Free Saving Avery by Angela Snyder Page A

door. It's impressive, even more impressive than the one I am currently renting. There is a hot tub and a pool built into the lower level of the back porch. And like mine, floor-to-ceiling windows cover the back of the house overlooking the ocean. The house looks perfectly normal from the outside, but I have a feeling what's on the inside is completely opposite. I haven't met Avery's husband yet, but I don't doubt that he is probably very successful and charming. Everyone who knows him probably thinks he's a great guy too. If they only knew what I'm slowly learning .
    Tomorrow is Friday, and I intend on inviting them both over for dinner. I want to meet Avery's husband and feel him out under my own terms. Then I'll decide where to proceed from there, although I have a feeling my decision might involve my fist meeting his face.
    I watch as Avery slowly walks back to the house. Her gait is rigid and sluggish. She stops at the porch steps, and I can see the grimace on her face as she eases herself up onto the first step.
    He hurt her again. I know he did. My hands curl onto the railing, my knuckles turning white from the tight grasp. I remember the fear in her eyes when she looked at the clock. She said she was going to be late again. I wonder if he punished her because of that or for another infraction. I feel horrible. I am the one who cornered her in the break room and then confronted her. I made her late. It's my fault .
    Even though I want to yell out to her, I don't say a word. There must be a good reason for her not to seek help herself and for her to continue to stay with him. I'm going to bide my time until I can talk to her and figure out what needs to be done. And if I need to take matters into my own hands, then I will.
    Avery eventually makes her way inside. I run a hand through my hair and look up at the twinkling stars littering the night sky. "Avery, I'm going to help you," I whisper. " I promise."

CHAPTER 6
    AVERY
     
    As soon as I arrive home Friday afternoon, I start packing Nathan's suitcase while he jumps in the shower. My emotions are running high as I think about a week without him being here, a week for me to plan on leaving him.
    My mind replays the day at the hospital as I fold clothes neatly on the bed. Max attempted several times to talk to me, but I ignored him as best I could. It's awkward between us now simply because he saw the bruises that I try so hard to keep hidden. He knows the truth or at least assumes to know what is going on in my life. And when he tried to bring it up today, I had to brush him off even though I didn't want to. He may think he can help, but he's wrong. No one understands the extent of my husband's power except for me. People that try to help me just end up getting hurt, and I won't let that happen to Max.
    "Are you almost done?" Nathan calls from the bathroom. "I don't want to miss my flight."
    Me either , I think to myself. The punishment I received last night for being late is still fresh in my mind. The moment I walked through the door, Nathan grabbed me from behind and shoved me into the island in the middle of the kitchen. My ribs and right knee bore the brunt of the impact. He left me lying on the floor for a long time before he finally told me to get up and make him dinner.
    The only thing that kept me sane last night was the fact that I knew he would be leaving the next day. Even though my knee and ribs are killing me, I am more than happy to pack his things. I walk around the room gingerly, favoring my right leg. It feels a lot better than it did last night, but it's still tender. I finish packing his dress shirts and zip up the suitcase. "It's all packed," I call back to him.
    "Good," he says as he walks into the bedroom. He fixes his tie one last time before slipping his arms into his suit jacket and putting on a pair of shiny black shoes.
    He looks at me for approval, and I give a slight nod and a phony smile. Nathan looks good in whatever he wears, but he