vacation to something else?” Marsha asked.

Beth sighed. Her eyes strayed out the window, then down to her hands.

She turned to Marsha and said, “Today’s been good. Today’s been like a vacation.”

“And…” Marsha pressed.

“I think Mike knows where I am. I’m terrified, Marsha!” Beth confessed.

“What happened?”

“He sent me a couple of emails. The one said, ‘gotcha.’ The other email said, ‘I know where you are,’” Beth told her.

“Those are threats!” Marsha gasped.

“I know,” Beth said. “And the reason I left is because of his constant and abusive words and criticism. His volatility had escalated to threats. He’s scary, and he had convinced me that he had all the power. He probably still thinks he does.”

Marsha was quiet.

“I really, really don’t know what to do,” Beth said.

“Do you feel safe where you live? Do you need to come and stay with me?”

“I don’t and won’t impose on you and your husband, Marsha. I’ll be fine,” Beth told her. “I appreciate you listening to me.”

“Of course,” Marsha said, reaching over to pat Beth’s arm. “Keep me in the loop, okay?”

Beth nodded. They had pulled into the small driveway at the cottage. The afternoon sun lit the trees in the woods behind the cottage, and the water had turned gold.

“Thanks, Marsha. It was a lovely day, and thanks for listening.”

Beth got out of the car, and she noticed Marsha waiting for her to unlock the door and get inside the house before she left. She plopped down in the upholstered chair that looked out the window to the water. The sun was coming her way now, making its path across the sky to set behind her and the cottage. The water was swathed with golden light. Beth thought about the lovely day at Tolchester and how it had erased the fear for a short while. She was relieved she had confided in Marsha. She’d needed to talk with someone about the situation with Mike.

Mike. A cold spot of fear rumbled in her belly. She remembered the Christmas party. Beth had been so excited about her ruby red dress. She’d thought Mike would like the plunging neckline and had bought sexy, black lace lingerie to go underneath adorned with red ribbons, complete with garter and stockings. She’d had her hair done in an updo with long tendrils escaping that sparkled with diamante pins. Beth had thought she was beautiful for once, at least before Mike had a chance to destroy the illusion. He had come home and told her she was dressed like a slut and a whore, saying he wouldn’t take her to the party unless she changed. Beth had been crushed. She’d started to cry, and the make-up she’d carefully applied had run down her face. Then he’d called her an ugly name and left for the party without her.

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