by A. Ensbro
Dismissive
By: A. Ensbro
Copyright © 2016 by A. Ensbro
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
For the best of everything in my life.
Without your love and support, I’d be nothing.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Epilogue
Chapter One
Remmy
It’s been a week since Sam and Rylan’s wedding. A week since I decided that not only would one more night with Lincoln not hurt anything, but that I wanted it. A week since some crazy bitch pulled a gun on me and told me, “I’ll kill you and your precious Samantha if you so much as make a sound,” while aiming her gun at my face. A week since I was pushed down these basement stairs and chained to the wall like a dog.
I’m still in my maid-of-honor dress. I haven't been given a change of clothes, and I only get one meal a day, if you could even call it that. A child-size cup of water, a piece of hard white bread, and a raw egg. I didn't eat the eggs for the first few days, throwing them against the wall as she walked up the stairs. After day three–or four maybe, I’m not sure anymore–I started to suck them down with my water.
The first time I saw Lincoln after we left the reception was when she brought him down here yesterday, and I haven't heard anyone walking around at all today. Thinking about everything that has happened in the last week, I slump back against the cold, hard cement wall. I pull my knees to my chest and hang my head on my arms, willing it all to be just a dream.
The first day here was probably the easiest. I was scared of course, but she didn't chain me up right away. I could walk around the basement. I spent hours looking for something, anything, to help me escape. When she came down with food, she panicked when she couldn't see me from where I was standing. She pulled the gun out of her waistband and demanded I move to where she could see me. After that, she came back with a heavy chain and a rusted ankle cuff.
I’ve tried everything I can think of to get out of here. I screamed for days until I lost my voice. She stopped bringing the gun down with her once I stopped screaming, though. I think she started getting comfortable. That was her second mistake. Her first one was taking me in the first place. My ankle was bloody and swollen from trying to free myself from the cuff. She didn't care about my bloody and raw ankle, she laughed the first time she saw it.
I found a loose screw in the wooden beams along the wall and planned to use it against Tessa. It took me hours to get it out, leaving my fingers bloody and torn. She had a single key on a ribbon, attached to the belt loop of her jeans. Whenever I saw her, I saw the key. Taunting me, she was rubbing it in my face that she was in control. All I needed was a chance, one moment of her letting her guard down and I could distract her enough to get the gun away from her and get the hell out of here.
Of course, I wasn't expecting to see Lincoln walk down the stairs with her the day I finally got the screw out. I instantly forget about the screw and started to think that somehow he’s here to save me. He looks so different. His beard is gone, his hair is shaved, and he looks tired. I can’t help but notice how just shaving his head and beard drastically changed the way he looks. He’s still as attractive as ever. Then all at once, I notice he’s not tied up. No gun pointed at him, just freely walking beside her. Hand in hand. I cover the screw in my hand and pull it under my leg to hide it from view. I start to panic, but before I could even wrap my head around it, he pulls Tessa into a long, sloppy kiss. Keeping his eyes on me, looking at me from head to toe with his eyebrows pulled together.
Message received, asshole.
I was so stunned; I didn't notice them break apart and I only caught the tail end of what Tessa was saying. “So you’ll be alone after that. Maybe if Lincoln and I decide, I’ll call for some help after a few days,” she says while rubbing her hand over Lincoln’s arm.
“Maybe leave a few days’ worth of food for her?” He cleared his throat and lowered his tone after she shot him an evil look “You know, so if we decide to call for help, she won’t be dead,” he finished, sounding more calm and neutral.
“Wonderful idea, baby. I love you and that brilliant brain of yours,” she cooed at him and leaned in for a kiss.
I think I saw desperation and fear in his eyes before he shakes it off and pulls her in for another kiss. My stomach flips, and I feel like puking.
Shaking my head, I leave the memories and mindlessly rub my legs. It’s gotten colder, like the heater’s been turned off. It starts to hit me then. The heater has been turned off. She said I’d be alone after something. That maybe she’d let me go soon after that. Hope starts to bloom in my chest. But almost as fast as it comes, it disappears. She didn't leave me any food, and she didn't give me any after the visit last night, either.
I remember the screw and try to unlock the cuff around my ankle. I try hitting the connecting chain-link over and over. It’s too big to fit in the key hole, but I try that too. Giving up means I’m not making it out of here, but this damn screw just isn't working. Defeated, I get up and walk to the stairs. I can sit on the first step if I stretch my leg far enough. It’s the only thing that’s not cement down here, and I figure it could help keep the chill off my body.
That’s when I notice the door to the basement isn't closed all the way.
“Help! Someone, help me!” I try to scream, but my throat is still sore from the first few days here.
I clear my throat and try again. “Please, help me!” There, that’s better.
Silence.
Do you know what’s worse than the hurt and betrayal of thinking someone you know is somehow responsible for something like this? Being alone. I’ve been with my own thoughts and demons for a week. I keep replaying every moment with Lincoln and trying to figure out why I’m here. I don’t understand what he would have to gain from getting me in bed then taking me hostage. Especially since Sam would know we left the reception together.
Nothing comes to mind; I have no idea why this is happening. I’m not worth any type of ransom, I have nothing of value to trade for my life.
Nothing Lincoln said or did makes me think this was planned. But then why would Tessa, whoever she is to him, show up out of nowhere and take me hostage? I thought he was in the same situation as me, but clearly, that’s not the case.
“I knew it wasn't broken because... I have experience in that kind of thing. Nothing bad, I assure you. I’ve taken a spill or two off my bike... yeah.”
He was so unsure of himself while telling me how he knew I hadn’t seriously hurt myself after I punched him.
My hand is still sore from that. Maybe he was wrong, I think to myself.
The way he answered my question makes me think he was lying. But why would he lie about something like that?
My eyes start to feel heavy as I lean against the railing on the stairs.
“That damn blush. You better stop it before I take you right here in front of everyone.”
“Jesus, we just had se
x like what? Three hours ago? You're ready for another round already?”
“When it comes to you? Yeah, I’m ready for round two. In fact,” he leans in closer, “I think I could go all night, Remmy. I have a feeling I could fuck you all weekend and never tire.”
Before I have a chance to respond, he takes me by my hand and starts to pull me away from the dance floor and toward the exit, and I know where he's taking me.
We barely make it out of the doorway and around the corner when Lincoln stops so abruptly that I smash into his back. I start to walk around him to see what happened, and I come face to face with a stunning redhead. She’s got a smile on her face, but she looks anything but happy.
“Can we help you?” I ask after we stand there, no one talking or moving, for an awkward minute.
“Hello, Lincoln.” She completely ignores me, never taking her eyes off Lincoln. “Funny running into you here.”
I turn to look at Lincoln. His body stiffens beside me. He looks nervous. Actually, he looks like he’s about to shit himself or pass out. Who is this woman?
“Um... can we help you?” I repeat, clearing my throat “Who are you?” I ask nervously.
“The adults are talking right now, little girl. Why don't you go find a new toy to play with, hmm?” she says, finally looking at me.
Okay, bitch. We can play this game.
“Little girl? Ha. Why don't you go find someone else to hassle, my date and I...”
I don’t get a chance to finish, Lincoln shoves his hands over my mouth, shutting me up.
“Shhh,” he whispers to me, then addresses the woman. “Tessa, what are you doing here?”
Okay, he does know her.
“You aren't supposed to be here, Tessa,” he says, still covering my mouth with his hand. His other arm starts to wrap around me, slowly inching me further away from Tessa.
“This whore is your date? You're kidding me! I’m gone for two days, and you're already cheating on me?” she shrieks. “How could you?”
Then it hits me. This is his girlfriend. Or wife. Oh my God.
I shake my face free from his grip. “Are you fucking kidding me? You have a girlfriend? Wow.” I turn to Tessa. “You can keep him, honey, he isn’t worth the drama.”
I start to move out of Lincoln’s arms to walk away as a hand grabs me. I turn around expecting to see Lincoln, but it’s Tessa, and she’s holding a gun aimed at me.
The sound of a door slamming shut wakes me. My heart is beating wildly, my hands are shaking, and I’m covered in sweat from my dream.
I hear footsteps moving around, doors opening and closing, and then a voice.
“I’m telling you, nobody is here. I don’t know how she found him, but she did. We need to find them before… No, I understand, sir… No sign of her anywhere… We saw him with your new daughter-in-law’s best friend… Yes, Remmy.”
Wait. Did he just say my name? His daughter-in-law’s best friend. OH MY GOD. Sam.
“Hey! Hello? Please help me! I’m chained in the basement! Hello!?”
The man stops talking, and I hear quiet footsteps heading away from me.
“Sir, I think we have a problem…I think Remmy is here…Someone is yelling from the basement…It could be a trap, sir…Ok, I’m on it.”
Five minutes later I see a shadow pass the door.
“Whoever is down there, stand up at the bottom of the stairs with your hands above your head. No sudden movements.”
I stand up and do as he says.
“Please, my name is Remmy Walters. I’ve been held here for a week, please just help me. I’m unarmed and chained to the wall.”
Slowly the door opens, and the first thing I see is a gun pointing at me.
“Anybody down here with you?” he whispers while slowly lowering his weapon.
I shake my head, too afraid to speak in case I wake up from this dream.
Grabbing his phone again he dials. “Sir, I have Remmy Walters in the basement chained up. I don’t think it was her we saw with Lincoln two days ago. I think that was Tessa Moore.”
It takes five minutes for the place to be swarming with the police. I apologize to the officer who has to unlock me. I know I must smell horrible. He just smiles and tells me not to worry. After agreeing to have a female officer present and giving my dress for evidence, I’m allowed to shower. It’s strange to be here without Lincoln, it turns out I’ve been in his house this whole time. To think I was only five minutes from home this whole time.
Twenty minutes later I’m sitting down with a group of detectives, and I’m giving my statement while I eat the burger and fries they handed me.
No, I don’t know who Tessa is.
No, I don’t know where Lincoln or Tessa are.
No, I can’t remember anything else.
Yes, I’ll call if I do.
Finally, after what feels like hours, I hear Sam yelling from the front of the house before I even see her. A flurry of blonde hair rushes towards me.
“You motherfuckers better get out of my goddamn way, or I swear to God…” She stops when she sees me walking out of the door.
“Hey, don’t give them such a hard time. They’re only here to help,” I say as I make my way towards her.
“Oh my God, Remmy. I can’t believe you’re here. You’re ok,” she whispers while making her way over to me.
I grab on to her and hug her as tight as I can. I never want to let her go. Everything hits me at once, and I break down sobbing. Again.
“Shh. It’s going to be ok, Rem. I’m here now. Shh,” she says rubbing my back and holding on to me as tight as I am her.
“I don’t understand any of this, Sam. Why would Lincoln do this to me? I know I hit him a few times, but I don’t understand this.”
“What? You think Lincoln is the one behind this?”
“Yeah, I do, Sam.”
“No, Rem. It wasn’t him. It was Tessa.”
“You weren’t there, Samantha. You didn’t see them together. You didn’t see the way she looked at him or the way he kissed her.”
“Wait, he kissed her? That doesn’t make any sense.”
“I told you. I just don’t understand it.”
“Ok, I don’t know much, but I know Tessa is crazy, Remmy. Like crazy, crazy. We need to get you talking to Rylan’s dad, Jeremy. He’s in with the police, and he can tell you everything. Honestly, I’m surprised they haven’t told you anything yet.”
“I’ve only been able to take a shower, eat a burger, and answer questions. I haven’t been out of the cuffs long; I haven’t had a chance to ask any questions myself.”
“Ohhh. Cuffs? I didn’t know you were into that, Rem,” she jokes while nudging me in my side. We start to walk back inside to find Jeremy. And just like that, we’re moving on.
Chapter Two
Lincoln
“If I can forgive you for sleeping with that whore, you should be able to forgive me for not leaving her food. I don’t know why you care so much anyway. You told me she meant nothing to you. If you love me, you would just drop it,” Tessa screams at me while driving.
Don’t argue, just stay calm.
It’s the fifth time I’ve had to remind myself in the last ten minutes. I can’t lose my cool or she will go crazy. I can’t take the risk of her driving us off the road, and I still need to find a way to get Remmy help. Then she can do whatever with me. It’s my fault Remmy is in this mess. I hope she can learn to forgive me; she’s innocent in all of this and I may have just signed her death warrant.
“I forgive you, Tessa.” I try to sound it, but I’m not so sure I’m a good actor.
She turns to me and stares; crazy bitch should be paying attention the road, but she’s just staring at me. Gives me the goddamn creeps.
“Oh good! We can move on from all of this. We’re soul mates, my love. We can make it through anything,” she says while reaching over to grab my hand and turning to face the road again.
It’s been a week since Tessa sh
owed up at Rylan’s wedding. I have no idea how she found me. I was put in a safe house a few days before the wedding, and I was supposed to be under constant surveillance. I wasn’t going to be a part of Rylan’s wedding because of her, but the detectives assured me there was no way she would find me so quick. They said a few days in town wouldn’t be enough to draw her out so quickly. She shouldn’t have been able to find me, let alone get anywhere near Remmy or me.
She didn’t need to threaten me with her gun when she took us from the wedding. Nope, all she had to say was she’s more than willing to blow Remmy’s brains out all over the basement floor. That was enough to get me willing to play her game.
We’ve been driving for the last five hours, and we should be stopping soon for gas. I’ll use the restroom and leave a note somehow and hope someone can find it in time. That’s the best plan I’ve come up with so far. We barely made it onto the freeway before she threw both of our cell phones out the window, the pitch blackness of the moonless night concealing them from any motorist that may pass them.
I see a gas sign coming into view and pray she stops.
“We’re going to stop now. I need to fill up and get a few things. You’re going to behave yourself right, my love?” she asks while pulling off the freeway.
“Of course. I haven’t used the restroom for a few hours,” I say under my breath while looking out the window. I need her to think it’s her idea.
“Well don’t be silly, Linc. I’m sure they have one you can use. I wouldn’t mind freshening up myself.”
We pull into the gas station and Tessa gets out to start the pump. I don’t want to appear too anxious or anything, so I sit and wait. She needs to think she’s in control or my only chance will be wasted. If I ruin this, I’m not sure I’ll ever get this chance again.
She disappears behind the car and comes up to the passenger door and opens it.
