You Belong To Me (17 page)

Watching him turn a pasty white, Jason pressed him for answers.

“What is it Mitch? What's happened?”

“That was Mike,” he said running towards his truck.

“What the hell is going on Mitch?” Jason yelled.

“It's Danielle Jason, 911 just got a call from Danielle.

“Get in my truck Mitch; you’re in no condition to drive.”

Not wanting to argue, Mitch did as he was told and jumped into Jason's truck.

“Mitch man what did he say?”

“He said they'd gotten a distress call from my home and that the dispatcher was still on the line and there was no response.”

“Holy shit, Mitch, it’s that fucker isn't it?”

“It can't be, he has no idea where I live, let alone that Danielle is there
living with me.”

“That's bullshit Mitch and you know it, listen this fucker is resourceful. He found out where you live and he’s gotten to Danielle!” Jason cursed.

It took almost twenty minutes before Jason reached Mitch's place just as the police were surrounding the property.

 
Danielle sat in the farthest corner of the bathroom trembling and while waiting for the police thought to herself,
what is taking them so long? Why can't I hear any sirens?

Oh god. Please don't let me die like this please god!

“Sir, you can't go in there!”

“The hell I can't!” Screamed Mitch as he tried to force his way around one of the police officers.

“My girlfriend is in there, and she's obviously hurt or worse you son of a bitch, let me through!”

It took two officers and Jason to hold him back as a third officer came from around the back yard.

“Looks like the perp broke all the windows in the back, we're making entry now.” Mitch held his breath as he watched several officers run around the back and through the front door.

Beads of sweat began to pour down his face and the thought of Danielle lying somewhere in the house hurt, took over any and all images before him.

I hear something, Danielle said to herself. Crawling closer to the door she leaned her ear against it, all she could hear was muffled sounds.
Oh my god there's more than one, dear god please not like this
.

Then she heard a voice call out.

“Danielle Martins? This is the police, if you are able to, call out.”

Danielle wanted to open her mo
uth and shout out to him, but what if it was the intruder? If it were the police, I would have heard the sirens, she thought to herself.

No, best to stay here and be quiet. Not loosening her grip on the straight razor she had found, she huddled back into t
he corner and held her breath as she sat trembling. She'd hoped that whoever it was behind the door couldn't hear the sound of her heart as it was beating so fast and loud she was sure that it would give her away. Danielle sat paralyzed with her eyes closed as she heard the knob of the bathroom door being tried. God no please! Opening her eyes and resolved to fight, she watched as the door was kicked off its hinges.

She had gone into shock. She didn’t realize that the man before her yelling her name was a p
olice officer, instead she saw an assailant, someone who had come to kill her. She had to fight, and the only weapon she had was the straight razor, thrashing it wildly in front of her, she realized that was the only way to fend off her attacker. “Get away! Get the hell away!” Danielle was sobbing and screaming at the blur she thought was Ethan.

An officer rushing out of the house called to Mitch. “We've found her, she's in shock. She's threatening one of our officers; she won't let him near her. I'm to tak
e you to her sir.”

Hearing this, Mitch broke free from the powerful grips that were just a moment ago holding him back. Shaking them off, he ran into the house and up the stairs taking two at a time.
  An officer stopped him short. “She's in the bathroom, be forceful, but remember, she's in severe shock.”

As the officer lead him to the bathroom doorway, Mitch let out a deep breath when he saw Danielle. She's alive. Thank god, she's alive. The look in her eyes was one that Mitch had never seen before. It was
like she wasn't there, she was off somewhere, and if he hadn't taken a second glance he would have thought that it was someone else.

“Can you all move back and give her some air?” Said Mitch.

As the officers stepped back, Mitch edged in a bit closer to Danielle.

“Get away from me!” She screamed.

“Danielle? It's me baby, it's Mitch please look at me, it's me Mitch.”

“Mitch?”

“Yes baby, that's right, it's me. You're safe now Danielle, I'm here, baby please look at me.”

“Mitch?” Flashes of him invaded her mind
as she slowly loosened her grip on the straight razor.

“Danielle, I'm here, the police are here, no one is going to hurt you baby, please let go of the razor so I can hold you Danielle please!” He said pleading.

All at once, the realization of what happened hit her hard and she couldn't stop shaking. She was shaking so badly that her teeth began to chatter. Looking at the straight razor in her hand as if it were a foreign object, she dropped it to the floor and met Mitch's eyes as tears streamed down her face.

 
Mitch went to her and held her in his arms. Danielle wished she could feel the warmth of his body but she couldn't, she just couldn't. She felt so cold at that moment and she couldn't stop shaking.

“Sir, we're gonna need you to step aside, she's stil
l in shock and needs to go to the hospital right away.”

“No!” Danielle shouted.

"Mitch I don't want to go. Don't let them take me, they’re going to hurt me!”

Realizing that she was still in shock and not thinking clearly, Mitch reassured her that the EMT o
nly wanted to take care of her. 

I'm going to kill him, Mitch thought to himself as he watched the EMT strap Danielle onto a stretcher.

“Mitch please don't leave me alone, please," Danielle begged him.

“Danielle baby, I'm not going anywhere.”

An officer assigned to do frequent checks on Ethan's apartment received a call from Sergeant Mike Talon.

“Hey, what’s the activity over there?”

“Nothing sir, the guy hasn't left his apartment in days. His car hasn't moved sir.”

“Is it possible he's on foo
t officer? Or that maybe he slipped by you?”

“Anything's possible sir,” was all that the officer said.

“Look, this is extremely important; I've got a house broken into and a woman who is being stalked by this guy on her way to the hospital because she just happened to be in the same goddamn house that was just broken into!” He shouted into the receiver.

“Gee sir I didn't know.”

“Well now you do, from now on I want this guy under twenty four hour surveillance.”

“Sir is that authorized?”

Never the fuck you mind if it's authorized, just do it Officer Jones!”

“Yes sir,” Officer Jones responded.

“What’s his problem?” Said his partner, Diaz.

“I don’t know, he must know the victim or something.”

“Jones, we can't do twenty four hour surveillance without authorization, we could lose our badges.”

“I know Diaz, I know, that’s why we’re going to the station right now to find out exactly what’s going on.”

“That’s more like it; this guy’s not going anywhere anyway.”

As the undercover car pulled away from the curb, Ethan bo
ldly pulled in right behind them and as they drove out of sight, he casually got out of his car, and walked up to his apartment. Flopping down on the couch trying to catch his breath, he recounted what he'd done only an hour before. Ha! That'll show that Neanderthal who’s boss.

And being able to see Danielle, all wet and soapy was worth sneaking in. He moaned out loud. But then she had to touch my shoe, I couldn't risk her seeing me, not yet. Not until we can be together forever. “It'll take that fucker da
ys to repair all the damage I did!” And in the meantime, I’ve got to see a girl about an alibi, he thought to himself. “Now who's the one in charge Danielle?” He yelled out to no one.

While rushing alongside the stretcher as the EMT wheeled her into the emergency room, Mitch was told he'd have to wait. Shortly after, Jason and Shayla showed up. Crying, Shayla ran to Mitch and hugged him. Mitch said assuredly, “Shayla she's gonna be okay, the doctor says she's in shock.”

How did that assho
le get to her Mitch? Where were you? Weren't you the one who promised to protect her Mitch? Where the hell were you?” Shayla bawled.

“Shay babe, don't say things like that,” Jason said shocked at his fiancé’s harsh reaction. “Mitch buddy I'm sorry, she doe
sn't mean it. She's just upset.”

“No, no she's right Jason. I did promise to protect her and I failed her Shayla, you’re right, I failed her.”

Wanting and needing answers, Shayla pleaded with Mitch.

“What happened? Please tell me?”

 As Mitch explained to her the bits and pieces of all he knew, Shayla apologized.

“Mitch I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to come at you like that. I was uninformed and scared, I'm sorry.”

“No Shayla, I'm the one who is sorry, I didn't do a good job protecting her and I should have been there.”

“Mitch you can't blame yourself, you went to work buddy, there is no way you could have known,” Jason tried to comfort his friend.

“Maybe I'm no good for her; I can't even protect her. What kind of man does that make me Jason?”

Grabbing both his hands Shayla said, “Mitch, stop right now. You love Danielle and I've no doubt that she loves you and you need to be there for her. She’s going to need you now more than ever.

Don’t you ever let me hear you say those words again; do you understand me Mitchell Conway?”

Smiling, Mitch thought to himself, Mitchell Conway, I remember the first time Danielle called me by my full name, and it was music to my ears.

“By that smile Mitch I know you’re thinking of a pleasant memory of Danielle. You better remember that the next time you think of leaving her, do you hear me?”

“Yes I do Shayla, loud and clear.”

Seeing Mike walking towards them, Mitch excused himself and met him in the corridor.  “Anything Mike?”

Shaking his head Mike explained
that according to the officers, Ethan hadn’t left his apartment in days nor has his car been driven.

“Mike, that can't be true, he must be sneaking out or your officers aren't doing their fucking job.”

“Listen Mitch I know your upset, but I just got a call from the department, they won't authorize twenty four hour surveillance. Mitch I'm sorry, there's simply not enough evidence to say that it's him. You have to understand Mitch.”

“So you guys can't do shit until he fucking kills her isn't that right serge
ant?” Shayla said as she and Jason descended upon the two men.

“Ma'am I understand your frustration but...”

Shayla interrupted him. “You don't understand shit because if you did, my best friend wouldn't be lying in a fucking hospital bed on the verge of a nervous breakdown!”

Not wanting to add fuel to the fire, Mike turned back to Mitch.

“Mitch we're doing the best we can, trust me. I've worked cases like this, the guy is gonna mess up, and when he does we'll be there to catch him.

Now Mitch, you said you
trusted me.”

“Yeah well that was before this asshole broke into my house and went after my girlfriend.”

“I understand that, but you gotta let us do our job, now I'm heading over to his place

myself, I'll let you know when we've got something. In the meant
ime, go take care of your girlfriend Mitch, she needs you.”

“Don’t tell me what she needs Mike, because what she needs is for this psycho to be caught and punished or shot dead,” Mitch said with great frustration.

“I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that last remark Mitch. Goodnight, and give my best to

Danielle.”

Mitch could hardly control his rage as he watched Mike walk down the corridor and out the door.  “He's no help at all,” said Shayla just as the doctor came out from the emergency room doors.

“Dan
ielle Martins?”

“Yes,” they all said in unison.

“Hi, I'm doctor Singh. Danielle has suffered more mentally than physically; she’s been through a tremendous shock due to the events from earlier in the day. She was delusional and extremely frightened when they brought her in. I've examined her and given her a sedative to help her sleep; she can go home in the morning. Might I suggest she not return to where the incident happened? Not right away anyway, she's still traumatized and I'm afraid her mind won't be able to recuperate while she is at that place so if other arrangements can be made?”

“Absolutely doctor,” said Mitch, can we see her now?”

“Of course go right in.”

Danielle had a feeling of déjà-vu as Mitch, Jason and Shayla rushed into the room.

“Hey guys, Shay? Have you been crying? Oh everything will be alright Shay,” Danielle sighed.

“Listen to you Danielle; I think I'm the one who should be saying that to you. You always were the one to comfort another Danielle, that's why I love you.”

“Oh, I love you too Shay.”

Kissing her friend on the cheek, Shayla stepped aside so that Mitch could see her.

“Oh babe, I'm so sorry it took me so long to get to you. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you Danielle, like I promised I would.”

“Mitch, you had no ide
a that was going to happen and neither did I.”

“What happened babe? Do you remember? Do you think you can talk about it?”

“I don't think she should Mitch,” Shayla said concerned for her friend.

“No Shay, it's okay, I think it'll do me good to tell you all
what happened.”

“You sure Dee?”

“Yes and if it gets too much, I'll stop, I promise.

 
 Mitch took hold of her hand, and as Danielle recounted to them the details of the traumatic event, he once again held in his rage when he realized that Ethan had actually walked into the bathroom and had seen his Danielle in the shower.

Holding his hand tighter, she finished telling them what happened and then apologized to Mitch for screaming at him.

“Oh!” She said holding her hand over her mouth, “I'm so very sorry for screaming at you, I was out of my mind at that moment I'm so sorry.”

“Danielle, you were in shock babe, it's okay. I was so afraid that I’d lost you. You don't have to apologize for anything, you did nothing wrong.”

Gazing into his eyes she knew that with Mitch by her side she would be able to rest, she could finally feel his warmth, warmth that she welcomed like no other.

 
   When he awoke the following morning, his muscles ached. He'd slept in a chair all night. Stretching, he gazed at Danielle who seemed peaceful as she slept.

Oh Danielle, how can I make this whole situation better
? He wondered to himself.
Now I can't bring you back home to my place, our place .The one place where I hoped that you would feel safe. A stranger has invaded our home. How can I make you feel better there?

Seeing her stir, he pulled his chair next to the bed.

Slowly opening her eyes, it took a minute for it to register where she was.

“Well good morning you,” said Mitch giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Mm mm, good morning babe.” Seeing the chair, Danielle winced.

“Oh babe, you didn't sleep in that chair all night did you?”

“I did,” he said as he straightened out his back.

“It must have been so uncomfortable Mitch, I'm sorry,” Danielle frowned.

“Danielle, it's not important what I slept in as long as I was right here next to you.”

“I'm happy to hear you say that, I thought you were mad at me for the fiasco yesterday.”

“Mad at you? Danielle I love you and nothing will change that.”

"I love you too.”

“Babe, I need you to get your rest, it's early still and I have some errands to run, I'll be back for you as soon as I can.”

“Where are you going?”

“Oh just some things to take care of. But don’t worry, your perfectly safe here. There's security and they are aware of the situation. Just rest up and when the doctor comes, let's see if he'll discharge you.”

“But Mitch, I feel so helpless. The doctor said that I shouldn't return to your place and I can't, I just can't think about going back to my place.”

“I'm gonna fix this Danielle, I promise. We'll talk about it when I get back, I love you.”

“Love you too,” she said as Mitch walked out the door.

Why do I get the feeling he isn't coming back? All of this nonsense must be too much for even him, thought Danielle as she cradled her pillow and silently cried.

Heading out of the hospital Mitch got out his cell and started dialing. “London's security how may I help you?”

“Yeah hi, I need the best security alarm you have installed in my home today.”

“Yes sir, will you be requiring a walk through w
ith our salesman first?”

“No, I need someone to come out and install today, I want it fully functional by the end of the day.”

“Yes sir, if you'll give me your address I can have a technician meet you at your home within the hour.”

“Great, here's my addres
s...”

Having accomplished that, Mitch set about getting the windows repaired in his home. Once that was finished, he had a couple more calls to make. One was to a store that dealt with the sale of guard dogs, dogs that will not only become a member of the
family but that will protect its owners at all costs.  I should have gotten a dog long ago, thought Mitch.  Getting a dog is long overdue, and I need one, especially now. He'd set up an appointment for the following day when Danielle could be there, so that they could choose a dog together.

The last call was to the Canterbury inn.

“Yes I’d like to reserve your largest room for a week please; we'll be arriving sometime tomorrow, late afternoon.”

“Yes sir.”

Once Mitch provided his credit card number and other information and requests, the voice on the other end of the line said, “Yes sir, absolutely, you’re all set we'll see you tomorrow Mr. Conway.”

While standing outside, Mitch saw Shayla and Jason and waved them over.

“Hey Mitch what ya doing outside? How's Danielle?”

“She's much better today, thanks Shayla.”

“That's great Mitch, you getting some air?”

“Yeah, I had to make a few calls. Listen, I'm getting an alarm system put in the house and I've set up an appointment
 tomorrow for Danielle and I to get a guard dog.”

“Geez, Mitch, you think Danielle will go for a guard dog?”

“I mean aren't they vicious?”

“That's the point babe,” said Jason.

“I know that, but will she be able to feel comfortable? Like it won't attack her will it?” Mitch let out a chuckle, “No Shay, it won’t attack her; these dogs have been trained already and will be a great source of protection against anything threatening. I think she'll like the idea and we both love dogs and the place we're going to has a great reputation.”

“We
ll if it will keep her safe when you aren't there then I'm all for it.”

“Thanks Shayla, I think it's a good idea considering the cops aren't being much help.
  Also, I've just made reservations for us to stay a week at the Canterbury inn.”

“Now that I know
she'll love Mitch.”

“Look guys, you’re the only two who will know where we are and I'd appreciate it if it stayed that way.”

“Absolutely Mitch, you don't have to worry about that.”

“I appreciate that guys, hey listen, I've gotta go out to the house and me
et the technician and the glass guy so can you keep Danielle company until I get back?”

“Sure buddy, no problem.”

“Mitch, don't forget to bring some clothes for Danielle and hey, you guys can stay with us tonight, get a good night’s sleep and get a fresh start in the morning.”

“I hadn't even thought about that, thank you Shayla, Jason, you guys are a godsend.

I'm gonna run. Tell Danielle I love her and I'll be back soon. Oh and don't tell her about the inn, I want to surprise her.”

“No problem, go take care
of business, we'll stay here with Danielle.”

“Thanks guys.”

While heading out to his home, Mitch dialed the number to one of his hardest working co-workers, Hank.  “Hey Hank, it's me Mitch, yeah listen, I'm going to need to put you in charge for a week or two okay buddy?  No, everything's okay, I've just got to take care of some personal business okay? Now you've got the blueprints and plans and anything else you need is in my office.  I'll leave the key with Victoria and Joe Johnson over at the store. You can pick it up after you’re through there this evening. Thanks buddy, appreciate it, any problems or questions, you can always reach me on my cell.