As Alex nodded, Poppa hesitated. “Phoebe’s going to have a difficult time trusting anyone for a long time, and she must trust you. I need you to be aware of that.”
“She’s been hurt badly, hasn’t she?” Alex asked quietly. “How do I help someone like that? I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
Poppa squeezed his shoulder. “Alex, what type of love does the Lord show us?”
“Unconditional and excessive.”
“That’s the type of love you must have for Phoebe.”
“I’ve never met her,” Alex objected, “and you want me not just to help her, but to love her unconditionally? That’s a lot to ask.”
“Is it? God doesn’t stand distant and aloof when we are in need. He enters into the filth and trauma of our pain. Alex, Phoebe needs that type of care right now. A halfhearted commitment from you will only hurt her. Are you willing to assist her in the extreme way that she needs, even though helping her will be uncomfortable and come at a cost?”
Alex swallowed the lump in his throat. He’d been praying for this unknown woman for days, and he knew it was God’s will for him to come to her aid. Taking a deep breath, he said firmly, “I’ll help her. I’ll do whatever it takes. Promise.”
“I knew you would.” Poppa squeezed his shoulder. “The road will be long, and it’ll require more from you than you ever thought you could give, but in the end, you’ll be content.”
Feeling as if he’d agreed to embark on a tremendous journey that he wasn’t sure he was capable of taking, Alex nodded slowly.
Poppa put the Wave Trapper in Dan’s doorway. As the silver grid swirled up and filled with blue light, the old man said solemnly, “God speed, my boy. God bless.”
* * *
Standing in a circle of her admirers, Nicole talked and laughed vivaciously. She felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Zeke. As she smiled at him, he said, “We’re getting ready to leave. Would you like to go out for a cup of coffee with us?”
“I’d truly love to,” she replied, “but I can’t leave yet. As an artist, I’m as much on display as my paintings tonight. I won’t be able to get away until close to midnight, but I appreciate the offer.”
“Some other time then.”
“I’d like that.” Nicole gave Zeke her business card. “Please let me know when TEMCO decides to send Nicki home. I’d like to see her on her way.” She smiled. “Perhaps you and I could get a cup of coffee afterwards?”
Zeke tucked her card into his jacket pocket. “That sounds delightful.”
Nicole offered her hand, but instead of shaking it, Zeke pressed it gently between both of his own. Startled, she looked down and noticed that his hands were large and strong—and infinitely gentle.
“Have a wonderful evening,” he murmured. “You’ve worked hard, and you deserve every bit of sweetness your success can bring you.”
Zeke turned and walked out the door.
Standing very still, Nicole stared after him in a dazed sort of way.
CHAPTER FORTY
As the temperature in their prison dropped, Peter huddled with Laura beneath their blankets and rubbed her cold fingers between his hands. “Can I ask you a personal question?” he said softly.
Laura yawned. “We’ve been talking for hours, is there still a question you haven’t asked?”
“Only one.”
“Ask away then.”
“Why haven’t you been kissed? I find it hard to believe that a woman as lovely as you hasn’t had a man try to kiss her.”
Laura was silent.
“I’d really like to know,” he gently coaxed.
“It’ll sound strange,” she said seriously. “You have to promise not to laugh.”
“I think you know me better than that.”
He felt her shifting against his shoulder. After a moment, she said quietly, “I went on my first date when I was fifteen. Before the boy arrived to pick me up, I prayed for God’s blessing over the night. While I was praying…” Her words trailed away.
“Yes?” he prompted.
“While I was praying, I felt God speaking to me. He said I wasn’t to allow myself to be kissed. He said my future husband was praying for an unkissed wife.”
Peter caught his breath. “I don’t think that sounds strange at all. I think it sounds beautiful and quite wonderful.”
“Maybe, but it’s getting ridiculous too. How many women my age haven’t been kissed?”
“Not many, I’d guess.”
Laura chuckled sleepily. “I hope the right guy finds me soon. I’m getting tired of turning my head so all prospective kisses fall on my ear.”
He drew the blankets tighter around her. “Snuggle in, Laura, and try to get some sleep.”
She yawned and nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder. “Good night, Peter.”
Peter leaned back against the cold cement wall. Closing his eyes, he poured out a silent prayer of thankfulness and joy. The woman who answered his prayer was Laura, and not only was she unkissed, she was dearer to him than he ever could’ve imagined.
* * *
Alex stepped through the time portal and into a heavy darkness that was rank with an unbelievable stench and steeped in an overpowering feeling of despair. In the soft blue glow of the Wave Trapper, he was able to make out a figure on the floor. Sensing it must be Phoebe, he drew near. The smell became overwhelming. Shivering in the icy temperature of the room, he placed his blanket over her body. She was staring at the opposite wall. She didn’t move. She didn’t blink. She seemed totally unaware of his presence. His stomach churned in horror as he realized she was chained to the floor.
“Phoebe?” he said tentatively, standing over her.
She didn’t respond.
Alex fought nausea as he knelt in a fetid pool of blood, vomit, and urine. The knees of his pants soaked up the putrid mixture. Shuddering, he put his face next to hers. One of her eyes was completely swollen shut, and her face was so puffy it didn’t look human. He bent forward until his cheek was resting in the stinking pool. She stared right through him.
“Phoebe?” he said again, his warm voice holding a gentle, coaxing tone. “Phoebe, I need you to listen to me. I’m not the man who hurt you. My name’s Alex. I’m here to help you. Can you hear me?”
Phoebe’s uninjured eye flickered and seemed to focus on him.
“That’s it,” he said softly. “That’s right. You’re safe with me. I want to help you.” Seeing that she was focused on him, he asked gently, “May I please have permission to touch you? I want to get you out of these chains.”
Phoebe looked steadily at him and gave a slight nod.
“Good, I’ll be as fast as I can. Promise.”
Setting the thermos on the floor, Alex took Poppa’s key and began freeing her from the chains. His heart lurched with pity when he saw the gouges the restraints had left in her skin. When he crawled over to the last cuff and released her foot, Phoebe tried to sit up. She lost her balance and toppled over. Alex steadied her. Holding her in the crook of his arm, he tucked the blanket securely around her and reached for the thermos of sugared water.
“Here,” he said softly, “drink this.”
He brought the liquid to her dry, cracked lips and heard her teeth chattering against the rim. When she finished drinking, Phoebe whispered something he couldn’t quite catch. Putting his ear by her mouth, he said, “I’m sorry, can you say that again?”
Clearing her throat, Phoebe said distinctly, “Get me out of this room.”
Alex nodded. Picking her up gently in his arms, he carried her through the blue wave.
* * *
Driving back to NSU, Zeke saw Sue’s eyes twinkling at him in the rearview mirror. Giving him a wink, she put her arm around Nicki’s shoulders and asked, “So, did you like Nicole?”
“I sure did,” Nicki gushed.
“Did she give you any hints about your future? Particularly about—” Sue’s voice lowered to a thrilling whisper, “�
�boys?”
Zeke’s eyes flew to Sue’s. She gave him another wink.
Giggling, Nicki whispered, “She said I was gonna date Gregory Hinkes.”
Zeke slowed down and pulled into Hawking Hall’s parking lot. In the backseat, Sue asked, “Is Gregory your idea of the perfect guy?”
The teenager grinned and shrugged.
“If you had to describe him,” Sue said, “what would your perfect guy be like?”
Pulling next to Sam’s car, Zeke’s ears strained to catch Nicki’s whispered reply.
“He’d be bold as a lion and sweep me off my feet,” the teenager breathed. “He’d take me picnicking and make me s’mores. I’ve always wanted to try s’mores—they sound delicious.”
Zeke parked the car. His eyes caught Sue’s as she asked, “What else?”
In a voice full of romantic dreams, Nicki murmured, “He’d sing to me in the starlight and make me feel special. He’d express his love in a thousand little ways.” She sighed. “Do you think I’ll ever find someone like that?”
Sue’s eyes twinkled. “I’m positive you will. I’ll bet that right now, the man of your dreams is taking notes on how to win you.”
Jumping out of the driver’s seat, Zeke opened Sue’s door. She lingered by his side while Nicki moved out of earshot with Sam.
Cocking a brow, Sue archly asked, “So, how goes the war?”
Zeke chuckled. “Pretty observant, aren’t you?”
“I’ve learned a few things over the years. I can tell when a romance is brewing.”
“What’s going on between me and Nicole isn’t a romance quite yet,” he replied. “But hopefully, there’s a faint glimmer of romance on the horizon.”
“I thought so! How’d you like my espionage?”
“I appreciated it, but I’m not sure that s’mores are going to sweep Nicole off her feet.”
“Hey, don’t knock it.” Sue laughed. “Fulfilling a woman’s childhood dreams can work wonders.” Her eyes turned serious. “I know Nicole seems confident, but you need to remember that inside the sophisticated woman is an unloved little girl. Nicole desperately needs to know that she’s wanted. In order to get past her defenses, you’ll need to be bold. Let her know where you see the relationship heading.”
“Isn’t that a bit brash?”
“Believe me,” she said, “in Nicole’s case, it’s a necessity. She spent her childhood doubting her parents’ love. Don’t let her doubt yours.” Standing on her tiptoes, Sue kissed his cheek. “Now, go out there and get her!”
Zeke grinned. “I have every intention of doing so.”
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Shutting the Wave Trapper off with his toe, Alex entered Dan’s office, carrying Phoebe. The first thing he saw was that Poppa had covered Dan’s couch with a plastic tarp. He didn’t have to wonder why.
“Too bright.”
Phoebe had been so silent that Alex jumped at her words. As she covered her eyes, he remembered teasing Dan about the dimmer switch in his office. When he’d questioned his brother, Dan simply shrugged and said Poppa had told him to install it. Realizing that Poppa had been right again, Alex dimmed the light.
As the harsh light softened, Phoebe took her hands from her eyes and spread her fingers. Her nails were caked with bloody grime. She stared at them and shuddered.
“Are you okay?” Alex asked gently, placing her on the couch and sitting beside her. He knew his question was stupid, but the silence felt uncomfortable.
“No,” she replied in a troubled voice. “I’m filthy, and I smell awful.”
Alex smoothed back her tangled hair. “I don’t mind.”
Phoebe blinked rapidly. Sighing, she lowered her head against his shoulder. “I’m tired.”
“Then try to rest,” he murmured. “I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
Watching as she closed her uninjured eye, the compassion in his heart turned to sorrow. He’d never seen anyone who’d been so badly abused. Although he knew nothing about her, Alex knew he was going to do his best to protect this woman and help her regain her health.
* * *
It was so cold in their prison that Laura stood up and began marching in place. When Peter joined her, she laughed. “I feel like we’re in aerobics class. I can almost hear the instructor saying with an electric grin, ‘Get those knees up! Suck in your stomach! Remember to breathe!’”
“I love aerobics as much as the next person.” Peter chuckled. “But let’s see if we can do something more constructive, shall we?”
Together, they began pacing around their prison, looking for a way of escape they might have overlooked. There wasn’t one. After they felt warmer, Peter tried shouting to Phoebe. Laura listened intently, but she couldn’t hear a response. Her face fell. She didn’t want to admit it, but she was convinced that Phoebe was dead.
“Hand me a hairpin, will you?” Peter said, kneeling by the door.
“Gonna give it another go?” she asked, fingering her bun.
He took the bobby pin from her hand. “I might as well.”
After twenty minutes of fruitlessly trying to pick the lock, he muttered, “We need to make plans. This is getting us nowhere.”
“I agree,” she replied, rubbing her arms. “But what kind of plans can we make?”
“The next time Spider comes, we need to lure him closer.”
“I don’t see how,” she said, jogging in place. “He talks to us from above, and he doesn’t strike me as the type of person who’d care if we began having pseudo-convulsions.”
“He doesn’t care about our health, but I’ll bet that egomaniac cares about his pride.” Handing her the hairpin, Peter rubbed the back of his neck. “He seems to feed on power and fear. If we don’t respond when he comes to the hole in the ceiling—if we stay out of sight and refuse to speak—that might anger him enough that he’ll come down here and confront us.”
“If he opens the door,” Laura said excitedly, “we can overpower him and escape.”
Peter nodded. “I think it’s the only way we’re getting out of here on our own terms.”
Laura stuck the bobby pin back in her bun. “I’m glad we have a plan of action—or rather of inaction. We’ll see what type of results a silent protest brings.”
Peter sat down next to the wall. Laura sank beside him and smiled as he covered her with the blankets. As he turned off the flashlight, her smiled faded. The room felt like a deep freezer. It was more than just frosty—it was frigid. She felt Peter putting his arms around her. Gratefully, she snuggled close and tried not to shiver.
“One thing we haven’t thought about,” she said through chattering teeth, “is the fact that we’ve missed contact with TEMCO. Do you think Tom will tell Dan what’s going on?”
“Not for seventy-two hours,” Peter replied. “We have that long to escape.”
Laura pressed her cheek to his chest and listened to his heartbeat. Suddenly, she heard him chuckle. Lifting her head, she tried to peer through the darkness to see his face. “What’s so funny?” she asked.
Peter tightened his arms around her. “In college, you rode a bus going the wrong way on Thursdays.”
“So?” Laura’s voice held a grin.
“We met on a bus on a Thursday. That’s when I enlisted your help with GAP.”
Laura giggled. “For a smart man, it took you forever to put the pieces together—but then you are two points shy of my IQ score.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
A roar of pure rage woke Peter up. He clutched Laura to his chest as sounds of Spider’s unbridled fury broke in waves above them. He could hear mirrors being thrown to the floor, shattering upon impact.
Rising quickly to his feet, Peter stood in front of Laura, shielding her body with his. “Come on,” he whispered, gazing up at the ceiling, “throw a mirror down the hole! Give me something sharp to work with!”
Spider was evidently still thinking despite his anger, for although mirrors shattered in the room above, not
a shard fell down below.
* * *
Alex’s heart froze in fear as he looked at Phoebe’s chalk-white face. He could tell she was in desperate need of medical care. If Poppa didn’t come soon, he was going to take matters into his own hands and call an ambulance. He waited one minute more and then reached for the phone. Suddenly, a blue glow spiraled up and filled the doorway. Alex watched in relief as Poppa stepped through the portal and set a suitcase on the floor.
Phoebe flinched violently. Alex knew the sight of an unfamiliar man was scaring her. “It’s okay,” he said soothingly, tightening his arms around her. “I’ve got you.”
Phoebe nodded and kept her eyes fixed on Alex’s face, refusing to look at Poppa.
“She needs a doctor,” Alex said urgently.
Poppa nodded. Simultaneously slipping the Wave Trapper he’d lent Alex into the suitcase, he adjusted his other Wave Trapper’s settings and created a new portal.
“We’re going to get you medical help,” Alex murmured softly. “Are you ready to go?”
Phoebe gave an uncertain nod and burrowed her face into his shoulder.
When the cloudy light turned clear, Poppa grabbed the suitcase and went through the portal. Alex followed, carrying Phoebe. When he surfed to the other side, he found himself in a hospital room. A dark-haired doctor and a rosy-cheeked nurse rushed forward.
“Everything’s ready, just like you asked,” the doctor said.
“Good,” Poppa replied. “Alex, this is Dr. Ember and Nurse Warner. Both of them were time counseled as children. They know exactly what’s going on, and they’ll help Phoebe.”
Dr. Ember motioned for Alex to lay Phoebe on the hospital bed. As Alex carefully set her down, he saw panic rushing over her face. She squinted against the bright lights and looked in alarm at the unfamiliar people. Alex tried to hold her hand, but Nurse Warner firmly nudged him aside. As his fingers parted from Phoebe’s, he saw despair filling her face. A flat, expressionless look clamped down over her features. She turned her face toward the wall. Alex could tell that since she was no longer in control of what was happening, she was choosing to go far away. He couldn’t stand the thought of a battered woman facing more fear. Dodging the nurse, Alex reached for Phoebe’s hand.
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