Family Ties [Sequel to She Belongs To Me]

Partners in crime

Silence filled the halls of the Painted Sentiments Hospital and Stella could feel herself growing more uneasy by the second. It had been over twenty four hours since she agreed to help Vincent escape and she was starting to get second thoughts. If she actually went through with this, and got caught in the act, not only would she lose her job but she would also be sent to prison.

Was Vincent Graves really worth losing her freedom?

No, he's not! The practical side of her conscious screamed. He's not worth losing everything you have worked so hard for! Pull your head out of your ass, stupid!

Stella came to a halt in the empty hallway as she considered this. But then the wreck-less side of her conscious decided to chime in as well; and this voice was much more confident. 'Think about it, sweetie..It said, Vincent is going to help you make Dr. Greer pay for what he did to you. Isn't that worth taking a chance?'

"I...I don't know." Stella said aloud. She looked around to make sure no one had heard her before making her way to the doctor's office. With a trembling hand, she knocked on the door. A few seconds later the door was opened and Dr. Greer was standing there with a grin spread across his face.

"Well, hello there..." He said, "What can I do for you?"

A wave of nausea went through Stella as she stared at him, trying to mask her hatred with a smile. Look at him... Miss Wreck-less hissed in her head, Look at that arrogant smile on his face. Make him pay, Stella! Make him pay for what he-

"Umm..." Stella mumbled, scratching the back of her neck. Her stomach felt heavier than a pillow case filled with bricks. Was she really going to go through with this? She closed her eyes and tried to shake the doubt away.

Dr. Greer watched her inquisitively. "Are you okay, Stella?"

Her eyes snapped back open. "Oh...umm, yeah I'm fine."

The doctor's eyebrows raised and he folded his hairy arms in front of his chest. "Well, did you need me for something or not? I can't have you standing here wasting my precious time."

The condescending tone in his voice made Stella's blood boil. His fate had officially been sealed. She sucked in a deep breath before answering him. "Yes, I need you to come to Vincent Graves' room! I went in to check his vitals and he was having a seizure." She wrapped her hand around his arm. "Please, come with me. He needs help!"

"Shit.." The doctor grumbled, "I can't have him dying on me. Someone in his family might sue."

He followed the nurse as she pulled him down the hallway. Earl was sitting in a chair reading a Rolling Stone magazine when he saw the two of them storming down the hall. "What's wrong..?" He asked, standing from his chair.

"Graves is having a seizure..." Dr. Greer replied, rolling his eyes.

"You need any help?" The orderly asked.

Stella's body tensed. No, no, no! This isn't part of the plan! If Earl comes then everything will be ruined!

"No...I think we can handle it." Dr. Greer answered, much to Stella's relief. "But why don't you stand outside of the door...just in case."

"Yessir..."

Stella's heart beat violently inside of her chest as she led the men to Vincent's room. When they arrived Dr. Greer nodded his head at the orderly, silently motioning for him to stand by the door, before wrapping his hand around the doorknob and flinging the door open.

***

Vincent:

I stood in the doorway of my bathroom as I awaited the doctor's arrival. I could hardly believe this was happening; after seven years of being trapped in this hell hole I was finally going to make my escape.