Back To Me (37 page)

             
“So, Raul knew who I was when he approached me?” I choked out.

              “Yes.”

              “And he was going to use me as leverage to get another shot at Billy?”

              “No, no, no. Don’t you see, doll? Billy had nothing to do with Raul wanting
you.
It’s been all about you.”

              “I don’t understand,” I confessed in a whisper.

              Tom let out a sigh, frustrated that he had to spell it out for me. “As long as Raul had you, he had something over me. I’d keep doing his bidding.
And let’s face it, you’re a damn good looking woman. Raul is always in the market for that.”

              I shook my head in disbelief.

              “Why would you care if Raul got me? I don’t mean anything to you!” I sassed.

              Tom shrugged his shoulders. “You may not be my daughter, but I do have some feelings. But as for Billy; I don’t give a rat’s ass about him. He’s been a damn thorn in my side for years!” he exclaimed. “But you….” his voice broke off.

              “I what? I’m nothing to you, Tom! Nothing!” I shouted.

              He arose quickly and slapped me across the face so hard that I momentarily blacked out.

              “Don’t you
ever
speak to me like that,” he warned. “You don’t know
anything!”

              I sat, dazed and stunned from his words more so than the backhand he’d just given me.

              “You’re not catching on here, doll,” he said with even more anger than before. “In the beginning Raul hated Billy and wanted him dead. Period. Of course we all know how that turned out. Raul’s a lousy shot!” 

             
Tom huffed and puffed a bit more, reigning in his temper. “Then he found out about
you
, and that gave him the opportunity of a lifetime; to have me doing anything his heart desired in order to save
your
skin. Of course the asshole’s got such a one-track mind. I think he forgot all about Billy after he set his sights on you. Yes, I hated your mother, and yes, I left you without a second thought. But I never wanted any harm to come to you!” 

              His words rushed over me like salt to a fresh wound.
But if he wasn’t going to kill me then why was I here?

              A tremendous fear arose in the pit of my stomach as the pieces of the puzzle slowly but surely began to fit together. None of this was about me right now.
Tom
wanted Billy.
He expected him to show up to save me and be caught in his lair. 

              “He’s not coming, ya know?” I tried to mask the hopefulness in my voice.

              Tom turned suddenly and flashed a cat-that-ate-the-canary-grin. “Oh, he’ll show, doll. Don’t you worry about that. He followed us, I’m positive.” 

              “Well, hello,
púta
,” a smooth, velvety voice drawled from behind me. His breath was all over my skin, immediately causing my eyes to clench shut. I knew before the night was over I’d be begging for Tom to kill me.

             
He yanked my hair, causing my head to jerk backwards. I yelped in response and watched as his eyes glimmered with pleasure. No doubt he loved seeing women scared and in pain. He got off on it.

              “Oh, don’t worry, chica boníta,” he replied with charm. “Your prince will show up, but I’m gonna have a little fun with you first.” His eyes lit up and his tongue snaked over his full lips.

                “No!” Tom shouted. “This is about Billy, not her!”

              Raul reared back and drew his pistol, aiming it at Tom’s chest in one fluid movement.

              “Or,” he said, callously, “I could just shoot you now, have my way with the little púta, and take Billy out from behind. Just like that,
poof
, all my little problems are gone,” he explained.

              Tom’s forehead beaded over with sweat as he watched Raul stand behind me and run his hands roughly over my breasts. He was taunting Tom; daring him to make the first move, giving him an excuse to pull the trigger. I swallowed down the bile and bit down roughly on my lip as I tasted the faint tang of blood.

              Raul continued the display, all the while keeping his eyes planted firmly on Tom.

              “I’m sorry,” he whispered only to me. “It wasn’t supposed to go down like this.”

              With that, Tom lunged forward, pulling Raul’s arm towards him in the process. I leaned sharply to one side, taking the chair with me and crashed to the floor. The rickety wood splintered, freeing my hands from the slat. They were still handcuffed behind my back, but at least I had use of my legs and that was something.

              A gun shot rang out loudly in the silence, piercing my ears. I looked over to find Tom lying in a pool of blood. In shock, I realized I hadn’t moved an inch. I’d lost my chance to get away and Raul was now stalking towards me. I knew exactly what he planned to do.

52

Billy

              Gathering myself, I left Heather’s hospital room with a newfound determination. She could push me away all she wanted, but I wasn’t going to allow it. I smiled when I thought about her; how tough she was. How strong-willed and prideful. I guess she’d had to be all these years, but that was about to change. I didn’t want her to lose her identity, of course, but I wanted her to know that she had me. That she could lean on me and that I’d always be there for her. No more running.

              My happy thoughts were abruptly halted when I noticed that Blake and Caleb were nowhere to be found.
Hmm
. I had expected them to stay, but I guess they didn’t see the need now that I was back in town.
I shrugged my shoulders and continued on my merry way. The lobby was bustling with nurses and crying children, parents who looked weary with exhaustion, and the faint stench of sterile alcohol. Yep, it was time to get outta here.

              Approaching my truck I studied my surroundings closely. It was ingrained in me, but more than that something felt off. The hairs on my neck stood at attention and it wasn’t just from the chill of the cool night air.
This is crazy!
I told myself. Heather was safe and sound, resting comfortably in her hospital bed. I’d just laid eyes on her and she’d be fine long enough for me to run home, well, to Luke’s house, grab a quick shower and change clothes. I had plenty of time to get back before she even realized I was gone.

              Wait! Not crazy! My gut told me to get my ass back to Heather. I turned on my heels and raced back inside. Not bothering to wait on an elevator, I took the stairs two at a time until I reached the fourth floor. Pushing the door open so hard that it crashed against the wall, I darted into her room. Panic washed over me.
She was gone!

              “Excuse me,” I said, banging on the desk of the nurses station.

              “How may I help you?” the lady cooed.
Ugh
!

              “I’m looking for my girlfriend,” I gestured across the hallway. “Any idea where she went?”

              “No, I’m sorry,” she replied, batting her lashes at me.

              I gave her a repulsive look, not wanting to waste any more time on her.

              “Is there someone else that can help me?”

              Just then my phone rang with an unknown number. I hesitantly raised it to my ear.

              “Willis,” I answered.

              “Route twenty-six, off Melson Bridge. Get here as quick as you can. Grab Caleb and Blake.” The line went dead after the caller rattled off his instructions.
             

             
What the hell?
Who was that? I knew it wasn’t George, or Tom and it certainly wasn’t Raul.

              The insufferable flirtatious nurse was still trying to get my attention by twirling her hair and popping her bubble gum, but it only served to piss me off even more. While I waited for Blake to answer his phone, I put her in her place.

              “If you were more interested in doing your
job
,” I spat, “you’d notice your patient is missing!”

              I stalked off without glancing back to gauge her reaction. I didn’t give a shit.

              “What’s up?” he answered, cheerful.

              “Heather’s gone.”

              “What? She snuck out again?” he chuckled. “Can’t keep a good woman down, can ya?”

              “She didn’t sneak out!” I shouted, bolting back through the stairway. “Someone’s kidnapped her. Two guesses, asshole!”

              “Dammit!” he yelled back.

              “Where’s Caleb?” I questioned.

              “He’s with me. We’re at Thirsty’s.”

              “Meet me in twenty,” I ordered. “Route twenty-six at Melson Bridge.”

              I could hear the commotion and urgency as Blake filled Caleb in. I heard cursing on the other end of the line, then Caleb’s voice broke through. “Billy?”

              “I’m here,” I whispered, barely holding myself together.

              “How do you know where to meet?”

              “Just got a call. I have no idea who it was and frankly I don’t give a damn. I’ve gotta get to her. If you aren’t there in twenty, I’m going in alone,” I threatened.

              I ran as fast as my feet would carry me. Not even bothering to check behind me, I slammed the truck in reverse and mashed the gas pedal. I flew outta there and headed east. I knew Caleb and Blake were a good thirty minutes or so out, and I’d already told them I wasn’t waiting. Looked like I’d be handling this on my own.

              I reached beneath the seat, careful to keep one hand on the steering wheel. I was shaking
as adrenaline coursed through my veins, but I had to hold it together. I would be of no use to Heather if I ended up in a ditch. The truck went off the road briefly as I looked down to check my gun, making sure the clip was in place and ready to go. It was so dark my headlights barely illuminated the road. An eerie feeling settled over me and I could’ve sworn I heard my angel scream my name. I shook my head, trying to clear my mind. I had to control my emotions, though it’d never been harder than at this very moment.

              “I’m coming, angel. Hang on, baby.” I said the words aloud as if they would somehow float through the air and land on her ears.

              I pushed the pedal down harder, feeling the wind as it threatened to chap my face. I didn’t care. I was burning with rage; my temper reaching its breaking point.

              The tires protested when they made contact with the gravel. I spotted a car fifty yards or so ahead and pulled my truck off to the side. It was a beat up piece of junk and I hadn’t a clue who it belonged to. Perhaps it was the unknown caller’s, or the perp that had kidnapped Heather. Either way I knew to be cautious. I slammed the gearshift in park and pulled my keys from the ignition, immediately stopping the rumbling of my exhaust. I took a deep breath and shut the door quietly, barely letting it latch. Crouching down, I surveyed the car blocking my path. I peered over the window, making sure no one was hiding inside. I did a quick sweep underneath and of the surrounding brush. Feeling satisfied I was out there alone, I followed the trail ahead, keeping my weapon ready at all times.

              I jogged, my pace quickening as a faint silhouette of a house came into view. As I drew closer, mewling sounds perked my ears to attention and I recognized them to be Heather’s. She was whimpering. My blood boiled with a fury that ran deep and I lost all sense for my own safety.

              I took the steps quickly, not even trying to move stealthily. George would kick my ass if he could see me now, fumbling through the debris like a rookie.

              I peered around what had been a door at one time and saw the feet and legs of a body. Thank God it wasn’t Heather! I took a deep, steadying breath before stepping around the corner. I kept to the shadows, noticing the glow of a single flickering candle. The musty house was abandoned and obviously the perfect place to bring someone you didn’t want to be found.

              Stepping gingerly across the tattered carpet, I moved closer towards the lifeless figure and saw it was Tom. I mourned him only a brief moment before remembering that he’d gotten exactly what he deserved. I was more upset that I hadn’t been the one to take him out. He’d made my life hell and Heather’s as well, and that was unforgivable.

              I slowly moved towards the back of the house, listening intently for any more sounds from Heather. She was here somewhere.
I could feel her presence.
I just had to find her.

              Shots echoed in the night, coming from somewhere outside. I jumped, startled, and took off running towards the sound. I swear to God, if that was Heather……. My ears pounded along with my rapid heartbeat, my eyes bloodshot and stinging with tears as I called her name. I called over and over, but she never cried out.

              Bounding off the porch steps, I ran into a solid wall of muscle. “It’s me!” Blake shouted. “It’s me, brother!”

              It dawned on me that I had my gun drawn and aimed at his temple as his hands were hanging in the air. “It’s just me, man,” he said, breathlessly.

              “Shit,” I murmured. “I can’t find her, Blake. Where is she!?” I wailed.

              “She’s here somewhere. C’mon. Let’s hurry!”

              I followed him back into the house, not bothering to ask him about the shots. I didn’t want to know. Not right now.

              “Over here!” he called, desperately.

              On the floor in the very back corner of the living room was Heather’s crumpled body; badly beaten and broken. I whimpered to myself then pushed it down. She needed me right now.

              I bent over, cautious not to alarm her. “I’m here
, angel
,” I spoke, soothingly. “I’m here, baby. Let’s get you taken care of.”

              Her eyes went wide as she trembled with fear, shaking her head back and forth frantically. “He’s out there,” she whispered. My heart snapped in two.

              “Who’s out there, angel. Who hurt you?” I wasn’t sure if she was aware that Tom was already dead.

              “
Raul
,” she cried quietly. “
Raul did this
.”

              I held my tongue once again, giving a curt nod to Blake to get moving and find the asshole. Things were starting to piece together, but I wasn’t concerned with any of that at the moment.

              “C’mon, angel,” I cooed, lifting her gently in my arms. I tried to look away, but I couldn’t. Her gown was torn; her panties hanging from her ankles. She was covered in blood and stilled smelled of smoke from the fire. Her hair was matted and her face was busted up enough that I was sure she’d need stitches. That’s when I noticed her arms were handcuffed behind her back. She’d had no way to defend herself.
Shit!
 

              “Let’s get you outta here, huh?” I suggested.

              She nodded her head into my neck and I felt her wet tears as they soaked through my t-shirt. “It’s okay, Heather. I’ve got you, angel.”

              “Don’t ever put me down, Billy,” she cried, softly. “Don’t
ever
let me go again.”

              I placed gentle kisses all over her face and neck as I reassured her. “I promise.
Never again, angel.”

              We’d barely made it outside when Blake approached us. “He’s long gone, man. Sorry.” He heaved out a disgusted breath as he took in Heather.

       “Get her outta here, man. George is on his way. We’ll wrap this up.” He got the handcuffs free from her wrists, and rubbed her back comfortingly.

              I thanked him and hurried on to where my truck was parked and placed Heather inside. I pulled her close to me on the seat. She kept her head buried in my neck and her body pressed against mine, so much so that it was if she was trying to climb inside me. I didn’t dare ask. I didn’t need her to tell me what happened. Her appearance and the surrounding evidence spoke volumes. Just knowing Raul had ahold of her told me all that I needed to know.

              I was pissed beyond measure that he’d touched her; that he’d violated and mutilated her beautiful body. Even as much as that angered me, I knew the psychological damage to Heather would be way worse. What if this was something she’d never come back from? What kind of relationship could we have if she couldn’t stand my touch?

              “No hospital,” she whispered.

              “Okay, no hospital,” I promised.

I kissed the top of her head once again as I released a sigh of relief. She was here and she was
alive
. That’s all we had right now so I thanked God for one more day with her.

              I pulled up to Luke and Lauren’s, lifting her gingerly in my arms. Luke came running outside when he heard my truck pull up

                   “Sam’s at Mama’s house,” he explained. “Bring her on in.”

              I watched his face contort with pain as he looked at Heather dangling lifelessly in my arms. His eyes brimmed with tears as he looked away, and I was reminded of Lauren. Mark had beaten her so badly. In reality Heather was much worse, but seeing Heather had to be Luke’s déjà vu. 

              “I’m so sorry,” he choked out through his tears.

              “Just help me,” I said, quietly, not wanting to alarm her.

              He led the way and Lauren was waiting at the door, holding it open wide for us to enter.

              “Upstairs,” she ordered, running ahead of me. I followed her down the hallway and into the room Heather had been occupying. I saw her stuff strewn about and when I noticed my shirt laying across her pillow I had to smile.

              Lauren started a bath in the oversized garden tub, dumping in some sweet-smelling oil. I sat Heather on the vanity, prying her arms away from my neck. Lauren gave me a sympathetic look before giving us some privacy.