by L. Ann Marie
He nods and lets me go. Prez comes in and hugs me. He doesn’t say a word and I’m fuckin’ glad.
Mom stands and looks around. I go to her and thank her. Eliza is sleeping again. “She’s going to be fine Darren, you did good.” I get a hug and she walks to my dad.
Chapter Fifteen
Eliza
I’m afraid to say I want to go home. Last time I lost the baby or fetus or whatever. Today I want out of this place. Everyone is sad walking in the door. Even Tess. Darren asks if I want anything. I look at him pissed. I want out. He hates it here too.
His hands go up. “I’ll leave you alone, I just meant are you hungry? I’m ordering from the Diner.”
I deflate. “I just want to go home. I was afraid to say it after yesterday, but what more can happen?”
He smiles. “How about I spring you and we go eat at the Diner?”
If he gets me out, I’ll go anywhere with him. I’d go anywhere anyway, but I nod. He leaves and Danny comes in. “He says you’re leaving.” He’s smiling.
“Yeah. I hate it here. I know he does too.” He gives me a sad look but nods. Kate told me about his mom here and him losing it yesterday. I feel bad I didn’t do a thing to help him with that.
“I think you leaving will change that for him.”
“Yeah.”
“If you need anything or help with him holding onto that, call me, yeah?”
“I will.” I wish I had him growing up. He’s a good dad.
Darren comes in smiling. “Mitch has your brace. The doctor is here and will discharge you after he gets it straight.”
Danny laughs. “Mitch is incredible.”
“I’ll really be able to walk?”
They both nod. “Aubrey and Kevin walked out of the hospital with their braces.”
Fuckin’ awesome. This is the best news I’ve had all damn week. Maybe not the whole thing, but close. Danny leaves so I can get dressed and Darren pulls new clothes out of a bag. “Nancy sent them so you’ll have something to leave in,” he says still smiling.
I’m blinking back tears but smile. They are the best damn family. I’m in a cute skirt and shirt and love it. I even have a sandal on. The doctor comes in and shows Darren and me how to put the brace on. It looks simple enough. He says Mitch is building me a robotic that will walk for me, but for right now my foot has to be still. He has a plastic brace for bed that will protect it and keep my foot in the right position. He’s happy with how fast I’m healing. I am too. I have no idea what slow healing is, but I’ll take this if I can leave. I stand holding onto Darren and I’m shocked. “I feel pressure, but no pain.”
The doctor nods. “When it gets to be too much, get off your foot. Elevate it for a while then go back to walking normally.”
I smile. “I can do that.”
He laughs. “They tell me you’ll be helping at the new shelters. We need to get you back to your work. Mitch will do everything possible so you get there. She’s extremely dedicated, but she has the most amazing people around her. She hasn’t brought me one average person yet. I’ll see you when you’re ready for the robotic. I’d give you a timeframe, but they’re always wrong with Mitch’s people. I’ll be waiting for her call.”
I smile. “Thank you.” He hands Darren papers and nods to Danny. “We can leave!”
“The Diner it is,” Darren says and Danny tells him he’s in. I just laugh.
At the Diner a huge tattooed and pierced guy hugs me. “It’s good to meet you finally!”
I smile and thank him but he hasn’t told me his name. “You are?” Darren laughs.
The big guy looks surprised. “Sam.”
“Hi Sam. It’s good to meet you too.” He throws the guys chin and walks away. “The Brothers here are all wicked friendly.”
“Everyone knows who you are. Women on HS are talked about. A lot,” Danny says. That’s what we heard, but no one ever says anything to us.
Darren pulls a chair over and puts my foot up. “Thanks I was starting to feel it.”
He nods. “I saw.” He sees every damn thing.
Danny smiles as Darren sits. “Do you have any questions Eliza? You’ve been quiet about everything that’s happened.”
I look at Darren. He doesn’t say anything, but he looks concerned. “Just when I can go back to work.”
He nods. “Two weeks you’ll be with Driscoll at the PD. You’ll shadow his women officers and work the next week with a partner.”
No fuckin’ way. “Two weeks?”
“Mitch will have your robotic before you go to the PD. The first week is light so you get used to it. Kevin or Chet could tell you more. They’ve both had them. Aubrey was different because of the kids around her all the time. Mitch says it will take a couple of days, but you’ll get it quickly. You’ll use the robotic until the muscles strengthen around the metal. Once that’s done you’re home free.” I blink back tears and smile. How damn cool is Mitch? “Kate has a counselor if you need to see someone before you leave here.”
I look at Darren. “Do you think I need one?”
He doesn’t answer right away. I wait to hear what he has to say. “I know what you say. I know what the loss feels like to me. I don’t know what you’re feeling about it so I can’t answer that for you.”
I nod and think about it. They order and I wait until the Prospect leaves. “I think I’m fine. It hurts to think about the baby or fetus that isn’t anymore, but I don’t have a problem talking about it. I think it will always be with me. I’m not wallowing in it and I don’t think it was nothing. To me, not being extreme in one way or the other, seems like a normal reaction.”
He smiles. “You’re going to be great at the PD.” He leans in and kisses me. Oh damn. He pulls away and smiles. He felt it too. It’s a good thing his father is here.
We talk about everything then they talk while we eat. I’m tired and Darren notices. “Let’s get you to the house so you can sleep for a while.” I nod and stand up a little wobbly then I straighten. “You good?”
“Yeah.”
***
Darren
She’s sleeping before we hit the backyard. I carry her in and lay her on the bed. I leave the brace on and cover her. She’s so fuckin’ strong. I shake my head going back to the living room. “Mom said she was going to be fine,” I tell him.
He smiles. “She is.”
“How do you know all this shit Dad? I never know what the fuck I’m doing or if it’s right.”
He laughs. “You know more than you think. You see everything like VP. You find ways around shit that no one thinks of. You always have. Trusts your instincts and keep going. I learned everything I know. You will too.”
I nod. He isn’t here for the pep talk so I sit and wait. “LB has Sheila at the PD working with the women. After one day she’s ready to kill them. She’ll be Eliza’s first partner. He thinks she needs to get a grip on the emotions she’s going through. She needs to see Eliza is good and can do this.”
I’m surprised. “Eliza didn’t tell her what she went through. How does she know?”
“He thinks when Dakota was throwing him shit from the pussies Sheila got it too. She’s been protective with Eliza ever since.” That would make sense. That was the first time I saw her cry. “Once Sheila gets settled, they’ll move her back to HS.”
“Driscoll’s okay with her not fully healed?”
He smiles. “Jeremy told him she’s good. That was enough for Driscoll.” He watches me. “Is your head straight with all this?”
Fuck. I knew it was coming. “I know I lost it in the hospital, but the blood brought it all back. Eliza is a lot stronger than my mom was. She’s already lived through hell and made it out. Seeing her walk out meant something. I’m good Dad. Just knowing she’s able to get through that threw relief and a peace on me.”
He nods. “It looked that way, but I’m your dad and wanted to make sure.” He stands up. “I need to get Pres to put me back on the schedule. He thinks I ne
eded a whole fuckin’ day for this.”
“At least you got breakfast,” I laugh and hug him.
They furnished and stocked a house for us. We don’t leave until tomorrow. I’m glad to have some space and not have nurses in and out every fuckin’ hour. Just as I think it someone knocks. I open the door surprised. “Brother.”
He looks concerned and serious. Since Dakota always looks serious I wonder at the concern. “I have two reasons to be here. One the jewelry Eliza lost is here.” He hands me a bag. I nod and wait. “I also did not want you to think I did not tell you everything to hurt you. With the knowledge, things did not turn out well. This was not something I felt good about. I got counsel and agreed it was the right decision. I did not see you so hurt by that decision or I might not have made it.”
I think about that. “You walked into the Brotherhood and looked out for all of us right from the start. I’ve seen too much and know how this works. Maybe you didn’t see me lose it because I needed to. I’m not blaming anyone. I knew you saw it and never once questioned your decision. I’m good with you having that ability. I’m glad when it’s hard you have someone to go to, but I’ll never question whether you did the right thing.”
He hugs me. I smile and hug him back. “Thank you Brother. I will leave you to your peace and quiet.” I laugh as he walks out the door.
I get my laptop and get some work done. I clear my email starting with Bull. 37 had Bluetooth thirty feet away from Sheila and Eliza. He brought it to the MC and they went to Mitch. A jammer had to be on one of them. He went back to the PD feeds and saw Sheila move for someone walking in. The guy didn’t do anything but walk back out four minutes later. Since the town was being hit it was busy and no one registered the guy. Facial recognition hasn’t connected him from there or up here. Neither of them had any contact or anyone else close to them. The jammer had to be set by remote because Eliza’s phone worked. Boiling it all down–we have nothing.
Maryellen is still in the hospital, but gets out today. She’s going into a compound house until the shelters are set. Mom has Anita down there staying with her until we get back. She writes it was like that for Te Jess. It took some time for her to get back to normal. All I can think is Eliza is special and I’m so fuckin’ glad she’s mine. Maryellen talked to Sheila, but has no information that’s helpful. Jeremy is flying back with us and will see her tomorrow. Prez doesn’t want to send Dakota, but thinks Jeremy won’t scare the fuck out of her. According to Anita she won’t even look at a male doctor. The rest of Mom’s email is how proud she is of Eliza and me. I move to the next smiling.
Jessie is ‘out.’ He writes that if he’s on a job. He’s sorry he didn’t show for me and says to trust in Dakota. I smile. My Brothers always look out for me. He tells me to kiss Eliza for him and puts ‘HAHA’. Fuckin’ Brother.
I’m done and go to check on Eliza. She’s crying. Fuck. I lift her moving her leg gently. “Babe?” Mom told me to watch for this. Maybe she needs someone to talk to.
“Maryellen called me. I know it was her. She called me Liz.”
Thank fuck. “She did babe. She’s getting out of the hospital and moving to the compound today. My mom has the Assistant Director down with her. She’s staying until we get back.”
She sits up lifting her leg and moving it. “She’s away from them? You found her?” I nod and smile. She needs the good right now. Her arms go around me squeezing me. I laugh. “You’re the best husband. I can’t wait until she meets you.” Shit.
I pull her away and hold her face. “She may not be so eager babe. It’s going to take her time to get to where you’re at. My mom said it took time for Te Jess and she still doesn’t go around the shelter women.”
She nods. “Getting away is half the battle, I get it, but she’s away. I can wait. She’s been there forever. She was a slave when I met her.”
Something in that hits me. “How old is she?”
“A couple of years older than me.”
It can’t be that simple. “Do you know where she came from?”
“No, but she was raised with manners and was always praying for everyone. She was sweet even in that hell hole.”
I pull my phone and dial Tess. “Do you know a Maryellen?”
“I did.” She isn’t bubbly and happy saying it.
“I’m giving the phone to Eliza. She has a friend that was just found. She was a slave.”
“I’m coming over.” She’s gone.
“She hung up.” I carry Eliza to the couch. She’s happy talking about Maryellen and the programs. When I get her foot up Tess walks in the door with Max following. I hit the keypad so every fuckin’ Brother doesn’t show.
Tess is already crying. Max lays down at her feet. Shit. I grab a box of tissues and sit at the counter with my laptop. They’re talking and crying and I check in with Prez, then Bull and Brantley. I’ve got nothing to do. I send an email to Jax about Eliza’s bike. He responds right away. He’ll get with Jared and get the bike fitted for a hand clutch. Eliza calls me over. Tess is crying, but no sounds. I sit with Eliza and explain. She doesn’t tell me I’m nuts or ask a single question.
Tess opens her eyes and smiles. I hand her tissues. “It’s going to be good for her.” She doesn’t say any more and I go back to the counter. Eliza never asks her about what happened.
I email Prez. He’ll have Security for Tess ready and she’ll fly back with us. He doesn’t ask for any additional information and I smile. I love the just do it way he makes decisions.
Tess leaves and my girl walks to me smiling. “I don’t even want to know. I’ve learned to just go with it.” I nod smiling. That’s about all you can do.
“Let’s go for a walk.” We walk the streets of the compound and she loves it. The neighborhood is all typical New England houses all typical colors. I love it too.
“How come we’re not at the Club?”
Shit. This isn’t what I want to talk about. “It would be good if I were single, or we were Officers here, but it’s not a place I want my wife at.”
“That’s why we didn’t use the bed?”
Jesus. “Yeah.” She nods and doesn’t say anymore. We get to the park and sit watching the kids.
After a while she looks at me. “Do you want kids?”
Fuck maybe this wasn’t a good idea. “I don’t know what to say here. I do, but I don’t mind waiting. I don’t want you thinking I’m happy about losing the chance this time.”
She nods. “I think that way too.”
I take her home and make dinner for us. The whole time I’m thinking I’m fuckin’ lucky.
Chapter Sixteen
Eliza
John, Tess and Jeremy flew home with us. I didn’t know John was coming and with all that happened I feel bad I never thought about him. I sit with him while Jeremy, Tess and Darren do the Indian healing thing. The dog just watches. John sleeps almost the whole way.
At the hangar, an SUV picks up me, Tess and Jeremy. There are bikes following us to the compound. I smile thinking there’s enough Security to get through a war then stop. That’s what we’re in, a war.
We stop at a house in the middle. I’ve never been on this street. The house is cute. I’m glad she got this as a first taste of freedom. I was in a year and five months; she’s been in for years. Slavery makes you think different and I hope she isn’t chained to it for life. Tess squeezes my hand. “I know she means something to you, but she’ll be coming back with me. Your programs aren’t set and the apartments for singles aren’t ready. She needs help right away. I promise you she’ll get that.” She looks so sad. Tess doesn’t do sad.
“I want her better, free, and all that can give her to be happy. If that’s with you, that’s where she needs to be. For once she should be the one blessed. She’s a sweet woman that deserves to be free and happy Tess. However that is, wherever that is. She prayed for me and I got out the next day. I was trying to repay that for her.”
She nods with tears. “You’re a
good old lady Eliza. She’ll make it to happy, but it will take her some time.”
I smile with my own tears. “Thank you. She deserves it.”
In the house, I don’t recognize her. She’s bruised and swollen. She comes running to me and hugs me. “They said you got away. I didn’t believe, but I see you with my own eyes. God is good!” She’s crying and I can barely understand her. I hold her telling her He is and I’m doing fine. I take her to the couch, but she doesn’t let me go. I look at Tess and she’s crying. Shit. I feel like the biggest ass, but tell her to sit. She does like a fuckin’ dog. Dammit! “I’m sorry. I need to talk to you and I have to see your face.” She nods, but doesn’t look at me. Her face is misshapen on one side, but I hope Tess recognizes her. “Maryellen did you see anyone else from where you were taken?”
“Oh yes, they lived in the big house and were treated well by the mistresses.” She doesn’t look at me. Tess takes a breath and holds Jeremy’s hand.
“Was this recently?”
She looks up at me then down. “I am feeble. I don’t know ma’am.” Fuckin’ men! I look at Tess she nods for me to go on.
“We want to help them too. Anything you know or can give us will help us free them. Like for you, there are people that want to help and programs to get them ready to live again, free.”
“Bless you child, they should be free.” She’s crying again.
“This is Anita, Eliza. She’s from the yard,” Tess says. I nod a thank you to Anita and take the tissues.
“Maryellen I need you to tell me everything you can to help get them away. Can you do that? Find God in you and pull Him up. He needs help with this one and called you to do that. Can you help us?” She looks me in the eye and I see her determination. She can.
Jeremy touches her shoulder from behind and she starts talking. She doesn’t stop for almost two hours. Tess has gotten her water, Anita another box of tissues and I’m trying to write everything down. The whole time Jeremy has his hand on her shoulder and she never questions it.
