Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) Page 3

  “Let’s get you on a gurney, Jake,” the paramedic sweetly speaks to Jake, taking his hand and leading him into the back of the ambulance.

  He lies down, bringing his knees up. The paramedic slips a mask over his head, positioning it against his mouth.

  “We need you to take nice, deep, steady breaths now, Jake,” coos the young brunette paramedic. She sits us on the passenger chairs, advising us to belt up.

  The driver closes the rear doors before setting off.

  Kennedy

  To my surprise I’m not in the basement, or one of the baron outbuildings. I look around. The room is familiar to me. It’s the small box-sized room next to Master’s suite. My hands remain tied and the door is bolted shut from the outside. There is a bucket in the corner of the room. It is clear I’m going to be here for a while. Thoughts of Cole and my life in Newport flood my mind. I try and focus on the positive memories of my recent experiences. I hold on to the hope that Cole and my friends will be looking for me.

  Hope is all I have.

  I will do whatever I need to do to survive, regardless of how humiliating, disgusting, or painful. I will do anything to get out of here, to protect my baby. For her I will do everything I can.

  I search the room, looking for possible ways to escape. I know it is futile. There are wooden shutters on the outside of the window. The door is bolted. The only two means of escape are completely blocked.

  I slump on the bed, thoughts of the unknown haunt me.

  I can hear the faint cheers and raucous calls of “hallelujah” coming from the floor below. At least I’m spared from the falseness of the whole “let’s worship” bullshit.

  It’s just a cover up, an excuse; a reason they use to justify their lifestyle, their sick desires to punish and brutally torture innocent human beings and other living creatures.

  The noise below dispels and I hear voices and banging surrounding me. I sit upright on the bed, my knees brought up to my chest. My heart rate picks up to an accelerated speed. Footsteps thud, filling my ears as the noise increases. The door to the next room slams shut.

  My shoulders drop as I exhale, trying to relax my nerves. I didn’t realize I had been holding my breath until just now. My head thuds, the unknown causing my fear to penetrate every thought I have.

  With a sense of foreboding, I sit huddled…waiting.

  Cole

  Sitting in the waiting room of the unfamiliar hospital, I pull my cell phone out from my jeans pocket, but the damn thing has no battery left. I shove it back in my jeans. The movement causes the pain in my side to intensify. I wince, taking in a sharp breath.

  When we arrived at the hospital, the doctors checked us all over. They provided me with pain medicine to help dull the ache, but I am still incredibly sore. At least I hadn’t broken anything.

  Things are a very serious for Abbey. I haven’t heard shit about her, and Ash is frantic in his attempt to find out how she is. He’s been shouting at anyone he can to try and obtain answers on her status.

  After his most recent tirade, he slams his body down beside me, letting out a huge sigh. “Dammit!” he growls. “Why won’t they tell me how she is?”

  “You gotta give them time, Ash,” I say, resting my hand on his shoulder.

  “Time? We’ve been here for fucking hours,” he sighs.

  “Fuck, I feel bad about this whole god damn thing,” I huff out. The guilt is eating away at me like rotten flesh.

  “Don’t torture yourself, Cole. It isn’t your fault. What did the police say to you? What about Kennedy? Do they think they’ll be able to find her? Do they have any idea where she has been taken to?” His questions tumble out so fast I struggle to keep up.

  “Fuck! I don’t know, man. I told them everything I know. They said they would search for her, but what if those sick bastards do something to her before she’s found? I’ll never forgive myself, Ash. Fuck! If anything happens to her, I will kill all of those sick fuckers!” I shout, letting out every one of my emotions and frustrations.

  “I know, Cole, but we have to remain positive that Kennedy will be okay. She managed to escape once. We have to believe that she can do it again. Belief and hope are all we have right now, Cole.”

  “I do hope, more than anything, Ash. Kennedy is such a beautiful, kind, and caring person who does not deserve this. Who gives anyone the right to do this to her! To anyone!” I wrack my brain, trying to make sense of this, but I just can’t.

  “It’s fucked up. That’s for sure, Cole.”

  “I can’t imagine my life without her. I know I’ve been really shitty with the whole baby thing, but it was hard, ya know? Trying to work out whether I was that kind of man; one that could step up to the plate and be a father to this child. Before I even had chance to clear the air with her, she was gone. Snatched. And now I’ve lost her.” I drop my head to my hands, trying to keep my emotions in check.

  “I know, man. Try to not beat yourself up about it! It won’t change what’s happened.”

  “Ash,” shrieks a female voice from behind us.

  We snap our heads round to see our parents walking through the door. His mom runs toward him, pulling him into a hug. I stand and walk to my mom who embraces me.

  “Oh, Cole, you stupid boy. What on Earth were you thinking?”

  “I tried to save her. Mom, I failed. I let Kennedy down. People were hurt in the process.”

  Mom pulls back and grimaces at me. “Don’t say that, Cole. None of this is your fault. What you did was reckless and stupid, but you did it for all the right reasons. Your heart was in the right place.”

  “Everything is such a mess, mom. Abbey…Kennedy…” I fall against my mom, needing to find comfort.

  She grabs my shoulders, pulling me back so she can look me in the eye. “We will get who did this, Cole! I Promise you that. How is Abbey holding up?”

  “They won’t tell us a thing. It’s been hours! And nothing! Ash has tried, but we just can’t get any answers from anyone.”

  She squeezes the top of my arm before saying, “We will see about that!” My mom places a kiss to my cheek and storms toward the reception desk.

  Kennedy

  I sit waiting.

  It was inevitable that, sooner or later, something was going to happen. He would try and hurt me in some sick way or another.

  I hear the rattle of keys at the door. I sit up straight, readying myself for what is to come. The light streams into the dark room as Master enters. He carries a tray in his hands, walking toward me. The eerie calmness about his demeanor causes me to shudder.

  “How is my angel?” he slurs, placing the tray on the floor near the door.

  “Like you care,” I spit back.

  “Life on the outside has untamed you, my child.”

  “Untamed?” I huff. “No, but it did teach me a lot about the evil, sadistic life I was subjected to here. It taught me there are better people on this Earth than those I have had the unfortunate luck of living with for the last sixteen or so years,” I say calmly, but with assertiveness in my voice.

  “Well, angel, you sure have a lot to say for yourself. Why is that?”

  “I’m not scared of you any more, Christopher.”

  “It’s Master to you! Don’t forget that,” he growls, pulling my legs from underneath me. His harsh movement causes me to fall back on the bed.

  I look him dead in the eyes, lowering my voice, “You’re not my Master anymore. You never will be again,” I growl. I grit my teeth together, as I glare at him, my eyes never wavering.

  He leans over, closing the space between us. His foul breath blows against my cheek. “It’s been a while, my angel. I’m desperate to taste all of your loveliness.” His hand runs down the side of my face and over my shoulder, as he works toward my waist. He uses his whole body weight, leaning on me in an attempt to pin me to the bed.

  I wriggle furiously, trying to escape his hold.

  “Why do you fight this, Kennedy? You know this is your
destiny, to be here with me. Come on, just a little taste. The more of a fight you put up, the more I will hurt you and the baby.”

  “Don’t you dare bring my baby in to this!” I scream.

  “This is my baby too, angel. You can keep fighting this, but we are meant to be. You need to open your mind and start to enjoy the experience of being loved.”

  I laugh. “Love,” I huff loudly. “You think what you did to me was love?”

  “Some of the things were for your own good, Kennedy. You fought everything; you just don’t seem to learn your lesson, angel.”

  He lunges his head toward me, our mouths clashing as he tries to kiss me. I hold my lips together tightly, resisting him with all my might. He pulls his head back, scowling at me before thrusting his forehead right at my lips.

  The bastard just head-butted me!

  My lip splits instantly. I feel the warmth of the blood as it runs down my chin. The pain excruciating. My tied hands fly up to my mouth, trying to slow the flow of blood. It is already dripping all over the bed.

  Christopher stands, straightening his clothes as he strides toward the door. He wears an evil smile as he picks up the tray he’d come in with. “You won’t be able to eat this now, my angel, will you?”

  I glare at him with hatred in my eyes. How can one person be so evil, so vile, so cruel, as well as all the other things that makes me hate this man with every ounce of emotion I have.

  Once he’s left the room, I search for something to stop the flow of blood. I open the cabinet beside the bed, but it is empty. I look under the bed frame, but I can’t see anything. The only light coming into the room flows between the cracks of the ill fitted door. The window is blocked, so it allows little light into the room.

  Shit!

  Blood is everywhere!

  I can’t be certain, but I think my lip is cut straight through. The impact against my teeth is penetrating the thin skin below my lip.

  Fuck, it hurts!

  I open the closet door, feeling around inside for something…anything. I find some wadded up bed sheets. I rip at the sheet, tearing a small section before applying it to my mouth.

  In my tugging motion, something had fallen from the bundle of cloth. I look to where I heard the clinking and see a long knife on the floor. The limited light coming from between the door jamb reflects off the blade.

  Using the knife, I cut the bind around my arms. It takes a little maneuvering, but I finally get it to cut straight through. I rub my wrists. The bruises that were already forming from the rope are a little painful, but I’m glad to have the use of my arms again.

  I then use the knife to cut off more of the thin sheet. I place the small square to my stinging lip. The pain is intense with the increased contact. I draw in a sharp breath. Kneeling on the floor, my hands shake as I try to restrict the flow of blood from my lip.

  Tonight I was lucky.

  It could have been a lot worse.

  Cole

  Abbey is still in a coma. The doctors are trying everything they can to stabilize her. She suffered a brain hemorrhage caused by major head trauma. It is uncertain at this stage whether or not Abbey will need surgery.

  The doctors say it is very difficult to make an accurate prognosis early on.

  “What do we do now, mom?” I ask, lost in the misery of Abbey’s diagnosis. “Have you heard anything from the police about Ken?” I ask eagerly, needing something else to focus on.

  “No, son, but your father is at the station speaking with the police. They are discussing what we know about where Kennedy came from, along with known locations of religious communes close to where you were run off the road. There are a few possibilities. I know your dad will work tirelessly to find Kennedy.” She smiles sweetly.

  I huff out. “It’s not like he was her greatest fan or anything,” I remark.

  “You’re right.” She nods. “Your dad had issues with your relationship with her, but it’s only because he cares about you, Cole. He had a very strict upbringing. You know how everything is black and white for your father.”

  I sigh. “Well, as long as we find her. That’s the main thing here, right?”

  Mom smiles, nodding in acknowledgement. “How is Jake doing?”

  “I don’t know, mom. He’s just so quiet. I’m worried about him!”

  “It’s the shock, Cole. He’ll come round. It’s good that his parents are here to help and take him home.”

  “Home?” I ask incredulously.

  “Well yeah, Cole. We can’t all stay here forever.”

  “I doubt Jake is going to willing leave while Abbey is still so unstable. You’ve seen him. He’s not stepped away from outside the ICU room since she was moved there.”

  “Why don’t you try speaking to him, Cole?”

  “I have tried, mom. I just can’t seem to get through to him.”

  “If anyone can, you can, Cole. He’s been your best friend for years now. You know him better than anyone.”

  I walk down the long and sterile corridor, making my way toward where Jake sits. I see him slumped forward, holding his head in his hands. I slowly lower myself until I’m sitting beside him.

  “Jake, man, we need to talk.” I lightly nudge his arm, trying to get his attention.

  He shoots me a side-ways glance. “Sup, bro?”

  “We need to be heading home, Jake.” My voice is tentative, trying to soften the blow of my words.

  “Without Abbey? Are you kidding me?” he shrieks.

  “I know you’re struggling with this, Jake. I feel totally responsible here. The god damn guilt is eating me alive, but there’s nothing we can do!”

  “What if she wakes up, man, and I’m not here?” he asks, his words fade, as his eyes slowly close.

  “Her parents are with her. They will explain to her where she is and why you’re not here.”

  “No!” he yells. “No fucking way! I’m staying put. I’ll stay in a hotel, sleep in the hospital, but I ain’t going home, Cole! I need to know she’s okay. I need to be here. Why can’t you understand that?” he snaps.

  “Okay, Jake, I get it. I just think you will be more use to Abbey once you’ve rested and pulled yourself together.”

  “I’ll rest here. I’m staying put! Nothing you say will change my mind.”

  It’s obvious his mind is made up and no amount of coaxing will change it. I put my arm around his broad shoulders, giving him a side hug. We say our goodbyes and I head out.

  Kennedy

  I lay curled in a ball, holding the cloth tightly to my lip. I’m pretty sure that it’s no longer gushing, but it stings so much!

  I close my eyes to attempt to sleep, but I jump at every little sound, bang, or generic noise that is made. I have no idea what time it is. The growl of my very empty stomach roars loudly.

  I feel faint from the loss of blood and lack of food. The minimal light coming into the room fades as night draws on. I don’t know what to do with myself or when my next meal will be.

  I tenderly caress my tiny bump. Thoughts of my baby girl torment my mind. I have to keep her safe. I want to live.

  I want my child to live.

  I think this baby is the only reason I’m still alive.

  This is a different kind of torture.

  Waiting.

  Not knowing what waits ahead…

  I lay on the bed for what feels like a lifetime. The sudden squeals and shrieks coming from the room next door causes me to jump out of my skin. I jump off the bed and start to pace the room, the noise echoing all around me. The screams get louder and sound like that of a child. I try to block it out, pushing my hands over my ears, but my attempts are futile. The sound is deafening, but what is worse are the thoughts of what he’s doing to this child.

  The ideas running through my mind are like a punch to the stomach.

  I race to the bucket in the corner as the nausea takes hold. I bend over, heaving and retching violently. One hand holds the bucket, the other cradles my bump.
I sit up taking deep breaths, not knowing what to do. I want to scream or shout. Do something, anything.

  I have been there.

  I have been that child!

  I start frantically hammering on the door. I bang relentlessly until my fist hurts. Eventually the screams are replaced with sobs. I hear the loud footsteps closer to the room. I step back from the door, just as it flies open with force. Master runs at me, grabbing me by the throat. He lifts me off the floor, pinning me to the wall.

  “What’s your damn problem, huh?”

  I can’t speak. His grip is so tight around my throat. I gasp for air as I struggle to breathe. He squeezes harder. His face reddens and his eyes bulge.

  This is it.

  This is the precise moment I am going to die.

  I feel my vision dipping. I know I’m losing consciousness. Through hazy eyes I catch sight of a child standing in the doorway.

  “Let her go. Please, stop,” speaks the sweet mouse like voice.

  I feel the grip around my neck loosen as I drop to the floor. Christopher’s head whips back to look at the child. I collapse in a heap, my hands around my neck as I struggle to breathe.

  I look up, trying to get a clearer look at the child. She has curly blonde hair and is so petite. I stare at her in disbelief. She looks just like I did at her age. She couldn’t be any older than six or seven.

  Christopher marches over to her, grabbing her by the hair, before dragging her away. She looks at me shyly, shooting a sad smile. The door suddenly slams shut and I hear the rattle of keys as the door is locked.

  I run over to the adjoining wall, trying to listen out for the little girl. I need to know if she’s okay. I have to know he isn’t hurting her.

  I can’t hear anything other than banging.

  I’m worried.

  Worried for this child.

  No one deserves the life I was subjected to. I slump against the wall in despair, resting my head back. I let out a heavy breath and close my eyes. How is this happening? Will they be able to find me? I’m broken from my thoughts by little taps against the wall. I jump up, turn, and kneel so I’m facing the wall. I don’t know whether this is some sort of trick or it’s the little girl reaching out to me. I brush my hair away from my face, willing for another sound.