Reason

Chapter 22:

"Hello?" Tony said, making my heart flutter. It had been awhile since I heard the sound of his voice. It brought tears to my eyes. I had to wipe them away. There couldn't be any evidence.

"Tony?" I asked, laughing lightly.

"Aubrey?!" Tony exclaimed from the other end. I could hear him rummaging around wherever he was and could hear occasional beeps in the background.

"Yes, Tony. I don't have much time. I need to tell you where we are." I said, smiling and looking out the window. The sign of the Trust Company shown bright in the rainy afternoon which was a contrast to the wooded area wherever we were.

"I know where you are. The police just traced the phone number. You are at the Trust Company right outside town. The police are coming now, Aubrey." Tony said.

"Ok. I have to go. I love you, Tony." I replied, looking out at the road. A car pulled into the road and it carried my uncle and the doctor. My heart pounded faster. "They're coming."

I set the phone back on its hook and padded my way across the floor. The hallway was still dark; the only light coming from the lunchroom. I made my way towards the lunchroom, taking big steps and being careful not to make any noise.

The lunchroom came into view and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I pretended to act like I was lining up to get some food. I fit quite nicely within the line.

When would the police come? When would I see Tony? When would my children see Tony? Today? Tomorrow? Next week?

We didn't have that long. I could tell by the looks on the prisoners faces that they were weary and ready to be set free from this nightmare. Not one of them held their heads high and kept their backs perfectly straight. Instead they all were hunched over as if to conceal something. Something as in their scars. Scars that were both physical and emotional and were certain to never go away after this incident was over.

I walked to the front of the line and grabbed a tray. The women behind the counter serving food were old and grumpy looking. They never smiled as they handed out food or tried to pick a person up when they felt down. They always just let out a grumpy "Next" every time. It held no comfort to my heart. Or to anybody else's.

The first woman handed me a bowl of something that did not look appetizing. It held a clear liquid with a rotten strawberry and some dried blueberries. I looked up at her but all she said was, "Next!"

I sighed and moved along. Another woman set a drink on my tray and moved me along. I walked out of the kitchen and to the table that was occupied by Allie, Ariel and all the children. It looked like no one had touched their food. Everyone's trays were sitting at the edge of the table untouched. I slid my tray over to the edge so it matched everyone else's. It carefully landed next to Allie's outstretched hand.

"News?" She asked, looking at me with so much hope. I carried the same feeling within me; a hope that it really was my husband and not my uncle playing a sick trick on me. It sounded like him and he said his words so lovingly like he always did. I couldn't wait to see him. I couldn't wait for my uncle to be brought to justice. I wanted that more than seeing my family. I know it sounded out of place but if I had the assurance that I wouldn't have to worry about him hurting anyone ever again, that would be the biggest prize of all. Everyone in here would be free, away from the weight that tugged them down for so long. They would finally live a normal life and I would be content to know that I helped it happen. That I, just a mother who had experienced Anthony before, helped to stop such an awful man from committing anymore of his crimes against humanity.

"The police are coming. They tracked the number I called from. We are going home." I announced. Everyone around me shouted with excitement. My body went on alert. I looked around, feeling someone's eyes on me. I took a deep breath and saw the doctor looking directly at me with an evil smile on his face. My blood turned cold.