Part 259 (1/2)

ever since we got the call.”

”Yesterday, Drew Latimer found Emma here, in her hotel.”

”Found her?” Brian interrupted. ”What do you mean? Weren't they

together?”

”She's been hiding from him while she set the divorce in motion.”

”Divorce?” Because he knew he was punchy from lack of sleep and worry,

Brian took a long breath and tried to clear his head. ”I talked with

Emma only a few weeks ago, she said nothing about wanting a divorce.”

”She couldn't say anything about it,” Michael told him. ”Because she

was afraid. Latimer's been abusing her for most of the marriage.”

”That's crazy.” Brian dragged a hand through his hair. ”He dotes on

her. I've seen it.”

”Yeah.” The fury Michael had been holding off bubbled to the surface.

”He's been a real loving husband. A tucking prince. That's why she's

been terrified. That's why she's lying in there right now, with her

face smashed and her ribs broken. The man d.a.m.n near loved her to

death.”

Brian's lips trembled open. His hand tightened on Bev's until he rubbed

bone against bone. ”He beat her? Are you telling me that he's the one

who put Emma here?”

”That's right.”

Rage flew into him as he grabbed Michael by the s.h.i.+rt front. ”Where is

he?”

”He's dead.”

”Easy, Bri.” Johnno rubbed his shoulder, debating the wisdom of stepping

between two furious men. ”It won't help Emma if you go off.”