I’m startled when Theo’s phone rings, and he answers it immediately.
“I understand.”
Both Eden and I listen intently.
“We’ll be standing by.”
He gently sits by me.
“Nothing yet, exactly.”
His arm was now wrapped around my shoulder, as if ready to catch me when I fell.
“Alex never made it home last night. He was here till after nine, and said he was heading straight home. So we now know that that didn’t happen. Steel is on his way here.”
“It’s Graham.”
I looked away quickly, stunned into silence. Guilt was slicing me open. I didn’t deserve Alex. Not now, not after this. I could have waited until it was safe to break off with Graham, but I had chosen to challenge the monster instead, and I had lost.
“He has his team out now, searching.”
That brought little comfort, because it would probably be too late. I had wanted to believe that I could prevent this outcome, but not now. I had betrayed Graham, and now he was dishing out his punishment.
“Madison, Alex is a fighter. He fought for you. Believe in him, he won’t give up and risk losing you. Trust me, that man is stronger than you think.”
Eden’s hand lay on top of mine. I so wanted to believe what she was saying.
“Come,” she said, standing and leading me to her sunroom. The two-man lounger sat positioned directly in view of her pool and striking landscaping.
“I’ll lie with you, and we’ll wait until Steel arrives.”
I clung to her as my lifeline, but with every passing minute, I could feel myself drifting off.
***
I stood barefoot at the water’s edge. The waves were licking at my feet. Staring up into the dark sky, I blinked back tears. I was shattered. My dreams had been ripped from me so easily as the ruthless man laughed in the background, relishing in my pain. The evil twinkle in his eyes conveyed how content he was over my misery, and the sorrow he had caused.
“He’s not gone,” I maintained.
“I’m afraid he is,” he answered back.
I was drawn to the depths of the water as I made my way out further with each step. It would take me to him. This was the way back to his love. I felt the waves pull me under as if I was reliving a memory from my childhood, and with a sudden burst, a hand reached down and grabbed me, pulling me up from death.
***
Suddenly I jolted up, hyperventilating as Eden’s quick reflexes caught me.
“It’s just a dream, Madison. A dream.”
I slowed my breath, feeling her comforting, close presence.
“I lost him,” I said, tears streaking down my cheek.
“No, it was only a dream. A nightmare.”
Then we heard voices coming from the living room, and we both bolted toward what I hoped would be good news.
Steel walked through the door, followed by my father.
My father?
“How? Why?”
He was usually in New York.
“Steel has connections,” my father said simply, wrapping me in his arms, attempting to calm me down.
There was a regretful look of sadness in his eyes. The expression on his face was one of discomfort. What did he know?
“Steel?”
His quiet confidence takes control.
“Let’s all take a seat.”
Theo leads us to the dining room. And there we sat, each of us with our own cross to carry.
My father, the epitome of a military soldier, had always been a soft place to land. Steel’s presence alone demanded respect, but he also possessed a hidden kindness that he rarely showed. Then there were Theo and Eden, holding hands. They were my anchor to sanity.
“I’ve asked the colonel to join me here, for he plays a pivotal part in the inquiry. After a painstakingly meticulous investigation, we believe we now know the truth. I’ve crossed the globe, cross-examining every soldier I could, attempting to confirm this horrendous story that Graham implied had happened. The anger these men displayed when they found out what he was saying was indescribable. In fact, they each had their own tales of inappropriate behavior committed by Graham himself. All of the interrogations corroborated the one before. Each man accused Graham of unthinkable acts, but most had kept his discretions to themselves over the years. That’s how the army protects their own.”
“The government was eager to confirm their innocence, and I had their full corporation. We do know that Graham was taken to a federal holding facility, and there was an investigation, but unfortunately, it’s sealed. Classified, actually. Neither your father nor I could get the clearance to review it. We went all the way up the chain of command, but someone is protecting him. There was absolutely no truth in Graham’s story. It was all lies, except for the fact that he did serve under your father’s command.”
“Honey, I took him under my wing because the other soldiers treated him as an outcast,” my father explained, remorsefully. “But everything he told you was a lie. I thought I saw a good man in him, and with our military skin, I thought that he would make a good husband. A good match for you.”
“In hindsight, I should have known,” I told him. “I should have believed in you, the man who raised me, and taught me about ethics, character, and honesty. I’m sorry I didn’t come to you first, Dad.”
“He was threatening you, honey. I understand why you did what you did. You wanted to protect the people you loved.”
His hand reached for mine in a swift-yet-strong hold.
“So, there is no way to punish him for what he did?” I asked, incredulously.
“Not necessarily. I have plans to prove once and for all that his corruption runs much deeper than what he did to you and your father.”
Steel paused. I felt his rage because it was in me as well.
“You have both been betrayed, each victimized in your own way.”
“Originally, I believed and trusted Graham. I was a fool. I was easily deceived.” My father reluctantly looked my way. “He used me, to control you.”
I grimaced at the hatred I heard in his voice.
There was no sweeping it under the rug now, as Graham had claimed. Everything he had told me was lies. Now we were nothing more than strangers. For some strange reason, it had all been an act, and for whatever reason, I had been the goal.
“Why me?”
“I can’t answer that, Madison. Maybe you fit his overall plan. We may never know why.” Steel was then interrupted by a call. “I have to take this.”
And then he burst out of his chair and was out the door like a panther.
“Maddie, hidden below all your worries right now, please remember that this is good news,” my father said. “The main thing is that you are no longer tied to Graham.”
But I still felt caught up in the chaos. I was broken, brittle, and aching to know Alex’s fate.
Graham would pay somehow, the sly bastard. I had to believe he would eventually get what he deserved.
Steel barged back through the door.
“We have an update, but I have to warn you that we don’t have any details yet.” He glanced at me, and our eyes met briefly. “We’ve located Alex’s car. It went over a cliff, and it’s badly burned. It will take some time for my men to gather the equipment and scale down to investigate the site.”
He’s not dead, he’s not dead. He can’t leave me now.
“Bring him back to me, Steel.”
I was fighting to contain my tears, but all the rage I’d felt earlier returned.
“Make that bastard pay.”
Chapter Twelve
Alex
Everything looked different in the light of day, including the blood soaking through my shirt. I had to accept that there was nothing more I could do to stop the bleeding. I just had to make a plan now and keep going.
I decided to head further down the mountain, knowing that water should be my next goal. I could go without food, but
not water. It also would allow me to clean my wounds and assess my injuries again. From every cowboy movie I’ve seen, water always led to civilization.
With each shaky step, I carefully proceeded. Each sharp pain reminded me that my damaged body needed attention immediately.
Like I could forget.
This was as real as it got. My new reality didn’t allow for miscalculations. I knew I had one shot of making it out of here.
Suddenly, a noise broke the quiet. Was my mind playing cruel tricks on me? Was I being followed? I dove for cover and cringed, hearing the pain in my voice. A few minutes later, several deer walked past. My head collapsed on my arm in relief.
Fuck. I was being paranoid at this point.
Then I realized that the deer needed water, too. I began to climb out of the brush, my arms now abused by the thorns. I didn’t care about the bleeding scratches.
My racing heart began to slow. I needed to remain calm and rational, but the truth was that I wasn’t remotely equipped to handle this. I was hanging on to my sanity by a thread.
I hesitated. By the looks of it, the deer trail seemed logical to follow, but the climb down was extremely steep. I decided the trek was worth the risk if it led me to water. Yet each step was also leading me further and further into the woods, away from any roads—and any help. I knew I couldn’t go back now. I just had to keep going.
The agony of my ankle overshadowed my gut, which seemed to have numbed. I found this development disturbing, and assumed it wasn’t a good sign. I began to shake, and the sudden chill caused me to slip my jacket back on. I had taken it off hours ago because of the heat.
I recognized other symptoms that made me believe I was now in shock. I had reduced alertness, I was confused, and I felt very sleepy. The throbbing in my head was an afterthought, for now. I walked for hours, continually fighting the urge to rest. I was afraid I wouldn’t get back up. For the first time in my life, I thought of the what-ifs. If I died alone here in the wilderness, would my body ever be found? It was unlikely. Madison would never know what happened. I seemed to be unraveling, piece by piece. I had to keep trying, for her, and for me.
Then, out of the blue, I came upon a fence, and in the distance, I could see a stream flowing. My spirits lifted with relief. Slowly, I tried to process the obstacle in front of me. How would I climb the fence without causing additional harm to myself?
I had to conquer the fence.
I inhaled slowly, considering what to do. Several scenarios invaded my mind, all of them ending badly. I just had to take one small step at a time. I laid my jacket over the sharp metal, inserted my good foot into the chain links, and pushed myself over with everything I had. I tried to ignore the pain in order to protect my landing. To my utter surprise, I landed good foot first. Where was a camera when you need one?
I pushed onward, knowing the reward to come. My focus was clear despite the pain. I kept my feet moving with purpose. Finally, I reached the edge and collapsed onto my side, cupping water in my hands and drinking it. Tears began to flood down my face and sharp memories from last night’s wreck ran vividly through my mind.
I had made it this far, broken, bruised, and bloody, and I was fucking alive. I would rest here for a while, then go on with newfound strength.
After cleaning my wound, which was still seeping blood, I placed a new clean portion of my shirt back in its place. I secured it in the same manner as before and took advantage of the cold water by resting my swollen foot in the stream. I’d gone through hell, but it wasn’t over yet.
I considered resting here for the night. The source of water was appealing. Falling silent for the moment, sore and hurting, I swallowed the pain, but a sense of hopelessness began to sneak into my heart. I tried to fight it, but the mental images in my mind were ripping through me like glass.
I took a breath and gently reminded myself that I was loved, and that love was replicated. I needed to survive for Madison, because we had a future.
And I also had to fucking kill Graham. I had certainly underestimated my calculating and conniving opponent. He was a man who lacked a conscience. He was so rooted in evil that he wouldn’t last too long on this earth. Karma would eventually work her magic, and he would pay—with or without my help.
I allowed the water to run through my bloodied hair, and then I threw cold water on my face. I was starting to carve out a place to stay for the night before the cool temperatures approached, but they came faster than I expected down in the valley.
I woke many times during the night. My task was simple: survive. It was extremely cold, and my lungs burned every time I attempted to catch my breath. It occurred to me that I may have also broken a rib or punctured a lung. I looked into the darkness as doubt and fear pumped through my veins. Had I finally reached my limit?
I allowed myself to think of her as I finally drifted off, even as panic gnawed at my insides. Blessed sleep eventually took me to a peaceful, pain-free place.
***
“Hey, buddy, you okay?”
I felt a boot kick that jerked me awake. I glanced over my shoulder, assuming I was dreaming or hallucinating. Either way, I was going back to sleep.
“Hey.”
I felt a strong hand shaking me. I glanced back over my shoulder to see two men wearing camo. They were also carrying two rifles. Both were clad in orange vests.
“Call Madison. No wait… Call 911.”
I was tumbling into madness, even as I tried to fight it.
“Help me, please.”
My heart stopped beating for a second, clouding my judgment. My perception was foggy as the drumming of my pulse hammered at me.
“Can you walk?”
I shook my head no. I knew I couldn’t walk out of here on my own. The sudden emotion filling my chest caused me to fade in and out. Hope was dangling in front of me, tormenting me. I had to get home. Home to Madison.
“Roger, call 911. Use the satellite phone. They may need to call in a helicopter. He looks bad.”
“Thank you, God.”
The roar of the helicopter blades sounded ferocious as it hovered above me, yet it still didn’t drown out the pounding in my head. It revived my senses, reminding me that help was here.
An agonizing relief swept over me, but I shoved it aside, allowing room for the anger to surge through my body as revenge became the center of my attention.
I was lifted easily in a basket and floated above the trees as they secured me inside. They began to cut off my clothes.
Please not my jacket.
Assessing the injuries, I felt their hands on me, moving over my body. I was unable to pry my eyes away. Their remarks to each other blended into one overwhelming chaotic noise.
“What’s your name?”
Alex.
“Can you hear me? What’s your name?”
“Alex Storm.”
My mouth was dry, so it came out weak and groggy-sounding.
There was more talk above me.
“Alex, stay with me.”
The voice was anything but gentle as I heard the worry and urgency in it. My skull was splitting apart as the seams, thunder and lightning charging through my body.
“Can you tell me what happened?”
I strained to make sense of my situation as the pieces began to filter back in. I forced myself back to the present moment, away from the mind-numbing panic in the woods.
“You’re safe now.”
Maybe, but I was still shivering, bruised, and broken. Then there was a sharp pin prick, and I as flooded with a warm numbness, and I finally found some peace.
***
I woke to white walls and the faint smell of disinfectant. My eyes darted across the room in confusion. Immediately, the memories came rushing in. I tried pushing them away, but the horrors clung to me. My senses were still on high alert. I breathed in and out slowly, and it was all I could do to stay calm.
Suddenly a woman in white came in, answering the high pitch of the vital si
gns monitor.
“Mr. Storm, do you know where you are?”
“Hospital.”
She reached for the cup of water with the bendy straw and placed it to my lips. Staring at the sight in front of me, she looks like a smiling angel in white. I gulped the water down quickly.
“Okay, not too much,” she said, and pulled it away. “I don’t want you to get nauseous. The doctor will arrive shortly.” She rested her cold hands on my arm and I flinched. “Sorry, they’re always a bit cold. Let’s get your vitals.”
The door opened and a man with a white coat stood at the foot of my bed.
“Alex, I’m Dr. Barrs.” He lifted the chart that the nurse just handed him. “You’re a very lucky man.”
Am I?
“You were in a car accident. How much do you remember?”
“Just pieces of it.”
I felt a surge of terror.
“I’m not surprised. The memories may come back, or they may not.”
He flipped through the chart page by page, his glasses hanging loosely from his nose.
“Alex, you have a concussion, so that may account for the fogginess. The good news is that there’s no internal injuries. The puncture wound missed all your internal organs, and there’s no sign of an infection. But you did lose quite a bit of blood. We’ve got it under control. Should I continue?”
He tucked the steel file under his arm, meeting my gaze.
“Yes, go on. Pain,” I said with so much effort.
“I’m sorry about that, Alex. I held off on your morning pain medications so we could have a chance to talk. I needed you conscious.” A warm, compassionate smile appeared on his face. “You also have a bad sprain in your ankle, but no hairline fractures. There’s also the two broken ribs, but there’s not much we can do for those but wrap you up tightly. It will be a slow healing process, I’m sorry to report.”
I nodded, absorbing the facts, even as my mind was still clouded with pain.
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