Into the Dark. Rick Mofina

this presence could be a reaction to your fear of Eric surfacing in your new life, because he was such a presence in the life you’ve left behind.”

      “That could be it.”

      “Every relationship is unique and the time it takes to heal varies,” Claire said. “You’ve taken several brave, life-changing steps. You’re undergoing a lot of pressure. This ongoing fear is real and to be expected. And given Eric’s violent past, and his profession, and the fact you’re ending your marriage to him, your fear that he is somehow stalking you is understandable.”

      “So it’s all psychological? There’s no man hiding in my home?”

      “Let’s hope not,” Claire said. “But we won’t take any chances by dismissing or underestimating the potential risk of danger, okay?”

      Amber nodded.

      “Remember we talked about an emergency plan, what to do if Eric ever tried to contact you?” Claire said.

      “Yes.”

      “Here’s what I suggest you do as soon as we’re done here. Call the security alarm company and ask them to send someone over to double-check the system at the house. Don’t go in the house. Meet them outside your home. And call the police, tell them your situation, tell them to look up Eric’s restraining order and ask them to check your house, too. Taking these precautions will help restore your peace of mind.”

      “Okay.”

      “Then I want you to consider moving in with a friend for a few days.”

      “I will.”

      “Does this help?”

      “It does. Thank you so much, Claire.”

      After Amber left, Claire poured a glass of ice water from her pitcher and updated various patient files before copying the day’s work to her flash drive to take home.

      As it loaded, Claire began texting Robert.

      It had been a long day, the muscles in the back of her lower neck and shoulders were rock-hard. But the stress couldn’t prevent her from smiling at the bright personal news on the baby front. Tonight would be a good night for that celebratory dinner—

      “No!”

      Claire’s head suddenly snapped to her office window.

      Someone outside sounded panicked.

      Claire left her desk. Through the curtain she’d seen Amber in the parking lot, contending with a man who had her backed up against a car.

       14

      San Marino, California

      Amber had unlocked her car in the parking lot and reached for the handle.

      A hand shot out from behind her, stopping the driver’s door from opening. Amber whirled around, her skin prickled as she recognized the man with a steel-vise grip on her door.

      “Eric! What’re you doing here? You’re not supposed to contact me!”

      “I only want you to listen to what I have to say. I need to talk, Amber.”

      “No! There’s a court order! Let go of my door!”

      “Baby, please.”

      “Have you been following me?”

      He didn’t answer.

      “Eric, let go of my door!”

      He continued holding it.

      Amber cast glances to the street, then the building, hoping someone, anyone, would come by. He was six foot two to her five foot three and he weighed about two hundred thirty pounds. His biceps bulged as he moved closer. She caught her breath.

      “The judge extended the restraining order and fined you for not showing up in court,” she said. “Didn’t your lawyer tell you?”

      “I know.”

      “Then just leave me alone and we can let this go.”

      “We’ve got too many judges and lawyers between us.”

      “Don’t do this, don’t make things worse.”

      “You’re still my wife.”

      His big hand clamped Amber’s shoulder and he backed her against her car. Her heart was thundering. She couldn’t escape, couldn’t get into her purse for her phone.

      “Eric, let me go or I swear to God I’ll scream.”

      “Calm down, please. I need to talk to you without lawyers. That’s all.”

      “No, we have to move on with our separate lives.”

      “No, no, baby, don’t give up on us.” Eyes brimming, he’d softened his tone, presenting the tender side of him she’d once loved. “Baby, I know I’ve got problems. I hurt you, I know, I’m so goddammed sorry.”

      “Stop it, Eric.”

      “No, just listen. I don’t expect you to forgive me. That’s not what I’m asking. I’m begging you to stop the divorce. Come back to me. Give me another chance. Let’s start over. I’ve got a new job with my brother in Sacramento and I’m getting help. We can make it better than it was before.”

      Fighting tears, Amber shook her head slowly.

      “Baby, I promise, I give you my sacred vow I’ll change.”

      She kept shaking her head.

      “Please, baby,” Eric sniffled. “Please.”

      “No.”

      “No?”

      “Eric, I’ve heard this before. What we had is gone. I can’t be with you.”

      “What are you saying?”

      “We can never, ever go back.”

      All the blood drained from his face.

      His voice dropped to a whisper.

      “But without you, I’ve got nothing, Amber.” His grip on her shoulder tightened. “I’ve got nothing left in this world to lose.”

      “You have to let me go.”

      “I can’t.”

      Amber struggled to break free, thinking she could run into the office building or down the street, or into traffic. Eric’s eyes narrowed until something inside them snapped. He seized her shoulders and shook her with such force her head whiplashed.

      “Do you think I’m going to let this happen? You want me to beat some fucking sense into you?”

      “No! Please, you’re hurting me.”

      “Let her go!”

      They both turned to Claire, who was standing in the parking lot a few feet away. She had one hand deep inside her shoulder bag. The other gripped the strap, braced for action.

      “Who the fuck are you?” Eric maintained his hold on Amber.

      Claire did not identify herself.

      “This is none of your fucking business,” Eric said. “So fuck off, bitch.”

      “It is my business,” Claire said. “I’ve alerted police that you’re in violation of a protection order. They’re on their way. Take your hands off of her and step away.”

      Eric turned back to Amber, his breath tearing in and out of his lungs.

      “She’s your fucking shrink, isn’t she? She’s the one putting ideas in your head, turning you against me, getting between man and wife!” Eric pulled Amber forward, then crushed her hard against the car. “I’m going to give her the same goddamned medicine!”

      As