Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1)

by Landis, Nikki

  I hung up, to the chorus of happy sighs around the room. The wives absolutely adored us. They loved how Alec doted on me. They ate up our love story and savored every morsel.

  “Oh dear, I absolutely adore how your young man swoons over you.” One of the wives.

  “Oh yes, such a happy couple.” Another wife.

  “Makes me think of my Ronald and me, not that many years ago.” Mrs. Johnson.

  “Please do have a seat, Mrs. Sheridan. We are so delighted that you have joined us.” Mrs. Sullivan.

  The next two hours passed pleasantly enough. I had falsely been under the impression that this group would be boring, full of gossip, and tedious. It was neither of those things. Well, the sewing was, to be sure. I never had the patience for a proper stitch. But I had been surprised by the nice afternoon. I actually enjoyed myself. Even after the run in with Donnovan, I was able to relax and wait for Alec.

  He arrived promptly at five, knocking on the door and removing his hat politely. When his tall frame entered the doorway, I nearly stopped breathing. He was dashing and handsome. In his militia uniform, he cut quite the figure. The navy accentuated his lean body and grey eyes. I nearly gaped with my mouth open. He smiled at my perusal but it did not reach his eyes. Worry lines crinkled along the edges.

  “My dear ladies, I trust the afternoon was pleasant?” He asked, flashing a brilliant smile.

  All of the ladies answered at once, gaga over him. A few giggled.

  I stood up. “Ready? I think I left the pot roast on.”

  He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Let us hope it hasn’t burned.”

  He offered his arm and I slipped mine through. “Good afternoon. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. I truly enjoyed the visit.”

  I was ushered out with smiles and promises to return again soon.

  “Good afternoon.” Alec tipped his hat as we exited.

  Once we were out of the house and on our way, Alec’s grip on my arm tightened slightly.

  “Tell me what happened Lizzie.”

  “I woke up to someone pounding on the door. It was Donnovan.”

  He nodded. “Go on.”

  “I answered it and he forced his way inside. I-”

  “Forced?” He interrupted.

  A couple passed us on the sidewalk. We smiled and acknowledged a greeting before continuing.

  “Yes, he shoved me out of the way. Threatened me…promised me…” I could not continue.

  My voice choked up and I had to swallow back tears. Alec’s jaw was tight with anger. I saw the tick when I glanced at his face. We were quiet until we entered the house. Once the door was shut he began to check my body for injuries.

  “Where did he touch you?”

  “He grabbed my upper arms,” I whispered, afraid.

  Alec must have seen my fear. His face softened. “Do not be afraid Lizzie. I’m here.”

  He gently lifted the sleeves of my dress. Both arms had nasty purple marks, perfect impressions of Donnovan’s hands as they gripped me. Rage filled Alec and his voice shook.

  “Did he…hurt you any other way?” He asked, barely able to conceal his temper.

  I shook my head. “No…but he wanted to…he ordered me upstairs…I would have been…” I could not finish.

  Alec trembled. His hands dropped from my arms and he backed away. He took several deep breaths, unsuccessfully calming himself down. I walked over to him but he shook his head.

  “Not now Lizzie. I can’t…I’m so angry.”

  “I know,” I whispered.

  As lightly as I could, I raised my hand to his chest. Then I crept closer and lay my head on his shoulder. He shuddered. After a few minutes his arms slowly enveloped me. He held me a long time. I finally raised my head and looked into his eyes. They were a cloudy grey, worried and concerned.

  “I’m sorry Lizzie.”

  “I would never blame you,” I whispered.

  “Yes…but the fault does partially lie with me.”

  “How can you say that?” I asked, frustrated.

  “I knew he was a danger. I left you vulnerable,” he admitted.

  I shook my head. “I knew he was dangerous too. I never thought he would be so bold in the middle of the day.”

  “He hates me Lizzie. His motivation was to hurt you to get to me.” The anger was still in his voice. I doubted it would leave anytime soon.

  “Yes, I know that Alec but he remembers me. He knows who I am. He told me he knew I was there at that raid. I don’t know how…but he figured it out,” I explained.

  He sighed. “I was hoping that was not the reason.”

  “What do we do now?” I asked, uncertain of our fate.

  “Nothing. We wait. If he tells my superiors I will deny it. It is his word against mine. It will look like slander against you. There is nothing he can do without proof.”

  “But what if he returns?” I asked, trembling slightly.

  Next time I would not get away. Next time he would do more than hurt my arms.

  “Shhh. We will take precautions. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you safe my Lizzie,” he promised.

  I walked to the hardware store with him before dinner. We bought a deadbolt for the front door and a chain lock that he installed right away. If anyone tried to force their way in, the chain might buy me some time to escape. Luckily we had sliding glass doors that led to our back patio. It was fenced in but we each had a key to that lock. I felt better protected. For now. How long that would last I would not speculate.

  The bruises faded over the next week but I did not forget about Donnovan. Several times I woke up with nightmares. I would fling the covers off and scream, fighting him in my dreams. Alec would comfort me, smoothing my hair, and holding me as I shivered. He never mentioned it in the light of day but I saw the anger on his face. I wished I could stop dreaming about Donnovan. It gave him extra power over me, instilling a deep rooted fear that was neither sensible nor necessary. Knowing that changed nothing. I still had the nightmares.

  Alec let me sleep late into the next morning, staying by my side.

  “Good morning. I forgot to mention I have two days leave with you. Is there anything you would like to do today?”

  I shook my head. “No, can we stay in bed all day?”

  He laughed. “I don’t see why not. Are you hungry?”

  I smiled, knowing he was starving. I heard his stomach growl.

  “Would you like some breakfast in bed?” I asked.

  He grinned widely. “Yes, if you feel up to it.”

  I nodded and sat up. Jumping out of bed quickly, I didn’t notice how dizzy I was until it was too late. I had a sudden case of vertigo and I fell down, unable to stand.

  “Lizzie!” I heard Alec yell.

  He picked me up and carried me back to the bed. I felt awful, cold and clammy, lightheaded and seeing spots like little flashes of light in front of me.

  “Alec…I feel…” I never finished.

  I passed out in front of him. When I came to, he was holding my hand and a cool washcloth was on my forehead.

  “Lizzie, are you ok? Can you hear me?” He asked, his voice full of concern.

  “I…think so.” I replied, feeling funny.

  “I’m going to call the doctor. I want you examined. You just scared the hell out of me. What if I hadn’t been home?”

  “I’m all right. Please…calm down,” I whispered.

  My voice was faint. I’m sure it concerned him. He didn’t look like he was going to listen. He kissed me gently on the lips, laying his forehead next to mine.

  “I’m going to make a few phone calls. Lay here and rest. I’ll be back in a few minutes. I love you my Lizzie.”

  I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I opened them later and found Alec on the bed next to me, watching me sleep. I smiled softly and reached for him. He kissed me, so light I almost didn’t feel it, pulling me into his arms.

  “How are you feeling?” Worry tinged his voice.

&n
bsp; “Better now. Thank you.” And I did feel better.

  “I made an appointment for tomorrow morning. I want you to see the doctor. I’m worried about you.” His voice sounded strained.

  “I know. Everything is fine. You’ll see. I’m starving. Would you help me downstairs?” I asked.

  “Yes, of course, darling.”

  Alec carried me down the stairs, holding me as if he was afraid I would pass out again, or I was made from the finest china and might break. He made us breakfast and we spent a quiet afternoon together. We had leftover spaghetti and salad later for dinner. I was still tired and fell asleep on his shoulder, early in the evening.

  The next morning Alec awakened me early for the doctor appointment. I sat up in bed, stretching. He kissed me, smiling and glancing at my stomach, and jumped in the shower, getting ready quickly in case I needed him. He had spent the night worried about me and hardly slept. I had to use the restroom and got up, heading for the bathroom door when the vertigo hit and this time nausea came with it. I ran for the toilet and reached it just as I got violently sick.

  Alec opened the curtain of the shower, and jumped out, drying off quickly.

  “Are you all right?”

  I nodded, feeling better now. “Yes, I feel better. My stomach isn’t churning anymore.”

  He helped me to change and get ready, holding my hand as we walked to the doctor. The waiting room wasn’t very busy. There were only a few women sitting around. Alec and I waited for about ten minutes before we were called back, ushered into a small examination room. I was nervous and squeezed his hand, too tight, but he never said a word.

  “I’m Doctor Cranford. It’s nice to meet you both. Elizabeth? Do you have any questions before we get started?” He asked.

  “No, not yet. Thank you,” I responded.

  The doctor performed a pelvic exam and checked my urine. He also had the nurse draw some blood. Alec held my hand the entire time, trying to comfort me. We had to wait about a half hour before Dr. Cranford returned.

  “Sorry to keep you both waiting. I have good news. You are pregnant Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan. Congratulations to you both,” he replied.

  My jaw dropped. I was going to have a baby? Instinctively my hands went to my abdomen. I looked at Alec, smiling.

  He grinned. “Thank you doctor.”

  The doctor told me to schedule a follow up appointment for two weeks later. I would be eight weeks and he wanted to do an ultrasound. He handed a script for prenatal vitamins to Alec. When the doctor told us the due date, Alec laughed lightly and shook his head. We had conceived on our wedding night. There was no doubt. We left the office and walked home, strolling slowly in the afternoon sunshine.

  Alec was holding my hand, squeezing it tight from time to time. I could feel his excitement building, traveling up my arm. When we reached home, he picked me up and carried me inside the door, his lips locking onto mine. He set me down on the couch and fell on his knees in front of me. His fingers captured my hands as he took a deep breath.

  “Lizzie, I am so happy.” His voice trembled. “We are going to have a baby. I love you my darling beautiful wife, with all my heart.”

  “I am happy too Alec, I’m…just a little scared and nervous,” I admitted.

  “Everything is going to be fine. I’ll be right here. I’m not leaving your side. This is our baby, Lizzie. I don’t want to miss any part of this. I’m so excited. I knew you were pregnant. This is wonderful news!” Hs words tumbled forth as he gushed with joy.

  Tears came to my eyes. “Oh Alec, I love you too. Stay with me. Promise me you’ll never leave. I can’t go through this without you. I can’t be alone.”

  “Nothing would keep me from you, my love. I’m not going anywhere. You’re having my child. I’ve never been happier in my life,” he promised, with as much sincerity as he could muster.

  Alec kissed me, holding me in his arms the entire night, his hand resting on my abdomen. We went to bed that night happy, knowing our child was growing and healthy in my womb. Safe and secure, nestled in love, between two people who would love him or her unconditionally forever.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Over the next three months we fell into a pleasant routine. Alec kept his schedule, coming home every day for lunch. He spent the weekends with me, always by my side. If I needed anything, he would jump up and get it. He doted on me, taking care of me, and picking up the slack around the house.

  I had terrible nausea and morning sickness the first three months. It made me sick often and I couldn’t do much. I had a hard time keeping food down. I lost a little bit of weight. The doctor wasn’t concerned but Alec was worried. Everything concerned him about me now. It was adorable.

  During the fourth month the morning sickness finally went away. I felt better and started eating more. I gained the weight back that I lost. My belly grew and there was no question that I was expecting now. I felt the baby moving often, resting my hand on my stomach. Alec was so happy I thought he would burst.

  I found a new occupation during this time. The war had produced more bombing, more refugees, and an influx of people at the military hospital. They were understaffed and needed help. The sick and injured grew in number daily. I was excited when I heard about it. Finally, something I could do to help. My mother had been a nurse. It felt right.

  Alec came in the door from work, swinging me around and kissing me. He always put his hand on my belly and told the baby hello. The baby would move and kick, loving the sound of Alec’s voice. He loved it, happily spending the evening rubbing my belly and sitting next to me, content to be near me, even if we were doing nothing at all.

  Tonight I decided to talk to him about volunteering in the hospital. I wasn’t sure of his reaction. He was very protective now that I was pregnant. He had already overreacted a few times, not wanting me to leave the house without him. I turned to him, looking in his eyes.

  “Alec? I heard they are looking for help in the hospital. How is that going?” I asked, keeping my voice even.

  He arched an eyebrow at me. “Good, I’m sure. I haven’t heard any more about it. Why?”

  I shifted uncomfortably on the couch, avoiding his eyes. I didn’t want him to know how badly I wanted to volunteer.

  “I’m concerned about all of the people getting enough help and care. Isn’t it overcrowded? Aren’t more people arriving all the time?” I asked, trying to convince him of the need.

  “Lizzie, what are you saying? Do you want to volunteer at the hospital?”

  Alec tilted my chin so I was looking at him. He saw the truth in my eyes. I admitted it to him, keeping my promise to tell the truth.

  “Yes…I want to help. It would be good for me to get out of the house and get some exercise while I am helping others. What do you think?” I asked, hopeful.

  “Lizzie, you can’t be serious.” He sounded irritated.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

  “The hospital is no place for a pregnant woman. It’s dangerous. Full of infection and disease. Be serious, Lizzie.”

  Dangerous? I didn’t think so. “There is nothing dangerous about helping injured people.”

  “You’re not joking, are you?”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m serious. I want to help Alec.”

  He stood up, clearly agitated. “I don’t think so Lizzie.”

  Did he just tell me no? How did he have the right?

  “I’m not asking permission. I’m telling you that I want to go, that I plan on going soon. I can make a difference. They need help Alec. I’ll go crazy in this house if I have to stay here all the time.” Maybe I was whining a little.

  “What if you-” He started.

  “I thought you told me to never start a sentence with ‘what if’. Nothing is going to happen to me. I will be very careful. I just need something worthwhile to do. I need to be helpful. I’m needed there, Alec.” I interrupted him.

  He considered my point of view. I could see the idea churning
in his head. Was he going to agree or deny me? I wasn’t sure.

  “Lizzie, I…don’t think it is a good idea. The hospital is full of people from all over, refugees off the road, people who want to take revenge on the militia, and security is there constantly. Can’t you see the danger?” He asked, frustrated.

  I shook my head. “I’m not stupid Alec. I will be aware of my surroundings. I know how to defend myself. The people here know I am your wife. No one is going to hurt me. I’ll be safe enough. I’m not going to touch anyone that is sick. I’ll be fine.”

  He sighed, pulling me close and kissing me. I thought he was giving in and letting me go. I smiled, just as the baby kicked me hard. I jumped as my hand flew to my belly. Laughing, I brought Alec’s hand to my stomach. The baby kicked lightly again, and Alec’s face lit up.

  “Lizzie, our baby is so happy in there with his Momma. I love you both so much. I would die if anything ever happened to you. Can’t you try to understand the way I feel? You’re my whole world; you are everything to me Lizzie. Our baby, our life together here, our marriage…it’s all I love and have left in this world.” His voice was tight, betraying the depth of his emotions.

  “Yes, I understand because I feel the same way. I love you and our baby more than anything in this entire world. But…please try to understand my point of view too. I need something to do, something to feel useful and needed…I need to help. For my mother, for Lydia, for Angela…and everyone else who died from the bombing and the militia. My mother was a nurse, I want to carry on after her.”

  Alec held me tight, his hand resting on my belly. “I’ll agree but only on several conditions. First, I want you to have a cell phone on you at all times. If I call, you have to answer me. I don’t want to worry.”

  “Where are you going to get a cell phone?” I asked, surprised.

  “I’ll get one.” He frowned. “Promise me.”

  “Yes, that is fine.” I conceded.

  “Second, if I feel that there is any intelligence or danger or any reason why it is too dangerous for you to be there, you must agree to listen to me and come home right away. I’m not going to allow you to go without your promise to adhere to this.”