Business: Phoenix #1

by Danielle, Zoe

  And we wait.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  I don't understand what's going through her head, she told me she loves me, and I know she does. I can see it in her eyes, but she openly defied me. I’m right about this, but maybe trying to force her wasn’t the best way to handle this.

  I need to speak to her; we can't leave things like this.

  I pace the living room floor, Benji playfully running after my feet as I do. I pick up my phone and try to dial Casey but her phone goes straight to voicemail – must be switched off. I leave a quick message asking her to call me as soon as she has chance.

  I know Hannah will be with her so I call her next.

  "Hi Matt!" Her high pitched voice fills my ears. She doesn’t sound like she’s upset.

  "Hi Hannah, can I speak to Case please?" I ask when I put my cell back to my ear.

  "Case? She isn't with me Matt, sorry..." She seems as confused as me. "Has something happened?"

  "She told me that she was hanging out with you and watching The Notebook.” I explain.

  "What? No, we don’t have plans. Have you tried contacting her?" Her voice is now as urgent as mine.

  "Yeah her cell is switched off."

  I start to panic, it isn't like Casey to have her phone switched off so we can't contact her and it isn't like her to lie to us.

  "I'll be right over." Hannah ends the call and I drop my cell to the couch before picking Benji up.

  ~~~~~

  Casey

  I tense as I hear footsteps heading out of the room and into the hallway where we are hiding. I peer through the gap in the door, one eye closed so I can focus properly with the other.

  I see a man heading towards the staircase and it takes me a few moments to realize that this is Jason; this is the person who has been fallowing me and tormenting me for the past few months.

  And I realize that I’ve seen this man.

  He is the man we passed when we volunteered to walk the rescue dogs in Saltburn that day. The man in the cap who gave us the creepy smile.

  He followed us to Saltburn.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  It's not long until the living room is full. Hannah, Andrew, James, Grace and two of our security guards.

  Hannah is on the floor making a fuss of Benji who was a little intimidated by being surrounded by so many new people all at once.

  "We can track her car." Graham, head of our security speaks.

  "Then what are we waiting for?" James's voice is demanding.

  What if Casey doesn't want us to follow her? What if she is with another man?

  I quickly shake the thoughts from my mind; I know she wouldn't be cheating on me. Or I hope she isn't.

  Graham looks at me then back at James before standing and speaking quietly into his cell phone. I can't really hear what he is saying but I know he is giving orders.

  "I hope she is okay." Grace's voice is low as she watches Hannah holding Benji; she is as worried as the rest of us. Hannah realizes that she is being watched and raises her head, tear stained cheeks and red eyes smile at her before looking down at the bundle of fur on her lap.

  Andrew hasn't spoken since he arrived. Probably worried sick about his little sister.

  Like I am.

  It is driving me crazy. I can’t just stand here and do nothing. I just want to speak to her and make sure everything is okay.

  I need to know she is safe.

  Chapter Forty-six

  Casey

  The pounding in my ears is getting louder and louder.

  Jason is standing inches away from us, the other side of the door but looking directly down the stairs.

  I can't hold my breath much longer or I will pass out.

  I squeeze Michelle's hand.

  I hear a woman's soft cry and I recognize the voice.

  And I realize it’s Julie.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  I pace the floor for the umpteenth time I am aware everybody’s eyes are on me like I am some sort of mad man but I can't help it.

  I feel fucking helpless. I should be there, protecting her from whatever she is going through.

  I feel hands on my shoulders to stop me and I spin on my heel to meet James.

  "Calm down Matt, Graham’s security team will be back soon to let us know about the tracking... Sit down and Grace will grab you a drink." I know by his voice that this isn't a request, it is an order.

  I shrug my shoulders to loosen his grip before I continue to pace.

  The woman I love is missing, I can't contact her and he expects me to sit and just fucking wait and have a damn drink.

  Is he crazy?

  "For fucks sake!" My voice is loud, almost a roar as I slam my fist in to the wall, the connection makes me feel better but when I move my fist it reveals a large hole.

  ~~~~~

  Casey

  Michelle and I hold hands, trying not to breathe. Maybe he’ll go back down the hall and we can escape. We have to get out. Maybe Michelle can get out and call for help and I can try to get Julie out of here.

  Suddenly Jason swings the door open. His smell assaults my senses. His hair is long, dark and greasy. A creepy smile is on his face, his eyes wide. "About time, Casey!"

  He pulls me out of the cupboard and I try to wriggle out of his grip, his long ragged nails digging into my sides.

  "Get the fuck off me!" I can't help myself, my hand which was holding Michelle breaks free and I slap him - the contact with his face burning the palm of my hand.

  "Oh, Casey! You like it rough, do you? Is this how you want to play? "

  He rams his body into me and pins me against the wall. His erection pushing against me, making me feel sick with fear. His vile breath is in my face. I pull with all my might to get away. I stomp on his foot and he screams and his head slams down to mine. Pushing me backwards with the force but his arms keeping me secured in place. The pain makes me dizzy and I throw my hands to my face.

  I hear footsteps running down the stairs and I move my hands from my face so I can glance over and realize Michelle is running away, leaving me alone in this crazy house, with a man who has threatened me for months.

  I pray she gets away and brings help

  ~~~~~

  Hannah

  I watch as Andrew and James try to control Matt.

  James's strong arms are wrapped around him and Andrew is trying to talk sense into him.

  Graham and his team returned and confirmed that she was at an address around twenty miles or so away.

  They confirmed a man called Jason lives there and they explained he was a psychopath.

  I am guessing that he is the stalker.

  Graham explained that they were sending some guys over to check the house out and to make sure everything was okay. Matt wouldn't listen and said he was going to get her. When Graham told him not to because chances are that it wouldn't be safe he started shouting and swearing at them.

  I just want to speak to Casey.

  I want to know she is okay.

  ~~~~~

  Casey

  He pulls me to the only lit room and throws me to the floor.

  I look around and see Julie staring at me at me. Her face is still bruised like the photo I was sent of her. Her hair is a mess, like it hasn't been washed or brushed in days. Her eyes dart back and forth from Jason to me.

  Jason shuts the door and sits beside her on the unmade single bed. Julie’s foot is tied to the bed. She has marks on her wrists.

  “Oh Casey." Julie says quietly. I glance around the room and the walls are covered in pictures of me, not the type I have posed for either - the majority are of me walking in and out of work, pictures of me driving my car, pictures of me and Hannah at the spa. Some pictures are just of my face, so I can’t tell when or where they were taken.

  There are pictures of Matt and Hannah too, Matt running, making his way to and from work, a picture of him with a man and woman in a jewellers. I focus on th
is, where was he and who was he with?

  Julie laughs nervously and shakes her head. "You shouldn’t be here”

  I give Julie a small smile to let her know it’s going to be alright. Then I continue to look around the walls at all the photos of me and the people I love. Some of these photos go back months. How long has this been going on? Why me?

  Jason sees me eyeing up the covered walls. "This is what I call 'Casey's Bedroom’." He smirks. "I hope you like it; this is where you will be staying now. It will be so fun, just the three of us."

  "I'm not fucking staying anywhere!" I shout. I want him to know I’m not afraid of him, even if I really am.

  "Don't upset me Casey; do you know what happens when I get angry?" His eyes are dark and are staring right at me, his creepy smile making me shudder.

  I refuse to make eye contact with him; I don't want to give him what he wants so I stare at Julie again.

  He notices me looking at Julie and begins to smile in an evil way. He leans close to Julie and wraps his arm around her shoulder and pulls her close. He grabs her face roughly and forces a kiss.

  “Leave her alone!” I shout.

  "Shall we make her more comfortable?" Jason says and Julie glances to him and nods. They both stand and make their way to me; Julie’s restraint allows her to come to me. I shuffle back but I am stopped when I hit the wall behind me.

  Julie starts to peel my hoodie from me and I wriggle about, thrashing my arms as much as I can to stop her but Jason holds me down. "Now let's not be silly Casey." His tone is demanding.

  What‘s wrong with Julie? Why is she helping him? Is it because she’s afraid of more abuse from this man?

  "Fuck off!" I spit and he kicks me in the ribs. I try to curl up in a ball to stop the pain but Julie starts to pull my vest over my head, she struggles due to the position I am in.

  "Don't swear at me Casey. I don't like being sworn at..." His voice is condescending, like he is speaking to a child.

  Julie manages to take my vest off so I am lying in my bra and sweat pants. I pull my legs to my chest and tuck my head down and sob.

  "That's enough for now." Jason tells Julie and they both return to sit on the bed, staring at me. "Let me see how beautiful you are Casey."

  I don't answer; I stay in my tight ball.

  If I stay like this, then I will be safe, he can't hurt me.

  Why did I even bother coming here today?

  I zone their voices out with my own thoughts; I think happy thoughts - Matt, Hannah, my parents and Andrew. Benji, my time with Matt in America.

  And I wonder if I will ever see them again.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  When I was told Casey was at a psychopath’s house I couldn't contain myself.

  I was worried and scared for her.

  I wanted to be there to protect her.

  I watched everyone around me break down like she was dead or something.

  But I couldn't bring myself to think that about her.

  Instead I was filled with rage and anger. I wanted to get hold of that bastard.

  The security team told me that I couldn't go to where she is that it would be too dangerous. But I didn't fucking listen. I don't care if it is dangerous; I need to know Casey is okay.

  I argued with them until they agreed that James and I could go with them to where she was.

  The car doesn't seem to be going anywhere fast and I want to scream at the bloke driving to put his fucking foot down.

  James senses my anger and looks at me with concern in his eyes.

  "Don't do anything stupid when we get there, Matt."

  I don't answer, instead I stare at him.

  Stare through him.

  ~~~~~

  Casey

  "You are such a beautiful girl Casey. Do you know how much I love you?" Jason is sat on the floor beside me now. Running his hand up and down the side of my body which is still curled tightly. "Why can't you realize that you belong with me? Me and you together, forever."

  “What about me?” Julie whispers from the bed. I’m thankful she is distracting him from touching my skin.

  What have I done to deserve this? Why can't this man just leave me alone?

  Every inch of my body aches, my face, my ribs and when he runs his dirty hand along me it feels like he is rubbing acid on me, his touch burning and scarring me. He leans close and runs his tongue across my bare shoulder. I shudder.

  "Why can't you just leave me alone?" I say through my cries.

  "I can't leave you alone Casey. I am in love with you and we are meant to be together. After you stay with me you will realize. You will be mine and you will be happy." Jason says.

  When Jason stands to go and get a cigarette from the side I sit up against the wall and pull my legs to me. I watch both of them. Watching their every movement.

  "If its money you want, I'll give you it. As much as you want."

  "Oh Casey, Casey, Casey." Jason shakes his head and blows a puff of smoke down at me. "When will you realize that I do not want your money? I want you, I love you."

  "You don't know a thing about love." I spit.

  "And what? Your fucking yank of a boyfriend does." He screams. "I know what love is Casey. Look around you!" He throws his arms out. "This is fucking love... and I’m going to love fucking you over and over and over. You’ll be screaming!" he sneered.

  "This is stalking!" I shout back. “It is wrong and I will never love you!”

  Fury across his face he throws the still burning cigarette down at me which misses by an inch. "Do not fucking call me a stalker." He screams as he stomps down on the cigarette, for a moment I thought he was aiming for me so I duck out of the way.

  Julie shakes her head. "Oh you shouldn't have Casey – you’ve made him mad and when Jason is mad, bad things happen." She giggles like a crazy person. She’s lost her mind being with this lunatic.

  Before I know it he is down on his knees beside me, punching me everywhere – my face, my ribs, my stomach.

  And then I see black.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  "How much fucking longer will this take?!" I shout at the driver.

  "The sat nav says another ten minutes, sir." He explains his voice calm and collected. Doesn't he understand what the fuck is going on? Is he really that stupid? I want to throttle him and tell him to put his fucking foot down so we get there before it is too late.

  Like the entire car journey, James is watching me intently. Wondering what is going through my mind. Trying to read me like some sort of book.

  ~~~~~

  Casey

  All I feel is pain.

  With every kick and blow he sends me I want to scream out, but I can't.

  I open my mouth but nothing comes out.

  I feel the next blow to my head; it comes with such force I guess it is from his foot.

  My body starts to feel numb.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  We eventually arrive at the address and I see Casey's car down the road.

  The security team is circling somebody near her car and instantly I think it is Casey.

  I open the car door whilst it is still moving and run over to them, pushing my way through and I realize it isn't Casey, its Michelle and she is crying like a baby.

  "What's happened?" I demand and her eyes meet mine. Terror in them.

  "H-H-He’s got Casey." She explains through cries.

  "Who has?" I shout at her.

  "Jason.”

  I turn to make my way to the house, to stop them but I am grabbed by security from all angles.

  "Let me fucking go!" I scream at them, I try to fight them off but there is three of them and one of me. I have no chance.

  "Don't do anything stupid sir, we have members of our team making their way into the house now, they will sort it and get her out of there safe. We can't risk them being caught and putting her in a more dangerous situation. We will appreciate it if you stay here and remain calm.
" His voice is stern and his eyes are narrowed as he stares at me.

  Chapter Forty-seven

  Casey

  When I regain consciousness I scan the room and realize I am alone.

  I need to get out of here now.

  I try to push myself up from the ground but I am in too much pain to move, every inch of me hurts.

  I take a few moments to tell myself I need to move before they come back, regardless of how much pain I am in. If I want to survive this I need to get out of this house now.

  “Come on, Case. You can do this.” I tell myself quietly.

  I pull my vest over my head and wince at the pain.

  I push myself up against the wall and hold myself there for a second to get my balance, I am so dizzy and I feel so sick.

  I feel my way against the wall, walking slowly when all I want to do is run, but my body won't let me.

  I get to the bottom of the hall way, at the top of the steep staircase when I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around.

  "Think you're going somewhere, Casey?" Jason is behind me. A creepy smile plastered across his face. His eyes narrowed on me.

  "I'm...going home." I tell him, still holding on to the wall.

  "Oh, but you are home." His smile widens, eyes still narrowed.

  "No. I'm. Not." I tell him.

  He raises his eye brow at me. "You are feisty. I don't like it when a woman argues with what I am saying." His tone is low and authoritative. “I am the boss in this relationship, Casey. You do as I say.”

  "Like your mum tried to tell you?" I spit.

  "You know nothing about my mother!" He shouts, face raging.

  "I know what you did to her you sick fuck. I know what you did to your father." I focus my eyes at him, stare straight through him. Showing him that I am not scared.