Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1)

by Landis, Nikki

  “Yes, I promise. If you say so, I’ll leave right away and come home. Happy?” I asked, giving my promise.

  “One more thing…if you see anyone from before, any of the refugees, I want you to leave right away. You will not become a bargaining chip or a hostage. Get out of there fast, call me, and come home right away. I’m very serious about this.”

  His grey eyes were moody, cloudy like the aftermath of a stormy rain at sea. I knew the look. And yes it was a comparison I used a lot in my head, but nothing else quite described the uniqueness of his eyes.

  He was worried about the other refugees finding me and using me. It was a valid point. I didn’t know what the other refugees thought of my escape, my leaving with Alec. Darren and the others could be my enemies now.

  I looked at Alec seriously. “You are right about that. I hadn’t considered it. I will be careful. I’ll leave quickly and call you if I spot anyone.”

  “Thank you, my love. I suppose you want to start soon.” At my nod he continued. “How about the day after tomorrow? I’ll walk with you in the mornings and leave you at the hospital before I go to work. I don’t want you walking alone so early in the day. Promise me you won’t wear yourself out and come home with me for lunch so I can see you. I’ll pick you up and we can walk together. All right?”

  I nodded as he kissed me again. We made dinner and played cards, spending a happy and quiet night together. We often read books, played cards, and even checkers. Alec was good at games and cards. The one thing we didn’t do was listen to the radio or watch the television. Neither of us wanted bombarded with militia propaganda.

  The smell of baked goods always reminded me of childhood. My father had a sweet tooth. I had countless memories of my mother smacking his hands away and laughing at his inability to stay away from the oven. He would snatch cookies, sweet breads, and anything else off the cooling rack and burn his fingers, dissolving me and Lydia into giggles.

  For this reason, I walked to the bakery almost twice a week, just to purchase something yummy and warm from the oven. Anything with peach flavor was especially appreciated. The owner became familiar with me and saved me a warm peach cobbler as often as I wanted it. Today I brought a basket along, storing my treats, letting the handle rest on my arm.

  “I didn’t know a pregnant woman could be so beautiful.”

  Damn, he had come out of nowhere.

  “Step back Donnovan.” I warned.

  He had cornered me coming out of the bakery. I side stepped around him and continued to be wary.

  “I’m offended. Can’t we have a simple discussion?” He asked, feigning injury to his pride.

  I shook my head. “I think the answer to that question is a simple no.”

  I placed several more feet between us. What did he want now? Surely he could not snatch me on a busy street?

  “I wanted to say hello.”

  For real? Did he think I was that stupid? What was up with the innocent act?

  “You said it. Kindly let me pass and I will be on my way.”

  I waited for him to move. He took a step closer.

  “I will see you safely home,” he offered.

  No way in hell. I would walk straight to the police station or Alec’s office.

  “No thank you,” I replied, stiffly.

  He laughed. “Oh you do hate me, don’t you?”

  I did not give him the satisfaction of an answer. Without saying good bye I turned and walked away. I felt rather than heard his advance. It took everything I had not to glance behind me.

  “Elizabeth…wait a moment.” His voice was pleading.

  I stopped and turned, locking eyes with him.

  “Who are you? Really?” He asked, taking me by surprise.

  “Why do you want to know?” I asked.

  “I can’t get you out of my head. At first it was revenge. And now…” He trailed off, not finishing.

  “I’m not sure what you want from me Donnovan, but-”

  “Donnovan is my last name Elizabeth. Call me Michael.” He interrupted.

  My eyes widened in surprise. He wanted me to call him by his first name? What was going on? Was he psychotic? Schizophrenic? Another sociopath like Darren?

  “Listen…Michael…I need to get home. Alone.”

  I wanted away from him as fast as possible. Something was off. This new version of him was scaring me in a whole new way. He was completely unpredictable.

  “You are beautiful princess.” He responded, ignoring me completely.

  I shook my head. What was I going to do?

  “I’m sorry. When I hurt you…I didn’t mean it.”

  What!? His confession threw me. “I think you did.”

  He shook his head. “I was filled with hate, jealousy, anger. I wanted to hurt you so it would hurt Alec. But I never really wanted to harm you.”

  I sighed. “That is a little difficult to believe. I had bruises for weeks.”

  He looked remorseful. “I won’t harm you again.”

  I looked at him like he was ten different shades of crazy. “Excuse me?”

  He stepped closer, taking one of my hands in his. “I won’t hurt you Elizabeth.”

  Shocked, I stood there, staring at him. My mind was baffled. Why did he want me to know that? Was it a cunning turn of events? Was it a ploy to gain my trust? Were we still playing the game?

  “You won the game Elizabeth. It’s over. I concede.”

  I pulled my hand from his. “What does that mean?”

  He smiled. It seemed genuine. “It means…I want to be your friend.”

  My jaw must have hit the ground. “I…I don’t know.”

  “Please think about it. Enjoy your walk home.”

  Later, when I told Alec about the conversation, I was still confused. Trusting Donnovan was not an option. Even if I thought he was being genuine, which I did not, it would take more than a simple apology to make things right. He had terrorized me. Almost kidnapped and raped me. I was not going to forget any of that.

  “Under no circumstances are you going anywhere near him, especially now. I mean it.” Alec’s voice had been deadly serious and completely unnegotiable.

  He refused to speak of it any longer and changed the subject.

  The next morning, after breakfast, we started off together. It was strange to leave with him, instead of watching him go alone. He kissed me goodbye at the hospital and left for work, making me promise, again, to meet him at noon. I walked slowly inside, immediately overwhelmed by the amount of people crowding the halls and waiting room. I went to the help desk, giving them my name and telling them I was here to volunteer.

  I was ushered to an elevator and told to speak with Nurse Edna on the fifth floor. It took me twenty minutes to find her. She was seeing triage patients, with serious injuries due to bomb blasts. She immediately put me to work. I helped to clean and bandage the wounded, separating those who were in critical condition from those who had acute and less serious injuries.

  The morning flew by quickly. It was almost noon when I told her goodbye and promised to return tomorrow. Alec was already waiting for me at the entrance. He took my hand and walked toward home, asking me how my morning went.

  “It was good. I helped injured patients, bandaging people up and helping with supplies. There are so many in triage, still waiting to be seen. Some of them have been waiting overnight. They are so short on beds Alec. I’m glad I was there to help.”

  He squeezed my hand. “Feeling useful and needed now?”

  I knew he was teasing me. “Yes, but aren’t I needed at home? By you?”

  I was teasing him now. His eyes instantly turned smoky.

  “You are definitely needed at home. Shall I show you?” He replied, his eyes roaming over me.

  We reached home. Alec unlocked the door and picked me up, carrying me across the door and slamming it shut with his foot. Without skipping a beat, he was up the stairs and into the bedroom, undressing quickly. I laughed, removing my dress and
slip, my rounded belly feeling cool to my touch.

  Alec got on his knees and spoke to the baby. “Ignore any sounds you hear little one, Mommy and Daddy are having fun. I love you.”

  I giggled, shaking my head at him.

  “Alec?” I asked, curiosity running rampant in my analytical head.

  “Yes?” He stood and reached for me, his eyes capturing mine.

  I blushed. “Do you…am I still…attractive?”

  He smiled softly. “Because you are pregnant?”

  I nodded. “Yes.”

  “My darling, I truly thought you could never be more beautiful, that you could never turn me on more, that I would never desire you more than I did on our wedding night.” He pressed a tender kiss to my lips. “I was wrong. With my child growing inside you, I have never wanted you more…or beheld a more beautiful and breathtaking vision in my life.”

  “Oh Alec,” I whispered, “I love you. Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me,” he breathed, holding me tighter, “I truly mean every word.”

  We made love, careful of my growing belly, losing ourselves in desire and passion. I would never get enough of my loving and adoring husband. He was my whole world. I had always loved Alec, since the first moment we met, but over the last six months I had fallen deeply in love with him. It was almost scary, loving someone so unconditionally, so completely, that I would die for him. It was true. I could do it if I had to.

  We were laying on the bed together, spending the last few minutes in each other’s arms before he had to go back to work. I ran my fingers along his chest, lost in thought. Absently I traced the words ‘I love you’ slowly, branding them into his flesh. He grabbed my hand, his fingers enclosing mine.

  “I love you Lizzie, forever.” He told me quietly, the conviction of that statement resounding somewhere deep in my chest.

  I looked into his eyes, soft and adoring, and I knew that I was home.

  “I love you Alec, more than I ever thought or dreamed was possible. I love you so much it’s almost scary.”

  He frowned. “Scary? Not really, my love. Leave fear for the things that are uncertain. If anything is true, if anything is certain, it is my love for you and our child. I would do anything, stop at nothing, kill, steal, beg, and even die for you if needed. I’ve never loved anyone or anything like I love you.” He kissed our entwined fingers. “It’s not scary. It’s the truth and promise of our bond and commitment, of our future. We have our whole lives Lizzie. I want to spend every minute of the rest of my life with you. I’ll do everything I can to ensure our survival together. Trust me, my love.”

  I nodded, my eyes filling with tears. I was suddenly afraid. What if something happened? What if we lost the war and died? What if he was killed? What if I lost him? What would I do if he had to leave me again? I couldn’t be apart from him now. My need for him was too strong.

  I said nothing. I kept my face happy and my smile bright. I wouldn’t show these fears and doubts to him. He worried enough as it was. But in the back of my mind, the fear and anxiety lingered. Losing him would end me.

  Alec left a few minutes later, a huge grin upon his lips. I stayed in bed and took a nap, enjoying the silence and succumbing to the fatigue. I was tired from the hospital and walking today. I awakened to my little one nudging my belly, letting me know it was time to eat.

  I put on a robe, taking the stairs slowly since I was having difficulty seeing my feet and the steps now. The house was getting dark, making it difficult to see. I flipped on several lights and screamed, seeing a stranger by the doorway. It was a man, tall and wearing a long black jacket and low brimmed hat. I didn’t recognize his face.

  I screamed again and ran up the stairs, the sound of footprints behind me, locking myself in the bedroom. One quick bang on the door frightened me out of my mind. Hysterical, I quickly dialed Alec’s number, only to get a busy signal. I dialed again, hearing his voice on the third ring.

  “Alec! Help, someone is in the house! Please, come home! Alec!” I screamed.

  I heard him yell that he was coming just as the phone went silent. I sat by the edge of the bed, in the corner, ready to grab the lamp for a weapon. I was scared to death. Who was in the house? Why were they here? And how did they get in? I was shaking with terror. Was someone after us?

  Minutes later I heard the front door slam open and someone downstairs. I was pretty sure it was Alec but I was afraid to open the door. Then I heard footsteps running up the stairs, grabbing the doorknob and turning it.

  “Lizzie! Lizzie, open the door. It’s me baby!” I heard him yell.

  I ran for the door and threw it open, practically hurdling myself into his arms. I started sobbing, terrified of the intruder and his intentions. Alec held me close, trying to soothe and calm me down.

  “Lizzie, please, calm down sweetheart. This isn’t good for you and the baby. Relax please. I’m here. Nothing is going to harm you. I promise.”

  I squeezed him tighter, not letting go. “I’m afraid. He was standing in our doorway and he chased me up the stairs. How did someone get in here? What if I had been asleep still? What if he was here to hurt me?”

  “Lizzie, please, baby calm down. I’ll figure it out. I’m going to change the locks right away. Don’t wor-”

  His phone rang and cut him off. Alec looked down and saw the name of his superior. He held up a finger, still holding me to his side. “Hello? Yes…she’s fine just scared…I’m concerned. Yes sir…thank you sir. Yes…see you tomorrow sir…bye.”

  He hung up the phone and looked into my eyes. I was still trembling.

  “Come, my Lizzie.”

  He picked me up and lay me down on the bed, holding me close. Gently, he brushed his fingers along my arms and belly, calming me after several minutes.

  “Less anxious now, my love?” He asked, kissing me softly.

  “Yes, but I’m still scared. How did he get in our house? Alec, what if someone is trying to hurt me?” I asked, shaking.

  “No one is going to harm you. I will see to that. I’m changing the locks tonight and I’m going to have a security camera installed so the downstairs is viewable from up here. You can always see what is going on before you go down. Will that make you feel better?”

  “I think so. Aren’t you worried or concerned? I might have been asleep Alec. What if he broke into the room?”

  His eyes took on the look of hard, cold steel. “I’d kill any man who set foot in this house and even breathed in the same room as you. I’m going to find this guy and take care of it. Don’t worry. You will be safe my Lizzie.”

  I buried my head in his chest and held onto him tight. I had the worst feeling of dread. It wasn’t right. We had to be more cautious. Something, some intuition told me to be careful. Things were not as they seemed.

  “Did you recognize who it was?” He asked.

  I shook my head. “It was too dark.”

  “Was it Donnovan?” He wondered, his eyes searching mine.

  “No…I’m almost positive it wasn’t. He was a stranger. And he was big Alec, like almost Big Dog in size.”

  Alec’s arms tightened around me. “I’ll find him.”

  “No Alec, I don’t want you to get hurt.” I sniffled.

  “I won’t Lizzie. I promise.”

  I went with Alec to buy the supplies he needed to change the locks. I refused to stay in the house alone. He was going to get the surveillance equipment tomorrow while I was at the hospital. There was no way I was staying in the house without it now.

  Alec made us a quick dinner of salad and leftover tuna noodle casserole I made the day before. It was good and the baby moved happily in my tummy afterward. We had our next appointment on Friday. It was the ultrasound to see the sex of our baby. I would be twenty two weeks, almost six months along.

  The rest of the week passed by without incident. I helped at the hospital, despite Alec’s apprehension in letting me return. He installed the camera so we could see the downstairs and entryw
ay if someone tried to break in again. Alec and I had the only keys to the new locks on the doors. It made me feel a lot safer, at least for the moment.

  Friday morning we went to the doctor for our appointment. Dr. Cranford gave me a clean bill of health, setting Alec’s mind at ease. The baby and I were both healthy and strong. The ultrasound showed a perfect tiny little baby kicking and moving around in my womb. Alec grinned broadly.

  “I can see the sex of the baby now. Did you want to know?” He asked us.

  We both nodded, glancing at each other and smiling.

  “Look here at the screen. Congratulations! You are having a little boy. Alec, meet your son.”

  Alec’s eyes filled with tears. “Wow, he is so tiny and perfect. Thank you doctor.” He turned to me and placed a kiss on my lips. “Thank you Lizzie. I love you.”

  I put my hand on my belly. “I hope he has your eyes. I love you too. ”

  We were sent home with pictures, one showing the sex of the baby. Alec loved it. He was thrilled. We put the pictures on our refrigerator when we got home, on display, at Alec’s insistence. He was so proud. I patted my belly, laughing lightly.

  “I had a feeling the baby was going to be a boy. I hope he looks like you. You’re so handsome.” I told him, kissing him on the cheek.

  “I am not surprised. I was pretty sure he was going to be a boy too. What do you want to name him? Do you have any ideas?” He asked, brushing the hair out of my eyes.

  “I would like him to have my father’s name. It was Benjamin. Perhaps Alec Benjamin after you and my father? Would you like that?”

  He grinned. “I love it. Are we going to call him junior?”

  “Hmmm, I don’t know. Maybe. It depends on what I think when I see him. I’m not sure if he will look like a junior.” I told him honestly.

  Alec laughed heartily at that. “You are funny sweetheart. Alec Benjamin it is. Perhaps junior as a nickname. I’ll be happy regardless.”

  The baby moved, rolling around inside my tummy and making my belly flop. Alec’s eyes grew huge.

  “Did that hurt? He must have done a somersault in there.”

  “No, but it did feel like he flipped around. I think he is happy and glad I ate some food. It always makes him move around.”