by Ilsa Ames
So I had to plan my own escape. I couldn’t rely on anyone but myself. However, there were a few issues with this.
For one thing, I was up on the third floor of a big mansion. I’d toyed with the idea of forcing a window open and somehow climbing down to the ground but had only really succeeded in making myself laugh with the mental image of my pregnant self, dangling helplessly from a rope made from bedsheets, calling out desperately for help. If I fell, there was every chance I would harm my baby or worse.
Nope, that option was out of the question.
I couldn’t just talk my way out either. My bodyguard obviously had ironclad rules about not letting me out, and he wasn’t going to be tricked into breaking them.
The only way I was getting out was if my father was going to let me out, so I decided that that’s what I was going to do. I was going to have to face him, talk to him, and secure my own freedom. He was unstable and cruel, but it was my only option. Better to try and fail than to spend the final months of my pregnancy locked up in this cage.
One morning, as my breakfast was delivered, I handed a note to the maid.
“Give this to my father please. He’ll want to read it.”
The poor woman nodded nervously and tucked the note into her apron.
“Yes, miss.”
I sat down to eat, and the maid left and locked the door behind her as usual. My father’s car and helicopter were on the grounds, so I was reasonably sure that he was home, and my hunch proved to be correct. A short time later, there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” I said.
The door opened, and my dad came into the room. He looked like hell. Dark circles were under his eyes, and he looked to have aged a decade since this whole fiasco had begun. And, weirdly enough, he looked strangely guilty, seeing me sat in my room. Maybe he did have a conscience, seeing his only daughter locked up like an animal.
“I got your note,” he said softly. “It says you want to talk.”
He came to sit near me and looked earnestly into my eyes.
“I’m ready to hear what you have to say,” he said.
I took a deep breath, wondering where to start. I’d only half expected him to come and hadn’t actually prepared what I wanted to say. However, once I started the words tumbled from my lips in a rush, my voice growing stronger and more confident as I went on.
“Dad, how long are you planning on keeping me locked up in here? Until I’m ready to have this baby? Or do you want me to give birth in here, too?”
He opened his mouth.
“I-”
“No, you listen to me for once,” I interrupted. “Let me say my piece.”
I lay my hands on my belly and continued.
“You need to let me out of here. You need to let me go—for once in your life, look inside your heart and see that it’s the right, decent thing to do. I’ve been under your control my whole life—I never saw it like that before, but it’s true. My schools, my friends, my job—it was all controlled by you, down to the last detail. And sure, I was happy enough, I’ll admit that. But I didn’t know any better. I was so sheltered that I thought that was just how people lived.”
I felt a tear trickle down my cheek and I wiped it away. My father’s face was ashen and shocked, but he sat and listened.
“But then Logan took me. It was a bad thing to do, but it was for a damn good reason. Spending time with him, out there in the world, away from the bubble that I’ve existed in for as long as I can remember, it showed me something. It showed me that there are people out there who are struggling, that there’s a whole world of injustice and wrongs that need to righted. People like Logan are out there trying to do that, to protect and help the innocent who can’t do it for themselves.”
Dad looked like he’d been punched in the gut. The pain my words caused him was written plain upon his face.
“Lia, everything I ever did, was for you. I wanted to mold you into my image, to help prepare you to take over the family businesses when I’m gone. Sometimes that means being ruthless and making hard decisions. I’ve never shied away from that, and the results are plain to see. I prefer to live in the real world, not some fantasy land of rainbows and righteousness. You’ll never get anywhere living by morals and ideals alone.”
I shook my head and sighed.
“You just don’t get it, do you dad? I don’t care about any of that. I don’t care about the family name, or the businesses, or any of this.” I gestured at the opulence around us. “Maybe I did once, but not anymore. Not with what I know now. I hate the lie of it all, the lies we tell ourselves so we can sleep easy at night with full bellies in our soft beds. Because that’s what it is, dad—lies, all lies. While there are people out there suffering directly because of decisions that you have made, all of this means nothing at all.”
He laughed bitterly, running his hands through his thinning hair in exasperation.
“So, what are you saying? That you’ll give all of this up, the money, the lifestyle, the heritage of our family, to go live out in the woods with poor people? Out of some sense of pompous guilt? Be realistic girl—they don’t want you. They just want your money.”
“You’re wrong,” I countered. “Those ‘poor people’ are richer than we could ever be. You know why? Because they care about each other. Because they’ve always got each other’s backs, no matter what. Because their riches come from community and family and love. All you care about is your money and your image, and it must be so goddamn lonely.”
He recoiled like I’d slapped him in the face, but I could see the truth of my words in his haunted eyes. For the first time ever, I’d actually gotten through to him. Maybe it wouldn’t be enough to change him, but it could be enough to make him let me go. It would have to be. I didn’t have anything else left.
I stood and smoothed down my clothes, dad stayed sitting, his eyes downcast, his body hunched as if to protect himself from further attacks. He looked so pathetic that I almost felt sorry for him.
Almost.
I strode to my closet and picked up a small suitcase. I’d packed it weeks ago, in preparation for this moment.
“I’m leaving,” I said. “And if you have any love left for me, you’ll let me go. I hope you take some time to reflect, dad, and think about everything I’ve said to you. I really do. When you’re ready to talk to me, then you know my email address. If you reach out to me, I promise I won’t turn my back.”
“Stop,” he said, his voice weak and pleading. “Please, Lia, don’t do this. I’ll let you out, I’ll give you your freedom, I promise. I’ll make this all right, just please don’t leave. Please don’t go back up there. Look, here, take it.”
He shoved his hand into his pocket before pulling back out holding my phone. He shoved it out to me, desperation on his face.
“Take it, please.”
I did, wordlessly. Not because I accepted it as even the slightest bit of an apology, but because I needed it.
“Lia,” my dad pleaded. “Please don’t go back up there to that…that felon!”
“No, dad, I can’t do that. I need to be there, I belong there. I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”
I was crying now, blinking back tears as I walked to the entrance of my rooms. As I got there, another thought struck me.
“And if you even think about sending someone after me or going to the police, just know that I have a whole lot of dirt on you and your businesses. I don’t want to do it, but I will expose you if you threaten me. And this time, you won’t be able to buy your way out of it. If you care about your precious companies and your family name, you won’t cross me. I swear to you that if you do, you’ll see how ruthless I can be.”
My eyes hardened.
“Just like my dad.”
He turned and reached out to me, just like he’d always done when I was a little girl and he wanted to scoop me up into a hug.
“Lia…”
But I was done. I’d said my piece,
and I was leaving. There was no turning back now. As I walked past him, the bodyguard’s granite disposition suddenly changed, and his face split into a wide grin. He gave me a thumbs up, and mouthed ‘Good luck.’
I walked down the stairs, clutching my case, expecting at any moment for someone to grab me from behind and carry me back upstairs. Or to hear my father’s howl of anger as he raced after me. But nothing happened. Preston Cagliari was now a broken man, I’d seen it in his eyes. Maybe he could put himself back together, maybe not. If he did, I would be waiting for him. If not... well, no great loss.
I walked out into the cool fresh air and took a deep lungful, delighting in my freedom. My car was still parked alongside the others, and I had a spare set of keys in my luggage. I climbed in, started the engine, and drove away for the last time.
Chapter Seventeen
Logan
Consciousness returned slowly, leaving me confused as I took in the surroundings of the hospital room I found myself in. There was a soft, steady beep from a monitor to my right, and the late morning sun shone through half-closed blinds, filling the white room with an almost ethereal glow.
What the—? How the fuck did I end up in here?
I shifted in my bed, propping myself up against the big pillows behind me. My muscles were aching a little, and I was exhausted. But I felt a little refreshed, like I’d had a good night’s sleep for the first time in forever.
Hazy memories begin the return to me—the drive back to the cabin, how tired I’d been as I’d half dozed on the couch. The rest of the night was blank, but images and half-memories started to form in my mind.
Then what happened? Think, damnit.
I tried retracing the steps I’d taken, remembering that for some reason I’d risen from the couch and had gone to check something at the computer. An image of the computer screen formed in my mind, but the soft blue-white of the screen was blank.
I sat in dazed confusion for a while, distracted a little by the angry growl of hunger that rumbled in my stomach.
Damn, I’m starving. I hope I didn’t miss break-
And suddenly, I remembered. Suddenly, I remembered all of it.
I’m going to be a father.
My breath caught in my throat as the memories of the rest of the evening flooded back to me all of a sudden. The emails from Lia. The excitement, panic, and emotion. Then the collapse.
The heart rate monitor beeped faster as I remembered in detail what Lia had told me, an how I knew my whole world was different now.
I tried to slow my heart rate by taking deep breaths, closing my eyes and attempting to relax my mind, which had kicked back into overdrive. I settled back into my bed, enjoying the quiet of the hospital room, and the regular, rhythmic beeping of the machine sent me back into a relaxed doze.
I awoke with a start an unknown time later as the door opened, and a figure entered quietly, and I opened my eyes to see an older, kindly faced nurse staring down at me with concern.
Her hands were on her hips as she studied my face, and I tried a half smile. She frowned at me in response.
“So you’re back with us, Mr. Prater?” She said as she adjusted the pillows behind my back as I eased myself up into a sitting position.
“I am. Well, almost. I only just came to a little while ago.”
The nurse checked my pulse, blood pressure and a few other medical gizmos I’d seen used on people I’d taken into hospital for treatment or checkups. She gave a series of satisfied nods as she checked each one.
“How am I doing? What happened to me last night? I remember collapsing, and that’s about it. Next thing I know I’m waking up here.”
She smiled over the top of the clipboard she’d procured from the foot of my bed, checking her watch before scrabbling down a few notes on the attached page.
“I’ll let the doctor go over that with you, Mr. Prater,” she said, half distracted as she finished writing. She placed the clipboard back in the box at the foot of my bed before coming to stand next to me, placing a hand gently on my arm.
“But between you and me, honey, you’re fine. You’ve just been overdoing it, is all, and you collapsed from exhaustion. We’ve heard everything you’ve been doing for the town, the patient’s we’ve seen talk about you like you’re some sort of hero.”
She turned to leave, stopping at the door to look back at me over her shoulder.
“Even heroes need to take a break once in a while, Logan. Take it easy now, I’ll send for the doctor and get you a good breakfast sent in.”
I settled back into the bed, her words echoing around my mind. Part of me felt like I was neglecting my duties, and I was concerned about those townsfolk who were too sick or too old to get out for food and supplies.
You’ve done all you can. It’s time to take some time for yourself, to get some strength back. Just a few days, then ease back into it.
In truth, the people that were too sick to be on their own were in the hospital, and those unable to leave the house had hired caregivers visiting every day. So there was very little to worry about. But part of me still wanted to help, to make sure everything was running smoothly.
Then, suddenly, I thought of Lia, and my heart seized up again. Fuck, I could only imagine what she was thinking now, having sent that with zero word back from me. I knew I hadn’t responded to anything she’d sent so far, but this one was different. Not responding to her telling me about our baby made me a fuckin’ monster.
I had to get in touch with her. Fuck the contract, and Preston’s clause. There was no damn way he or anyone was going to keep me from my baby, or from her. Not anymore.
The breakfast the nurse had promised me came in, interrupting my thoughts. I ate it quickly, my mind still churning and thinking of how I’d get to Lia. I felt a little strength return once I’d eaten, and knew I’d have to be doing a lot more over the next few weeks if I wanted to put some muscle back on my too-slim frame.
I dozed again for a while and was woken up by the doctor, a tall, slim man who strode in confidently, crossing his arms as he studied me with a calculated professionalism from the center of the room, a slight frown on his face. I recognized him as the same doctor I’d brought a few of the townsfolk to see recently, as the other had been too busy to take on any more patients.
“Mr. Prater. How are we feeling today?” His voice was warm, but quick and to the point.
“I’m fine. Thanks, doc. A little tired, but I think the rest did me good.” I frowned. “What the hell happened to me last night?”
His gaze softened a little as he started to reply.
“Nothing you need to be too concerned about. There were no signs of heart attack, and we’ve checked every other angle; cancer, liver function, lung disease. You’re in good shape. But,” He said, frowning again as he took a few steps towards me. “You’re malnourished and exhausted. Someone of your size cannot get away without eating well, especially one who has been working so hard.”
I nodded, wincing a little, feeling like I was being scolded by a teacher.
“So, we’ll run a few final checks later today, but then you’ll be free to go. We’ve had a call from a friend of yours, James O’Brien. He’ll be in later to see you and take you home. Look after yourself. I don’t want to see you back in here unless it’s to bring in a patient of mine.”
I smiled as he grinned at me, before he whirled and was out the door to other patients.
James came in to pick me up that evening, and though I was a little shaky on my feet, I found my strength had returned and I was able to walk out of the hospital. We got into his big pickup and headed off from the hospital into the chilly, windy evening.
“Thanks, man,” I said, turning to face my old friend as he drove. His gaze was fixed on the road ahead, but his face was serious and concerned.
“After all you’ve done?” He shook his head. “You’re thanking me? Shit, Logan, it’s the least I could do. Oh, and Marie and I want you to stay with us, at least for
tonight. But for as long as you want, until you’re feeling better.”
I wanted to refuse politely, to go back to the solitude of my cabin. But I remembered how lonely it had been there since Lia had left, and I didn’t know if I could even deal with that right now, knowing what I now knew. Not until I had worked out a way of getting her back there with me, anyway.
After a second of warring with my stubborn self I nodded, deciding that staying with James and his family for a day or so would probably be good for me. Hell, it would be nice to be looked after for a change. Hell with Marie’s cooking, I’d be better in no time.
“Actually, that sounds amazing. I guess I shouldn’t go back to the cabin on my own, not until I’m feeling a little better. Just a few days though, then I’ll leave you guys in peace.”
He chuckled at my words, turning to look at me for a second before returning his gaze to the road.
“Sure, man. But you can stay as long as you want. You’re always welcome, you know that. Any time. Hell, if you just want to pop in for a beer or something, just say the word.” He grinned. “Dude I’m married with two kids. Trust me, anytime for that beer.”
I laughed, for what seemed like the first time in a while. I’d been so caught up in saving the town that I’d forgotten how many friends I had, and how many more I’d made in the time I’d been helping out. I made a mental decision then to visit my close friends more often. I’d neglected them, as well as myself, over the last few months, and it was time to change things.
We got back to his place a little while later, and Marie greeted us at the door with a kiss on the cheek as she invited me in.
Their kids were already in bed, but she’d saved some dinner for me and James. I wolfed it down hungrily, and the three of us chatted for a little before exhaustion set in again, my eyes drooping uncontrollably. Marie had made up the spare room, and I gratefully collapsed into the warm, comfortable bed, content and with a full stomach.
I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, thoughts of Lia filling my mind as I drifted off.
