by E. S Hoy
“Elisa are you hurt?” the question was a loaded one
“Only my pride and a few bruises but it would have been worse tomorrow” the after effects of the drugs were taking their toll on me
“I have to destroy the phone Morgan or they will find me, there are some tree's at the side of the runway I can hide in there I don't know how far this is from London they drugged me so I didn't see how long it took to get here, I am sorry I can't help you more than that but hurry please, I don't know if the guard will wake up and come after me”I could hear that Morgan was barking orders “ the police are following your signal as soon as they have a lock destroy it and hang tight baby I'm coming to get you, I love you so much” I started sobbing then
“Hurry please hurry they will find me I can't go back there” I could hear car doors banging “we are on the way 40 minutes tops now smash the phone Elisa and stay where you are” I didn't want to stop hearing his voice
“I love you Morgan” I threw the mobile against a tree then stamped on it. Now I was alone again and it was dark I had no idea when Gino was returning or if Carlos was dead, I knew I had a few hours until Leonardo came to change shift but if they can't make contact with Carlos would they come sooner? I shivered nights were cold in April and a flimsy top wasn't enough to keep me warm I nestled down in the undergrowth close to the edge of the trees so I would hear the cars arrive but my body let me down and dragged me into sleep.
Morgan
Hearing Elisa's voice was about the best moment of the past few days, Morgan's life had come to a stop thinking he would never see her again, he should have known she would fight her way out, thank God her father had the foresight to train her for such situations, once they had traced the phone to a disused airfield they were on the way, there was a convoy of cars heading out there and an ambulance would meet them there, he prayed she stayed hidden until they could get to her all he wanted was to wrap her in his arms and keep her safe his body craved her, his heart yearned for her and that what kept him going for the half hour it took to get there.
They arrived at the airfield it was as she described a vast area and the police went straight into the hanger to secure the man Elisa had escaped from Morgan stood at the doors looking around for clues of the direction she would have taken, trees she said but in the darkness he couldn't see anything there were shouts all round as everyone began searching, a police officer approached him
“she did well in there the guy was massive she stuck him in the leg and fractured his skull he is not very happy but we can't understand a word he is saying” Morgan was relieved to know he hadn't gone after her and he set off running he heard some shouts and ran in that general direction an officer greeted him
“trees over to the right and left sir we will take the left” Morgan ran in the opposite direction calling her name twenty minutes later and he was beginning to think he was too late he shouted for her frantically he could hear the others shouting too where the hell was she?. He was just about to give up and retrace his steps when he heard a moan
“ Elisa is that you honey can you make some noise so I can find you” he heard it again to his left treading carefully he ducked into the undergrowth and that was when he saw her curled up in a ball eyes wide and trembling, he rushed towards her almost falling on top of her “Elisa its ok we are here baby I'm going to lift you up now try and wrap your arms round my neck” she did as she was told and he shivered at the coldness of her skin she must have been in the open for a couple of hours by now, he hoisted her up shocked by her frail body she felt tiny he stepped back out into the open and kissed her on her forehead and then her eyes closed again he could see her face swollen up and bruised it took all his self-control not to lose his cool, he alerted the search teams
“ I've got her she's here paramedic please now!” he walked back with her towards the cars not realising how far he had come he looked down at her when he felt her body sag and saw she had passed out he held her tight and jogged her to the ambulance that drove out to meet them. The paramedics took her from him even though he didn't want to let go, they wrapped her in a foil blanket placed her on a stretcher and immediately hooked her up to a drip
“Fluids sir she's dehydrated she will soon regain consciousness once her body temperature rises and she rehydrates” he climbed into the back with her and they drove away leaving the police and FBI to set themselves up for the arrival of the bastard who did all this.
Elisa
I heard rustling in the trees near me and cowered hoping to hide, I knew I had been asleep and had no idea for how long and whether this was an enemy or friend then I heard his voice, my lovers voice I tried to shout but my throat wouldn't work it came out as a moan then I heard him again he said my name he came for me, I moaned louder eyes searching in the dark then he was in front of me and I wanted to cry out and I wanted to kiss him. He told me to wrap my arms round his neck so I did then before I could drink him in he stood up with me as though I were a child I stared at him trying to absorb the fact he was there then he kissed me and I knew it was real it was over I was safe so I allowed myself to sleep again.
Chapter 14
“Morgan!” I screamed his face was there in front of me
“Elisa I'm here you are safe it’s all over baby all over “I gasped for my breath I was back in the hospital I felt like I had only just been discharged
“ You found me I can't believe you found me “ the tears came like a torrent the past week suddenly swamping me with emotions, fear of dying, fear of the unknown and most of all fear of never seeing this man again. Morgan sat beside me on the bed and lifted me gently into his arms and rocked me until I ran out of tears
“How long have I been away?” Morgan dried my eyes and rested his head on mine “Too long angel! You were missing for six days you have been in hospital for 12 hours” I stroked his face studying every crease and line he looked so beautiful despite the unshaven look, “Gino did they get him?” Morgan studied me carefully
“the feds hid at the hangar and waited for them, Gino and his son arrived at the same time as Luca in his plane, as soon as they entered the building they were ambushed, Gino grabbed your uncle as hostage but one of the feds got a clean shot and took him out he isn't dead just a shoulder injury” he paused for my reaction I sagged against him it really was over this time
“Ricardo what about him” he noticed my shudder
“What did he do to you?” I looked down not wanting to remember and touched my face to feel the swelling
“Did he do that to your face? Did he touch you anywhere else” his voice had a menacing tone “He wanted to but Gino stopped him” I didn't add the fact that he would have had his moment with me of that I was sure
“He is under arrest squealing like a pig selling his dad out and acting like a bystander” I sat up with a start
“No Morgan he was not innocent he hit me then sexually assaulted me there is no way they can let him out Morgan no way” I was becoming hysterical Morgan pulled me to him again “The little fucker I will have him, he sexually assaulted you? Elisa did he rape you?” he was just about holding it together
“No, no but he groped me and threatened me and knew all about Gino's plans is that not enough to lock him up?, please Morgan you must make sure he doesn't get out he will come back for me” the tears started again and I couldn't control the shaking he was stroking my hair and pressed the button by the bed instantly a nurse was there
“She is hysterical please do something I think its shock” she rushed over to me and adjusted the pain relief drip in my arm, I felt myself relax and the trembling stopped she wiped my face with a cold flannel and frowned at Morgan on my bed
“I am not moving until she has calmed down” she nodded and left the room I sagged against him allowing him to hold me closer
“ Elisa I need to report this to the police so they can charge him at least with something until a proper investigation is completed, they are being extradited to America
the FBI are handling it as there is still your parents murder to charge someone with, all his business dealings and accounts are being torn apart to tie this one up, with this assault charge too he won't be coming anywhere near you ever again” I pressed my face into him and stayed there until I felt safe enough to let go “ I will make the call, there is someone who wants to see you outside is it ok to send him in?” I nodded wondering who it was Morgan opened the door and spoke to someone then let him in “Uncle Luca!” he marched over to me and clasped my hands
“Elisa it is over they have Gino we can live again, Theresa and Carmella are on their way home I wanted to see you before I join them oh child what a week you must have had, you were so brave escaping like that, you are famous you know and now you can be yourself and take your inheritance at last” I was thrilled to see him he had saved my life keeping me hidden “Luca its lovely to see you I am so happy you can have your family back I promise to come over and visit soon, I don't know what to do with the business will you carry on taking care of my share for me I know nothing about restaurants and clubs but I do know you and trust you to look after it for me just for now” he stroked my hair
“of course for as long as you need if you prefer to start a clean slate I have enough funds to buy your half and put the money away for you to invest as you choose” I heard the words clean slate “ I think that would be best I would love to start over and can't see myself ever returning to New York for longer than a holiday at best, give me some time to think then draw up a contract and valuations and we will talk,” I surprised myself at my rational thinking.
Luca said his goodbyes an hour later and promised to pass on my number to Carmella we hadn't spoken for years and I had really missed her. Morgan shook his hand as he came through the door to swap places and I noticed he had shaved,
“You look brighter angel” I nodded I felt much happier a few bruises and stitches but ready to get out of this room
“When can I go?” he walked over to sit next to me
“Tomorrow once you have been checked over by the doctor, Tanner is on his way to get a statement before he takes Vincenzi back to the States, do you think you are up to it?” I sat up a little readying myself
“Yes the sooner they get him far away from me the better!” he agreed
“They will need a more formal signed statement at the station but he will record today's just so he can direct the questioning the right way” after another sleep and some hot tea Agent Tanner arrived, he pulled up a chair after shaking my hand
“Miss Marcelli I want you to talk me through everything that occurred from the start of your abduction, can you do that for me “ I felt ready to get it all out before details were lost so I began with telling them that the first three days were blank just vague recollections of food drink and injections, Marcus was holding my hand calming me until my confession that I could have escaped sooner but chose to remain despite risking death just so I could find out who was behind it all “for Fucks sake what the hell were you thinking? I was going crazy what are you on a death wish or something” Tanner ignored him and urged me to continue, there was more cussing when I related my first encounters with Gino and his son
“ Jesus I want to wring his neck dirty bastard how dare he touch you like that” by the end of the story he had sat back down and had my hand in his again I gave him an apologetic look, Tanner stood to leave and shook my hand again
“Miss Marcelli if you ever fancy a change of career you would make an excellent FBI agent you have more balls than most of the men on my team I wouldn’t hesitate in using you for undercover work” Morgan was about to say something very rude but I interjected
“Thanks Tanner but I think I am ready for the quiet life now” he smiled
“Your father trained you well he would be extremely proud of you” with that he left and I broke down once more.
Next morning by ten o’clock I was dressed and ready Morgan was just making sure the exit was clear of reporters, it was a strange feeling being myself at last, Elisa was alive and I could say goodbye to Jenna, I wanted to say I was going home but I didn’t have one I had a hotel room, for a moment I felt lost that was until Morgan marched in beaming.
“ready Elisa it’s time to go, Graham is waiting with the car there are a few reporters but I have a cap and shades to hide your bruises” I took my hair out of its pony tail put on the cap and glasses they were a decent size so not much of my face was visible, I wasn’t looking forward to walking through hotel reception looking like this.
“I’m ready lets go” flashes were going left right and centre people shouting questions but Morgan fended them off with polite one word answers and bundled me into the car, no doubt the hotel would be full of them that wasn’t a happy thought. I was feeling tired already my lack of food intake over the past week had taken their toll my joggers were hanging on my hips, on the plus side my abs looked amazing after my daily workouts in my cell and the size of my waist made my boobs look even bigger. We pulled up at my old apartment building I sat up sharp “What are we doing here?” Morgan said nothing just smiled and led me up the stairs and knocked on Tony’s door, to my surprise he was in and he lifted me up with his one arm in a bone crushing hug my bruises throbbed and I winced Morgan told him off
“Hey careful with her she is black and blue” Tony put me down straight away
“Oops sorry cupcake! I am so happy to see you we are glad to have Lara Croft home again, go and settle in and we will catch up tomorrow I am dying to hear your whole life story Elisa not the fake one!” I laughed with him
“Settle in where?” Tony smiled and Morgan dragged me away up the stairs to my old door, surely it couldn’t be ready in such a short time? Morgan dangled a new set of keys to my new front door and suddenly I was like a little girl I loved this flat even though I hadn’t been here very long. I pushed open the door and the smell of new paint and rich wood hit me, the living area had been fitted with a solid wooden floor the windows all replaced with replica sash windows that let in so much more light than the old leaded light ones, I had a new wall mounted fireplace with a cosy rug in front, a wall mounted plasma TV, a brand new leather reclining sofa sat in the middle of the floor with a new dining table set in the corner near the kitchen which was now all open plan with a breakfast bar and stool separating it from the rest of the room, the whole place looked huge and airy all in cream with some beautiful paintings hung around the walls I walked up to one to see who the artist was
“They are Olivia’s do you like them? If not I can swap them for something else” I put my finger on his mouth
“I love them they are fab, she is very talented” I walked through to the main bedroom it had matching flooring and similar colour pallet but with accents of deep red in the furnishings echoed in more of Olivia's paintings, the bedding was opulent and matched perfectly, I had a new walk in dressing area, all my clothes had been hung up and a few of Morgan's this gave me butterflies was he planning on staying a lot? My new bathroom was spectacular the builders had sacrificed the tiny box room to double its size and I now had a new free standing double end bath and huge glass shower with room for about 10 people!
“You are very quiet Elisa have I got it all wrong” my excitement burst out
“Oh Morgan I love it every bit I would have designed it in the same way had I thought of it, it’s gorgeous and I love it. It feels so strange because at the hospital it made me sad that I couldn’t say I am going home as I didn’t have one but now I do and I am just so happy” my feelings were overwhelming and I transferred them into the longest kiss in history that left us both reeling after “wow I will have to surprise you more often” I beamed with joy
“This is enough it is perfect” he picked me up gently and carried me back to the living area perching me on one of my new leather bar stools
“Right Elisa food time you need fattening up I am scared too touch you in case you snap!” I frowned
“yes I agree get cooking D
rake” he set about whipping us both up scrambled eggs bacon and toast and every crumb was cleared it was the most delicious thing I had tasted but after my second milky coffee my stomach started to protest
“Oh dear think I may have over done it” I needed to lie down before the food made an unwelcome return Morgan frowned
“you look green angel here let’s get you comfortable” he lifted me off the stool and placed me on the sofa wrapping a fur throw round my legs he sat behind me so I was lay between his legs and we watched some trashy TV together “my parents want to see you soon, now they are all up to speed they have so many questions for you and my mother’s maternal instincts have gotten out of control I think she wants to adopt you!” it was nice to hear that they weren’t offended by my lies it felt like a huge weight had lifted just by being able to use my name again.
I could feel Morgan fidgeting behind me and realised I must have drifted off; he probably had a dead leg
“Sorry did I nod off? Are you really uncomfortable?” he wriggled out from behind me “Angel I just need the bathroom that’s all you were asleep for two hours honey” crikey well at least the food stayed down that’s a good thing.
While he was in the bathroom I started to worry about tonight we hadn’t known each other all that long but we were definitely in love of that there was no doubt, but where were we headed he had his apartment and I had mine, I guess part of me hoped he would keep me at the hotel permanently although I loved this place I wondered if it was his way of putting some distance there maybe we had moved too fast, my worry must have shown in my face as Morgan came straight over to me