Free The Twin Moon (The Moon Series) by Buffy Christopher

stared at her as her whole body trembled.
    “I just need to sit down. This is all too much.” Andy ’s arms circled her body, trying to preserve some of her warmth as the officer walk ed away from her. Damn Rich for tearing up her life again. Andy sat down at the kitchen table as the phone rang.
    “Hello?” Andy hoped her voice didn’t shake with the sadness that spilled in side her stomach like acid.
    “Andy? It’s Rosie.” The voice of her childhood friend was a soothing balm on her soul and she sighed in relief.
    “I need your brothers in a little bit. Rich broke in and smashed up my bedroom. My window’s on the ground.” Andy leaned against the table and dropped her head into her hand.
    “What you need is a big ass dog that will bite his balls off if he gets in the back yard again. I’m bringing Dallas over this time and you can’t talk me out of it any more. I know he’s my baby but you need him more than I do right now . Call me when the cops leave.” Rosie hung up and Andy tried not to sh iver. Dallas was Rosie’s Pitt B ull that her brothers had bought to protect her. He had a bad temper and hated most everybody. He was perfect.
    The Officers took awhile. As they finished they came back to the kitchen.
    “We fingerprinted your window, b ut unfortunately there were no prints. Do you have any idea who might have done this?” Officer Ochoa had a notepad in his hand.
    “Yes, I have a restraining order against my ex-boyfriend, Richard Albright. He’s been harassing me and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had done this. I think he stole my shot gun. ” Andy gave the Officer his last known address. She prayed that they could somehow link him to this and get him away from her for a while. She could use the peace of mind that Rich being locked up wo uld bring. Thinking about him having her shotgun made her stomach churn .
    “You shouldn’t stay here alone tonight. Do you have some family you can call?” Officer Ochoa closed his notebook and put it in his pocket.
    “My best friend is coming over and she’s bringing her brother. He’s a contractor. He’ll help fix the window for tonight.” Andy ran her finger s through her hair.
    “Alright then we’re going to leave.”
    “Thank you , Officer Ochoa.” Andy walked the o fficers to the door then locked the doors tight. She called Rosie as she walked back into her bedroom. Now in addition to the shredded clothes there was black fingerprint dust on everything. After Andy was sure Rosie was on the way she sat on the end of th e bed and stared at the mess. Anger surged through her veins hot and molten. How dare he ruin my stuff . She had worked hard for her things and he had come in and tore them up like so much trash.
    Andy stood up and picked up the shredded clothing from the floor piece by mutilated piece. Her favorite skirt … ruined. H er favorite dress … destroyed. The increasing violence in Rich scared her. The signs of his abuse were obvious and they would escalate if the pattern was right. He had lulled after he had broken her arm and begged forgiveness, now he climbed again. Soon he would crest and she feared he w ould try to kill her this time. Andy piled the clothes in the center of the room and all her underwear were missing. She went to the kitchen for a large trash bag when a knock sounded on the door. Panic twisted around her chest in a tight hold.
    “Who is it?” Andy’s heart beat hard as she waited to see who was on the other side.
    “It’s Rosie.” Rosie’s voice was a welcome sound.
    Andy opened the door to find Rosie holding Dallas by the leash and her oldest brother Manuel behind the security gate.
    “Come in.” Andy stepped back to let them in.
    “I’ll just put Dallas out back.” Rosie walked the dog through the house.
    “Rosie said you needed some help with the windows.” Manuel was almost six foot tall with dark hair and caramel skin. Truth be told Andy had a crush on him growing up. His chocolate brown eyes