Out of Darkness

by Billie Turner

  Shaking, Emma got to her feet and felt her way to the sink. She felt a bit better after her bout of vomiting. Emma splashed cool water on her face and rinsed her mouth. She ran her hand over the counter feeling her way in search of a towel. Her hand skimmed over a tube which she picked up, and after removing the cap, she sniffed the minty scent. Ah, toothpaste. Squirting some on the tip of her index finger, she used it as a makeshift toothbrush. Once finished, she resumed her search for a towel. She felt much better, fresher. She was still unsteady on her feet as she shuffled toward the bathroom door. Her hand brushed the door handle while trying to locate the entrance causing a light jangle. Before she could even get the door open, there was a soft tap on the other side.

  “Are you all right in there?”

  “I’m ok, I think. I’m just having a little trouble finding things,” Emma said. It was beyond embarrassing to think of him outside the door while she was throwing up. “I’ll be out in a minute,” she said, then muttered under her breath, “If I can find my way out.”

  “Here, let me help you.” Kai opened the door.

  “I would have found my way. There’s only one way out, right?” She smiled what she hoped was her most charming grin. “You don’t have to help me any more than you already have,” she told him. “Hey, by the way you never really answered my questions before. Where am I?”

  “You’re in my hotel room. I had to think fast and it was closer than the hospital.” He hadn’t said so but thanks to her disadvantage, she was acutely aware of her other senses, and she could sense that he wasn’t comfortable with her in his space.

  Emma let out a little squeak of surprise when Kai scooped her up into his arms. Her hands grasped at solid, broad shoulders. “Please, put me down. You don’t have to carry me. I can walk.” He was a complete stranger, and he was carrying her. Way too intimate.

  Kai ignored her protest and carried her to the living room. Emma felt the gentle sway of each movement as he strode into the main room. With a little start, she realized she could see light filtering into her vision from room to room. Dark shapes formed shadows against the lighter gray.

  Emma bounced excitedly in his arms and tapped his shoulder with her palm. “I think I can see a bit of light and shadows!”

  “Can you see anything else?” Kai asked as he set her on the sofa.

  “No, but I could definitely see the brightening when you brought me into this room. I didn’t notice it before. That’s a good sign isn’t it?” Emma tried to tamp down her excitement. It’s just some light. Don’t get your hopes up.

  “I’m sure it is, but we should still get you checked out. I called a cab while you were in the bathroom. I haven’t been here long and haven’t gotten around to getting a rental yet. The cab will be here any minute, so we should get going downstairs.”

  “Of course. Umm…where are my things? Could you pass them to me?” Her inability to even collect her own things was embarrassing. Heat from a blush warmed her face.

  She heard Kai scoop her shoes from the floor before she felt them in her hands. He didn’t hand over her shirt, skirt or stockings. Maybe he thought she hadn’t notice that he’d undressed her, which embarrassed her more than he could ever guess. Her face suffused with a burning blush. “Can I also have my clothes?”

  “There wasn’t much left of your shirt, it wasn’t worth saving.” he said as he handed her the skirt. “So I lent you one of mine.”

  “I guessed that.” Emma pulled the skirt on hastily and smoothed the oversize t-shirt down over the top as she slid her feet into her shoes. Kai moved to pick her up again, but she stopped him. “I told you I can walk. But I’ll hold onto you for guidance.”

  “Sure, just let me grab a jacket, and we’ll go down to the lobby.” He settled his jean jacket over her shoulders, then left. She presumed to get another coat for himself. He returned in moments. She could hear the rustle of his jacket sliding over the fabric of his shirt. A huge warm hand engulfed hers. “Are you ready?”

  The cab waited for them outside. Kai opened the door and ushered her into the back seat. “Hospital,” he ordered as he slid in next to her.

  “Which one?”

  “Just take us to the nearest emergency department.” Kai barked. Emma flinched at the tone even though she understood his irritation. She had a bandage around her head for crying out loud. He’d asked for a hospital. Who cared which one?

  The driver flipped the meter down and pulled away from the curb muttering about late hours and rude customers.

  Chapter 4

  Emma dozed off on the drive to the hospital, but roused when Kai shook her awake. Another good sign. He assisted her from the cab and handed money to the driver. A harried, impatient-looking nurse whisked Emma away while Kai filled out the required paperwork.

  He paced back and forth, uncomfortable in the tight, confined space of the small curtained cubicle. He’d waited over an hour before another nurse wheeled Emma back from the diagnostic imaging department.

  She set the brakes then left the room. Emma sat in the wheelchair, quietly twisting the soft cotton of the borrowed shirt in her hands.

  “Well? Did they say anything?”

  Emma threw the worried cloth to her lap, eyes widened. “Oh, you scared me! I didn’t realize you were still here.” Pink spread over her pale cheeks. “I thought you’d have left by now.”

  “Nah, I wasn’t planning on it. At least not until you’re settled safe and sound for the night,” he assured her. “So, did they say how your tests turned out?”

  “No, it’s hospital policy. The nurse said I have to wait and talk to the doctor when he comes in.”

  “Well, I hope he doesn’t take long. It’ll be morning soon, and I don’t know about you, but I could sure use some sleep.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s been a long night for you, and it’s all my fault.”

  “No, it’s not your fault. None of this was your fault,” Kai corrected. “You didn’t ask for any of this, and I’m glad it was me that found you.” It shocked him to realize he meant it. “Who knows what might have happened if it had been someone else?” A gang bang might have been the sole purpose for the attack but then again, maybe not. Human trafficking wasn’t unheard of even in this day and age. He shuddered to think of the horrors she might have faced.

  Kai had seen terrible things. Atrocities were still committed every day in every part of the world. Over time he’d learned he couldn’t save everyone. Heaven knew there were times he’d tried. Tonight, he was there for her. That counted for something. What’s with this connection I feel with her? He didn’t usually feel this intense responsibility for victims. Something felt different with her.

  The doctor’s sudden appearance broke Kai’s concentration. “Hello, I’m Dr. Herrington.” A Freudian looking doctor in a white lab coat with a stethoscope draped over his neck held his un-callused hand out to Kai as he introduced himself. Kai ignored the doctor’s proffered hand, and instead crossed his arms over the expanse of his chest and glowered at the man. He didn’t care about niceties and chit chat; he wanted to know what was happening with Emma.

  The doctor dropped his hand stepped back. Kai stood at rigid attention beside Emma, booted feet braced, arms crossed. “Well, um…I have some good news. The x-ray and CT showed no evidence of a skull fracture or intracranial bleeding. However, there does seem to be some swelling that is concerning.”

  “Swelling?” Kai leaned forward crowding the doctor’s personal space. “Is that why she can’t see?”

  The doctor retreated, moving a step closer to the curtained doorway. “Well…It looks like the injury to her head may have caused some increased pressure within the skull.” From the cautious glances Dr. Herrington shot between Kai and Emma, he assumed they were a couple. He shifted his eyes back and forth as he spoke, avoiding eye contact with Kai.

  “As I was saying, there doesn’t appear to be internal bleeding, but it looks like the swelling may have put pressure on the optic nerves and int
errupted her vision. But as she can still see some light and shadows, I’m hopeful she’ll regain her vision when the swelling reduces.”

  “And how long will that take?” Kai asked, not even giving Emma a chance to ask her own questions. Emma let them know enough was enough.

  “You know I’m right here! You can talk to me directly.” She turned her face in the direction she believed the doctor to be and leveled a sightless glare.

  “I’m sorry. I thought…never mind. As to your question, I’m not sure. It could take days, maybe less, maybe more.” He turned toward Emma. “Right now it’s just a matter of waiting. What you need most is rest and time to heal.”

  “So, you think my vision will return?”

  “I can’t say for certain that it will return. At this point, we can’t rule out complications. The swelling could get worse before it gets better and choke the optic nerves, cutting off blood circulation. If that happens, it can cause damage to the nerves and worst case scenario may cause complete and permanent blindness.” Emma couldn’t hold back her distressed whimper. Kai moved closer and took her chilled hand into his. He squeezed gently.

  “That’s a worst-case scenario. As I said, I’m still hopeful you’ll regain your vision when the swelling goes down. For tonight, you should go home, put some ice on it and get some rest.”

  “So you’re not keeping her in the hospital?” They wouldn’t release her if they thought it was more serious. Would they?

  The doctor glanced at Kai, then back to Emma. “I don’t think that’s necessary. We’ll give you something for the pain and to help bring the swelling down but other than that, there’s nothing we can do for you here you can’t do at home. With the bed shortage we have here, we’re conservative about admissions.” The doctor patted her arm. “The nurse will give you some handouts on what to watch out for. If you experience any of the symptoms listed, act according to the instructions and if necessary, return to the ER.”

  “How am I supposed to read these instructions? I can’t see!” Emma clearly thought the doctor’s suggestion was ridiculous.

  “Your friend here looks very capable. The nurse will bring your medication and explain the pamphlet to you. I’m sure your boyfriend here will help. You shouldn’t be alone over the next twenty-four hours at least. In the meantime, use ice to help the swelling come down. The medications I’m prescribing are for pain and inflammation but they will also make you drowsy. You can take Tylenol and as there doesn’t appear to be any bleeding, you can take ibuprofen if needed to help with the pain and swelling but not for at least 6 hours. Other than that get some rest.” The doctor didn’t wait for any further questions. He turned and exited the room.

  “Well, that wasn’t as helpful as we hoped.” Kai said. “C’mon, let’s get out of here. We’ll get the papers from the nurse on our way out.” The nurse at the desk gave Kai a little gold envelope of pills along with prescriptions and care handouts. “Here, why don’t you take these before we leave?” Kai handed Emma the packet of pills and filled a paper cup for her at the water fountain.

  In the cab, Emma attempted to give her address to the driver but Kai cut her off. “No, we’ll go back to my hotel.” Kai rattled off the address of the hotel, over Emma’s protests.

  “Why? You heard the doctor, I just need some rest.” She yawned. “I can do that at home just as well as I can at the hotel, probably better! I know my own home and I won’t be bumping into everything trying to find my way around!”

  “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Ok, we’ll go to your place. But I’m still staying.” Until he checked her place out and felt confident she’d be safe there, he was sticking to her like glue. Emma gave her address to the driver again, then leaned back and closed her eyes. The day had been long, the night even longer. She needed some rest. The early hours of dawn already lightened the sky. Exhaustion drained her face of expression, her eyelids drooped, her mouth relaxed. Within seconds, she drifted off to sleep.

  On the silent drive to her apartment, Kai’s thoughts kept returning to the kid with the black eyes. He just didn’t know if the attack had anything to do with what was going on in this city or just another random event. Either way, he wouldn’t leave her unprotected.

  Emma slumped over until her head rested on Kai’s shoulder. The horror and excitement of the evening had taken its toll on her. Kai wanted a little distance between them but he wasn’t going to leave her. He couldn’t. He knew she didn’t have anyone else. So for tonight or rather today, he’d have to suck it up and deal.

  When they arrived outside Emma’s building, Kai nudged her off his shoulder. Her eyelids fluttered, but she seemed incapable rousing. It was no surprise after all the meds they gave her at the hospital. He gathered her in his arms and slid from the vehicle. Finally she stirred when Kai helped her hook her arm around his neck. “Which apartment is yours?”

  “Threeee ohhh twooo,” she answered, still half sleeping.

  At least she woke enough to answer him. That had to be a good sign. “Where are your keys?”

  “Shhhould be in my puuurse,” Each word dragged out.

  Damn it! He’d left her purse behind in that parking garage. He’d barely noticed it. There were more pressing problems at the time, like getting her the hell out of there. But it should have occurred to him to grab her keys and purse. Now the thugs knew who she was and where to find her.

  Damn it! How could I have been so careless? “Guess I’m gonna have to pick the lock,” he muttered. “Emma, I gotta put you down for a sec, okay? I need both hands-free to open the door.”

  She pressed herself closer, her hands tightened around his neck. She murmured a soft protest. “Naaah don’ wanna. I’m good here.” A shiver slid down his spine as the whispered words tickled his neck and she burrowed into his arms.

  Door locked, keys missing. Kai had little choice but to force the door. Later he could repair the damage. Right now he wanted to get her to bed. He knew that sounded all kinds of wrong, but in this instance his motives were pure. She needed rest. He stepped back with the girl still in his arms and slammed his foot against the door handle. The door was sturdy, but the lock was flimsy, and gave without much effort. Even if Emma hadn’t lost her keys, her apartment wasn’t safe. She should have a deadbolt at least. It was a miracle nothing had happened to her before this night.

  The apartment was small. There were two doors inside. The first opened into a small bathroom. He tried the other. A linen cabinet. No bedroom, just a shabby old couch, presumably a fold out. He placed her on the sofa and untangled loose arms from his neck. Without his heat to warm her, Emma curled onto her side and tucked her knees up in the fetal position.

  Kai found blankets and pillows to tuck around her. Then he stretched out on the floor beside her. He wasn’t going far and there were few spaces large enough for him to fit in the little studio. A good sleep wasn’t likely tonight. Just as well. This city had triggered all sorts of memories in him, things he’d buried deep in the recesses of his subconscious. He was tired and could do without reliving the nightmares. He flopped onto his back and stared at the ceiling. Memories flooded his mind anyway.

  * * *

  The acrid smell of smoke filled his nostrils as he returned to his village. He could see smoke rising above the trees as he approached. Throat tight, he sprinted the rest of the way. Charred poles and ash were all that remained amidst the stubborn flames still burning amid the rubble. The bodies of his clan littered the ground close to their dwellings. The attack had come as a surprise. They didn’t have a chance to get to safety, struck down where they stood. Sightless eyes met his each time he rolled a burned, mutilated body over, searching for loved ones and survivors. There were none. The carnage and destruction devastated him. His family, his people had been murdered. Fury and grief warred as he plotted. The marauders destroyed the last ties to his life. He would hunt them and avenge his people.

  Chapter 5

  A soft snuffling noise nudged Emma awake. She wasn’t
accustomed to the intimate sound of someone snoring in her apartment. Disoriented, Emma lay there summoning the courage to open her eyes. The events of the previous evening, the attack, the blindness, everything, rushed back to her all at once. The doctor had said she’d have to wait for the swelling to go away. If she never recovered her vision, well, she’d just have to deal with that when the time came. For now, she needed to be brave and hope for the best possible outcome.

  Bright light greeted her injured eyes. This is good, isn’t it? She blinked several times. The world refused to come into focus but Emma could see light and lots of it. This has to be a good sign! Unlike before, when she first came to all she could see was darkness, then some light and shadows, now she could make out vague shapes. Now that’s a good reason to feel optimistic! She flung the blanket aside and swung her feet off the couch. A grunt reminded her she was not alone when her feet bounced off the warm firm skin of rock hard abs. She yelped as a hand snaked around her slim ankle. She yanked her feet back and tucked them under her bottom on the couch.

  “Good morning to you too, Sunshine,” Kai said in a sleepy drawl. After a quick look around, he amended, “or should I say afternoon?”

  “I couldn’t tell you what time it is. Sorry I woke you like that. I forgot you were here and didn’t know you were on the floor beside me.”

  “You forgot I was here? Well that’s less than flattering.” He sat up. “Your living room is too small for me to stretch out anywhere else.”

  “You didn’t have to stay. You’ve already done so much.”

  “Well, I told you I was staying. I wouldn’t leave you like that. You heard the doctor. With you being unable to see… well, I just couldn’t leave you like that, and besides, I kinda broke your door when I brought you home.”

  “You broke my door?” She asked. “Why?”

  “You didn’t have your key, and you insisted on going home. You wouldn’t wake up, and I had to carry you. I figured it would be easier to just replace it,” Kai finished.