Page 85 of CHASE: Captive to the Dark

“Call me if you need anything.”

I wouldn’t look at her as she left the room. I couldn’t. To know she was leaving this house when I wasn’t was too hard. I missed my home. School. I missed Chase, regardless of what he was doing.

Tears stung my eyes and I pushed to stand from the bed. There was nowhere to go. Not unless I wanted to go to the living area and hang out with Jim and his men. The house was a fucking fortress with armed guards at every entrance. I never expected it when he’d told me we were coming here. I should have known escape wouldn’t be that easy. Had it not been for the army of men surrounding me at the meeting, I would have thrown myself in Chase’s arms and begged him to take me with him. I’d be in his mercy again. I’d submit…in all ways.

Slowly, I headed for the bar-covered window, pulling back the curtain. It was my only refuge. The sight it held was torture and heaven all in one. Maybe Jim had given me this bedroom on purpose—a sick game of his to leave me crushed even more. In the distance, high on the mountain, was Chase’s cabin. His back deck was visible and so was he at moments. Did he know where I was? Sometimes, I liked to think so. Other times, I knew it was too good to be true. Shutters covered the window, hiding the light. The heat was electric. Even the guards stayed inside.

Knocking had me letting go of the curtain and turning around. Jim walked in, a smile on his face. It was an expression he wore often and I knew it was thanks to what I’d done. Out of all the contacts he’d sent me to, there was only one I hadn’t managed to get: Mr. Snyder.

“Doc says the baby sounds good. You ready for lunch?”

I nodded, following him out of the room. The moment we entered the living area, I came to a stop.

“You have the shutters open. You never have them opened.”

Jim laughed, stopping to look at me. “It’s time. I have no more reasons to fear. Thanks to you, we’re set concerning contacts. Chase has nothing evidence-wise to pin on me. I’d say it’s clear sailing from here on out.”

I walked toward the large, wall-length, glass windows. The deck was almost a clear replica of Chase’s.

“Let’s eat. After that, we’ll take you to get some new clothes. Doc said your jeans are too snug.”

My vision was torn from the outside as I glanced down at my stomach. They were too tight. I couldn’t even button them anymore. Having to resort to using a rubber band to bind them wasn’t something I was proud of having to do.

“Are we going to Bell’s?”

I followed, sitting at the table as I continued to wait for his answer.

“No. Today’s the Grand Opening of the new department store the Wheelers opened. I figured we could go check out what they have there.”

I smiled as excitement flourished. “A new store? That’s excellent. The economy is looking up then?”

Jim’s enthusiasm faded as he pointed to the serving dish before him. “You could say that. Although, from what I hear, Chase financed them. Something about a bank not approving.”

“Oh.” Blindly, I reached forward, grabbing a chicken breast from the pile. “That was nice of him.”

“Yeah, yeah. Father Harrison has always been there to lend a helping hand when he could.” The sarcasm was thick as he scooped mashed potatoes onto his plate. I didn’t continue talking as I followed suit. The last thing I wanted was to discourage him from taking me anywhere. Aside from the random night trips to different seller locations, I’d been confined for far too long.

Jim took a bite and scowled, mumbling something more under his breath. By the time we finished eating, I was glad he didn’t appear as angry.

“I assume you know how to behave?” We stood and I nodded as one of the men walked toward us. “Good.” He turned to Damien, a contracted killer and bodyguard I had only just begun to learn about. “Get the men ready, we’re running into town.”

Light blue eyes, almost white, cut over to me and he gave a stiff nod before he walked off.

“I’m trusting you not to make a scene. If you do, this will be the last time you’ll leave for a very long time.”

“I won’t. You have my word,” I said honestly. “Do you have my cell? Ty is supposed to call me at some point to give the go ahead on our meeting in Boulder.”

Jim patted his pocket. “Right here. I’m glad you’ve finally seen things my way. This is for the best, Kit. You’ll be able to provide very well for your child.” He led me toward the entrance. “Someday, you’ll look back and be thankful for what I’ve done for you.”

No, I wouldn’t. Money wasn’t what I wanted, freedom was—at least, from him.

Men appeared, following us out as we headed for the dark SUV. Damien took his position as driver, just like he always did whenever Jim or I went anywhere. The trip was uneventful and I didn’t focus on the scenery around us until we were coming into town. Untold was full of activity, covered in balloons and streamers. My eyes widened as I sat up straighter.

“Is this all for the Grand Opening?” I couldn’t help but ask as I took in the people crowding down the main strip.

“It’s always like this when one of these events happens. It’s a rare occurrence. Last one was with Bell’s shop, although I don’t remember it being this busy. Maybe I should have picked a different day to emerge myself back in society.”

I looked between Jim and Damien, who were in the front. The expressions they wore told me they were having an unspoken conversation. One I knew all too well. Things might get bad—especially with everyone assuming what Jim was responsible for.

---