Messy and Shattered

by Mercy Cortez

  Messy and Shattered (The Abduct Series)

  First edition

  Copyright ©2013

  Mercy Cortez

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. The author holds the exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

  No part of this book can be reproduced in any form or by electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without the permission in writing by the author.

  The only exception is by a reviewer who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  Stockholm syndrome

  Described as a victim’s emotional “bonding” with their abuser, Stockholm syndrome was given its name following a hostage situation in Stockholm, Sweden when, following the end of a bank robbery, the hostages identified with and supported their captor.

  Dr. Joseph Carver, a clinical psychologist, describes emotionally bonding with an abuser as a survival strategy for victims of abuse and intimidation. For example, a victim who was abducted and raped may, years later, describe the captor as a “great person” with whom he/she formed an emotional bond, may be showing characteristics of a victim suffering from Stockholm syndrome.

  It is important to remember that Stockholm syndrome develops subconsciously and on an involuntary basis. The strategy is a survival instinct that develops as an attempt to survive in a threatening and controlling environment.

  This information was taken by RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)

  RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.

  “I will hurt you for this. I don't know how yet, but give me time. A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy, and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you'll know the debt is paid.”

  ― George R.R. Martin, A Clash of Kings

  Table of contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One - Aimee

  Chapter Two - Draco

  Chapter Three - Aimee

  Chapter Four - Draco

  Chapter Five - Aimee

  Chapter Six - Rahul

  Chapter Seven - Draco

  Chapter Eight - Aimee

  Chapter Nine - Draco

  Chapter Ten - Aimee

  Chapter Eleven - Rahul

  Chapter Twelve - Draco

  Chapter Thirteen - Aimee

  Chapter Fourteen - Draco

  Chapter Fifteen - Aimee

  Chapter Sixteen - Draco

  Chapter Seventeen - Rahul

  Chapter Eighteen – Aimee

  Chapter Eighteen - Draco

  Chapter Nineteen - Aimee

  Chapter Twenty - Draco

  Chapter Twenty One - Aimee

  Chapter Twenty Two - Draco

  Chapter Twenty Three - Jethro

  Chapter Twenty Four - Aimee

  Chapter Twenty Five - Rahul

  Chapter Twenty Six – Draco and Aimee

  Chapter Twenty Seven - Draco

  Chapter Twenty Eight - Aimee

  Chapter Twenty Nine - Draco

  Chapter Thirty - Jethro

  Chapter Thirty One -Draco

  Chapter Thirty Two - Aimee

  Chapter Thirty Three – Draco

  Epilogue Part One – The Truth Will Set You Free

  Epilogue/Prologue Part Two – Jethro’s Journey

  Acknowledgements

  Other books by this author…

  Prologue

  I looked at the man in front of me, he didn't look scary or threatening, to anyone else he looked harmless. He had a wide white smile that could make any girl melt; he had shaggy long blonde hair and innocent baby blue eyes. His Australian accent added to his worldly charm. He looked like a sweet and kind surfer but with a jaw gripped tight that showed anger.

  I looked down at the blade gripped in his palm and the blood dripping from the edges. His face read almost of sorrow, but only almost.

  I looked at the floor, my voice lost in a scream. I looked down at her soft cheeks, her auburn hair and her still green eyes. She wasn't blinking, she wasn't breathing. I saw the crimson spread from her throat all over the Italian marble floor. It seeped into the cracks. This girl, this fifteen year old girl with blood staining her favorite floral dress... She couldn't be my sister, I wouldn't believe it.

  I foolishly thought this would be the worst day of my life.

  That was the day I was taken, that was the day I met Draco.

  Chapter One - Aimee

  I observed my little sister; she was so pretty, she wore a light pink floral dress that our mother had bought her six months ago. She looked so much like our mother; the same rich auburn hair and full rosy lips.

  She was packing because I was taking her to Italy today; Rome to be exact.

  The last five months have been the worst I could conceive. My mother had been told she had cancer. It started as skin cancer, which the doctors had told us was curable, but before we knew it, it was spreading somehow. I don't know the ins and outs, at the time I could barely function and the formalities didn't matter. It only mattered when they gave my mum a prognosis of six months to a year, and she died three weeks later. Cancer was one of my biggest fears. After seeing my mum disintegrate from this strong woman of whom I admired, to a shell of skin and bones, I realised Cancer was a type of evil. She wasn't my mother anymore, the soul and the spirit makes the person. She was just the body of my beautiful mother completely destroyed.

  My sister, Erin, took it badly; she cried nonstop for a month and would barely eat for two. She is finally getting back on her feet. I had missed her so much, missed her laugh in those months, she was such a bright and beautiful girl and I knew I could pull it back out of her.

  I had organised a surprise trip to Italy for her birthday and it had taken all my savings but we needed a break, we needed to carry on and live life even if it hurt. I had to look after Erin, our father had left when she was one and I didn't even think to contact him. I was Erin’s legal guardian and that was all that mattered.

  "Hey, sugar plum, how’s the packing going?"

  She beamed at me, I had only told her this morning we were going away for her birthday and she had been smiling at me like a Cheshire cat ever since.

  "I can't believe you did this, thank you so much, Aimee. I need to put it on Facebook!" I chuckled at her and watched as she threw clothes in her case.

  I loved Erin. She made me stronger, and she made everything brighter.

  ...

  Chapter Two - Draco

  I breathed in the Italian air. I had never visited Italy before. I had only been here for a week, but it wasn't looking promising. Usually we went to Romania or Istanbul, but we needed something different, someone different.

  I have been with Rahul for two years; he worked in a very stern business. He wasn't a nice man, he was a psychopath, I had watched him beat girls senseless, rape them until they bled and sell girls as young as thirteen. Once I was out of this mess I was going to kill him, I had no interest in any fucked up form of justice with Rahul, and I wanted vengeance for all the women and girls that suffered because of him.

  I was the recruiter today. I had to choose her; all this time they never expected me to choose one. Rahul had made it sound like a privilege.

  "You've been here long enough, you know how it works. You choose the best, the most beautiful, the easy target and the one with the least mess to clean up. We watch from the shadows and then strike"

  “I don't know, Rahul. I mean, I've watched you choose every girl but of course I need a lesson on what to do; I’m more than fucking ready"

  I had to impress him, I had to choose the pe
rfect girl for him, and my life depended on it. I had to think of the other people in this, the other women that would be saved through this sacrifice. Once I had proved my worth, Rahul would finally accept me and I would be in position to do what I came here to achieve.

  I was on the hotel balcony; I needed to choose her soon and this eagle eye view was the only way to pick someone without anyone suspecting us. You never interact with a product before you claim it. I decided to forget what might happen to her, what she might have to endure, it had to happen. I saw a lone girl; she had long chocolate brown hair down to her breast bone and lightly tanned skin, her eyes were covered by large dark sunglasses and her lips were pursed slightly. She looked a little scared, yet strong. I saw her pull out a map from her black, drawstring bag. She squinted at the map and stood firmly to the spot. Suddenly her face lit up and I heard another voice, a British voice.

  "Aimee! The hotel is right there. I told you we were close." This girl was younger; at a guess I would say sixteen at the most. She was stunning. I heard Rahul come up behind me.

  "Nice eye there, Draco. The redhead is perfect. I would fetch a lot for her. The brunette is okay, but two girls could be tricky. I must say I am impressed, newbie."

  That was it, I couldn't say no. I couldn't choose anyone else. I looked at Rahul; his eyes fed lust and want as he stared at the young girl. My stomach flipped and I tried to act nonchalant. Rahul had dark skin, a wide nose, and eyes that could cripple you to the ground. I had never seen eyes so black. He was short but had more muscle than fat. I had fought him once and I knew how much strength he held.

  "Rahul, I have an idea. You get the redhead and I get the brunette. I think I could teach her a few things" I finished my response with a wink and Rahul laughed and punches my arm lightly.

  "I knew I kept you around for a reason."

  I already had a plan in place, I just hoped that it was worth it and more than that I hoped I could go through with it.

  "We need to have the key to the room, Rahul. How else will we abduct them?" I said with a tiny plea in my voice.

  "Well we haven't studied them yet; we may be wasting time on this"

  "Come on, where will we find two girls like that? British girls none the less" I was trying to be persuasive but I had a feeling it wasn't working too well.

  "British? Well in that case..." he handed me his wad of cash from the inside of his tailor made suit jacket "...you better get down there fast and have a word with reception."

  Chapter Three - Aimee

  We walked into the hotel lobby and stared in wonder at ‘Grand Hotel Plaza’, we were escorted up a marble staircase with red runner stretched over the steps, on the end of the hand rail was a carved statue of a lion, its mane intricately sculpted. Our room was on the fourth floor; I only had enough money for a standard, twin bed room. We were escorted by a tall, weak looking man; his name tag read 'Niccolo.' He didn't speak once and I politely thanked him for taking our bags. He was friendly enough as far as I was concerned. The room had creamy textured wallpaper and an old original painting over the two beds, there were bedside cabinets with lamps that lit the room nicely. I looked out the window to a view of a wall and the rubbish collection on the street, but then I didn’t exactly expect a view of the bustling streets and majestic buildings at the price I had paid for the room. It was a lovely hotel and a lovely room. Sure it wasn't a suite, but looking at Erin she didn't seem to mind much. She had jumped on the bed closest to the door and therefore closest to the bathroom and was laying herself across it like she had never experienced the feel of a duvet beneath her. She was still smiling and everytime I saw it I beamed. I sat on my bed and began reading the welcome pack that was thankfully in many different languages; including English. The manual mentioned tourist attractions nearby including the ‘Spanish Steps’ and many designer outlets.

  I was just about to unpack when I heard a knock at the door.

  I opened it slowly to see Niccolo staring back.

  "Ummm... madam... umm... the room is... unacceptable. We move you."

  His English really wasn't great which explained his lack of conversation previously; he looked like he had just swallowed a fly as incoherent words and letters gasped out of his mouth. He was sweating profusely and purposefully declining to look me in the eye; it certainly made me a little wary of him.

  "What's wrong with this room?" I asked without concern.

  "Um... we just need to change... this room is not for you... umm... wrong, wrong room. Apology"

  I decided against my better judgment to follow him. I should have listened to that judgment more.

  He took our bags and Erin was losing her smile a little. I think she thought like I did, they were taking us to a worse room, that room was too nice.

  He took us further up the marble stairs, we got right to the top floor and he gave me a keycard for the room. I watched as a dark skinned man who wore an expensive and impressive suit smiled at me as he walked into the room adjoining ours. My skin felt itchy when he smiled.

  Erin walked into the room first while I was staring at the space the suited man had stood in. I heard a gasp and a scream and I panicked; I ran into the room looking around for Erin when I couldn't see her I panicked more until I heard Niccolo.

  "Madame she is in ere... er, how you say, separate rooms."

  I took a second to look around my room and was shell shocked, it had three elegant sofas all surrounding a slate and gold fireplace; the sofas had gold cushions and matching long drapes at the windows. The walls had white wood paneling and had a beautiful picture rail around the top of the walls. I walked onto the parquet wood floors into my bedroom, which had four poster bed and white soft sheets hanging from it. I was in heaven.

  Erin ran into my room her smile reappearing.

  "Oh my gosh, Aim, I have marble frigging floors and the largest fireplace I've ever seen! Did you plan this?" she hugged me close to her and I held her tight and then called out to Niccolo.

  "Look I can't afford this room" Erin released me from the hold and ran back to her room.

  "No probleem Madame; the room was booked and this now your room... Umm low vacancy levels means we - fill large room." He smiled at me weakly and left me alone. I had heard of hotels filling up empty rooms for those guests in smaller and less fortunate accommodation but something in me felt doubt and I chose to ignore it; bigger fool me.

  Chapter Four - Draco

  I had run so fast down the stairs my head spun. I saw her walking through the lobby, her shielded eyes captured by the beauty of the building. Like I said before, you don't interact with a product. I was going to keep that rule intact. I went to the reception quickly, before she got there, and pulled a woman aside. In Italian that was probably very rusty I tried to explain what it was I needed, this woman was either stupid or didn't understand the fact that I was in a rush. I wasn't sure if it was working with Rahul too long or my own anxious need to get this task complete but I thought about ordering the receptionist to do what I was asking or I would break those slow typing, pretty little fingers. I peered back at 'Aimee' and saw that she had placed her sunglasses on top of her head letting it sit in her brown hair. I could finally clearly see her face. She had hazel eyes. The colour wasn't of importance, the strength they held was. She looked like she had never been taken care of, like she was always the responsible one, always the one making the decisions. In a way it was going to be fun breaking her, it shouldn't be fun and I know that but a part of me, a part of me that should be ashamed of it all wasn't. A part of me liked it and even more, I would miss it when it was over. A tall man who looked petrified took Aimee and the redhead’s bags and shuffled them up the grand staircase. The woman asked me what Aimee’s last name was and I was stumped, I really should have thought of that. I told her she couldn't help me and stormed away from her and ran straight into the tall man who had helped Aimee. Now that I was close to him I could see his eyes; dilated pupils, sweaty brow, fidgety posture. I didn't need a PhD
to realise that this guy was on some sort of drug and I do love to manipulate drug addicts. That's why pimps and slave owners get the girls on drugs, they depend on them for the next hit; manipulated into doing anything. It is a rather sad and overused tactic. Rahul and I, we didn't need to make a girl dependent on us with drugs; we knew ways to make them comply and they worked far too well. I asked the man who the girls were and he said he couldn't help me. I pulled out the wad of cash that had been burning a hole in my pocket and showed it to him. I was sick of this speaking in fucking Italian lark.

  "Answer my questions and every euro here is yours, understand?" I looked sternly into his eyes and the man nodded numbly.

  "The girls. What are their names?" I asked rushed needing as much information as possible for Rahul’s usual background check; these things were planned, we had to have an idea of the risk of taking these girls vs. the reward.

  "Aimee and... Er-in um... Davies."

  "Ages?" I asked demandingly

  "I only... Aimee book the room...She is twenty three" he was on edge, looking over his shoulder and trying to think hard for the correct words. His teeth were stained and I came to the fast conclusion that his vice was rubbing cocaine into his gums.

  "Anything else I should know?"

  "Umm they are here... For birthday of Er-in, I think they are sisters" he stuttered hard with his English pronunciation.

  "Okay, I need one more thing. Move the room. We paid for the adjoining room to ours in our stay. Change the names and pretend that there was an error on the system. Tell the girls the hotel is under booked and so you are giving them the deluxe double suits as to fill rooms. Understand, Niccolo?" I spoke clearly wanting him to fully comprehend what I was asking of him. He simply nodded, took the cash and ran up the stairs to change the room. I hurried back to my room waiting to hear them join. As I entered Rahul asked me what I knew.