Page 37 of Maggie’s Match

Rick nodded, then turned his eyes towards hers. “Call me if you need anything.”

She nodded. “See you in a while.” Then she nodded towards the back of the barn. “Sorry.”

He closed his eyes and sighed. “That’s three more.”

She felt her stomach roll. “What can we do about it?”

He shook his head. “Nothing until we catch them in the act. It’s just like Royce being able to walk away due to lack of proof. We need that smoking gun. There have been a few more threatening signs left around the property too.”

She knew about the white cardboard signs that had been staked all over the front of the house and along the driveway and basically told the family to go back where they came from and give their stolen land back to its rightful owners.

“Right.” She nodded to Rick.

“Be careful,” he said as they left.

While Becca drove them into town, they talked about their shopping list. She had it all written down and went over it several times, worried they’d forget something.

“Hey, if we do forget anything, it’s only a few minutes’ drive. We can come back,” Becca added.

“You’re right,” Maggie agreed. But the fact was, she was avoiding looking around for fear she’d see Royce. She was afraid of coming face-to-face with him. She tried to convince herself that no matter what happened, she’d be strong. She had to be. She was not going to let Royce win.

Yes, he was a free man. Yes, he’d drugged her and practically raped her by the side of a building. He had taken so much from her in such a short time, but that was where she was determined it would stop. He wasn’t going to take one ounce more from her.

Her pride, dignity, and freedom were still hers to enjoy. Damn him for making her question herself. If she ran into him, she was going to hold her head up high no matter what he said or did. This time, she was going to fight back any way she could.

They stepped into the store, and she felt every eye in the place turn towards her. There were whispers, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying.

As they filled their cart with the items on their list, Becca held onto her arm.

“They’re whispering about me,” she said when they turned down an empty aisle.

“Let them,” Becca countered.

“Makes me wonder what the gossip is,” Maggie said with a sigh. “I know how small towns can talk.”

Then they turned another corner and ran right into Mrs. Tillerson. The woman stood in the middle of the aisle, blocking their way, without a cart or basket. Her arms were crossed over her chest as if she’d been waiting for them.

“You have some nerve,” Mrs. Tillerson said, her eyes boring into Maggie’s. “Showing your face around here after what you’ve done.”

Maggie pushed the cart to the side to bypass the woman, but she stepped in front of them again.

Becca started to say something, but Maggie put her hand on her cousin’s arm.

“Yes, you’re right. How dare I show my face in town again,” Maggie said calmly.

Mrs. Tillerson’s chin rose and a smile formed on her lips. “Good, then we’re in agreement. “After the stunt you and that boy played on my nephew, you ought to be run out of town. His nose was broken and had to be popped back into place. He might even need surgery.” Then her eyes narrowed. “Just so you know, I’m keeping your deposit and cancelling your lease.”

“The lease has already been cancelled by my lawyer and, no, you won’t be keeping the deposit. It was all there in his letter, which you received by certified mail and signed for on Tuesday,” Maggie said firmly. Then she added loudly enough for anyone in the store to hear, “As to what went on with your nephew, Royce, you should get the truth out of him before accusing his victim. Unless you think it’s okay for a man to drug a woman, drag her outside, and rape her. Also, if you care about their well-being, I’d make sure to have your three daughters, all teenagers I hear, steer clear of their cousin.”

Mrs. Tillerson’s mouth dropped open. Thankfully, she was stunned enough that Maggie could easily push the cart past her this time.

“Are you okay?” Becca whispered as they rounded another corner.

“Perfect,” she said with satisfaction as they watched Mrs. Tillerson march out of the store. After that, she noticed a few of the patrons smiling at her and Becca as they finished their shopping.

“Did you know that one in every three women has been sexually attacked in one way or another,” she said in her normal tone as they stood in the checkout line. “In this room alone, I know of two of us.” She pointed at herself and Becca.

Becca’s hand tightened in her own and then she smiled. “I know. We should be supporting one another instead of blaming or shaming victims,” Becca said firmly.