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Brick walked in to the Rammer Jammer and took a seat at the bar. He waited for Wade to finish with the customer and then waved him over. "Is Zoe here?" he asked
"Uh, no. She uh, went into Mobile with AB, shopping trip." He laughed nervously. He's seen that look in Bricks eyes many times before, mostly when in high school and he, Lemon and George had gotten themselves into trouble with one of Lemons crazy shenanigans. Brick knew something or wanted to know something and he was determined to figure it out.
"I see. So, you and Zoe seem pretty close." He started. "How close?"
"Friends." Wade shook his head confidently. At least he knew that was telling the truth.
"Where did you say you met her again?"
"Uh, I don't think I ever did."
"So, where?"
"The airport." He nodded
"The airport." Brick repeated him. "I see, and you just started talking to her, she decided to talk back, to a complete stranger and two months later she wants to move here."
"Yeah, why not? It's a charming little town, who wouldn't want to live her?"
Brick just smiled at Wade. "I know you know what I know."
"Huh?"
"No girl out of the blue with an established job in New York City with a fiancé would just pick up and leave and move to a town no one outside southern Alabama has heard of."
Wade sighed and leaned closer to Brick. "She told me you figured out her story."
Brick nodded. "Most of it. But not all. Until just now. And I know that you know the whole thing."
"I uh, I don't know what you're talking about."
"You see, she had a very interesting scar on her upper arm." Brick started with a whisper. "And the shape of it was very familiar to me. You know why?" he asked him
"I do not know what you're talking." Wade said truthfully. He had seen the scar on her arm but always assumed it was another work of Julian's.
"Because I stitched up the cut that became the scar, ten stitches."
Wade starred at Brick, he knew that Brick knew who she really was. He nodded. "She's that Zoe." He confirmed in a whisper.
"I had a feeling the first time she came into the office with you and Lemon. She was staring at Harley's picture and she turned around. I knew those big brown eyes the second I saw them. What's the story Wade?"
Wade sighed and then filled Brick in on the whole thing. "Wow. So this Julian doesn't know she's here?"
"No, we just left. I'm afraid for her. Afraid she'll go back out of fear, afraid he'll track her down. So many things can go wrong."
Brick nodded. "We have to protect her, no matter what. I'm not saying we tell the town and put Frank on the case but something has to be done. We cannot let her go back and we cannot let him come in." he said sternly. "Does anyone else know?"
"George and Lavon."
"Good, let's keep it that way for now. At least we know they can keep a secret."
Just then George and Lavon walked into the bar and took seats next to Brick.
Wade looked at them both. "He knows" he simply said and looked at Brick.
They both nodded. "Where is she?" Lavon asked
"Out in Mobile with AB."
"Good, then we can figure out a plan to protect her." George said
"Let's go to my place." Lavon suggested.
They all nodded in agreement. Wade tossed the towel down on the bar. "Wanda can you handle this for a couple hours? I'll be back before the dinner rush."
"Yeah sure Wade, I got it."
The four men left and went to Lavons, once they were there Wade spoke.
"We can't let her go back. Now I don't think she is thinking of that right now, but she gets spooked easily. She got a new phone so he doesn't have her number but I'm sure if he's determined enough he can find a way to find her."
"He can." George said. "I've seen his work. It's not pretty and he is very determined to punish those who disobey him."
"Ok, well we just have to make sure we always have an eye on her. Obviously that's not working right now but once she's home. I am definitely going to push for her to start working at the office with me."
"Good idea Brick. But we can't make it obvious. We don't want to spook her either." George advised
"No we do not." Lavon laughed
Back in Mobile
"This was so much fun AB. Thank you for bringing me with you." Zoe said as they walked to the car.
"No, thank you. I can't wait to show off all these new clothes to George on our trip. And you made out pretty good yourself."
"Yeah I did." She chuckled looking down at her bags. When she looked up she saw a black Mercedes coming her way. She stopped short and ducked behind an SUV.
"Are you ok Zoe?" AB asked concerned
"Um yeah, I'm ok, just I thought I knew that car and uh, yeah." She said looking back at the car and realizing it had Alabama license plate and not a New York one.
"Is there something you're not telling me? You go spooked when that man in the fancy suit walked our way at the food court and then again when we saw the guy coming out of Macy's. What's up Zoe?"
Zoe sighed. "I don't know, I just uh, might have some baggage that I'm afraid is going to catch up with me."
"Spill." Annabeth said as they both got in her truck.
Zoe told her the whole story, everything about Julian, how Wade came up to New York and took her back to Bluebell. How she didn't really break up with Julian and how she's petrified that he's going to show up and beat her worse than she has ever been. By the end of the story both girls were in tears.
"Oh my gosh, Zoe. I had no idea. I am so so sorry for everything. You do not deserve this. Do you think he will actually come here?"
"I'm not sure. He doesn't know where here is, but he has connections everywhere. He is one of the head partners in a major financial company. He knows a lot of people."
"Does anyone know besides Wade? We can help you? You know that."
"I know, that's why I'm choosing to stay in Bluebell. The whole town seems so close knit and seems like they would protect one of their own. I just love it here. Oh and George and Lavon know"
"George." She yelled a little louder than she should have. "Oh I am going to have a nice talk with him later on. I can't believe he didn't tell me, what kind of boyfriend is he." She started ranting and Zoe was laughing. "Sorry, not about that right now." She apologized with a laugh. "But Bluebell is very protective. Even you as a new comer to them, they will protect to an extent. But Zoe, if they know exactly who you are, they will protect you like they never have before. You have to tell everyone who you are." Zoe nodded in agreement. "You do not have to tell them everything though." She smiled at her and put her hand on Zoe's hand. "We have got your back." She reassured her.
Zoe smiled up are her new found friend. "Thank you so much. I feel so safe here."
"You should, this is your home."
The rest of the ride home was filled with chit chat. When they were almost home Annabeth looked at Zoe. "So, you and Wade…" she started with a smirk
Zoe laughed. "No, no, no. just friends." She bit her bottom lip.
"You've thought about it though."
Zoe rolled her eyes. "No." she said very unconvincingly
"Ha, Zoe, every girl has. If you don't go there, you are crazy pants."
Zoe just laughed and covered her face with her hands. "I think I have enough going on right now, I do not need to add anything else."
"Maybe not right now, but eventually, you have to go there. And then tell me how it went."
"Oh, my, gosh." She laughed.
The girls pulled up to the plantation. "Want a drink?" Zoe asked
"Sure, does Lavon have wine?"
"Oh yes he does."
They got out of the car and walked into the house. The four men went silent when they heard the door open.
"Hey guys." Zoe waved
"Hello." AB smiled at them. "Hey Baby, what are you guys up to?" she asked looking at George
"Oh, nothing. Just, uh.." George stumbled over his words.
"Town business." Wade spoke up. "Ya know." He shrugged, hoping that they would believe them but the look on Zoe's face showed that she did not.
"You talking about me?" she asked quietly
"What? No, that's crazy. Why would we?" Brick stuttered
Wade looked at her and he couldn't bring himself to lie to her. "Yeah, we were. Sorry Doc."
"It's ok, and AB knows everything so no worries."
Wade walked over towards her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Brick figured everything out too. That mysterious scar on your arm here." He pointed to the scar. "Apparently he stitched it up."
Zoe's eyes bugged and she looked at Brick. He was walking towards her. "It's so good to see you Zoe." He gently wrapped her in a hug and she hugged him back, breathing out a sigh of relief. "Your father was worried sick about you."
"I'm so sorry. I wish I knew about him, about all of you and this town. I wouldn't be in this mess if I did." She broke down and Brick hugged her tighter. "It's ok Zoe. You're here now and we will not let anything happen to you." He rubbed her back. "But you have to get a restraining order against Julian and press charges if you want this all to end."
She pulled away from him and wiped her tears. "I don't know Dr. Breeland. How would I even go about that?"
"Uh, that's where I would come in and Sheriff Bill." George spoke up
"I don't want anyone else to know. Can't we just do the restraining order?"
"You'll need proof Zo." Wade told her. "That's what we've been discussing this whole time. Trying to figure out the easiest way to protect you from him."
"I know but I just don't want him coming down here and causing a scene or worse."
"I know you don't want to ever see him again but you can't just ignore it. You said it yourself he knows people everywhere. And what about you mom?" AB asked
"I called her a couple days ago and let her know where I am. She kind of always knew something wasn't right with Julian but never pressured me for answers."
Wade rolled his eyes. "Real caring." He scoffed
Zoe nodded. "I know, I've been thinking a lot about that lately too. She was just so happy that I found a rich guy that was in her circle she didn't even care what he was doing to me."
"Did she ever question your bruises?"
"In the beginning she did, but only because as she said, It would mess with my model features if I kept getting injured. Told me once makeup can only cover so much."
Everyone's jaws dropped. "She was great." Lavon said sarcastically. "Well we have your back no matter what Big Z so don't you worry that pretty little head of yours. Whatever happens, if he comes here or not, we have your back."
"Thank you all so much. You don't know how much I appreciate that. I've never had friends like you guys."
"Well now you have friends and a whole town." Brick but his hand on her shoulder. "I would really like it if you came and worked at the practice with me. Right away."
"I would really love that Brick but how can I really do anything with my arm in a cast."
"Well for now, you assist me, meet the townspeople, get to know them and their files. And by time you know everyone backwards and forwards your cast will be off, your ribs will be healed and you'll be ready."
"That sounds great, when can I start?"
"We open at nine A.M tomorrow."
"Hello." Lemon scanned the room as she walked in the door. "What's everyone doing here?"
They all went silent, they knew Lemon didn't know everything there was to know about Zoe. Zoe looked around at everyone and figured she should say something. Lemon is Lavon's girlfriend anyway, she was bound to find out sooner or later.
"They were talking about me." She said quietly
Lemon looked around and thought about everyone here, mayor, doctor, lawyer, she wasn't sure were Annabeth fit in. "Uh, ok, is there an issue?"
"I wouldn't say issue." She looked at Wade who questioned her words. "Well maybe." She shrugged. "My fiancé back home doesn't know that I'm here." She started.
"You ran away? Why?" Lemon asked and quickly put a few pieces of the puzzle together. "You didn't trip over a cat did you?"
"No" Zoe shook her head
She swallowed hard "He did this?" she asked concerned pointing to Zoe's arm.
"Yeah, amongst other things."
"You have to report him, get a restraining order, get him arrested and thrown in jail. He will pay." She started to rant, which caused everyone to chuckle a little.
"That's what we are working on Dear." Lavon told her.
"You all knew about this?"
"I just found out today." AB raised her hand. "Apparently the rest of them have known for weeks." She glared at George jokingly and he smiled back at her.
"I figured it out today too." Brick announced. "But Zoe, there is more to your story." He nodded at her with a smile.
She took a big breath. "I'm Dr. Wilkes daughter."
Lemons hand flew over her mouth. "Oh my gosh." She whispered. "Where have you been?" she wrapped Zoe in a hug, Zoe hugged her back.
"New York. I had no idea who I really was, I promise."
"I can't believe this. I can't believe I didn't figure this out myself. We were best friends, I always remember us playing in the storage room of the practice and playing hop scotch by the gazebo. I was heartbroken when you left. I don't remember much about being three but I remember that." She hugged her again.
Everyone starred at Lemon in shock. Yeah she has gotten a little softer since dating Lavon but not like this.
"Uh, Lemon, is that you?" Wade asked
She glared at him. "Yes, it's me you fool. I am so happy to see you. I have been looking for you forever. There is no Zoe Wilkes out there anywhere."
"I assume my mother changed my name when we left."
"That would make sense. I am so happy you're here. How did you find here?"
Zoe retold the whole story, how she met Wade at the airport, he triggered her memories, she went home and confronted her mother and then how she decided it was time to come back. But not without consequences with Julian.
"Well, we will protect you and get him arrested and thrown in jail forever. How do we do that George?"
"Working on it." He simply told her. "She will have to press charges."
"Ok, so do it."
"She's nervous." Lavon said
"Oh Zoe, now is not the time to be nervous, we got you and this man will regret the day he ever messed with Bluebell." Lemon smiled at her long lost friend.
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