“Watching him? As in…” Dane began.
“As in we have a location for him, and he is under constant surveillance.” Aaron finished, nodding. “The drug squad is busting him tomorrow. We’ve also traced the website to an address in Brooklyn, in the warehouse district. We will bust that at the same time their picking up Rafel.”
Holy shit. Tomorrow. Steffy could be free tomorrow.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Dane and I sat opposite Aaron, shell-shocked by what he’d just told us.
“So, did they know about the trafficking, as well as the drugs?” I asked, confused. They had been watching him for eight months and had not stopped him?
Aaron shook his head. “The interest in Rafel, until this point has been purely drug related. If not for you, Lily, we’d have never have known about his other involvements, and chances are his men would’ve disposed of all the girls following his arrest.” He explained. My head throbbed. This was all too much. Abby’s words rang over and over in my head.
Follow your gut.
How the fuck was I supposed to know the right move here?
If I fucked this up, then Steffy was as good as dead, and Dane would never forgive me.
I would never forgive me.
“Lily, this is good news.” Aaron encouraged, offering me a smile. I forced a smile back. If only I felt even half of his confidence.
“I have to go, but I will keep in touch. Keep your cell with you, okay?” Aaron nodded at me. He and Dane walked to the door. Sitting on the couch, I fiddled with my bracelet.
“Are you okay?” Dane said, sitting down next to me, hugging me. I nodded.
“I’m just worried. Nervous.” I swallowed, my throat felt like it was coated with sandpaper.
“So am I, Lil. Whatever happens, thank you for giving me hope again, okay?” His voice broke as tears rolled down his cheeks. I wrapped my arms around him, squeezing him close to me.
“I love you, Dane. I just want this to end well for you,” I whispered, my own eyes now filling with tears.
“So long as I’m with you.” He hugged me what felt like hours. Finally, he broke away. “I guess I better call my parents.” He said nervously, knowing he couldn’t put it off any longer. He had wanted to wait until he had something to tell them, and that moment was now.
“What are you going to say to them?” I asked, curious. How exactly do you tell your parents your girlfriend’s dead sister has possibly found their dead daughter alive?
“I have no idea.” He answered, shaking his head. He kissed me on the head, and left for his room.
Kella made coffee as I explained to her and Fraser what Aaron had said. My cell sat on the table in front of me, like a ticking bomb, waiting to go off.
“So what, now you just wait?” Fraser asked, rubbing his head. Nodding, I reached forward, checking for the hundredth time that my cell was on loud.
“Wait for the call.” I agreed. “Dane’s calling his parents now.” I added. Kella breathed in, biting her lip as she set my cup down in front of me.
“I don’t envy that job.” She said. “Imagine finding out after nearly ten years your daughter might actually be alive?” She shook her head. The idea was hard to comprehend.
Dane walked into the room, kicking the book I’d placed to prop the door open out of the way, letting the door swing shut.
“How did it go?” I asked.
He shrugged. “About as well as I expected. They’re shocked, and in denial. It will take a while for them to process it, but they’re on their way here.” He sat down next to me, his arm sneaking around my waist. “I just hope that no matter the outcome, they can get some closure.”
After sitting around all day waiting for that damn phone to ring, when it finally did just after midnight we both just stared at it. Too wound up to sleep, we had both just been dosing on the sofa. Picking up the phone, I was so nervous I struggled to press answer.
“Hello?” I said, holding my breath.
“We have her, Lily. We have her and she’s okay. She’s alive.” Aaron’s said, his voice full of emotion. My hand flew to my mouth as I tried to strangle words out. Dane stared at me, waiting, not moving.
“She’s okay. They have her.” I said, tears rolling down my cheeks. Dane fell backward, his hands on his head, his expression one of complete disbelief.
“She’s alive? Holy shit, Lily, she’s alive?” He wept. He stood up, suddenly unable to sit still. “We have to go to her. I need to see her.”
“Where is she?” I asked Aaron. “Can Dane see her? And his parents?” I asked hopefully.
“She’s at South Mercy Hospital.” Aaron Said. “I’ll be there, just ask for me.”
The drive to the hospital was the most tension filled I had ever seen Dane. He called his parents on the way. Hearing their reaction to finding out their daughter was alive was something I’d never forget. At one point, everyone was crying, even me.
“Mom?” Dane asked, his voice low and husky. “Put me on speaker. You both need to hear this.”
“Oh Dane, please….Andrew!” she called out frantically. “Pull over now!” The line clicked, and Dane smiled at me.
“What’s going on?” Dane’s father asked, sounding both confused and annoyed, the sound of traffic polluted the background.
“It’s Dane. I think it’s Steffy…” His mom’s voice trailed off as she broke down.
“Mom.” Dane whispered. “Don’t cry. She’s okay. Steffy is okay, mom.”
“My baby.” His mother gasped, “My baby’s alive!” She began to cry, and I mean really cry. The sound of her sobs bringing tears to my own eyes. How surreal must this moment be for her? After all those years of hope and anguish, the one thing they would have never even let themselves consider had come true. Steffy was alive.
“Have you seen her, Dane? Is she okay? We’re just leaving the airport, where is she?” She asked “Where’s my little girl?” Her voice broke to a fresh wave of tears.
“She’s at South Mercy Hospital, and we’re on our way there now, mom.” Dane answered, giving her the address.
“Okay baby, we’ll see you there.” Dane put down his phone, and wrapped his arms around me, his lips resting on my forehead.
“Thank you, Lil. “ He whispered.
His parents met us outside the hospital. The awkward moment of meeting your boyfriends’ parents was overshadowed by Steffy’s miraculous escape. Aaron was waiting for us inside. He ushered us into a room, where a doctor was waiting.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hansen, it’s wonderful to meet you, especially under such amazing circumstances. I’m Dr. Peter Larsson,” He began. “I know how keen you are to go and see Steffy, I just firstly wanted to give you an idea of what to expect.” He glanced around at us. “Steffy has been through a massive ordeal. There is a big chance she might not recognize any of you, and she is not communicating at this time. Physically, she seems okay, but mentally, she has been hidden away for ten years. We know she has been abused, but the extent of that abuse won’t be known for some time.” He stood up. “If you follow me, the doctor will take you to Steffy.” Dane and his parents stood up to follow. I gently tugged on Dane’s shirt.
“I think it’s better if I wait out here. It will be enough of a shock her seeing you guys, I don’t think she needs the added confusion of seeing me too.” I said. Dane nodded. I hugged him, his arms wrapping tightly around me.
“I can’t thank you enough Lily. I just…” He broke off, sobbing. He didn’t need to say anything, I already knew.
“Go be with your family.” I urged him, kissing him softly. “I’ll be in the café, downstairs. I will come up a bit later, okay?” He nodded, catching up with his parents and Aaron, who had stopped up the hall to wait.
As I sat alone in the café with my latte, I tried to gather my thoughts. I was so relieved Steffy was safe, but my nerves felt as though they were balancing on wire a hundred feet above the ground. I texted Kella, even though it was nearly two in the morn
ing, I knew she would want to know.
I fingered the handle of my cup, wishing I could talk to someone, I was so on edge that every noise was making me jump. Grabbing my cell, I dialed mom’s number, all I needed was to hear her voice, and have her tell me everything was okay.
“Lily?” Mom asked, alarmed, as she would be with her daughter calling her in the middle of the night. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” She asked, her voice shrill.
“Mom, I’m fine. I-I just needed to talk to you,” I said, not able to hide the fact that I’d been crying. I sensed mom’s relief. “Dane’s sister, Steffy, they found her. She’s alive.”
“Lily, you’re kidding! That’s wonderful news. God, I can’t even imagine how they must be feeling. Where are you, Lily?” Mom asked.
“At the hospital. In New York,” I added, remembering that I hadn’t even told her I was going there. “Abby’s the reason they found her, mom,” I added softly.
Mom was quiet for a moment. “What do you mean?” She said eventually, confused.
“I’ve still see her, mom. She told me Steffy was still alive, and we tracked her down.”
“Lil, I don’t…I can’t-“
“Mom, please don’t say anything, I just needed to talk to you. I didn’t want you to hear it on the news first.”
“Do you want me to come there? If you need me, Lil, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.” She said. I knew she would, too. As much as I wanted mom here, having her here meant it was okay for me to break down, and I knew I needed to be strong for Dane.
“No, mom. Maybe when I get back home you and Anna can come up for a couple of days.” I said hopefully.
“We’d love that Lil. Please call me if you need anything. I love you so much Lil.”
“I love you too mom.” Ending the call, I wiped the tears from my eyes, and saw I had a message. It was from Kella.
That’s great news! We’ll be there soon xx
Kella and Fraser hung off my every word as I ran over what Aaron had said.
“This is just so amazing.” Kella murmured, shaking her head, still in shock. We all were. Though we had been hoping for this outcome, the idea of finding Steffy alive after ten years had seemed so outrageous.
“What now?” Asked Fraser. “Where do things go from here?”
I shrugged. “No idea.” Standing up, I went over and ordered three coffees. “I might take them up some coffee.” I said, wandering back over to them while I waited for the drinks to be made.
“Good idea.” Kella nodded. “Will you tell Dane we’re here, and thinking of him?” she added. I nodded, grabbing spoons, and sugars, incase his parents took sweetener. God, I hoped they drank coffee. Balancing the takeout tray of coffees, I pressed the elevator up bottom, waiting impatiently for the doors to open. I was just about to step in when Dane stepped out.
He grinned at me. “You must be psychic.” He said, kissing me and taking the tray. “Come up with me.” We both got into the elevator.
“How is she?” I asked.
“She’s sedated, but okay.” He sounded tired. I reached up and brushed his hair with my fingers. “That bad, huh?” He laughed.
“No, it was just sticking out a bit.” I smiled. “How are your parents?” I asked.
“They’re feeling every emotion under the sun right now. They want to meet you properly, not just a quick hello in the hallway.” He added, taking a sip of his coffee.
“Me?” I said, shocked. Had he told them? The doors opened onto a ward, and Dane led me down the hall.
“Yes you. My wonderful girlfriend, and the girl that brought back their daughter. Is that really so surprising?” He looked amused by my discomfort. ”Should I not have told them?” He asked.
“It’s okay. I just didn’t want them thinking of me as your weird girlfriend who speaks to her dead sister.” I sighed. It was too late now anyway.
“Well, you are my weird girlfriend. And you do speak to your dead sister.” He added, ducking aside as I tried to hit him. “Hey. Hot coffee!” He said, shaking his head in mock disgust.
We reached Steffy’s room, Dane held onto my hand as we walked in, together. My heart pounded. My eyes fell on Steffy first. Her long dark hair, tangled and listless lay fanned out on the pillow. Her eyes were closed, but she looked peaceful. Poor girl. I couldn’t even imagine the pain she’d been through. She looked so young, so vulnerable lying there, tubes coming out of everywhere. I felt Dane squeeze my hand, letting me know he was there for me.
His mom came over to where we stood. Her eyes filled with tears as she threw her arms around me in a massive hug. It took me less than a second to respond, hugging her back.
“I can never thank you enough Lily. I can’t even begin to show you how grateful I am for all you’ve done not only of Steffy, but also Dane.” She sobbed, with no intention of letting me go. We hugged for ages, eventually Dane’s father came over and gently moved his wife away. His eyes met mine, as he smiled at me. He reached out, and we hugged.
“Thank you.” He whispered. “You will never know the extent of our gratitude.” His voice broke, as he moved away from me, once again hugging his wife. Dane’s arm snaked around my waist.
“I’m just glad she is safe.” I smiled, wiping my eyes. I glanced at Dane. He too was crying. “What have the doctors said about her?” I asked, eyeing the tubes and machines.
“The tubes are just to nourish her, and the machines are just precautionary, to check her heart function. They say physically, she will make a full recovery, but we won't know how emotionally scarred she is until she wakes up.” Andrew said, taking a deep breath.
“How was she when they found her?” I asked.
“Terrified. In shock. She wasn’t alone, there were other women with her too.” Andrew shook his head, as if he were trying to understand. I had figured there would be other women, based on the website. My heart went out to them too as I wondered what their stories were, and how long they had been kept from their families.
“I hope you don’t mind, Lil, I said mom and dad could use my hotel room, and I would stay with you.” Dane said, turning me so I was facing him.
“Of course that’s fine.” I smiled at him. Didn’t he realize yet that I would do anything for him?
He nodded, relieved. “You should go and get some sleep, sexy.” He said, kissing my lips. “You look so tired.”
“I don’t want to leave you.” I protested.
“I’m fine. I will get a lift back with mom and dad. Please baby, you haven’t slept well in days.” He insisted.
“Neither have you.” I grumbled. “Okay.” I added, seeing his expression. “Frase and Kella are here. They can take me back. They send their love.” I lifted my mouth to his once again, placing a soft kiss on his lips. Smiling at his parents, I quietly left the room, nodding at the guards outside her door.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It was close to seven in the morning when Dane crept into bed. I rolled over, hugging him.
“How is she?” I asked.
“She’s okay.” He laughed suddenly. That got my attention. I rolled over to face him, to see what was so funny.
“Hell, I don’t know how she is. How are you supposed to be after being locked up like an animal for ten years?” He spoke with anger. I kissed his chest gently, knowing there was not much I could say to make him feel better.
“I’m here, Dane. If you want to talk.” I murmured. I felt his embrace around me tighten.
“Thanks Lil.” He whispered huskily. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” He whispered, his lips pressing against mine. I melted into the kiss, unable to resist his soft lips, and sweet taste.
I lay awake until he had fallen asleep. Closing my eyes, I listened to the sound of his breathing. Yesterday had been such a huge day for everyone, but none more so than for Dane and his parents. I couldn’t seem to dull the ache in my heart I felt for his whole family, not only Steffy.
Dane and I walked into the South Mercy Hospital,
my hand in his. How the media hadn’t grabbed a hold of this yet I didn’t know. Fifteen women and girls found chained in the basement of an abandoned warehouse, listed for auction on a website was the kind of story the media would kill for.
According to Aaron, the other women listed on the website were in a similar set up in Bolivia, ready to be shipped the highest bidder. The thought made me sick. How many of these women had already been sold by these assholes?
Steffy was in a private room now, and all the machines and been removed. She looked much more comfortable. Her parents hadn’t left her side since she’d been given the all clear from the doctor. Dane’s father, met us in the hallway. He smiled warmly at me, shaking my hand.
“Nice to see you again, Lily.” He said.
“You to, Mr. Hansen. How is she today?” I asked, glancing through the glass at Steffy, curled up, asleep.
“She’s still sedated. She hasn’t spoken much, but she did manage a small smile.” He said, a fresh surge of tears appeared in his eyes. “Physically, she’s okay. She has many old injuries that haven’t healed properly, but she is okay. Emotionally, we don’t know how she is yet.” He tried to look strong, but I could see the pain in his eyes, as he thought about what his little girl had been through. Instinctively, I reached for his hand. He looked at me, both surprised and touched by my gesture.
“You better keep this girl, Dane.” Andrew said to his son. Dane smiled at him.
“I will, dad.” He replied. Andrew went back in to be with his daughter. I followed Dane into the room. Steffy looked much better without all the tubes, and her hair had been brushed, her porcelain skin showing the slightest bit of color today. Mrs. Hansen smiled at me, as she sat next to Steffy, holding her hand. Dane went over to the bed, and bent down, kissing his sister on the forehead. His head tilted, he smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear as she slept.
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