After taking an elevator down two floors, we were led through a large metal security door, and locked inside a room that held a sofa, TV, small table, and behind a half wall, was a smaller side area with a bed. The walls were solid white, with no seams or indents anywhere. The floor, a plain concrete slab. The lights were fused into the walls, small strips of illumination that made the entire room glow. What it lacked in beauty, I’m sure it made up for with performance, keeping everyone outside the door safe. I had actually expected something like a prison cell, and was pleased to find it was more like to a basic hotel room. Luckily, Josie was sound asleep again. The last few security checks had worn him out. I couldn’t have been more thankful for that, it was increasingly difficult to appear unaffected in front of him.
Looking around the room, I wasn’t sure what to do. Not that I had many options, but I was completely overwhelmed and at a loss. Deciding to lay down with Josie, I knew I needed to rest more than anything.
I tried. I’d been lying there for nearly an hour, unable to sleep at all. My head hurt, and my face felt swollen from crying. Not just my eyes, my entire face. I was dirty and had dried sweat everywhere. It wasn’t only the physical distractions that kept me from resting. I couldn’t stop the thoughts from racing through my mind, every one of them leading back to Miguel. Of course, I was still terrified about my baby boy and the frightful possibilities. But by now, I accepted that if the bomb went off, at least I was with him and we’d die together. It wasn’t what I wanted. Not by a long shot. But somehow, knowing we were together kept my sanity intact. The thoughts of Miguel though, tore it apart.
I finally gave up on sleeping and left Josie on the bed, two pillows placed on each side so he wouldn’t roll off. I could see him from anywhere in the room, so I didn’t feel like I was actually leaving him. I decided to try watching TV as a distraction. It had been quite a while since I’d been able to do such a simple act, and I found myself looking forward to it as I turned on the TV that was mounted on the wall.
My plan wasn’t working so well. After flipping through the channels three times, I found one with American reruns and put “Three’s Company” on. It was a show Joan and I would often watch with our parents in the evenings. I thought it might infuse me with a few good vibes. But, on the contrary, only moments later, I began shaking, my body eerily out of control. I felt so scared. So alone. So desperate. I wanted to be strong for Josie. I wanted to wait until all this was over to fall apart. But I had no strength left. Wrapping my arms tightly around myself, I rocked back and forth, humming an old hymn my mother loved, hoping to feel her reassurance through the melody.
Sometime later, about thirty minutes if I gaged it by the new episode that was on, there was a knock at the door, followed by a beep, before I heard the metal protesting as it opened. Walking inside the room was a tall, strong man with compassion flowing from his eyes to mine. The door quickly closed and loudly locked behind him as he glanced around the room at our surroundings.
Shaking my head, I sat up straight and looked at Brett in surprise. “How? Why?” I asked feebly, unable to make sense of how he was back.
“Let’s just say some people up top owe me a couple big favors and I called them all in.” He smiled proudly as walked over to the couch I was sitting on. “Do you mind if I join you?”
“Not at all. Come on.” I moved over, giving him room to sit beside me. He acted so nonchalant, as if this was a common day occurrence for him. I, on the other hand, was a complete basket case.
“How’s Josie been?” He asked, his concern genuine.
“He woke a few times, but only to make sure I was still here. He’s sleeping soundly for now.”
“That’s good. I was worried about him getting upset.”
It still made little sense to me that he cared so much. I was beyond grateful, but I had no way to show him. I simply thanked him again, hoping he’d understand how much it meant to me. Leaning my head back against the couch, I breathed a sigh of relief, silently thanking God for bringing Brett back to us. .
A few minutes later, I heard Josie shuffle around in bed and walked over to check on him. He was turning in his sleep, a look a deep concentration displayed across his sleeping face. I could only imagine what things he might be dreaming about. Sitting next to him, I pulled the blanket up to his chin and started brushing the hairs off his forehead just like Miguel always did.
Reminding myself of the person who had caused all of this, I began getting upset again. I was angry. Extremely angry. The hurt was so fresh it felt like a knife had been stabbed through my heart and every time I looked at Josie, the knife twisted a little more, increasing the pain and never allowing it subside.
Realizing where my thoughts were headed, I chose to leave Josie to sleep and go back to Brett and the TV. I needed to stay positive if we were going to get through this. Walking back around the half wall, I found Brett lying on the couch watching the reruns I’d left on.
Without speaking, he shifted his body, making it so that we’d both be lying on our sides lengthwise. I hesitated at first, thinking of how intimate and wrong it was because of Miguel. Then I remembered where I was, and it didn’t matter. I wasn’t looking at Brett in a sexual way, why should I refuse being offered a bit of comfort and compassion? I needed that more than anything right now.
Lowering myself beside him, I rested my head on one of his arms, as he wrapped his other arm around my middle in a gentle embrace. My back was to his front, and for a moment, I closed my eyes, imagining it was Miguel behind me in our usual position. The two men were almost the same build and height, but I knew it wasn’t him. He was gone. Maybe he’d be in prison for the rest of his life. If so, he deserved it. I had to start moving forward. Gently placing my arm over Brett’s, I opened my eyes to watch TV.
“Mel?” he whispered above my head.
“Yeah?”
“I wantcha to know, I’m not tryin’ to be inappropriate with ya’ right now. I just think you could use this. To be held. I have no idea how you’re able to go through all this and be as strong as y’are. If it were me, I’d be in the corner cryin’ like a baby.”
I laughed a little at how easily he could calm me, and the image of his muscular body tucked in the corner. “Trust me, I’m not far from it. On the inside, I’ve already ordered my own white jacket and reserved a padded room.”
I was quiet for a moment, watching a rerun of “Friends” and lost in thought. I was amazed that there was actually American television shows available. It was a good distraction, but not enough of one to stop me from thinking altogether. After a couple commercials, those were in another language, I decided to tell him the truth.
“To be honest, I don’t know what to do. I’m so confused. My entire life has been torn apart in the past two days. Brett…I’m scared.” I whispered my confession, making it slightly easier to say the words out loud.
We were so close, I felt his chest rise and fall when he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He tightened his arm around my waist and pulled me in for a hug from behind. It was comforting, soothing.
“Just remember, you’re not alone, Mel. I’m not leavin’ ya until you’re in your sisters arms again back in Chicago.”
This time, I took the deep breath and exhaled. That was unbelievably reassuring. It was also extremely meaningful that he had paid attention during our talks last night in the abandoned house and remembered my sister’s name.
“Why are you helping us so much?”
“Why wouldn’t anyone? I’m no saint, trust me. People risk their lives every day. I served in the Marines for eight years. I risked my life repeatedly for people I never knew or had never seen. I look at lil’ Josiah, I look at you, and I know what I’m fightin’ for.”
“Are you scared to be in here with us?”
“No.” He answered without hesitating. “As for everything going on outside of here, I don’t think your husband knows what’s goin’ on yet. Not fully, at least. From what you said,
I doubt your driver knew you took anything from your brother-in-law’s office. Even if he called them, and they returned immediately, they’d only just now be gettin’ back to the house. By now, I’m sure the Army has stepped in and seized everything there. They may already have Miguel and his brother, plus the doctors. Any other accomplices will soon be arrested. So, no Mel, I’m not afraid to be in here, or out there, with ya. I’m honored.”
I smiled at his response. Not the part of Miguel being arrested, my heart that loved him so deeply, hurt thinking of him in a military prison. My mind, on the other hand, wanted him hung on the barbwire fence and tortured. But his comment about being honored was sweet. I didn’t understand it, but I appreciated it.
“Do you have a family?”
He sighed. “Not anymore. I was married, but my wife died from cancer four years ago. She was pregnant when she found out. It was already in the advanced stages, but she refused to go thru any treatments. She wanted to save the baby. I just wanted her to live. She fought and tried to hold on, but they both died when she was seven months pregnant.”
No wonder he was so giving. He knew what it was like to lose everything.
“I’m sorry. That would be extremely difficult to go through.”
“It was. I became a nasty, hateful person. I despised anybody who was happy. It took a long time for me to get past that. Some days I still struggle, but life moved on. After I finally caught up with it, I had to choose to start livin’ instead of just survivin’.”
“That’s why you’re here with us, isn’t it? Well, partly I mean.”
“Hmm, I suppose so. I can remember how it felt when I was faced with losin’ everyone I loved all at once. I look at you and Josiah and think what I’d do to have either my wife or the baby back. It’d never erase the pain of losin’ the other, but it would’ve been amazin’ to have just one of them. I don’t want that to happen with you. You may have lost your husband. Well, if things come out that he’s involved. But you have that little miracle in the other room. I’d do anything I could to make sure you two are okay. To make sure that ya never lose that part.”
I smiled. “I’m so glad Josiah saw your tent yesterday. Thank you so much for everything.”
I closed my eyes and started drifting to sleep. I was lost and scared, but I finally saw a glimmer of hope.
Just before I fell asleep, I heard Brett whisper, “I’m just as thankful. Y’all have given me peace.”
I didn’t know how that was possible in this situation. My body didn’t let me think about it any further though. I fell deeply asleep, and didn’t hear another sound.
********
I woke up some time later and realized that I was back in the bed with Josiah, his little sleeping body tucked up against mine. At first, it all seemed like a bad dream and Miguel was behind my back holding me. But as I looked around at the room, I knew it was real. Brett was behind me. He must have moved me back to the bed while I slept.
I rolled over to my back, turning my head to look closer at the man beside me. The sleeve on the arm that was holding me was pushed up and I could almost see the entire tattoo on his bicep. It was mostly tribal art with a few words that looked like they were in Greek. The cut of his muscle was evident even as he slept. In any other circumstance, it would’ve been a turn on.
My eyes followed up his strong arm, his neck, and to his face. He had very long brown eyelashes. The peaceful look while he slept was a contrast to the tough guy he appeared when he was awake. His wavy dark blond hair was a bit messy, falling slightly over his ears and hanging down on his forehead.
As I continued inspecting him, he made a loud snoring noise. The surprise of it made me chuckle. He must not have been sleeping as sound as I thought, because my laugh instantly woke him up.
Looking at me with curiosity, he asked, “Are you laughing at me?”
“Actually, yes.” I smiled, giggling softly to myself.
His lips turned upward, appreciating my humor. “And may I ask why? Do I have a boogie?”
I pushed my arm playfully into his stomach. “No, you snore, you brut!” (Trust me, even though I was stressed and scared shitless, I didn’t miss the fact that it was very flat and hard!)
We both laughed softly.
Turning my head, I looked back at Josie. “You moved me?”
“Yeah, I didn’t think ya’d want to be away from him. You were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake ya. And trust me, I ain’t the only one who snores, princess.”
I huffed, feigning insult.
Everything was still the same, my world was torn apart, and I had no idea what would happen, but for a few minutes, I was able to relax and smile.
“Thanks. I’m glad you did. I’d be so mad at myself if they came for him and I wasn’t with him.”
“I know. I would be too.”
CHAPTER 29
Another twenty minutes later, the door in the hall prior to ours opened. We’d been lying there, quietly relaxing, both of us deep in thought, when the loud clanking of a metal lock releasing and then opening and closing echoed through the room. It’s ominous sound bringing both our attention back to the present.
Brett rubbed my arm and whispered, “It’s time, princess.”
Our silly talk of boogers and snoring resulted in nicknames for us. I wondered if he was doing it on purpose to distract me or if he didn’t even notice. Whichever it was, it helped.
We both sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. I didn’t want to wake Josie by picking him up, but decided that it may be the last time I’d get to hold him for a while if they were going to do the surgery soon. I refused to consider the possibility of anything going wrong and forced myself to believe everything would be okay. But knowing I’d be separated from him for a few hours was still difficult.
I walked around the bed and gently reached down to lift his little body. Just as I got him settled in my arms, there was a beep outside our door, followed by the sound of a lock releasing. Someone knocked twice before opening the door.
I wasn’t prepared for what I saw in front of us. I had found some semblance of peace in this small room with Brett and Josie, but was blindsided by what was happening.
Entering our room were three men. Well, I assumed they were men. They were all wearing white biohazard suits. The only part of them I could see was their faces through a clear plastic mask. The sound of their oxygen intake and outtake echoed as they walked toward us.
Pulling Josie closer to my chest, I tightened my hold on him. I saw Brett rush around the bed, instantly putting his arm around my shoulder.
“It’s okay, Mel. It’s just a precaution. Everything’s okay.”
I heard him, but couldn’t respond. The suits were moving closer and they were going to take my baby. Yes, I wanted the bomb out of his body, but this felt more like handing him over to aliens rather than a doctor.
Two of the suits stopped by the edge of the bed, but the third came over in front of us. “Ms. Sandviel,” The suit spoke, sounding identical to the movies, slightly robotic and somewhat like Darth Vader breathing in oxygen. “It’s time to take your son to surgery.”
I didn’t realize I was doing it, but my body was slowly backing up, my head shaking no. Brett tightened his hold on my shoulders and held up a hand to the suit to ask him for a minute. The suit nodded and took a couple steps back, but didn’t take his eyes off us.
Placing his hands on my shoulders, Brett turned my body toward his. My body turned, but my head didn’t, my eyes remaining locked on the suits. He reached a hand up, gently taking my chin between his fingers, and turning my face to look at him.
“Mel, look at me. Please. I’m sorry I didn’t think of this. I should’ve known. But trust me, this isn’t bad.”
As he talked, I tried to turn my head again, but he wouldn’t let me. Sliding his hand along my face, he cupped my cheek in his palm, finally getting my attention. Only one other person had ever done that before.
“Mel, listen, th
ey’re gonna help Josiah now. They’re gonna fix him. Ya gotta trust ‘em. They aren’t the bad guys.”
I nodded my head slowly. The feel of his hand on my cheek was reaching a part of me that his words couldn’t.
I leaned my head into his hand, closing my eyes as a tear ran down my cheek. I knew I had to do this. I wanted it. Josie needed this thing out of his body, but to actually let go of him and give him to these…things…was beyond scary.
Brett wrapped his arms around me and Josie, embracing both of us against him.
“Don’t cry, princess. This is the first step to make things right. It’s scary, but I’m here. We can do this.”
I lifted my eyes and nodded my head. “Okay,” I whispered.
I turned around and looked at the three suits watching us. During our exchange, a hospital bed had pulled up outside our door with another suit standing next to it. Brett kept his arm wrapped tightly around my shoulders, allowing me to lean into him for strength.
Looking at the suit closest to us, I asked, “Can I please walk alongside the bed until we get to the operating room?”
The suit took a step forward and spoke in the robot voice again, “Miss, you have been cleared to escort your son to the medical complex. Once we are there, we will take him into surgery and you will go with the officers who will take your official statement. Once that is completed, it is my understanding that you will be returned to the medical complex to wait for your son. Hopefully by then, he will be returned to the way he should be.” The suit smiled at me. That helped immensely.
I felt the tears lingering on my face and knew I needed to stop crying so Josie wouldn’t notice what was happening. I nodded my head to the suit and asked for one minute to wake Josie. He agreed and walked toward the door.
Twisted Truths & Leveled Lies Page 26