Page 2 of The Maverick

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Rachel stayed in the kitchen, staring at Greg. She willed him to stay and talk to the police. She could see his blond hair shining in the late afternoon sun.

A knock sounded on the front door.

She turned to answer it.

Greg rattled the doorknob.

Rachel ignored it and opted to answer the knock instead.

Two police officers, one male and one female, stood at her front door.

“Officers, thank you for coming. I just left the kitchen, and he was still there. I don’t know if he is now.”

The brunette woman looked over at her partner. “You take the east side, and I’ll take the west side.” Then she turned to Rachel. “What side is the gate on?”

“Gates are on both sides. I have no idea why.”

“In this case, it is to our benefit.” She turned back to her partner, a tall, slim man with blond hair. “Ready? Go.”

The officers took off toward the backyard. The woman went to the right and her partner to the left.

Rachel walked back inside and down the hall toward the kitchen. A hand shot out from the small bathroom and snaked around her throat before shoving her against the opposite wall.

She went absolutely still.Please don’t let Jake come in. Don’t let him see this.“Let me go. Police officers are outside. You’re going to jail this time. Mark my words.”

He cursed and released her. “You won’t always have the police to protect you.” He ran out the front door.

Rachel hurried to the kitchen door and flung it open. “Officers! He broke in and ran out the front door.”

The officers ran to her and then through the house and out the front door.

They stopped in the street and searched in both directions.

Both had their weapons out and then they holstered them.

They came back into the house.

Rachel showed them to the rose brocade sofa, and she took the damask Queen Anne chair. “I don’t know what to do. He’s never been this bold before. I’m afraid he might have killed me if you weren’t here. He grabbed me and pushed me against the wall with his fingers around my neck.” She absently rubbed her neck. Would she have finger marks she’d have to hide from Jake? Or that she’d have to hide when she started her new job?

The female officer nodded toward her neck. “You’ll probably have marks there tomorrow. The neck bruises easily. Also, do you have a copy of the restraining order?”

Rachel looked at their name badges.

The woman was Officer Johnson.

The man was Officer McKenzie.

“Yes, if you’ll wait a moment, I’ll get it for you.”

“That’s all right. You should take it to the police station and have it copied into your file.” Officer Johnson placed her elbows on her knees and leaned forward. “Mrs. Bennett?—”

“It’s Ms. Foster-Bennett. I’m no longer married and will be taking back my maiden name as soon as possible.”

“Very well, Ms. Foster-Bennett. Your ex-husband is obviously escalating, and you need to put in a deadbolt front and back. Check all your windows and make sure they lock. And don’t be afraid to call us. We’ll always come, even if it’s only to chase him away.” She furrowed her brows. “Understand?”

Rachel nodded. “I’ll get the deadbolt installed as soon as possible and while I’m waiting for the locksmith, I’ll check the windows. The restraining order I have against him is from New York. It’s my understanding that it’s good here in Colorado as well. Is that true?”