Shade of Pale Read Online Free Page A

his arms around her. They embraced for an unspoken minute, and Jukes felt the tears well up.
    â€œOh, God … Cath—”
    â€œJukey, please, don’t say anything.”
    â€œYou look like you’ve been hit by a truck,” he said softly as he led her inside.
    The skin around her eyes was discolored, her lower lip was swollen and split, and there were bruises the length of her arms.
    â€œHe did this to you?” Jukes asked as he examined her wounds, relieved to see nothing was broken.
    â€œYes.”
    Jukes smoldered, his face darkened. He flashed Cathy a look so uncharacteristically cold it frightened her.
    â€œJukey, I had no choice. We had a fight; it escalated. It was all my fault. He … he didn’t mean it; I know he didn’t. It was an accident, that’s all. One thing led to another—”
    â€œOne thing led to another? Since when does a domestic argument lead to criminal assault?”
    She turned away, tears streaming down her face. “This time I won’t go back; I promise.”
    â€œYou’re damn right you won’t go back!” he shouted. “You’re staying here with me until I sort this out, do you understand? Jesus, it’s a good thing Dad’s not alive to see this or he’d kill the guy. I swear he’d get out his old shotgun and blow the asshole’s brains out for this!” Jukes paused and took a breath. He gave her a look that said, Maybe that’s what I should do .
    â€œI don’t want you going anywhere near that jerk, OK? You’re lucky he hasn’t killed you yet. I’ll see he winds up behind bars for this; you can bet on that. Then we’ll get a restraining order. I don’t want him to come within a hundred yards of you.”
    The tears began to flow from Cathy’s discolored eyes.
    â€œJeez, Cath. How can you let this happen?”
    She fell into his arms, trembling. “I don’t know.”
    â€œYou’ve got to promise me you’ll never go back to him, no matter what happens. Never, ever, ever go back.”
    â€œWhat about my stuff?”
    â€œForget about it. Just leave it there. I’ll buy you all new stuff.”
    â€œBut where am I gonna live?”
    â€œYou can stay here until we find you an apartment. OK? It’s no biggie. The important thing is that you stay away from Bobby. We’ll let the police handle the whole thing.”
    Cathy fell silent for a moment, but from her body language Jukes could feel the reluctance she had when the conversation turned to taking legal action against Bobby.
    He took her face gently in his hands, careful not to touch the bruises, and spoke into it. “You’ve got to face it, Cathy. Bobby’s time in your life is over. It’s madness. For God’s sake let it go; can’t you see it’s killing you? You need help.”
    Cathy looked down. “Can’t you help me?”
    â€œI don’t think I could be objective about you on a professional level. It’s just not done. I’m referring you to a colleague, Dr. James Kendall. Jim is the best in the field at this type thing.”
    Cathy looked hurt. “But you’re so smart, Jukey. You know everything … you got all those awards—”
    â€œThey don’t mean anything if I can’t help you, Cath.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with me? Why do I keep going back?”
    Jukes shrugged. “Why don’t we let Jim Kendall figure it out. Whatever it is, we can handle it. In the meantime, let me take care of those abrasions and get some ice on your eyes.”
    While Cathy slept, Jukes called the police and reported the incident. He told them he’d be down first thing in the morning, with Cathy, to file charges. He next phoned his lawyer and they agreed to meet at the police station at 9:00 A . M .
    This time Bobby would get what’s coming .
    Then Jukes made himself a drink and sat back in his leather easy