Page 82 of The Favorite Girl

“Get up! You’re free, just run! I’ll call for help!” I screamed.

Silence.

They didn’t even flinch. Crying, I raced into Ian’s office and called 9-1-1. It was the only choice I had.

“Hello? This is an emergency. Ian and Daphne Ivory have been kidnapping girls and keeping them in their house. Officer Tate is a part of the trafficking ring, so please don’t send him. Please, help these girls!” I slammed the phone down after the operator spoke and took down more information. Racing to the front of the house, I slid the card and watched as the front doors opened. I blinked repeatedly, clutching the giant white hat on my head. I waited and suddenly, car lights flashed three times.

Terrified, I walked until I got to the passenger window. “Demi, I’m Kealey, a friend of Bradley’s. Please, get inside. You’re safe.” A beautiful young woman with sandy-blonde hair and hazel eyes smiled at me. Climbing in the car, she began to drive. I turned over my shoulder and saw the Ivory estate grow smaller and smaller.

“Here’s some water.” Kealey handed me a bottle. “I like your hat and sunglasses,” she added kindly.

“Thanks.” I felt ridiculous, but I didn’t take either off. I wanted to wear them. In some way I felt safe, hidden away under the hat and sunglasses. If no one could recognize me, then they couldn’t hurt me.

“We’ll be in Charleston in about three hours. You can put your seat back and rest. I promise, you’re safe, Demi.”

But no matter how sweet she sounded or how beautiful she was, I didn’t believe her. I just didn’t have a choice. I was shaking violently and looked out the window at the dark sky full of stars and a full moon.

It was over. It was finally over.

CHAPTER

FORTY-EIGHT

Three hours went by quickly and before I knew it, a tinge of sunrise was hinting into the otherwise dark sky.

“Just walk down the dock, and you should see?—”

“Colorful powder in the sky?” I offered.

“Yes. Bradley’s boat will be on the right, and I’m sure he’ll be out there waiting for you. Good luck, Demi.” Kealey leaned in and gave me a quick hug.

“How does Bradley know you?” I asked quickly.

“I was the only caged girl who ever escaped. And I guess in a way… you are too, now.” She shrugged and before I knew it, she left.

“Wait!” I called out. I needed to go. I needed to find Bradley. Walking down the well-lit dock, I smiled as soon as I saw the color shooting up in the sky. It was so beautiful. It reminded me of the Indian holiday Holi. The festival of color and celebration of love. Everyone would be throwing colorful powder all over each other and into the sky.

“Dem?” His voice instantly calmed me.

I could hear his footsteps as he ran to me. Lifting me into his arms, he nuzzled his face in my neck.

“You’re here. You made it. Dem, I’m so happy. I’m so proud of you!” I could feel moisture from his tears drip onto my skin.

“You’re safe. You’ll never be there again. We’re safe.” He showed me onto the boat and before I knew it, we were sailing. There was no time to waste since we couldn’t risk the wrong person finding us.

The waves surrounding us provided solace from the otherwise cloudiness and trauma of my mind.

“Here, are you hungry? Thirsty?” He handed me a plate with a sandwich and chips and a can of soda.

“No… I’m just…” I began to cry.

“I know, I know.” He wrapped his arms around me and let me cry for the next hour. I shook, I trembled, I bawled. I felt every emotion I had suppressed in order to survive. Tucking me into the bed below deck, Bradley kissed my forehead.

“Get some sleep, beautiful.”

I tugged the fuzzy blanket under my chin. The rocking of the boat and the colors of the darkened wood all comforted me. Nothing was white here. My life was going to finally have color again. Closing my eyes, I let myself sleep without fear for the first time in a long time.

I jolted upright in panic the next morning. My body was covered in a cold sweat as I looked around. I couldn’t believe I wasn’t at the Ivory estate. I was actually free. I was on a boat in the middle of the ocean with Bradley.

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