Close to Heart by T. J. Kline

someone entering the room. “Aly, I need the truth. Has he ever raised a hand to hit you? Did you ever worry about your safety with him?”
    “I . . . ” Alyssa opened her mouth to deny Franklin’s accusation. Elijah wasn’t abusive. There were just times when he got angry and overdemonstrative.
    That’s abusive.
    Alyssa sighed, worried about the consequences of what she was about to say. “He didn’t hit me. There were some times when he would grab me, or push me when we were alone,” she admitted. It was the first time she’d ever told anyone.
    “I’m going to file a restraining order. Let’s get that car sold as soon as possible.”
    “It’s at the dealership but, Franklin, what if this is just a misunderstanding?”
    “What if it’s not? Are you willing to take that chance, Aly? Don’t use your cell at all anymore.”
    She heard the uneasiness in his voice. Franklin didn’t get worried. He was as rock-solid as anyone she’d ever known. That equanimity was what had made him one of the best attorneys in Southern California. His lack of composure now had her stomach churning, and she felt as if she was going to be sick.
    “Call me with the address from a landline. I’m going to be there first thing tomorrow morning. Be watching for me.”
    E LIJAH LEANED BACK and watched the photographer snap several shots in succession of his latest protégé. She wasn’t nearly as pretty as some of his others, but she was willing to do whatever it took to get the roles, as she’d proved to him in the limo on the way over. She was going to go places; he’d make sure of it.
    He was a great agent, but he was also a pretty incredible actor if his latest press conference was any indicator. He was beginning to wonder if he hadn’t missed his calling. Several people in the crowd had tears in their eyes when he finished telling them how desperate he was to find his wife and child, how he feared for their safety. By the time his voice choked completely and his lawyer stepped in, he finished the interview leaning on Lillian’s shoulder for support.
    She’d offered to remain at his side, would have moved into the house after Alyssa left, but he was keeping her at more of a distance than usual. She had overstepped her boundaries and had no right to go around him to tell Alyssa about their affair. He promised her he would tell Alyssa when the time was right, and she should have trusted him. The fact that Alyssa was nowhere to be found was her fault, and he wasn’t going to pretend otherwise. He knew Lillian assumed that with Alyssa out of the picture, she’d take her place. She was wrong.
    No one could take Alyssa’s place. He realized now he’d been too hasty in telling Alyssa to leave. He wouldn’t call it a mistake because he didn’t make mistakes, but she’d put him on the spot, practically challenged him, and he’d reacted without thinking it through. He had no intention of throwing away his marriage. It was over when he decided it. Not his mistresses and not his wife.
    He was a little surprised she hadn’t attempted to call him yet, but once she saw his press conference she would. Until then, he had a part to play and a media to ply. By the time Alyssa resurfaced, and she would have to after this press conference, he’d be the sympathetic figure and she’d look like the vindictive bitch who ran out on him, taking his child with her. He’d make sure of it. When he was finished, she’d have no option but to come crawling home, apologizing to him.
    He pulled his cell phone out and called his attorney, wandering away from the crew behind the stage. “Well? Have you found her?” He wasn’t about to waste time on greetings or small talk.
    “I’m working on it, Cole. I have eyes on the car and we’re checking with the local hospitals. I’ve had her phone traced. If she makes any calls, the phone company will alert me.”
    “And if she doesn’t? The only other people she has are her parents, and they