Page 73 of These Jagged Edges

“They look a lot like their daddy when he was a boy. Especially the little bastard without glasses don’t you think? Imagine my surprise after following you from the grocery store to see not only had you let someone else touch what’s mine, but he’s raising my kids too.”

I want to throw up. Not only has he found out about the boys, but he also knows where we live. I have no doubt once he’s done here with me he’s heading there, and that’s something that I can never let happen. This vile bastard will never touch my children. I just have to endure whatever sick shit he has instore for me until I can make my move.

His cold laugh fills the room, a chilling soundtrack to our grim reality. Then I hear the unmistakable sound of a belt being undone, and my blood runs cold. The ominous click of the buckle echoes in the dim light, amplifying my dread and heightening the sense of imminent threat.

A splashof cold water brings me back to consciousness. My entire body is ablaze with the pain from the belting earlier. I fought to stay awake, but the torment became unbearable, and I lost the battle, slipping back into unconsciousness.

“This whole trip has been one surprise after another. Came to get one whore, found the other, surprise! Then found out I’m a daddy to not one but two little bastards, another surprise!”

So, this is Allison’s pimp. I just thought he finally caught up to me and she was collateral damage.

“I will admit that death certificate damn near had me fooled.” He runs a cold hand down the front of my body making me flinch in repulsion. I finally allow myself to think about Maddox; I know he’s tearing through town like a bat out of hell to find me. He will find me, I just have to survive first, and I will survive. Charlie and Bash need me. I won’t let them down.

Trent traces along the scars on my inner thighs, swelling with pride as he touches each one. Sick bastard. “Tell me Petal, who owns you?”

“Nobody, motherfucker.” I spit in his face. “Because you’re a nobody. You’re a waste of space your mother should have swallowed.” Maddox would be proud of that one.

“Listen up you fat bitch,” he spits, his voice icy with rage. “I lost everything because of you. The money you stole was from some very powerful people. When I didn’t hand it over, an anonymous tip about my side hustles got me busted, and I lost my badge.”

"Whoop de doo," I mutter, a bitter edge to my voice. He used that badge to shield himself, relying on the department for protection. I find a grim sense of satisfaction in knowing that I’m the reason he’s lost it all. Thanks to that money, I got my freedom and away from him. I regret nothing. Even without that money I still would’ve left. Taking that money was a fuck you to him. I knew it was dirty just like him. I lunge at him as best I can, ignoring thepain radiating all over my body and for a split second a look of fear flashes across his gaunt face.

I laugh in his face mocking his fear. He’s nothing and he knows that I know it. Make no mistake he’s still the damn devil, but I’m stronger, and I’m done giving him my fear. Once I find a way to free myself, he’s a dead motherfucker. D E A D.

Rage transforms his face, and he wraps a hand around my throat. I know he won’t kill me yet; his pride insists I need to suffer more. “You need a permanent fucking gag,” he hisses just before shoving a few of his filthy fingers in my mouth and down my throat making me choke.

“Ah, that’s better!” He pulls them out slightly just before ramming them back down my throat. Tears are streaming down my face, and I can hardly breathe, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of hearing me beg him to stop.

Deciding he’s had his fill of fun for now, Trent finally steps back out of the room, allowing me to think. I begin assessing my surroundings like Vic taught me and notice the pipe we’re chained to isn't very big. Allison and I are possibly six feet apart, and the pipe feels as wide as a quarter, but I'm not entirely sure.

Guessing from the state of decay around us I guess we’re in some sort of abandoned building. So, the pipe that we’re chained to might be corroded enough to snap off with enough pressure.

"Evie, I’m—" Allison begins.

"No!" I hiss at her. "It's not your fault! Can you wrap your hands around your chain?" I listen to her moving around before she gives me a faint yes.

"Listen, when I say go, we're going to wrap our hands around the top of these damn chains and pull down with everything we have. Okay?"

"Evie, are you sure?”

Ignoring her I redirect my focus. My focus must be on getting us out of here, and I will do that. I cannot break, I’m strong enough to save us both. With unwavering resolve, I promise myselfI’ll do whatever it takes to get us the fuck out of here. I won’t die in here. I have a fucking life to live, and I won’t let him take that from me.

"Be ready to fight like hell." I take a shuddering breath, wrapping my hands in the top slack of my chains and tell her okay. I pull down with all my might and nothing happens. I do it again but this time I pretend I'm driving my knees to the floor. Suddenly, I feel my end begin to give slightly. Hope spreads through my body like wildfire. We’re so close to getting out of here. I stand and take a tiny breath, ignoring the throbbing in my wrist and hands. Another breath and I go again. This time the pipe gives way completely and Allison comes sliding my way. She crashes into me with an oomph.

I wait for Trent to burst back in, but he doesn't.

"He's using. So, he could be out for hours," Allison says, detangling her body from mine.

"Are you okay to walk?" I ask her, noticing the way she's tightly holding her right side. She slightly nods her head.

"Where are we?"

"I think we're in the old paper mill by the lake," I tell her in a hushed tone.

"That would explain the smell." I hadn’t noticed before, but we’re surrounded by a stench that can only be described as month old egg salad.

I pick up the broken pipe as we slowly make our way around the room trying to feel for another doorway opposite the way Trent keeps coming in. Praying God is for once on my side and lets us find one. My whole-body aches and I could faint at any moment, but I find the will to push forward. When my fingers finally land on what feels like a door handle, I swallow a cry.

"There's a door in front of me. I'm going to push it open and we're getting the fuck out of here. Stay right behind me," I tell Allison, pretending to be brave, in reality I want to bawl like a baby, but I push forward. I can break down later, but right now Ihave to put as much distance between us and crazy town as possible.

---