Shattered Puppet (Rag Doll)

by Catori, Ava

  Shattered Puppet

  Rag Doll, Book 2

  Ava Catori

  Copyright 2013, Ava Catori

  This book is a work of fiction. You can find a full list of Ava Catori titles at your favorite ebook retailer. Or visit AvaCatori.com for more information or to sign up to be informed of new releases.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 1

  Cree Rivers sat with her back to the door. She was safe here. While the door was locked, it didn’t make the nightmares go away. Nothing did. Her pulse raced as the images played in her head. The first time he touched her, horror filled her body. By the fourth time, she was numb. She escaped into her mind; it was the only place she was safe. And now even her brain betrayed her making her relive the memories. There was nowhere to run and hide.

  She thought the lock would make it better, but she couldn’t hide from herself. She couldn’t hide from her past. No matter how many times she tried to wash the horror show out, it always found its way back.

  Her sister, Kendle, found answers. She wanted revenge. She wanted vengeance. She’d go after him eventually. Cree wanted to forget. She wanted to pretend like it never happened. She wished she could find anger like her sister, but she didn’t have the strength. The last few years wore her down.

  They left when she was fifteen. Her nineteenth birthday was coming up. That would make Kendle twenty-one. It was hard to remember. She rarely used a calendar these days. Four years, but it felt like four hundred. When she followed Kendle out the door that day, she didn’t know where they were headed. Life on the streets was hard, but it was still better than being molested by your own father.

  Cree stood and double checked the lock on the door. It was still locked. She checked in over and over daily. Before she went to sleep, when she woke up, after her shower…it didn’t matter. As long as it was locked, she felt like maybe, just maybe she’d feel a little safer. Sometimes that was all she needed, to feel even a little safer.

  She only trusted her sister and barely had a friend or two. Crystal was a working girl like she was; a street-rat that fled home at fourteen. The abuse she spoke of haunted her eyes when she remembered it. She’d OD’d twice since Cree knew her, but she always found her way back to the streets and said she was starting over. No more drugs. It barely lasted. Either way, she had a good heart, a warm soul, and she was the only friend Cree had on the street. She was easily eighteen or nineteen now.

  The curtain was cracked and the sunlight that shone in earlier slowly faded. It meant Cree had to get ready. Work was at night. It was easier to pick up guys at night. The money was better and the cops didn’t bother you as much.

  Exhausted, she took a deep breath and stood. She’d shower before she left and again when she got back. Having hot water and a shower at her disposal was bliss. She stood under the spray and washed the filth and sleaze from her body, pretending like the bad stuff would wash down the drain. Every man who touched her, washed away. Every time she had to do something she didn’t like, erased. The water soothed her soul. Turning the faucet off, she stepped out of the shower. Sadly she was yanked back to reality. Work called.

  Another day, another dollar. Walking downtown, she found her spot and made her money. Paying Franco street rent left her enough money to eat now that Graham had paid her hotel rent for the year. Kendle found a good man in Graham. They seemed mismatched at first, but it worked for them. They both had what the other needed…salvation.

  Cree ran her hand through her long black hair and held to the side of the hallway walls. She wanted to blend in with the shadows. Did the other hotel guests know what she did? Did she care? Maybe she did a little. She didn’t belong at a nice place like this. The seedy hotel Kendle used to stay at seemed more appropriate to a girl like her, but the bill was paid here so she wasn’t complaining.

  It couldn’t be more than a little past six in the morning. People were still in their rooms or slowly finding their way into the common area for muffins and coffee. Walking down the hallway and up the stairs to the second floor, she just about made it to her door unnoticed.

  “Hey.” A neighboring door opened. A tall man nodded, not making much more conversation, and carried his briefcase with him. He turned and smiled. “Late night, huh?”

  “Yeah,” she said. She gave a fake smile and quickly slipped into her room. Her heels were in her hand. Did she look like some partying college kid, or could he tell what she did?

  Paranoia would kick in if she cared more. It’s just easier when people didn’t know what she did. Blending, fading in to the environment meant safety. Standing out was more trouble than it was worth.

  When the knock came at the door, Cree’s heart jumped. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Was it Kendle? She stood on her toes and looked out the peep hole. It was her neighbor. He had deep, dark eyes and a dimple when he smiled. She opened the door a crack. “Can I help you?”

  “I just brought you a cup of coffee. It looked like you could use it. Have a good day. I need to get to work.”

  “Thanks. Do you have a name?” She asked, almost kicking herself.

  “Carter. It’s nice to meet you. And yours?”

  “Cree. Anyway, thanks.” Cree watched him turn and walk down the hallway.

  His stride was self-assured and his stature broad. He owned the space he was in. Closing her door, she poured the coffee down the drain of the small kitchenette. She hated the bitter stuff, but thought it was nice of the guy to show her kindness. She just hoped that was the last time he knocked. She wasn’t here looking to make friends. She shouldn’t have asked his name. Connections were usually a mistake in this line of work.

  She shed her clothes and turned on the water. As the shower spray came to life, Cree climbed in and washed off the crimes of the night before. She wished she could wash everything away, but soap only did so much.

  She pulled back the covers of the big bed and climbed in. Clean sheets. Heaven. Her blankets were clean, her bedspread was clean. She gave her old, dirty blanket to Crystal. The one that kept her warm all those times under the over pass. It felt weird to let it go. The blanket wasn’t much, but it was all she had. It was symbolic. Crystal thanked her for the warmth and gave her a hug. “I’m glad to see you’re going inside.”

  Cree shrugged. “See you on the streets.”

  She closed her eyes and thought back to the night she moved in. The hotel room was all hers, bought and paid for. She had an entire year here thanks to Graham. It had only been two months now, but she’d grown accustomed to the indoors once again. The thought of living outside taunted her. She needed to find a way to afford staying inside when the year’s rent was up. While Graham had paid for the first year, if she wanted to stay, it was up to her to find the money.

  Chapter 2

  When the knock came, Cree froze. She still wasn’t used to it. She preferred to be invisible. Nobody knew she was there except her sister. Even her friend Crystal didn’t know. She liked her, but not enough to trust her with that information. She pretended like she didn’t hear it. Usually Kendle said her name too, so she knew it was her. The knock came again. Cree crept to the door and peaked out. It was her neighbor.

  With a deep breath, she opened the door. “Can I help you?”

  “I was thinking. Have you had dinner yet? Would you care to get something to eat?” The dimpled smile accom
panied the invite.

  “I’m flattered, but I’m really not interested.” Great, now this guy is going to keep showing up. She hoped he was leaving the hotel soon. She didn’t want him thinking she was good company.

  “Whatever,” he said. “I’m in town for a few weeks. It would be nice to have someone to hang out with time to time.” His voice was smooth and deep. His eyes glimmered.

  “I don’t hang out,” she corrected. She didn’t mean to sound cold, but caring for people’s feelings was something she learned to do without lately.

  “Right. Sorry to bother you.” He took the snub in stride and turned away.

  Cree closed the door, not saying another word. She didn’t need friends. Friends ask questions. Friends want to know about you. Friends want to be familiar with your life. She didn’t need that. It’s all bullshit anyway. Trust was earned, not given out freely.

  So what if he was tall, dark, and handsome. So what if he looked fabulous in his expensive suit. So what if he had eyes that could melt you in moments. He probably had a wife at home who didn’t know he was knocking on some chick’s door. Or he had a girlfriend he didn’t care that he might cheat on. Or he was only looking for a quick fuck before he left town. He was only here for a few weeks. What kind of friend could you become in that amount of time…friends with benefits?

  If he wanted benefits he could pay like the rest of her customers. Wouldn’t that be funny? Next time he knocked, she could simply tell him how much it would cost for more of her time. Okay, not funny. Either way, she wished he’d stop knocking at her door. Hopefully she got her point across loud and clear.

  Cree pulled on her shoes. She was already running late. She should have been out there an hour ago. She’d grown soft since she came inside. On rainy nights, she’d much rather stay inside where it was warm and dry. Not many guys were looking to score with girls standing in the rain.

  With a deep sigh, Cree headed down the hallway and out the door of the hotel.

  “Hey,” he was walking in with a bag. “I have take-out. Do you want some?”

  “I’ve got plans.” What are the chances? Does this guy not take a hint?

  “Sure, sorry to bother you.” He played it off like nothing.

  She waited for him to go in before she started out in the rain, trudging down the driveway and out the path that would take her downtown.

  She couldn’t know he’d forgotten his jacket in his car. She didn’t know he came back for it and saw her getting drenched in the rain. And she certainly wasn’t expecting him to pull up alongside of her.

  “Do you need a ride somewhere?” He offered, trying to be helpful.

  “Can you just leave me alone? This is getting creepy. What are you a stalker?” She shot sarcasm at him as her guard flared up. What is this guy’s problem? Why is he not getting the message?

  “Damn. Sorry to bother you. I thought I was doing something nice.” He said, this time with a chip on his shoulder.

  Cree shook her head. “I’m sorry. And no, I don’t need a ride.” Why she was even apologizing to crazy, stalker guy was beyond her.

  “Suit yourself.” He turned around and watched her in his rear view mirror. Where was she going? It was more curiosity than anything. He waited until she was far enough down the road and slowly drove, pulling over at different intervals so he didn’t stand out. He never expected to find her stopped on the corner of Fifth and Main. Standing there, soliciting, and selling her body.

  Carter pulled up alongside of her.

  “You again? Are you happy now?” Cree wanted to spit nails. This guy could not leave well enough alone.

  “It’s not my business…” He started.

  “No, it’s not.” She snapped, cutting him off, embarrassed to be found out.

  “Can I buy your time?” He didn’t know what else to do.

  Did he really just say that? Cree rolled her eyes. “Is this really a good idea?”

  “I’m a paying customer. I have cash.” What could it hurt? It would get her out of the rain and into his car.

  “Fine. What do you want?” He obviously wasn’t taking no for an answer. She might as well get paid for the hassle.

  “Dinner.” It sounded like an odd request, knowing she was a hooker, but it’s what he wanted, a piece of her time.

  “You just found out what I do for a living and you want dinner?” She didn’t know whether to laugh or not. It just struck her odd.

  “It’s raining. No reason for you to stand out here. Come on, I’ll take you back. I’ll pay for the entire night.” He was trying to be nice, but she wasn’t making it easy.

  “And write it off as a business expense,” she spat sarcastically.

  “And that’s my business.” He shot back, ready to spar.

  “Whatever.” She walked around and got in his car. “I need cash up front.”

  “Can we stop at a cash machine? I’m not sure how much I have on me.” He grinned, again flashing his dimples.

  “Wow, aren’t you a great customer.” She rolled her eyes. “Sure. I know where you’re staying. Don’t screw with my time.”

  “I’ll bet your parents are proud of your chosen profession.” He said flatly. Damn, he didn’t mean to let that slip.

  “Fuck you.” Cree opened the door and got out of the car. “What the hell do you want from me? Just because you are staying across the hall from me, you think you can talk smack to me? Get out of here.” She spit at his tire and walked down the street.

  Carter cussed under his breath. Shit. Why did I go and say that? She’ll never buy into this now.

  He was in town on business, but his business wasn’t quite on the up and up.

  Carter made a call. “I’m going to need a little more time.” He rubbed the back of his neck and took a deep breath. Shit.

  “I don’t have time.” The man’s gruff voice spit out. It was gravely and more importantly annoyed.

  “Right. I’ll get on it. Are there any other details you can think of that might help?” Carter needed another tip, some help, something to go on.

  “Just get the girl and bring her to me.” There was no room for error in his tone.

  Carter swallowed. “Yeah, right. I’ll have her sometime this week.”

  Chapter 3

  Carter didn’t want to have to do it this way, but getting out of trouble was more important than some girl. He didn’t have much choice and would have to take things in a different direction. He was hoping it wasn’t necessary.

  He timed it just right; it was hardly an accident. His neighbor came down the hallway, her heels in her hand, just like he expected. Carter opened his door with his briefcase in hand. “Oh, hi. I’m sorry about last night. Truly; I was out of line.”

  “What part of leave me alone don’t you understand? I don’t want you knocking at my door, showing up on my corner, and I don’t want to have dinner with you. If you bother me again, I’ll complain to the front desk that you’re harassing me and have your ass thrown out of here.” This guy was getting on her last nerve.

  “Right. I actually wanted to apologize. I guess you didn’t pick up on that part.” He tried not to be offended, but let’s face it, she wasn’t hearing it.

  Cree rolled her eyes. Fumbling with her key, she slipped it in the door. She had nothing left to say. This guy was a royal pain in the ass.

  A knock came at the door. She could ignore it, but why bother? He’d just knock again. She rolled her eyes and answered the door. “What now?”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to be like this.” He started with an apology.

  “Like what?” Confused, she had no idea what he was talking about.

  His hand came up fast, clasping over her mouth before she could scream, and wrapping her in his arm. He pulled her inside and quickly closed the door. His heart pounded in his ears as the adrenaline kicked in.

  Cree’s eyes sprang open wide as panic coursed through her veins. Through muffled yells, her teeth gnashed at his palm…it didn
’t help.

  “Shh, I’m not going to hurt you.” He tried to talk her down. “We need to talk. You need to listen to me.” He hated that it had to be this way. It could have been so much easier.

  Fear danced in her eyes. What did he want? Who was he?

  “Don’t panic. I mean it, I won’t hurt you, but we need to talk. I’m going to take my hand away. Do not scream. I promise,” he said as he stared into her eyes, “I’m not going to hurt you.” Carter took a deep breath and slowly pulled his hand back.

  Cree’s heart beat faster than her body wanted to keep up with. Her breathing was hard, but more than anything, she noticed the change in his eyes. They went from endearing to scary. They were hard, laced with anger and frustration. He said he wouldn’t hurt her, but she couldn’t take any chances.

  The second he lifted his hand away from her mouth she screamed bloody murder. Carter shot his hand back to her mouth as he tried to stop any damage. “You’re going to be difficult, great.” He muttered under his breath. “I’m here to help. I can’t help if you don’t cooperate.” Shit. This isn’t going like he expected. It’s not like he expected her to be great with the idea of him breaking in and holding her like this, but at least she could work with him. He told her he wouldn’t hurt her.

  Whatever help he was offering, she wanted no part of. This didn’t feel like help. Cree tried to kick him and twisted to try to unravel from his hold. He held her tight. She wasn’t able to get any leverage to break free.

  He talked slowly. “I can’t help you if you scream. Do you understand? You’re okay. I’m not going to hurt you. Do you understand that? Tell me you understand by nodding.”

  She nodded, watching his face. Her nerves stood on edge.

  “I’m taking my hand off again. If you scream, it’s going to get ugly. I don’t want that okay? I’m not going to touch you, hurt you, or assault you. You simply need to talk to me; it has to do with your friend. I just need information. That’s all, information.” Slowly he removed his hand.