by Stacy-Deanne
“Melody?” She awoke in a hospital room with Craig standing over her. She wasn’t sure which hospital. She didn’t care. He took her hand. She flinched. He immediately moved away. He sniffed. “Mel, are you all right?”
“Do you know what happened to me?” she whispered through a hoarse voice.
“The police drove you to the hospital after the accident, Mel.”
“I’m not talking about the accident.” She stayed turned away from him. She couldn’t bear to look at his face. “I was raped.” She nearly threw up just saying it.
“Yes, I know that, too.” His voice shook. “I spoke with the doctor just now. She said you’ve already had your exams and everything. Do you remember?”
“Vaguely. What, did I pass out from shock?”
“No, they gave you something to relax you. You were irate when they brought you in. Oh, Mel.” He reached for her. She moved before he could. “Can you look at me so I can see if you’re all right?”
“I love you, Craig,” she whimpered.
“Mel, I love you, too. I feel like this is my fault. I should have gone with you.” She finally turned to face him. “With it being so dark and with all the strange things that’s been happening. Damn it.” He hit his thighs. “You, uh…” He wiped tears. Melody couldn’t remember him ever crying. At times, she’d forgotten how close they really were. “You know you can come to me, right? With anything?”
“Craig, uh…” She wiped tears. “You gotta understand that this is very uncomfortable, okay? I can’t just talk to…you just…can you understand?” He smiled.
“I appreciate you for being here, but I can’t talk to you about it. I just can’t.”
“Not about any of it so that I can help?” She recognized the pain in his voice. “You shouldn’t be alone right now. You can come to me with anything.” She nodded.
“Is, uh…is this gonna change you?” he whispered. Honestly, she didn’t know. Everything resembled pain to her. She knew she’d done more damage than help by rejecting Craig’s offer. She’d never felt so helpless and unattractive in her life. Already, he looked at her like a victim. She found that worse than what she’d been through. She’d been violated. With that came a humiliation she couldn’t put into words.
She shut her eyes.
She remembered being carried from her jeep by two officers. She remembered the blank looks when the doctors first saw her. She clenched her hospital gown. She’d remember every piece of this night. She wouldn’t ever have the power to forget it.
“What are you thinking?” Craig leaned against the bed.
“My jeep. Silly, huh?”
“They drove it here. There wasn’t much damage.”
“Did I hurt anyone?”
“No, you just skidded to the side, but stopped before hitting anyone or anything. At least that’s a good thing. But it’s you I’m worried about.”
“The accident won’t break me, Craig.”
“But will the rape?” he whispered. She looked at him. “How did it happen?”
Sarah walked in. Craig did a double-take. Melody had forgotten that Craig believed Sarah had been sick. Melody rubbed her forehead. She thought dealing with Craig had been difficult. It wouldn’t compare to explaining things to Sarah. She loved Sarah with all her heart. How could Melody hurt her by telling her Keith raped her?
“Sarah.” Craig stepped from the bed. “Are you okay?” he asked.
She stared at Melody. “Why wouldn’t I be okay?” She rushed to the bed. Melody turned from her gaze.
“Craig, can you give Sarah and I some time to be alone?”
“Sure, Mel,” he sighed. “I really am sorry. I wish there was something I could do.”
“I know.” She smiled. He left. She looked at Sarah’s torn face. “Who told you?”
“The police called me. They saw the address and phone number when they took your purse.” Sarah shivered. “Mel, I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe this.”
“Sarah, please don’t cry.”
“I have to! You’re my little sister! How could this happen to you? All these years I thought I did my best to protect you, then this happens.”
“Sarah, this isn’t anyone’s fault except for who did this to me.” Melody shook her head. “I don’t ever want to blame you for it.”
“But if you had still been at home this wouldn’t have happened.”
“It easily could have, Sarah.”
“No.” She took Melody’s hand. “It’s my fault because I abandoned you. I turned my back on you and look what happened! I cannot believe this. Why would someone hurt you like this?” She rubbed Melody’s hair. “Melody, I’m so sorry. I’m going to do everything I can to help you through this.”
It wasn’t easy looking into Sarah’s eyes and not telling her what Keith had done. Melody swore she’d tell everyone about tonight. But something prevented her from it when she realized the consequences. She just couldn’t bear to tell Sarah the truth. She still couldn’t hurt her, even if it meant making Keith pay for this terrible crime. She only looked at Sarah’s sad green eyes to know that telling her right now wouldn’t be the answer.
“Melody?” Sarah kissed her hand. “How did it happen? Do you know the man who did this to you?”
She cleared her throat. “I was driving down Valley Road.”
“Valley Road? Keith lives close to there. Where were you going?”
“I needed some fresh air so I left Craig’s. You know how driving helps me think. I’ve had so much on my mind considering what had happened between you and me. Sarah, I’ve missed you so much.”
“I missed you, too, Mel. But that’s over now. Nothing’s gonna break us apart.” Not even Keith? Melody wondered. “Mel, I promise you we are gonna get the bastard who did this to you. I don’t care what we have to do! He won’t get away with this.”
Melody continued with the story. Lying seemed to come so easily at this point. “My jeep started hesitating. I got out to see what was the matter with it.”
“You got out on the street alone at night?”
“I know, it’s the dumbest thing I could have done. I had to check under the hood.”
Sarah cuddled Melody’s hand. “You always did know a lot about cars.”
“Yeah, well everything seemed okay. When I was going to get back in, uh…a man grabbed me. He ordered me back inside.” Sarah panted. “He told me not to scream or anything. I think he had a knife but I can’t be sure. He had something I believe. Then he…” She stared at the wall. “He raped me.”
“Oh God,” Sarah sobbed. “Oh, Mel.”
“It happened so fast, really. I couldn’t comprehend what was going on until it was almost over. I just kept screaming and begging for him to get off me.”
“And no one saw you being attacked right there on the road?”
Melody hadn’t thought of that. She shrugged. “Well, it was on a desolate part of Valley Road, away from the traffic.” Sarah nodded. “Plus, it was so dark tonight I don’t think anyone could have seen us in the jeep.”
“Cops pass through that area religiously.” Sarah bit her lip. “And not one passed through tonight?”
“Obviously not.” Melody shrugged.
“How did he look?” Sarah gazed into her eyes.
This would be the hardest part. She couldn’t reveal the real rapist. Would Sarah even believe her if she had? She loved Keith. Worse of all, Sarah felt she knew Keith more than anything. She wouldn’t accept Melody accusing him of rape. It just wouldn’t add up with her. Keith had set Melody up with sheer brilliance. He’d planned to rape her knowing damn well that she wouldn’t tell Sarah the truth.
He knew she could never hurt Sarah. Telling Sarah the truth would hurt her unlike anything. She couldn’t shoot a hole in her sister’s heart. She couldn’t tear through Sarah’s soul and watch her bleed to death. This had been the one person who loved her unconditionally. Sarah had always been there when Melody needed her. She’d been a friend, mother
, and confidante.
She’d taken her in. She made sure she had everything she needed. She even put up with Melody’s strange disposition and smart mouth. So how could she destroy Sarah’s love, though it sickened Melody, for Keith by telling the truth? People always said Melody looked out for others more than herself. She supposed they were right. She’d do it again, right now.
She couldn’t hurt Sarah just to make Keith pay. And he’d known that. The bastard played her like he invented the game.
“Honey, take your time,” Sarah whispered. “Can you tell me anything? We need to know what to tell the police.”
“Sarah, I don’t want to go to the police.”
“Mel, you have to! This man could hurt someone else. Besides that, he raped you! I’m not gonna let him get away with this. Now please tell me what you remember about him.”
“I’m trying to forget it, Sarah.”
“Melody, you have to do this. Can you tell me anything about the man who raped you?”
“Sarah, please, I don’t want to talk about it right now.” She still wasn’t sure if she should say it had been Keith or not. She just knew she couldn’t deal with this now. She needed at least tonight to rest.
“Okay, I won’t pressure you. But we gotta go to the police as soon as you’re comfortable, Mel.” Sarah rubbed her hair. “The doctor says you can leave when you get ready. Are you going to Craig’s or coming home with me?”
Melody sobbed. “You don’t even have to ask.” They hugged.
A middle-aged blonde lady walked in. “Melody Cruz?” The lady smiled. “Hello. I’m from the Rape Center.”
Melody sighed.
Sarah snuggled beside Keith on his couch later that night. She hadn’t wanted to leave Melody alone. Melody insisted she’d be fine. Sarah figured a need for solitude came natural with a rape victim. She sniffed into her teacup. She loved the aroma of mint and cinnamon tea. Keith had been the only guy she knew who could whip up homemade tea recipes.
She glanced around the gorgeous living room. He’d created the perfect setting with candles and light snacks. She hadn’t been sure of things before she came here tonight. Keith’s arms always rescued her from the worst moments. She looked into his intense, mysterious eyes. He smirked. She loved that sly smile of his. He had the power to unleash all of her emotions with just a glance.
He took her hand. She laid her head on his shoulder. She’d never been so in love. She actually felt guilty for being happy while Melody went through such pain.
“You okay?” Keith whispered. She nodded. “I hope you don’t blame yourself. Sarah, you couldn’t have prevented it.”
“I made so many mistakes with her, Keith.”
He stared into his tea. “Because of me, right? If that’s the case, then this is just as much my fault as anyone’s.”
“No, honey.” She kissed him. “This is the rapist’s fault.” He looked away. “You probably don’t understand the bond between sisters. With sisters, you feel like that’s the only person in the world you have…each other. You’re not that close to your brother so you may not understand.”
“So I did come between you two?”
She sighed. “If you did it was my doing, Keith. I was the one who made the choice.”
He touched her chin. “Do you regret the choice you’ve made? Because all I want to do is be with you, Sarah.” He kissed her. She relaxed in his arms as if nothing else mattered. He gently pulled her away. “How much do you love me, Sarah?”
“Oh, Keith, I’ve never loved anyone like you. Melody could never understand the hold you have on me.” He smiled. “I can’t understand it, either. All I know is that when I look into your eyes, I know everything will be okay. I know we were meant to be together. By this time I usually get bored.” She grinned. “But I could never get bored with you. I love you so much, Keith.”
“Sarah, I hope I never disappoint you.”
She grinned. “How could you? You seem to live to make my dreams come true. Keith, the only way I could be disappointed is if this ended.” She wrapped her arm around his shoulder. She rested her head against his chest. She even loved how he smelled. A manly, hungry scent that left her breathless.
“I have a feeling you want to say something else.” He rubbed her thick crinkles.
“Keith, from now on, I want to do what’s best for Melody. I hope you understand that.”
“Oh, of course, Sarah. I know how hard this must be for her. It’s terrible what happened. I hope she really is doing okay.”
“It’s too soon to tell. She’s being strong, but that’s how Melody is. She doesn’t break easily.”
“I’ve noticed. You must be proud of the kind of woman she turned out to be.”
She nodded. “Keith, would you mind not coming to the house for a while? I want Melody to be able to heal and I don’t want her dealing with any conflicts so…”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “You don’t even have to ask. I completely understand. This is gonna take some time. I’ll do whatever makes you happy.” She smiled. “But what about work? It will be impossible for me to stay away from her all the time. We have to butt heads at one point or another.”
She bit her lip. “I didn’t think of work. She can’t not go. It’s too soon for a vacation. Shit, and she’s been doing so well.”
Keith looked at his watch. “It’s no problem, Sarah. I think I need some days off.”
“Oh, Keith, thank you.” She hugged him.
“You sure you’re okay?” He rubbed her back. She nodded. “Did Melody tell you anything about the attack?” She moved away from him. “Did she say anything about the rapist?”
“She says she’ll share that with the police and I didn’t want to pressure her.” He gaped. “You okay? You look like a train ran over your foot.” She grinned.
“Oh yeah, I’m fine.” He rubbed his head. “Just got a lot on my mind these days.”
Chapter Fifteen
“This is an outrage!” Commissioner Reynolds paced around Captain Jersey’s office. Agent Parsons lit a cheap cigarette. “Jersey, you damn well better have an answer for this or you’ll be answering to the mayor yourself!”
“Commissioner, I don’t know how this happened! I had no idea!”
“You had no idea?” Parsons winked. “Come on now, Captain. He’s one of your officers and you strike me as the kind to protect her officers, no matter the case.”
She stood from her desk. She held her straight hips. “Are you implying that I had something to do with this? I don’t know who in the hell you think you are, but I have spent most of my life working for law enforcement. I sure as hell wouldn’t go along with something like this! I was probably a cop before you were born!”
“How could you not know Steven Kemp has escaped?” Parsons glared. “We’re waiting.”
“I don’t go traipsing through the holding cells every damn minute.” She walled her eyes. “And I am not about to stand here and take this in my own office!”
Parsons grinned. “Getting mighty huffy for someone who claims she doesn’t know the deal.” He walled his eyes. “The fact is that Kemp escaped sometime this evening. I just can’t believe you didn’t know.”
“You think I went down there and let him out, Parsons?” Jersey huffed. “I really don’t give a damn what you think! Commissioner, I refuse to take this from this little weasel!”
“Hey!” Parsons grinned.
“Enough!” Reynolds rubbed his forehead. “Jersey, you’d better not have anything to do with this.” She sighed. “I’ve known you a long time. I’d hate to think you’d aid Steven Kemp in escaping jail.”
“Sir, I wouldn’t! I honestly didn’t know he was gone until now!” Parsons chewed his cigarette. “But I bet there’s someone who does know. Someone who may have even helped Kemp escape.”
Jersey squinted. “Now wait a minute. I see what you’re getting at and you’re barking up the wrong tree, Parsons. Besides, Detective Morris had the day off. And B
rianna wouldn’t go along with this kind of thing, anyway. As much as she cares for Steven, she’d want him to do the right thing.”
“Sounds noble, Captain Jersey. Too bad I don’t buy it. Do you buy it, Commissioner?”
He exhaled. “I think we should at least pay Detective Morris a visit.” He headed for the door.
“But, sir…” Jersey waved her hand. He turned to look at her.
“And Jersey, if you did have anything to do with this, then believe me, you won’t have to wait to retire.” He walked out.
Parsons smirked. “Have a nice night, Captain.” He shut the door.
“Little weasel.” Captain Jersey relaxed in her chair.
“What the hell?” Brianna grabbed her dinner from the kitchen counter. Davis sat beside the microwave licking his paws. Brianna wasn’t exactly shocked to see her piece of meatloaf missing from the plate. She stared at Davis. Apparently he’d grown quite an appetite today. First it started with that missing waffle left over from breakfast, then the three homemade peanut butter cookies she made for snacks.
She swore some grapes were missing from the fruit bowl, too. She sighed. Now her meatloaf? She didn’t know what had gotten into Davis. She vowed to put an end to this very quickly.
“All right you little thief.” She tapped her fingers on the counter. “Now I could excuse everything else, but when you put your paws on my meatloaf, it’s on.” Davis turned around. “Don’t you turn away from me.” She grabbed him up. “What’s the deal, huh?” He purred. “I know you can’t be pregnant unless you know something I don’t. Why are you stealing all my food?”
She noticed a glass of milk on the table. She looked at Davis. She could see him getting the cookies, grapes and meatloaf. But she couldn’t remember the last time a cat could go into the refrigerator and pour a glass of milk. Especially when someone drank out of it. Davis galloped on the table. Had she lost her mind? Had she become so stressed that she couldn’t remember doing things? “Meow.” Davis cuddled against her arms as if he wondered the same thing. Someone knocked on the door.
“Okay, cool it.” She carried Davis to the door. “You’re not exactly off the hook yet.” She thought the missing food struck her off course. It didn’t compare to her surprise at the door.
