All Good Things Absolved by Alannah Carbonneau Read Free Book Online

happiness, confidence and success are all owed to me. You belong to me, Olivia. Why can you not see this? It was my cruelty that taught you to be the strong woman you are. Have you forgotten what you owe me? If you have, I'm more than capable of providing you with a reminder.
    All my love,
    Your Savior
     
    Caleb spoke before me. And it was good, because I didn't have words.
    "I'll kill him. If I find him, I'll kill him."
    My hands shook as I placed the letter in the envelope. "My sentiments exactly." I walked to my desk, opened the locked drawer before placing the letter inside. "Olivia won't know about the letter." I said sternly. "She only sees the photo."
    Caleb nodded. "I understand."
    I'd thought he would argue with me and I was sincerely thankful that he didn't. I don't think I could take it. I know for a fact I couldn't allow Olivia to ever see this letter. It was different from all the others. It was personal. And it gave me the chills. It made me want to peel my skin from my bones. I knew it would be a thousand times worse for her and as the man who loves her with my entire heart and soul it is my job to keep her safe from feelings that can damage her. It is my job to protect her for the rest of her life - and by God, I will.
    I picked up my phone and dialed down to the front desk. "Rush industries, Bethany speaking."
    "It's Jace Rush. I'd like to see you in my office immediately." I spoke sternly.
    "Yes, Mr. Rush." Her voice was shaky. "I'll be right up."
    I hung up the phone and as Caleb made himself comfortable in a chair across from my desk, I dialed for Laura. "Is everything all right, Mr. Rush?"
    "I need the surveillance tapes for today brought to my office immediately. Be sure the back-up tapes continue running."
    "Jace," she sighed. "I have kids. Is everything all right here? Have we been threatened?"
    I sighed. I understood her worry. "No," I spoke gently. "Rush Industries hasn't been threatened. But a personal threat has been made and I need the tapes."
    "I'll have them to you within the hour."
    "Thank you, Laura." I hung up the phone and sat in my chair.
    Caleb and I sat in our chairs with only our thoughts to keep us company as we waited for Bethany to arrive. My phone rang and I answered. "Rush here." I barked.
    "There's a Bethany from reception here to see you."
    "Send her in." I hung up and waited. I gritted my teeth and Caleb shifted in the chair as my office door opened. A tall blond girl walked through. Her blue-gray eyes were wide and she was nervous. It was obvious by the way she scanned the office before her eyes landed on me, and then Caleb, before flying back to me.
    "I'm Bethany." Her words sounded mousy.
    I nodded and when I spoke, my tone was clipped. "Have a seat, Bethany."
    She shifted. "Am I in trouble?"
    I shook my head. "No." I waved to the chair and she slowly made her way to the seat before lowering herself. But she wasn't any less tense. "Were you the one who accepted a package for Olivia LeRoux, today?"
    She nodded, looking pale. "I was."
    "Did you happen to get a good view of the man?"
    She shrugged. "I suppose. Why?"
    "What did he look like?"
    Her eyes shifted to Caleb again. Obviously he made her more comfortable. But I didn't give a shit about her comfort. I wanted information. The rest was moot. "I suppose he was average."
    "What is average, Bethany?" I growled.
    Caleb coughed. His eyes shot a warning to me before he focused on Bethany. "This is really important, Bethany. I need you to focus and try to remember every last detail."
    "All right, well," she paused. "He was shorter than me...probably around five foot six or so...and he had green eyes and blond hair."
    "Was he thin?" I asked.
    "No, he was actually a little chubby." She replied. "Why?"
    "That's all I need. You can go now."
    The three of us froze as the bedroom door creaked open and Olivia appeared. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy. She'd been crying. I felt my heart fall to my feet. I didn't think about our