The Fire That Burns Within

A Race For Life

That afternoon Noel brought me a whole stack of books. As of that day I didn't feel like I was held captive anymore. I could escape to any land through my books and it brought me such pleasure. But there was still the issue of my baby, my safety and not to forget Joe. As soon as the book was done all those problems came down on me and they would cause me to . As soon as Noel heard me gasping for air he would come in with a paper bag and hold me tight as the panic tried to consume me. One day he was done "I'm not going to torture you much longer" he declared and with that we started to work on a plan of escape.

It wasn't going to be easy as Ramos called on me almost every day to make sure the 'precious cargo' was safe. At least the tortures weren't that bad, he made sure that what he did wouldn't damage the 'cargo'. I had a couple of emergency people I could go to, they were all part of the fbi and Joe had made sure I memorised their names and address info at heart. I could go there but that was our last resort. Our main plan consisted of us going together. Noel would left the keys in the car just in case we needed them there.

The baby grew with the day and I had safely passed the 24 week mark. Noel grew more restless every day and I hated to see him in such pain. "I don't know how to do it Rose, Ramos makes sure that there's another car driving with us when I bring you to him. He has us under 24 hour surveillance, I just don't know how to do it." He walked around with his hands in his hair. "My sister... if Ramos even suspects that we've gone he'll hurt her" I walked up to him and grabbed his hands.

"We'll follow the plan, after we've escaped his goons we'll go straight to your house to pick up your sister and mom" this did calm him down a bit. We stood there in silence holding hands when Noel's phone rang and startled us both. Noel walked to the hallway and answered his phone. After a short call he came back in "well it's not going to be today" and I knew that we had to go again.

Noel put on my blindfold and helped me in the car. After the long two hours drive we arrived at the mansion. And Noel brought me to the living room. "Ah you're here finally" I could here Ramos say and he took my arm from Noel. I was guided to another room and I hated not being able to see. I could hear Noel following close behind and that did comfort me. A door was opened and the smell of bleach welcomed me.

"Today Roselyn, we'll deliver your baby" I stopped in my tracks, it was way to early, It couldn't be. "Come on girl, it'll be fast and painful" he laughed as he pulled on my arm. He took me inside the room and took of the blindfold, I saw the doctor and a table full of surgical tools. I looked at Noel and I saw something flash behind his back. As Ramos let go of my arm to allow me to get on the bed, Noel grabbed Ramos and held a knife to his throat.

"You will do nothing with her." He threatened and looked me in the eye. I was nailed to the ground, Noel screamed to me "Rose run!" and that I did, I turned around and ran for my life. As I ran towards the car I heard screams and a gunshot, my heart sank but I had to keep running. My life and my baby's life were at stake.

I heard Ramos scream "Get her, NOW" and in the corner of my eye I saw his goons coming. I jumped in to the car and twisted the key that Noel had left in there. I put it in to drive and stomped the gas. I didn't know where I was going but I knew I had to get away.

As I drove by countless of mansion I tried to figure out where I was. Behind me I saw a big SUV pull up to me and I knew it was Ramos's guys. I punched the gas even harder but the car was already at it's max. In the distance I saw a split in the road coming up, on the left there was a small motel, it read Aunt Belle's Southern Inn. I knew it was the only chance I had. My car wouldn't go faster and the SUV was gaining on me. I just hoped that my gut was right that these were gun loving people.

I turned into the parking lot slammed the brake and ran inside. The restaurant was not full but there were a couple of people that looked like regulars. They all looked up as I stormed in "I...Kidnapped...Escaped" I gasped as I collapsed on the floor. When I came to a big woman was holding my head and waving a menu to give me some air. Ramos's goons stormed in and she got up and stood in front of me. "That girl is ours" on of the goons said.

"Oh yeah and who says that" the women demanded with a heavy southern accent.

"We do, now hand her over" The goon said as he reached for his gun.

"This here restaurant is on private property, and as long as this gal's here she's in my protection, and she aint going anywhere she don't want to go" she put her hands on her sides as she made this statement. I was shaking with fear as I tried to hold myself up. One of the goons took his gun out of his holster but that was a big mistake one by one the regulars stood up and pointed their guns at them.

One of the men stepped forward "Y'all heard the miss, now you best be leavin' this poor girl alone" he said as he waved around his gun. Ramos's guys exchanged looks and decided to choose for their own safety and leave.

Tears started streaming down my cheeks. The big woman knelt next to me as one of the waitresses brought a glass of water. "Now there sweetheart, it's okay, we won't let them hurt you" she said as she gently wiped away my tears. "Let's fix you up somewhere private and you can tell me what is goin' on" she put her arm around me and helped me on my feet.