Heartlines

47: Goodbye, Apathy

It's the week before Thanksgiving, and I'm working late at the office because I feel guilty for never being there. My brain is starting to turn to mush from the babies taking all the the good stuff, but I need to finish a couple of these big cases. 

When are you coming home? I'm bored.

Ben sends me a text around seven, I smile and tell him I need an hour more. I focus on the folder in front of me and write my final notes before putting it on the para's desk. It's eight when I slide my knee-high boots on and start hurrying out of the building. If I didn't get home soon, I knew the police would show up to escort me home. 

Once I step outside, I realize the temperate has dropped dramatically and my bare legs cover in goosebumps. These days, I wear lots of dresses to work, they are the most comfortable. I pull my coat around me tight and start walking down the sidewalk toward the parking ramp.

"Shit." I mumble digging into my purse for phone. I was going to text Ben that I was on my way, but realize I left it on my desk. 

I was halfway to the ramp when I turn around and head back towards my building. The streets are quiet, and I feel a touch of panic start in my stomach. I feel like someone is watching me, so I pick up my speed. My building has a ton of security. 

I'm almost at the building when two guys jump from the shadows and grab for my purse. Using the skills that Ben taught me, I start fighting back. The taller of the two slam me into the brick wall of the building. Pain shoots up from my tailbone, but I hide my whimper. 

My belongs litter the ground below us from my purse, "where the fuck is your phone?" He hisses at me. 

Tall goon slams me against the wall again and pain radiates from my shoulder and arm, I know it's broken. When I stay silent, I'm slammed against the wall again, this time my head hits the brick with force, I have stars circling the dark. 

"Allyson, give me your damn phone before I kill you." The voice rings out.

I know this voice and suddenly I know this isn't a random purse snatch. 

"Allen." I whisper.

"Surprise." He laughs.

I take a slow breath, "I don't have my phone. It's on my desk, I was going back for it, when you and this goon grabbed me." I tell them. 

Allen throws my purse on the ground and attacks me. "Where is my brother? I know that you know." He hisses and kicks my legs out from under me. 

I cry out in pain as I buckle to the ground. Allen is on top of me and slaps my face so hard, I swear the skin broke open. 

"Al, I don't know where your brother is. Take whatever you can find in purse but leave me alone. Please Allen, don't hurt my baby." I beg. 

"FUCK YOU! I'm not as stupid as you think. I know my dumbass brother can't stay away from you. Hell, that baby is probably his. If you're not going to tell me where I can find the asshole, I will make him come out of hiding."

I watch as he swings his legs towards my ribs and I start screaming for help, the next kick knocks the wind from my lungs. I cry as I curl into a tight fetal position and wrap my arms around my waist. I will protect my babies at all costs. 

The two men take turns kicking and punching me, laughing the entire time. The only reason they stop is the distant police sirens getting closer to us. My body is throbbing with pain, and I can't catch my breath. The pain is too much, and I feel myself passing out. 

"When he comes to you, tell my brother that this is his fault." Allen says before spitting on me and runs the opposite way of the sirens. 

I can feel the blood dripping down my face, my eyes are so swollen that I can barely see. The pain is excruciating. Part of me just wants to close my eyes and die, the other part is screaming to fight for Ben and our babies.