Believe Series box set

by L Chapman

  “Megan!” I hear Mark yell, just as I run off the path. The sound of his feet shuffling behind me lets me know he’s running after me. I don’t care; I just keep running. “Where are you going?”

  I find myself sitting on the grass behind one of Mark’s rose bushes that Annabella had planted a few years ago, and I believe she said it was a Red Knockout. At some point, it blooms red flowers. I remember her telling me about it. She said something about red roses being the most powerful roses around, because of their special meaning. I haven’t seen any flowers on it yet. I hope that Annabella will pass on some of her gardening tips to Lucy. My granddad taught me how to care for plants when I was a child. I used to love spending hours with him, trying to water all the plants. He passed away when I was eleven, so I am grateful for the amazing memories I have. I miss him like crazy.

  “Megan, come here!”Mark shouts. I hear heavy footsteps hurling towards me. I glance down to the ground, pulling my knees up to my chest and covering my arms over my head, forming a tight ball. I just want to be alone. Please don’t notice me, Mark.

  “There you are. What are you doing out here? You’re going to catch pneumonia,” he says, kneeling down beside me and throwing his black jacket around my shoulders. Why is he being so thoughtful? He doesn’t trust me.

  I lift my head just a little to see Connor standing at the top end of the garden watching me. He waves one of the security guards away with the back of his hand.

  “Talk to me, Megan,” Mark says, rubbing my shoulders to relax me.

  “About what?” I ask, remaining stationary.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “What’s wrong? That’s a stupid question!” I scream, raising my head and turning to face him.

  “I know. Lucy will be home soon.”

  “Why are you hiding things about your past?” I ask calmly, looking up at him and directly into his eyes.

  “I don’t want you to get hurt,” he says, barely audible.

  “Hurt by what?” I ask. Nothing can be that bad. Can it?

  He lets out a breath. “Steven and I met years ago when I was fourteen. We took a mini police course together at school. They taught us all sorts of beneficial things. They had us complete small tasks exactly like real police officers. It was amazing, a total eye opener to things none of us had thought about doing as a career. We had attended the same school for years; we were even in a couple of classes together, but we never spoke. We were partnered together during the course, and it brought us together as friends. Steven was the bad boy, and I was the really good ’do as you’re told’ boy. From then on, we were inseparable.” He pauses.

  “Go on,” I state, giving him a crooked smile.

  “Steven went off and became a policeman and lived the dream. We lost contact after a few years until…” He pauses again, taking a deep breath.

  I place my hand on his shoulder. “Just tell me.”

  “Until I was dating a lady named Anna. She and I had been fine for months, ticking along. One day she was different with me. She was annoyed with everything I did. Later that night when I was asleep, she stabbed me. Steven was the man that was involved in my case.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” I wish I hadn’t pushed for the answer now. I feel bad, but I needed to know.

  “Her brother Damon was there, too. They had been planning to kill me and extort money from my family. They had done it in the past to someone else, but were never found because they had been using aliases.”

  “Oh, baby.” I wrap my arms around him, giving him a hug.

  “Miss Madden?” I hear a voice shout. I suddenly stand up.

  “Yes.” I start walking in the direction of the voice.

  “Can you take a look at this? Is it Lucy’s?” Natasha asks.

  I run over to her with Mark not far behind me. She stands there holding her mobile in her hand. “Just let me know if Lucy has one. It might not be hers, but we need to know.”

  She shows me a picture of a pink cardigan with white spots all over it and a hood that’s shaped like a cat’s face. “That’s Lucy’s. Well, she has one like it. Hers has an ‘L’ written on the label.”

  “Did you bring it with you?” she enquires.

  “I don’t have a picture of the label, though, but I can get one if I need to.”

  “Yes, please.”

  I run past Natasha, straight to the house and up into Lucy’s room. “It’s gone,” I say as Mark comes up behind me, placing his hand on my lower back. I had laid out the hoodie last night for Annabella to put on Lucy after her bath to keep her warm. I had left it beside the cot.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Megan.”

  I slowly open my eyes to see Annabella on her knees beside the sofa. I slide up, sitting with my legs along the sofa.

  “How did I get here?” I ask, not remembering being in here. The last thing I remember is standing by the French windows looking out into Mark’s garden and hugging one of Lucy’s favorite teddy bears.

  “You collapsed. Mark laid you down on the sofa,” Annabella says, passing me a glass of water. “It’s cold,” she adds.

  “Thank you.” I take a small sip and wince in pain. Ouch! My shoulder hurts. Why?

  “Take it easy,” she suggests.

  “Megan, you’re awake,” Mark says as he lunges towards the chair next to the sofa.

  “I am.” I smile awkwardly.

  “Dr. Kirk is on his way to check on you,” Mark informs me.

  “Why?”

  “Because you went down with a bang. You hit your back and shoulder, and your shoulder is swollen now.” He points to my shoulder as he speaks.

  “I’m fine,” I say, moving my right shoulder. The pain is excruciating. I can tell I have done something to it, but I don’t know what.

  “No, you’ll do as your told,” he states boldly, using his firm boss voice and waving his index finger at me.

  “Lucy? Have they got her?” I ask without hesitation. Suddenly everything comes to light. How could I have forgotten what had happened? How bad of a mum am I?

  “Not yet, hun,” Mia says, walking over to sit on the edge of the sofa.

  Tears well up in my eyes, and the ache in my heart returns. I want my daughter back. I need her back in my arms where she is safe.

  “Jen rang,” Mia declares. “She was checking on you.”

  I nod. I can’t think anymore.

  “She feels so helpless,” Mia adds.

  “I’ll text her,” I state.

  “Here,” Mark says, passing me my mobile from the coffee table. I look around, but I don’t see any of the police or Natasha in the room with us. Are they all out looking for Lucy?

  I quickly flick through my messages, reading one that sends chills down my body.

  She is MY daughter, too. I CAN have her.

  “What?” I exclaim in shock.

  “What is it?” Mark asks.

  “It’s John. He sent me a text.”

  “Saying?” he grits through clenched teeth.

  “‘She is my daughter, too. I can have her.’” I pass my mobile to Mark. He rushes it over to Natasha, who is sitting in the dining room.

  “Has he got my daughter?” I ask Mia.

  “I don’t know, Megan,” she replies. “I wish I knew where she was.”

  “These are for you,” Annabella says, passing me a bunch of flowers.

  I’m not really into flowers, so I don’t know what these are called. “Irises?” I question timidly.

  “That’s right. They stand for hope.”

  “Thank you, Annabella.”

  I take the flowers into the kitchen and run a little water into a glass before placing them inside. I don’t care about these at all. I don’t want flowers; I want my daughter.

  “Miss Madden,” Natasha says.

  “Yes.”

  “I have some alarming news. John is in the area, and the police are going to see him.”

  “What?!”

  “I will hopefu
lly have some more news for you shortly.”

  “Shortly? I want news now! I want Lucy now!” I yell.

  “I can understand that, but you need to stay calm. Your health is as important as Lucy is,” Natasha responds, passing me a mug full of what looks like tea.

  “I don’t want it,” I state, walking away from her. I reach the nearest window that looks onto the front of the house, sitting myself on the floor. I gaze into the outside world, watching cars pass. People are going on with their normal day-to-day business like no one cares that my daughter is missing. Someone came inside the house and took her. Who? Why? The two police cars remain in the car park with no sign of movement from them, but I know there are people inside them. Why are they not doing anything?

  “Megan,” Natasha says, placing her hand on my left shoulder.

  “Why aren’t those police officers doing anything?” I ask, pointing towards the cars.

  “They are doing things. They are waiting for further instruction,” she states, sitting down beside me. “I’m more concerned about you. You’re looking unwell. You need something in your body, even if it’s just a drink. You need to be fit and well for Lucy.”

  “Fine, I’ll have some tea,” I say because I know she is right. My head is pounding from the stress of the situation, and not having anything to drink is irritating it more. I want painkillers. My head and shoulder are driving me mad.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Hey, baby,” Mark says, sliding down beside me.

  I let out a little smile. “Hi.”

  “Do you need anything?” he asks.

  “A hug and some painkillers,” I admit.

  “I can do that,” he states, pulling me close to him.

  “Thank you.” I feel secure in Mark’s arms, like I belong.

  “I’ll get you those painkillers,” he says, standing up. I don’t want him to leave me to get them, but I need something for the pain. It’s almost unbearable.

  I glare back out the window, watching the police cars. There are four of them now, remaining idle and it’s annoying me. I suddenly see an older gentleman with grey hair and bright green eyes walking up to the house. He’s carrying a black briefcase.

  I don’t hear a knock on the door as Mark quickly appears in front of me with a box of painkillers.

  “Megan, this is Dr. Kirk,” Mark tells me.

  I turn to him as he speaks. “Hi, Miss Madden.”

  “Call me Megan,” I state. This is the man that I saw walking towards the door. He has taken off his black suit jacket since he walked inside the house, revealing a blue and white striped shirt paired with black trousers.

  “I hear you had a little accident,” he says.

  “I’m fine. I collapsed, that’s all. I haven’t eaten all day. What do you expect?” I respond swiftly, shrugging my shoulders at him. I’m not trying to be rude, but really, I don’t need a doctor. I just need to eat something. Why does everyone think they know what is best for me? If Annabella or Natasha asks me one more time if I want a cup of tea, I will scream. I know they are trying to help, but I’m fine.

  “Can I check your shoulder? Mark is concerned. Then, I will leave you alone, if that’s what you wish,” Dr. Kirk replies, trying to reason with me. If this will mean I will be left alone, then great.

  “Fine,” I say in a petulant voice.

  “Do you want to take a seat over there?” he asks, pointing over to the wooden bar stools.

  “Okay,” I reply, taking a seat to comply. I was happier by the kitchen window where I could see everything, but I will do anything to shut him up. His voice is annoying me today. I must be tired because everything is getting on my nerves today.

  He places his hand on my left shoulder, lifting the injured area and checking for movement before turning his attention to my right one. It hurts badly. I just hope it’s nothing serious. As he assesses the damage, I can’t help but wiggle around in the chair. I’m unable to follow his simple instructions because my shoulder hurts like hell.

  “Megan, I need to have a look under your top,” he says, slowly lifting my top at the hem. What the hell does he think he is doing? Did I say it was okay? Oh, man. I can’t wait until he fucks off. “You have dislocated your shoulder.”

  “What is the treatment?” Mark chimes in, concerned.

  “We need to reset it,” Dr. Kirk states, moving around the stool so he is facing me.

  “Okay, then do it.” I clench my teeth.

  “We can’t do it here. I need to make sure that it aligns correctly. You need to go to the hospital,” he says, taking a seat in front of me on another wooden stool and reaching into his briefcase. He pulls out a notepad and pen.

  “Not until my daughter is back,” I snap. There is no way in hell that I am leaving until I have Lucy back. Her safety is all that matters.

  “Megan.”

  “Yes.” I look up at him.

  “It needs to be done safely. It’s going to hurt.”

  “I know. Just do it,” I beg. I gave birth, so I’m sure I can cope with this.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” he says, walking over to the other side of the room with Mark.

  “Here is your tea.” Natasha hands me a cup. Here we go again. More tea that I don’t want. Can’t someone use their brain?

  “Thanks. Any news?” I enquire.

  “Not yet. The police are with John. Once I know more I will tell you,” Natasha states.

  “Thank you,” I reply.

  I hear footsteps behind me. “Hi, Megan. I’m back,” Dr. Kirk says.

  “And…”

  “I’ll set it here, but there are some rules that Mark has agreed to,” he confesses, looking at him.

  I turn around abruptly. “What rules?” It’s my body and my choice. Why does Mark have to agree to Dr. Kirk’s rules? Do I not exist?

  “One, you have to do this in my room. Two, you have to trust both of us. Three, you need to take plenty of painkillers after Dr. Kirk finishes. I will send Connor to get them for you. And, finally, once Lucy is home, you have to go to the hospital and have it x-rayed,” Mark states in an authoritative voice.

  “Fine.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Right, I’m ready,” I say, taking off my top and sitting on the side of the bed wearing just my bra. I couldn’t care less what I look like right now. I just want my shoulder sorted and my daughter returned safely. I peer over to my shoulder; it’s black and purple. No wonder it hurts like hell. I take the two painkillers from Mark's hand, swallowing them one at a time with the water.

  “Megan, lie down and place your arm on here,” Dr. Kirk instructs, pointing at a pillow. With my elbow situated on the pillow, he places more pillows behind my head. “Okay, Mark is going to place his hand under your shoulder, and I’m going to hold you here.” He places one of his hands on my lower arm and one just above my elbow. “I’ll pull.”

  “Please, just do it,” I state, turning my head away because I don’t want to watch. I have never had a dislocated shoulder before, so I really don’t know what to expect. How can me just collapsing cause this?

  "Deep breath," Dr. Kirk says. I heed his instruction, which is followed by severe pain that I have never felt before. My eyes start to water. I think I would rather give birth than this, but I can’t show that it hurts to the lads because I need to appear strong.

  "That feels right. Now, remember what I said, Megan."

  "I will do and thank you." He places my arm in a sling before leaving me lying on my bed and walking off with Mark. I hear them talking about aftercare for my shoulder. I have to admit that it feels better. It’s not hurting as much. I get up from the bed, grabbing my top to slip back on before walking past them to find Natasha for an update on Lucy.

  "Any news?" I ask.

  "Kind of," she says, taking a seat on one of the bar stools and pointing at the one next to her. "John knows where she is."

  "And?" I add as I sit down.

  "He doesn’t want his dau
ghter anywhere near Mark. He states that if you stay with Mark, you lose Lucy for life."

  I sit there stunned. She is our daughter. He can’t do this to me. "What do I do?" I question.

  "Legally, if he is her father, he has rights to her, so you can’t really do anything. Who is listed on her birth certificate?"

  "Just me," I respond. John wasn’t on the scene. Do people not listen to me? You need both parents’ signatures when the certificate is made. If only one parent is present, the other one isn’t listed on the certificate.

  "Then, he has no rights legally without that," she informs me.

  I listen as Mark shows Dr. Kirk out. I know what I have to do. It’s going to kill the man I love, but I have to do it. I just hope he will understand.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I take a deep breath because I don’t want to do this. I stand up, leaving Natasha sitting there. I run up the stairs to Mark’s room and start packing my things. Well, the things I need. Mark has bought a lot of things to save me time from bringing my things here when I come over. He even bought some things I don’t need.

  Tears fall from my eyes like rivers. I feel my heart breaking. I’m losing both my child and the man I love in the same day, but I have to do what is right. If I leave Mark, John will give me my daughter back. I plan to make sure John will never come anywhere near her again.

  I quickly type a text to Luke. He might be Rich’s best friend, but since Jenny and Rich split, he has become a big part of everyone’s life.

  Hi, are you in London at the moment?

  I finish packing my things, making sure I have everything I need. Hurrying over to Lucy's room, I throw her things into her bag. I can leave some of my things behind, but not Lucy’s. She needs everything. I have been very lucky with Mark. He has treated Lucy as his own, even decorating a nursery for her in his house. The room is fully painted in cream with a pink strip in the middle and adorned in a teddy bear theme. He even had some things made for her room, including a toy box with her name engraved on it. Mark has completely spoiled her, making me question what it will be like when he has his own children. Will he spoil them like he has Lucy?