Black Heart

by Jenny Lynn

  “Oh my god, Breanne? Is it really you?”

  “It is, I’m home. I’m safe.”

  I heard her shout for my dad, then her voice break as she started to cry. “Breanne, we thought we lost you forever. Where were you? What happened?”

  “I’ll fill you in soon, the police are here and I need to speak with them. I just wanted you to know I was safe, and that I love you.”

  “We love you too Breanne. We’re going to get a flight to Chicago immediately.”

  “Let me know when you land. I’ll see you soon.”

  “See you soon, sweetheart.”

  I hung up and headed back into the living room. Two tall police officers were standing there, watching me as I approached. One stepped forward.

  “I’m Detective Rossi, this is Detective Smith. We know you’ve been through a lot, but we’re hoping you can walk us through a few things while the recent events are still fresh in your mind.”

  “Of course,” I told them. Nicholas and I sat down on the couch, his hands holding onto mine, and we told them everything. Every single detail, as they quickly scribbled notes. They asked questions, we answered them. After a few hours, when they had everything they needed, they nodded to each other.

  “Thank you for your time Miss Taylor, Mister Blackstone. Randy Wilkes and Sarah Bell are in custody, you should be able to rest easy today. We’ll be in touch.”

  “I’ll see you out, Detectives,” Nicholas told them as he stood up. Together they all walked out towards the elevators.

  Nicholas came back, alone. He scooped me into his arms and carried me to the bedroom. I relaxed in his grasp; my safety net. He placed me in the soft sheets. His phone rang again so he switched it to silent and crawled in beside me. Nicholas wrapped his strong arms around me; I sighed and curled into him. I don’t remember anything else. I drifted off to sleep. The first moments of peace I had felt since before my ordeal began.

  19

  I gasped as I awoke with a start, relieved to see that I was in my bed. It was not a dream; I really was safe. I wandered to the next room where Nicholas was on the phone pacing back and forth. He noticed me approaching and smiled.

  “That’s my only statement at this time. Yes. Thank you,” he said, then hung up.

  “Who was that?” I asked.

  “The New York Times. Media have been all over this; there are going to be interview requests for you when you’re ready. I’ve hired a PR firm to deal with everything so we don’t have to.”

  “What would I do without you, Nicholas?” I asked. “You’re always so calm, so in control.”

  “You didn’t see me when I realized you were in trouble. I felt like I had lost everything. I would have done anything to find you, Breanne. I would have searched the globe.”

  I walked up to him and leaned into his arms. “You did find me. You saved me.”

  “Tabitha has been calling. She’s very upset.”

  “I want to see her,” I said.

  “Doctor Shaffer called as well.”

  “He must feel horrible,” I said. “I’ll call him back.”

  “He should feel horrible, this was all his fault.”

  “Nicholas,” I said, rubbing his arms. “I wanted this opportunity. It’s not his fault that Randy escaped.” Nicholas stiffened and said nothing.

  “I’m going to call them both, before I get ready. Is that okay?”

  “Only if you take the driver when you go,” he said.

  “Deal,” I answered. I reached up on my tiptoes and kissed him.

  I saw her seated at a table, twisting a napkin in her hands. When she saw me walk into the coffee shop she choked out a sob and ran towards me. She hugged me tightly, crying into my hair. I rubbed her back soothingly.

  “Tabitha, it’s okay, I’m okay,” I said.

  “This is all my fault,” she gasped. “He used my phone. I’m so stupid.”

  I pulled back so I could look her in the eyes. “This is not your fault Tabitha, don’t think that. Randy was a master manipulator and an opportunist. There was no way you could have known he would steal your phone. Come on, let’s sit down.”

  We moved over to the table, people were watching us with curiosity. “Can I get you a coffee?” Tabitha asked.

  “I’d love a cappuccino,” I told her. She smiled then leapt up, headed for the counter and ordered one for me. I looked around the room, marveled at my freedom. I didn’t think I would ever take it for granted again. When Tabitha returned she placed my drink down, I thanked her and sipped it. I let the rich, creamy drink flow over my tongue warming me from the inside.

  “Thank you for taking the time to see me,” she said. “I was so worried about you,”

  “I can’t stay long,” I told her. “I need to drop by Doctor Shaffer’s office next, and my parents just got in town.”

  “Everyone is so relieved you’re okay.” She paused. “Are you, though? Okay, I mean?”

  I traced the rim of my cup with my finger, thinking about my answer. “I’m grateful, more than anything. I realize how easily this could have been the end for me, the end of everything I worked so hard to build. But I’m going to be grateful for my life. Grateful for my family, my friends, my career, and Nicholas.”

  “You should have seen him, Breanne, how determined he was when you went missing. He had people working around the clock to investigate this, he was applying pressure on the police. He made sure this was a top story in the media. I don’t think he ever slept.”

  “When he found me, I was scared it was a dream. I couldn’t believe he was really there, that he was rescuing me.”

  “What happens now?” she asked.

  “There will be a trial, I’ll testify. Randy and Sarah are going away for a long time, I’m going to make sure of it. I’m going to continue on with my life. I’m going back to school, and we’re moving forward with the wedding.”

  “The date is still set?” she asked.

  “After everything, I can’t wait to stand in front of my family and friends so that we can say our vows. I want to promise Nicholas forever and hear him promise me the same thing.”

  “You both deserve happiness after everything you’ve been through.”

  “I still want you up there, standing beside me. Will you do that for me?”

  Her lip started to tremble and she nodded slowly. “Of course, Breanne, of course.”

  I finished my cappuccino and checked the time. “I’m sorry, I need to make my way to see Doctor Shaffer. But we’ll catch up longer soon, I promise.”

  Tabitha stood up, hugged me again. “I’m so happy you’re okay. I love you.”

  “Love you too,” I told her, giving her an affectionate squeeze.

  Back outside the driver was waiting for me. I climbed into the car and texted Nicholas to let him know I was on my way to my second appointment. We drove through traffic, the cars surging around us, until we arrived at our destination. I stepped out, remembering the first time I visited Doctor Shaffer. So eager and hopeful. So naive. I opened the doors and headed inside. His receptionist looked up then her eyes widened when she saw me. She jumped to her feet and rushed to the door behind her. She opened it and poked her head in. I heard her say, “She’s here.”

  A voice from behind the door. “Send her in please.”

  I walked over and she let me pass inside. Doctor Shaffer was standing by the window. The door closed behind me and there we stood, facing each other. Neither of us said anything, the silence was heavy between us, until he broke it.

  “I don’t even know how to begin my apology, Breanne.”

  “This isn’t your fault,” I told him. “The only person I blame is Randy.”

  “I should never have put you in that position. None of this would have happened.”

  “You gave me an opportunity, Doctor Shaffer, and I was grateful for that. I still am. I’m more determined than ever to pursue this field.”

  “You’re a remarkably strong woman,” he said.
r />   “You were right, he was deceptive. He was only pretending to be better. Now, we’ll be able to make sure he spends the rest of his life in jail.”

  “I’ll be asked to testify,” he said. “They’ll ask why I put you in that position. I thought I had a good reason, but now I’m not so sure.”

  “You were giving a student a practical case study. You were exposing Randy Wilkes for what he really was. You were doing your job, Doctor Shaffer.”

  He sighed and sank into a chair, running his hands over his face. “When it happened, I knew it was all my fault. Your fiancée was livid. I don’t blame him.”

  “Nicholas is protective of me,” I said as I sat across from him.

  “I gave him and his team everything they asked for — access to all my files. I’m glad they found you.”

  “I’m sure you were more than helpful,” I said.

  “Not many would have made it out of that situation, but you did. You’re a survivor.”

  “I used what I learned about him, what you helped teach me. That saved my life.”

  “If you ever want to talk about what happened, I hope you know,” his voice trailed off.

  “I would like to talk about it with you,” I said. “I know you’ll understand.”

  I stood up and extended my hand. He looked at me, stood, then shook it firmly. He had a warm, fatherly smile on his face. “I’m continually impressed by you, Breanne.”

  “Thank you, Doctor Shaffer. For everything. I’ll be in touch. I should go, my family is waiting for me.”

  “One more thing,” he said, reaching for a package on his desk. He handed me a stack of three boxed puzzles, wrapped with ribbon. “For when the stress and memories become too much. I hope this helps.”

  I smiled; touched by the gesture, I traced my finger over the image of a small village. “Thank you,” I repeated. I turned and headed out his office, back into the waiting car and headed for home. My parents would be there soon. It was time to move on with my life. When terrible, unexpected things happen to us, this is how we regain control: We live our lives, with courage and appreciation for everything and everyone in them.

  20

  I was standing in a private room, staring at my reflection in a full-length mirror. It had been a busy few months as I dealt with my return to school, the investigation and the media circus surrounding my rescue. That was all in the past for now, all that mattered was today.

  Today was my wedding day.

  “Are you ready, sweetheart?” My mother’s reflection was visible beside mine in the mirror.

  “I’m ready,” I told her, taking one last look. My hair tumbled over my shoulders, I adjusted my veil. My dress flowed down over me, a cascade of lace and silk. I hoped Nicholas would like it. Music started to play in the distance and my bridesmaids chattered excitedly by the door.

  “You look spectacular, Breanne,” said Sasha.

  “We’re going to be sisters!” Evelyn exclaimed. Sasha shot her a look then she laughed. Tabitha smiled at me, she didn’t need to say a thing. My best friend had been with me through it all, from the very start. She squeezed my hand and I squeezed back, then one by one they got in line by the door. On queue, they walked out to meet the groomsmen and start the long walk up the aisle to the front where Nicholas would be standing, waiting for me.

  I stepped towards my father, looped my arm around his, then my mother at my other side. I wanted it to be both of them walking me down the aisle, the two people who had shaped me into the woman I had become. My father proudly looked at me; while my mother was doing her best to fight back tears — she wanted to be as strong as I was. I gave a nod, trying to keep down my nerves, and we left the room. The music grew louder as we moved towards the end of the aisle. A string quartet eloquently played the wedding march, and as I came into view, rows upon rows of guests stood, turning to look at me. My heart raced in my chest, there were so many people; people I’ve known my entire life, and new faces that I would soon call family. Then I saw him — Nicholas — looking at me from the front of the room. Suddenly everything became so simple; it became just the two of us.

  There were white flowers everywhere, candles flickering from their pillars, it was a vast space but felt soft and intimate. I walked down the aisle, guided by my parents, step by step as he watched me. There was a warm, heart-stopping smile on his handsome face. I felt the tears starting to well in my eyes and took a deep breath. This was really happening. I was marrying Nicholas Blackstone. We stopped at the end of the aisle and I turned to kiss my mother and my father on the cheek. Nicholas extended his hand, and I walked up the three steps onto the podium where he was standing with the priest.

  The priest, an older man, started the ceremony. His baritone voice was deep and calming. We stood facing each other under the high arched ceilings; the dusky sky visible through the high glass. Everything felt like a dream as the priest recited the speech he had prepared. He asked if there were any objections. I glanced at Lilly. She gave me a faint smile and I knew that any hostilities were now behind us. The priest turned to Nicholas and nodded for him to give his vows.

  “Breanne Taylor, from the moment I met you I have been captivated. Without you my life would be empty, and with you my life is complete. You are the answer to the question my heart has been asking my entire life. I promise to love, honor, cherish and protect you until my last breath.”

  The priest turned to me. It was my turn.

  “Nicholas Blackstone, we have been through so much together, and through it all you have been my rock. You are my safe space in an ever-changing world. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that as long as we are together the future is bright. I promise to love you, unconditionally, until my final days.”

  The priest looked at us. “Nicholas Blackstone, do you take Breanne Taylor as your lawfully wedded wife?”

  “I do.” His eyes stared into mine, into me, and I had to take a breath. I didn’t know it was possible to love this deeply.

  “Breanne Taylor, do you take Nicholas Blackstone as your lawfully wedded husband?”

  “I do,” I said, my voice catching.

  “I invite you to exchange rings, as a symbol of your commitment to one another.”

  Nicholas reached forward, took my hand in his, and slipped an elegant wedding band onto my finger. With my hand shaking slightly, I did the same for him. The priest smiled and faced the audience.

  “It is my pleasure to pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

  Nicholas winked at me, pulled me towards him, and sealed his lips over mine as the crowd cheered. I surrendered to him as he turned, dipping me low. He held me, his mouth against mine, then brought me to my feet as our friends and family cheered. I leaned against him and smiled, then we turned and faced the room. Hand-in-hand, we walked down the aisle while people stood clapping; their faces beaming with delight — it warmed my heart so many people to be excited and happy for us. We stepped into a private room, while the wedding planner and staff busied themselves for the reception. Once we were alone, Nicholas held my hand and spun me, twirling my dress around me.

  “You look spectacular,” he told me.

  I took in the sleek lines of his black designer tuxedo, the bowtie at his neck. He looked classic and elegant, as handsome as the first day I met him. He held my arms, running his fingers over the bare skin.

  “I wanted this from the day I took you to that wedding in California,” he told me.

  I laughed. “You barely even knew me.”

  “I have an instinct about people, I always have. I can read them.”

  “What did you read in me?” I asked.

  “I saw a woman who was determined, but who didn’t know her own strengths. You’re a lot braver and stronger than you ever thought; you wouldn’t have made it through everything we have if you weren’t. I saw how curious you were about the world, and how it would be to explore it all with you. I saw someone I could build a future with.”


  “You saw this all in a clumsy waitress?” I smiled.

  “I did. And every moment we spent together after that reinforced it. Showed me that I was right about you, about us.” He cupped my face in his hands, sealed his mouth over mine again. There was a knock at the door and reluctantly he broke away. Stephanie, our wedding planner, poked her head in. She had been a godsend these past few months as we finalized the wedding details. Whatever Nicholas was paying her, she deserved more.

  “We’re ready for you, the band is set to announce you as you walk in.”

  Nicholas raised an eyebrow at me. “Ready, Breanne?”

  “Please,” I smiled, looping my arm into his, “call me Mrs. Blackstone.”

  “I like that,” he said, kissing my forehead. We followed Stephanie as she spoke into her headset. We stood at the entrance as we heard a woman on a microphone.

  “For the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Blackstone!”

  There was thunderous applause and we walked into the room arm in arm, Nicholas nodded and I smiled as we made our way to the head table where our families were seated. As I sat beside Nicholas, I had a brief opportunity to take pause. A warm feeling washed over me — a realization we were now husband and wife. He held my hand under the table as waiters walked by with trays of champagne. The evening went by in a joyous blur. There were heartwarming speeches from our family and friends, there was a decadent meal, soft jazz music in the background. When we cut the cake, I dabbed a bit of icing on Nicholas’ lip and giggled as I kissed it away. I was giddy with love. Nicholas couldn’t keep himself from touching me.

  The band began to play, and we made our way to the floor for our first dance. The woman on stage sang At Last, a cover of our favorite Etta James song which perfectly encapsulated the story of our love. As Nicholas held me close, we moved slowly in the middle of the dance floor. I pressed my face against his shoulder. I had someone I loved, who loved me back, to spend the rest of my life with. I couldn’t ask for anything more.