UN-Breakable

by S. K. Lessner

  It had been over forty-eight hours since I’d slept. My body was beyond exhausted, but my heart refused to give up. I’d searched every inch of the house for clues. Everything from the garage to the yard, to my neighbors whom had been carefully examined and questioned. Still, I found myself completely empty handed. I had nothing. Not even a smudge or piece of lint left behind.

  Gwen’s phone was still plugged in beside her bed. It had been turned off so I assumed it had died before she’d charged it. Grabbing it, I put it in my pocket for absolutely no reason at all, except to feel her close to me. Just as I was turning to leave the room, I caught sight of the picture she’d begun painting on the wall. It was absolutely beautiful. Just like her. And it broke my heart.

  The thought made me furious, reminding me that someone had stood outside the windows and used the tiny holes and small space where two blinds had not closed completely to spy on her. With fire racing through my veins, I hurried out of the room and out to my car. After a quick call to Boss, informing him I was off duty for the night and would call tomorrow, I hung up before he could respond and started the ignition. I had no idea where to look for her. The only idea I had was to go back to the beginning, the place where I’d first seen her, and start from scratch.

  “Please. Please don’t!” I cried out but knew it was useless. James had gone from disgusting and cruel to completely insane.

  “Fuck you, bitch! You bit me and head butted me. What the hell did you think I was gonna do in return?” He pulled the ropes that were tied to my hands as tightly as possible, making sure each arm was securely fastened to the large, metal bolts protruding from the wall. Next, he yanked the chain attached to my right leg, stretching my legs apart, and fastening the lock on the end to an even larger bolt that was sticking up out of the floor.

  “What is this place?” I asked, unable to keep myself quiet. I already knew the answer, but I’d forgotten how to be the quiet, obedient girl I was the last time he’d seen me.

  “It’s just my little play place, kitten.” He smiled up at me just before he jerked my other leg so that I was spread eagle, barely able to hold my weight up without hanging from my arms. With a clank and a click, he locked that chain in place as well before standing up and admiring his evil handiwork. “Ah, perfect.”

  “Spfft!” I spat at him, unfortunately missing by a few feet.

  “You will learn respect once again. He’s ruined you, but don’t worry, we have all the time in the world. You will be the obedient whore you once were before I’m done with you.” He chuckled, grabbing a long black bandana from his back pocket. “We definitely can’t have any more spitting or biting, though.”

  With a couple of steps, he was leaning against my body, the torn clothing allowing my skin to feel his bare chest press against me. “No!” I thrashed and tried to prevent him, but with my hands and legs spread apart and no leverage, the only thing I could do was swing my head forward and back. When the back of my head collided with the cement wall behind me, the crack echoing across the room, I felt the rush of pain return and knew it was pointless. I’d only hurt myself more or provoke James to behave even worse.

  Closing my eyes, I let him finish tying the bandana around my head, allowing my body to sag before him. His hands were rough as he tightened the cloth and made certain my mouth was completely out of commission. I felt the tears begin to fall. The horror from countless memories merging with the realization of my current predicament were more than I could bear. And I gave in to it all, weeping uncontrollably as he stood there staring at me as if he were studying a specimen at the zoo.

  “There. Just let it all out. Get rid of all that attitude and rebellion so we can get on to better…more enjoyable things.” His finger slid across my jawline, down my neck, following my breastbone to my breasts. My shirt had long ago been ripped down the front with only the bottom half still intact. Using both his hands, he spread the two pieces of fabric wide open and held my breasts in his hands. “You’re just so perfect. Did you think I would let you go so easily?”

  I refused to open my eyes or acknowledge him in any way.

  “I asked you a question, kitten.” I felt the sudden pressure of his fingers pinching my nipples, the pressure gradually increasing until I wanted to cry out in pain.

  Yet I refused to acknowledge him.

  “You will learn to respect me!” he growled, pulling my nipples and elongating my breasts. The action surprised me, and I opened my eyes just in time to see his face rushing forward and his mouth attaching to the inside of my right breast. It only took a second to figure out what he was doing, the searing pain followed by a rapid suction told me he’d bit my breast, puncturing the skin, and was now drinking my blood.

  He was sick. Demented. I knew I couldn’t win against him, but I refused to give up. Ignoring the pain he was causing, I closed my eyes once again, searching my mind for a safe place, a happy place where I could escape to. It wasn’t hard to find. Nick’s arms eagerly embraced me, his hands gently caressing my back and telling me everything would be okay. Even if it was only in my mind, it was enough to take the edge off the physical pain and block out the emotional misery.

  James had left nearly an hour ago. Well, it felt like an hour. I had no way of telling time. I was back in a world I’d thought I’d left behind. Living each minute in hopes that I’d survive. The only light came from a long fluorescent bulb that hung from wire hangers along the ceiling. Half of it flickered and the other half was dead. The two windows on the far wall seemed to be cloaked in darkness, either signifying night had fallen or the sun wasn’t shining on that side of the house. I could tell I was in a basement from the open rafters above my head and the concrete that surrounded me on the three remaining sides. It reeked of mold and sewage but appeared completely empty other than a dirty mattress flung in the corner nearest me, a laundry sink on the far wall, and a bucket sitting directly beside it. Of course, I was now a fastened fixture on the wall as well.

  Before he’d left, I’d done all I could to stay in the safety of my dreams. After realizing I wasn’t going to budge, James had ripped my shirt the rest of the way, leaving the two pieces to fall open along my sides. He’d then tried to rip my jeans but only succeeded in making himself angrier when he couldn’t get the zipper apart. Pulling out a switch blade, he’d told me to be still as he slashed them down the front. When he realized he’d gone too far and I was bleeding, his demeanor worsened into a possessed, demon-like monster as he yelled and scolded me for disobeying him and ruining my perfect skin.

  Dipping my head now, I noticed that the blood had dried up and a long, thick scab was all that remained. Only the tip must’ve met my skin since I didn’t feel any internal pain. I’d always bled profusely. Even if it were a tiny scratch. So, I wasn’t surprised he’d been so shocked by the amount that had poured out of me. Straining my head further, I felt my arms pull as I looked down to see each pant leg and half of my underwear lying around my ankles. For all intents, I was completely naked, spread wide open against a hard, cold cement wall. My legs had begun aching, and my arms were beyond numb. Worst of all, now that he was gone, I couldn’t stop replaying the entire scene over and over again in my mind. If I ever got free of here, I doubted bleach would be able to remove the dirt and filth he’d emotionally infused my body with.

  With a deep sigh, I started looking around again, determined to find any clues, any possible escape routes if I could get free. With little to go on, I focused my attention on the bolts that held my arms in place and started pulling and yanking with all my might in hopes that I’d somehow loosen them enough to get my hands free.

  I’d gone through Alex’s house three times. He’d long ago moved into the warehouse to be closer to Boss and completely fulfill his puppet dreams. The windows here had been boarded up, the door barely locked, and most of the furniture removed. The only clue I found was a bunch of phone numbers he’d written on the wall next to the kitchen phone. Who used a house phone anymore anyhow? D
idn’t most people have cell phones? I know he did. I’d called him on it. Yet, I saved each number I’d found in order to do a reverse check and hunt them down once I was at home.

  For now, I was sitting in the closet. Gwen’s closet. The one where I’d first seen her nearly two months ago. All that remained were a few blood stains on the floor and a series of scratches in sets of five that were carved in the wall. I had counted them twice, learning more than I wanted to know. They added up to one hundred and ninety three. It must have been how Gwen had kept track of the days. I didn’t think it was possible to feel worse than I already did, but knowing how long she’d lived like that was beyond comprehension. I couldn’t imagine being trapped in there for a single day, yet she had been there for more than six months.

  It was my way of punishing myself, reminding myself of how I’d failed her again. Nobody deserved to go through what she had. And certainly, nobody deserved to go through something like that, or worse, twice.

  Realizing I was getting nowhere, I gave up my reminiscent, self-pity session, and pushed myself to stand. Unable to hold back any longer, I punched the wall, grabbed the door that had locked her in, and ripped it off the hinges. With a quick toss, I flung it across the living room, ignoring the shattering of glass when it hit the windows.

  “Fuck you!” I yelled, wishing whoever had taken her could hear me.

  I wanted to burn the entire house to the ground, but knew it would do no good. Instead, I took my sorry ass out to my car and went home to do the only thing left that I could: searching the internet. If that didn’t pay off, I’d be paying every person in the crew a visit tonight, face to face.

  I’d narrowed the numbers down to three fast food joints, a John for prostitutes, and three of the guys in the crew. I wanted to call each of them and ask what they knew, but thankfully I had found my missing self-control. While waiting until I had the proper equipment to trace where the phone was located, I continued searching anything I could find on the internet about them, their families, and their long list of convictions. I wasn’t sure how far I’d have to go in order to bring Gwen home, but nothing was beyond my consideration. I would do whatever it took to make sure she had a chance to smile once again.

  After finishing with the computer, I took a quick ride to a fellow crewmember’s house. Brody was like me, living away from the warehouse and drama, trying to focus on his family and live a mostly legal life. I respected that about him, but it didn’t mean I trusted him. At this point, I didn’t have many options, and he had the supplies that I needed. So, taking the risk, I’d made the trip and was back home within the hour. Installing the necessary computer tracking software wasn’t my strong suit. But I was determined to take the bastard who had Gwen by surprise. Brody had had a hundred questions and insisted on helping me set it up, but I didn’t let anyone near my computer. Knowing this involved someone I cared deeply about, I wouldn’t take that risk. It may take me twice as long, but I would make it work.

  Another hour later, I finished installing the final program to make the device work. The first test call would be to the Pizza Palace. I hem-hawed and asked what the specials were, timing the call to see how long it took to get a location, and then making sure that it was accurate. With a positive confirmation, I cancelled my order and moved on to the Chicken King. This time it was much quicker and more proficient. I knew what I was doing now and swiftly completed the second successful test. I was ready to move on to the crew members that Alex had written down phone numbers for. Choosing the least suspicious member, I decided to see how well it worked for a cell phone’s location. I knew I’d only get a general vicinity based on which tower had picked up and delivered the call, but it was more than I currently had to go on. I would take what I could get.

  After finishing a five minute conversation with Marcus, who was currently in Florida on vacation, I crossed him off my list and prepared to call the final two numbers. Neither number matched the numbers I had programmed in my phone for the two men. Which meant they had burner cells they regularly put to use. I wasn’t surprised. In this business, it’d be stupid not to. But knowing that didn’t make things easier. It would only make finding her more difficult if neither of these calls paid off.

  Fifteen minutes later, and thanking God for granting one of my prayers, I had the general location for both men. Not surprising, they were both near the same tower on the east side of town. Most likely together in my opinion. Now, I had to decide if I should drive around the gridded area I’d outlined for that tower and try to find the vehicles I knew these two assholes drove, or if I should risk it and get some specific locations from Boss. Time was of the essence, especially considering Gwen’s life could be at risk. But I wasn’t sure how much to trust any of them. Certainly not the man who wanted me tied to his organization and serving endlessly.

  “Whiy ewe ooing is?” I tried to ask him for the hundredth time, begging to know why he was doing this to me. Not only did the gag prevent any coherent words from forming, but it only made him laugh every time I spoke.

  “Let’s just say, I owe someone a little payback before you and I get to have some fun.” He chuckled as he finished setting up a foldable dinner tray across from me and placed a cell phone on top of it. Realizing it wouldn’t stand up by itself, he pulled a small box out of his pocket and leaned the phone against it. This time, he clapped his hands together in anticipation when it stayed in the correct position.

  “If I take the gag off, do you think you could behave yourself?” He was smiling, knowing all too well it was too soon to take it off and that I’d most likely try biting, spitting, screaming, or anything I possibly could do. “I mean, I wouldn’t want little Nicky to be in tears when he gets the video. Would you?”

  I gasped, finally understanding this madman’s intentions. This wasn’t just about me. In James’ mind, Nick had taken me from him. It was payback, as well as his ultimate prize. Shaking my head, I forced the tears back, fighting to look strong for anything this demented man decided to send to Nick.

  “Good girl. I knew you’d see it my way.”

  He carelessly ripped the bandana off over my head while I fought to ignore the hair he pulled or the way the fabric yanked my nose out of place. The relief was immediate. I could finally swallow and close my mouth properly. My jaw hurt, but it felt good to be able to open and close it with nothing in the way. If only he’d do the same for my arms and legs which were cramping painfully.

  James paid no attention to me, excitedly hurrying back to the tray to press a few buttons on the phone. With almost childlike glee, he slowly approached me, making it obvious he was eyeing my body up and down. Coming to stand beside me, he reached out and repeated the same actions he’d done earlier. He forcefully kneaded my tender breasts, ignoring my pain and discomfort as his fingers twisted and pulled my nipples as if they weren’t attached to my body. I had no idea he’d started the video until he adjusted his stance and made certain the camera could see everything. Knowing that Nick would be watching this, I completely forgot about the pain and was overcome with emotion.

  “So, Nicky, I have something of yours.” I kept my eyes trained on the camera, imagining Nick’s beautiful green eyes overflowing with strength and compassion. “Or should I say, something you stole from me?” James reached up and grabbed the back of my neck, his fingers forcefully digging into my skin. His other hand slowly traversed my body, beginning with a mock strangulation hold before gliding lower and pausing in the valley between my breasts. “That fat fuck was nothing. Alex was going to give her to me. He owed me. And you came along and screwed it all up.” His fingers angrily pinched a nipple, yanking forward as he turned his head to look in the camera. “But no worries, I quite enjoyed our game. Even if it was a little short-lived. I grew too impatient for this.” Shifting his hand to angle my hardened peak toward him, he watched me with a wicked gleam in his eye as his mouth opened to take me in. I knew he was trying to bait me, force me to act out in some way so he could puni
sh me and Nick would see. But I refused to respond in any way.

  Ignoring what felt like acid burning, his lips closed around my nipple, biting so hard I knew he’d draw blood. I fought against the tears that pricked the back of my eyes. I fought against my instincts to cry out and jerk away. I had to stay strong. I owed Nick that much. The only thing he’d ever done was try to help me. I didn’t want him worried about me any more than I knew he already was.

  “And this body.” He removed his mouth, and saliva dripped down his chin—a hint of red mixed within. Releasing my breast, he glided his sweaty palm lower along my abdomen. I knew where he was headed, my mind flooding with panic at the thought. “I couldn’t wait any longer to have this.” I felt his fingers making their way through the tiny hairs that had grown back and now protected my most private parts. The way he touched and took from my body, as if I were nothing but a dog, made me want to vomit. But I kept my head up, forcing my thoughts on the only man I’d ever truly cared about.

  With my legs spread wide and clothing removed long ago, James had nothing to prevent his progression and quickly found what he was looking for. “And this”—he forcefully inserted a finger, disregarding the lack of wetness and the painful yelp he forced from my lips—“this sweetness is so worth it.”

  I couldn’t help the yelp that passed my lips, or my response as my body defiantly bucked against the wall. The motion forced his digit out, and an angry warning flashed across his face. I came to a complete standstill, completely aware that I’d done exactly what he wanted. Taking advantage of my response, he swung his arm with unexpected speed, smacking me with surprising strength across my face. A loud thwack sounded across the room, reverberating through my ears as I gasped aloud. The sting in my lip and the intense throbbing in my nose took my breath away. You’d think it wouldn’t hurt as bad, considering he didn’t use his fist, but that did little to diminish the pain. Blood quickly followed, dripping profusely from my nose, joining the lip that I knew was now broke open, and trickling off my chin.