I bit on my lip to stop the tears from falling. My vision blurred, and I swiped angrily at my eyes. Ethan and Chris were quiet, waiting for the rest of the story.
“They... they tore her clothes off; completely off. Didn’t leave a thread on her. They raped her, all four of them by turns and quickly as if competing which one can go faster and harder. She tried to fight back, but they held her down and covered her mouth. They punched and slapped her repeatedly. It was terrible, just terrible. And I felt so helpless and scared.” I gave in to sobs. They shook my whole body.
I could see that scene right in front of my eyes. Even when I squeezed them shut it wouldn’t go away. It was burned onto the insides of my eyelids. I could never forget it.
Chris wrapped her arm around me but remained quiet. Ethan wasn’t talking either. But I felt them exchanging silent words, speaking with their eyes, wordlessly discussing what they just heard.
I had to tell them the rest of the story, because the part they heard left too much out.
So I continued, trying not to sob but with a lousy result, “I had to do something, but I was too scared to even move. I thought about running back to the restaurant, but everyone was gone, except for the owner. She wouldn’t be able to help—she was an older lady with bad knees and a replaced hip. My only option was to call the cops. But first I wanted a proof of what I was witnessing for the police to possibly find them. So I took my phone out and started to record them torturing Helen. I hoped they would finally leave her laying there when they were done, and then I could drag her somewhere safe and call the cops. But one of the guys took a knife out and sliced Helen’s throat! Just like that; with no reason. Oh, God... that was horrible... blood was everywhere. I screamed, and they saw me. I ran. I got away. But I dropped my cell phone and didn’t dare to go back to pick it up.”
I had to bite on my knuckles to keep from bawling. The memories were too vivid in my mind, still too fresh. Before I realized what was happening, Ethan rubbed a small disinfecting wipe over my arm and swiftly pierced my skin with the needle, injecting me with something from a small syringe.
“This will calm you down,” he murmured.
I didn’t even protest. I was a mess, my mind was racing, and my heart was pounding uncontrollably against my ribcage.
Chris laid me down on the bench, and the ice packs reappeared on my forehead and behind my neck. Without a word, Ethan walked outside. Chris motioned to me to stay down. I obliged, because the dark swirls in front of my eyes were back, and I didn’t want to pass out again.
Whatever Ethan injected me with, was working wonders. My eyes closed, and I fell asleep.
I heard whispers, and they scared me. I bolted upright, shrieking.
Chris rushed to me. Her hands firmly gripped my arms, and she lowered me to the bench. “Shh, it’s okay. Shh.”
I looked around and remembered that I was in the paramedics’ vehicle. Ethan and his Battalion Chief stood at the other end, watching me. A moment later they returned to their quiet conversation, shooting me chased glances. I couldn’t even decipher what was said. After a moment they called Chris to join them.
She walked over to them and stood, listening and nodding at what Ethan was whispering. Then she turned her head to give me a quick look. The medicine they gave me made me feel sluggish and calm. I didn’t care anymore what they were doing and what they were discussing. Now, I just wanted to close my eyes and breathe.
I must’ve fallen asleep again, because when I opened my eyes the Chief was gone, and Ethan squatted down by my side, looking determined.
“What’s going on?” I had to force my mouth to form the words. They came out slurred, no matter how hard I tried.
“You’re sure you won’t stay in the witness protection?” Ethan asked. I thought his voice sounded harsher than ever before.
“Didn’t I make that clear?” I scoffed, still slurring a bit.
“And there isn’t anyone you trust to hide you somewhere?”
“It’s not just about trust. It’s about not putting anyone in danger. The gang found me once they will find me again. As you can see, they aren’t choosy about who they kill around me.” I pointed toward the outside.
“Maybe they will, or maybe they won’t,” Ethan said.
I watched his face, but he didn’t betray what he meant by such a weird statement.
Chris stood next to Ethan and lightly punched him in the shoulder. He gave her a scornful look, but she just raised her eyebrows in a mocking come on, big guy expression.
“Go on, tell her the plan,” Chris prompted.
“What plan?” I asked nervously.
“I’m getting to it,” Ethan sounded irritated. He turned to look at me, frowning. “Listen, if these guys are watching you then we need to make you disappear. Poof. Gone. No trace.”
“Go on.” I nodded. I was wondering who the we were. The medication was still in full effect. I knew that because I felt surprisingly calm. Normally if I had to discuss my situation—especially with strangers—I would be scared out of my wits.
“You’re coming with me. I can hide you for a while. Chris is gonna help with that.”
“Wait, what?” I had a really hard time wrapping my head around his words. “Hide me where? How?”
Chris kneeled down by Ethan, next to my bench. “Gloria, listen.” She smiled encouragingly. “Ethan is a well-trained Marine with a badass attitude and skills out of this world, but he’s also a really good guy.”
“That’s a fucking great intro, Chris. Thank you,” he sneered.
“You’re welcome, but shut up for a bit so I can explain to Gloria what needs to be done.”
I liked Chris more and more. She seemed like a no-nonsense, easy going girl. And she wouldn’t take any shit from a guy, even as imposing as Ethan was. His personality kinda stunk, but beggars can’t be choosers, so I wasn’t about to bring that up.
“We’ll swap our clothes.” Chris pointed to me, then to herself, and back to me. “I’ll keep that hood on, just like you’ve been doing, and my head down, so nobody would see my face. Then I’ll go to ride with the feds in their car. You’re staying here. Ethan will drive the paramedics rig to Firehouse 8, right behind Jack, who will take the Engine 8 there. Both vehicles will enter the garage and park. You stay in. Nobody will have the slightest clue that the girl who went with the feds is not Gloria Glass. If there is a tail, they will go after the feds’ vehicle.”
“But you’ll be in danger! You’ll be in the FBI car, so if the gang opens fire—”
“They won’t,” Ethan interrupted me. “They aren’t stupid to attack in the open with so many witnesses, the cops, and the media around. Do you think the fed’s vehicle can possibly slip out of here unnoticed? No way in hell. There’ll be a full entourage following them.”
“But that’s crazy.” I sat up.
“Do you have a better idea?” Ethan barked at me.
I looked at him, speechless. He didn’t give the impression of being eager at all to become part of this plan, so why did he even agree to do so?
“You don’t seem excited to do this, and I don’t blame you,” I started.
He cut me off quickly, “I don’t get excited about stuff that needs to be done. I just do it.”
Asshole. There was no way I would spend any time at all with him. I’ve known plenty of jerks in my life already, and adding one more wasn’t going to happen.
I opened my mouth to tell him that he can stick that brilliant plan up his ass, but Chris spoke first.
“Okay, okay. Listen up. Don’t worry about me, Gloria. My girl Juno will get me from the feds. She’s a cop, and believe me, nobody ever fucks with her. Ethan will drive you to my house. It’ll simply look as if it’s me he’s dropping off after work. Now comes the important part: you’ll immediately go inside but then quietly exit through the back door. There is a small gate in my backyard that leads into the woods. You must be quick. Just run to the gate and out. You will see a trail. Follow it al
l the way through the woods, a mile maybe. Just stay on the path and don’t turn anywhere. The trail ends by a fallen tree. There is a large boulder on the right with two handprints in gold paint—that’s from Juno’s and my wedding ceremony.” She smiled and when she did, her whole face lit up. “Ethan will wait there for you in his truck.”
“Just don’t exit the woods until you see me parked on the road,” Ethan interjected. Geez, he had a rude way of interrupting everyone. “Don’t assume it’s my truck when you see it approach. I’ll stop by the boulder and lower the passenger’s window for you to see it’s actually me. Otherwise, just stay hidden until I arrive.”
Wow, that sounded like a script for some thriller story. But then again, my life in the last two weeks had been nothing short of CSI screenplay material.
“Good?” Ethan’s eyes seemed cold. He pinned me down with his stare and then without waiting for me to comment, left the rig.
“Quick, give me your clothes.” Chris was already undressing and standing in front of me in only a bra and underwear. She motioned to me to do the same.
“How did you convince the FBI to agree to this plan? Wait, do they know?” I realized that if there was a snitch in the Bureau, which I suspected there was, this scheme was as dangerous as staying in the protection program. No, it was even worse, since more innocent people were now involved.
“No, they don’t know where you’re going. Nobody except Ethan, our Chief, and Ethan’s cousin Jack. All one-hundred-percent trustworthy people. You told the feds that you’re withdrawing, and that your lawyer will communicate with them. They can’t do anything now; can’t stop you. You’re a free citizen.”
I took from her the pants and the Fire-Department shirt and put it down on the bench. It all sounded too easy. I made a mental note to call Jessica as soon as it was safe.
Pulling my own t-shirt off, I peeked again at Chris. She turned her head, trying to see what was happening outside. The snake tattooed on her scalp and neck ended between her small breasts. Its blood-red eyes were wide open, menacing. Both of Chris’s shoulders and arms were covered in colorful half-sleeve tattoos, and there was more ink on her flat stomach and lean legs.
I slid off my pants and quickly put Chris’s clothes on. They fit pretty well. Chris dressed in my hoodie and jeans. She smiled. “Huh, we must be the same size, just the way Ethan said we were.”
“Ethan? I thought it was you who figured that out.” I didn’t even try to keep surprise out of my voice.
She grinned at me. “Ethan knows more about women’s physique and clothes than you and I both put together.”
I felt my eyes opening wide.
Chris laughed. She had a nice laugh—like someone who’s carefree and happy. As far as I knew, she most likely was.
“Okay, I’m gonna leave now. The feds are waiting. I’ll see you later.” She squeezed my arm. “Don’t be scared. Ethan’s okay. He won’t let anything happen to you. He’s grumpy sometimes, but you can totally trust him.”
I pulled her into a hug. “Are you sure you’ll be okay? I don’t know how I can possibly repay you.”
“No need to worry about that. I try to pay it forward. One day I might need some help, and so I want to believe I will receive it.” She hugged me back, pulled away, and smiled at me. A moment later she was out of the door.
I sat down with my elbows propped on my knees, resting my chin on my fists. Will my life be ever normal again? Will I ever live without fear? Nothing was the same anymore, and I knew that nothing would ever be.
Chapter Seven
ETHAN
I brought the paramedics rig inside, right after Jack parked Engine 8. He jumped out from it and closed the garage door. The rest of the guys got out and went inside, straight to the bunkrooms to change from their turnout gear and heavy boots. Jack stayed with me.
“Is everything okay? Where is she?” he asked quietly.
I tipped my chin in the direction of the rig and then opened the door. “Gloria, stay here for a moment.”
She huddled in the corner like a hunted animal. Momentarily, I felt a pang of guilt for being so harsh with her.
Jack stuck his head inside the rig. “S’up. I’m Jack, Ethan’s cousin.”
“I’m Gloria,” she said in a small voice.
“Jack, wait with Gloria. I need to grab a few things from my bunkroom.”
“Sure thing, bro.” Jack nodded.
I just finished my twenty-four hour shift and had a four-day furlough starting today, which actually worked out perfectly for our plan. In the kitchen, Ron and Craig, two guys from our team were getting lunch ready. It was their turn to cook. We always took turns in preparing meals for the rest of the team.
“Cap, are you eating with us?” Craig asked.
“No, thanks. I’m leaving in a moment. Jack’s staying though, so better make something for him or you’ll have to deal with his pissy attitude.” I was just giving them shit for kicks. They cooked for everyone anyway.
They both laughed. I went to my bunkroom, opened the locker, and grabbed my small backpack. I stuffed a few things inside, mainly some clothes that needed to be laundered, and then headed back to the garage.
As I was about to push the door to the garage open, I heard Jack say, “He can be a jerk sometimes, but he’s solid. I’ve known Ethan all my life, practically since the crib. You can count on him. Always.”
Gloria said something in return, but I couldn’t hear it.
Jack commented, “Ethan will help you for sure. Just do as he says.”
As he says? Yeah, like that was going to fly with her. I shook my head, imagining her flipping Jack off, and then entered the garage.
“There he is,” Jack announced my arrival. Okay, so she didn’t flip him off, or maybe he didn’t see it since he turned to look at me.
“Where are we going from Chris’s place?” Gloria asked. She didn’t look happy.
“I own a cabin a couple of hours drive from Portland. We’re gonna head out now,” I told her.
Before she could protest for whatever reason, I turned to Jack. “We’ll sneak out through the south door. Colton has already moved my truck.”
He clapped me on the back. “Call if you need anything, okay? One word and I’m there.”
I laughed. “Okay, Mom.”
Jack went inside. I was sure at least one of the feds’ cars followed us and was now parked somewhere by the firehouse, keeping watch. They desperately needed to know where Gloria was going, but I wouldn’t let them see her leave the building. The plan was to make them think she’s spending the night here.
“Can I get out of this vehicle?” Gloria asked, not too pleased that she was kept there until now. It was necessary though, since I didn’t want any of our guys to know she was here. I wasn’t taking any chances.
I said to her, “Keep your head down and stay close to me in case someone inside sees you. Although I’m sure Jack will huddle them all around food.”
“Are we going to your truck? Who’s Colton?”
“Colton is one of my brothers. The baby of the family. I called him before we returned here so he could move the truck a couple of blocks away.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m sure that by now the feds are parked outside, waiting for you to come out. Now let’s go.” I started to get impatient with her. All these questions could have waited for later.
“Won’t they see us leave then?”
I sighed. “Let’s hope not. That’s why we are sneaking out through the back.”
“You said this was one of your brothers? How many do you have?”
I turned to look at her. That was an untimely investigation. My expression must’ve reflected how impatient I felt at that moment, because Gloria recoiled. But then she immediately straightened, and that stubborn but so sexy look of defiance was back. Damn, this woman had some fire in her.
“We need to move fast and very quietly. Do you think you can manage?” I asked her, trying to speak c
almly.
“Fine. Let’s go then.” She huffed and shook her head, frowning. Her eye brows were thin and perfectly arched. But when she frowned, they were shaped like two little caterpillars. I almost laughed.
As soon as I opened the door, a heavenly scent of sautéed beef and vegetables assaulted my senses. I realized I didn’t eat anything since dawn. I was so hungry that I had to force myself not to turn and walk in the direction of the kitchen. My stomach growled in protest, and I swore under my breath.
I heard Gloria inhale deeply. She probably didn’t have a decent meal for even longer than me. But eating had to wait until we were clear out of the city.
We went through the firehouse unnoticed—past the entertainment room with its doors closed and past the hallway leading to the bunkrooms. I unlocked and slowly opened the south door. Sticking my head out, I peered outside. No cars, no feds. That simplified everything.
I looked at Gloria and silently put my finger across my lips. I grasped her sleeve and yanked her out of the door. We crept alongside the building wall with our backs pressed to it. I peeked around the corner. There were several vehicles parked in our small parking lot, but one of them for sure didn’t belong to any of my firefighters: a large, black sedan with darkened windows.
So here they were, waiting for Gloria to emerge, just as I predicted. I pulled back and turned to her. “The FBI vehicle is parked right there, watching the front doors.” I pointed. “From that position, they have a good view at the east door as well. There might be another vehicle parked by the west entrances.”
Her eyes got huge and she opened her mouth to say something, but I quickly stopped her with a simple shh and a shake of my head.
The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories Page 184