Every Breath She Takes [CURRENTLY ON HOLD]

Chapter 32: Close Calls

Cam breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the car pull up outside the house. A man and a woman got out, and came to the front door.

“Where are your parents, kids?” the man asked.

Inadvertently, all three glanced backwards, and both adults stiffened slightly.

“None of you are hurt?”

Cam shook his head. “No, but Mum is.”

“Your father?”

“He can’t do anything. The man’s got Emma.”

Comprehension dawned on the woman’s face, but the man stayed stern. The woman continued the questioning. “How many of you are there?”

“Five,” Cam replied. “And a visiting friend. There’s four of us and her daughter.”

“Alright. Where are they?”

“Still in the bedroom. They’re fine.” At that moment, Mark swayed slightly. Sarah struggled to keep him upright.

“Cam!” Her voice was panicked, and he quickly helped her.

“Mark? What’s wrong?”

“Em,” his younger brother said faintly. “He’s hurting her.”

That was all the information the adults needed. “Where are they?”

“The kitchen. This way.” Cam led them to the door, which was closed. “In there.”

“Thank you. Go back to your rooms. You’ll be safe there.”

Cam nodded, and all three did. He closed the door, and went straight to the window.

With a sudden movement, he thrust Emma towards me. She stumbled forward, and I caught her, holding her close.

“Shhh,” I murmured. “You’re alright now.” I felt a hand close over my wrist, and I was yanked away from her. She went to her father, sobbing, but I couldn’t comfort her anymore.

He twisted my arm behind my back again, and forced me to my knees. He ignored Jack, perhaps knowing that he couldn’t do anything, even if Emma hadn’t been in his arms.

The pain in my shoulder increased, and I let out a cry, knowing that it was what he wanted. I closed my eyes, hoping that Cam had remembered that he could get to the back door from his window. His hand slid down my cheek to grip my chin harshly, and I fought him, not caring if he hurt me again. He did, pulling my arm so my vision swam. I went still, and he pulled me to standing, holding me the way he’d held Emma. I met Jack’s eyes, hoping that he understood. I was dragged backwards, just as the door opposite us flew open. He froze at the sight.

“Let her go.”

Nothing changed. If anything, his grip on me tightened. I watched the man and woman come forward, and closed my eyes briefly. Cam was a quick thinker. I opened them again, and watched them. They could only be the police.

“Let her go,” the man repeated. They hadn’t moved very much, perhaps knowing that any more movement would threaten me. I heard him laugh, and shuddered. The sound brought back dark memories that I wished had never been formed. I twisted, trying to take advantage of his distraction, but it didn’t work. He tightened his grip cruelly, and twisted my arm even more. I put a foot between his legs and jerked it upwards, trying to get him, but his reflexes were fast. He brought his knees together before I could do any damage. I struggled, but I was helpless, and I went limp, my strength draining away. I was dragged back again, and knew he was heading for the back door. Despite my struggles, I didn’t slow him down. I knew that he could have easily lifted me off the floor completely and carried me – he’d done it before.

He paused just before he got to the door, and I saw a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye. I made no sign that I’d seen it, but I knew who it was. The next thing I knew, I’d been dropped to the ground when he doubled over, groaning.

“Stay away from my mum.”

I scrambled to my feet, backing away from him. My shoulder was throbbing, but I refused to acknowledge the pain. There would be time enough later. He spun, hands out to grab Cam, but the boy was too fast, skipping out of reach. He looked back to where the police were, clearly thinking about his next move.

He made his decision, and ran, bolting from the kitchen. The policeman followed, brushing past us in his rush. I let my eyes close, giving in to the pain for a moment, and then dropped into a chair. Emma came for me, wanting comfort. I let her climb into my lap, holding her close as I rocked her gently, comforting us both. Jack offered the policewoman a chair, and she took it, sitting down with a sigh. Cam came back in, and stood behind me, absently rubbing my shoulder. I sighed in relief, and let my head fall back, closing my eyes. It felt good.

There was silence in the room for a while, and I knew it was because no one wanted to ask me what had happened. After a bit, the policeman came back, empty handed, and sat down.

“I’m afraid he got away,” he said apologetically.

I opened my eyes wearily, and sighed. I had thought he would. He was slippery like that. I barely glanced at the two police officers, preferring to concentrate on Emma, who was still shaking.

“You alright now, sweetheart?” I murmured. She shook her head, pressing close to me. Mark crept out of the hallway, Pixie following, and came to me for comfort. I put my arm around them both, holding them close, and then gently pushed Pixie towards Jack.

“Go on, darling. I need some room.”

She went to him, curling on his lap and hiding her face. I knew she was still scared, and didn’t understand what was happening.

“I’m sorry,” the policewoman began, and we all looked at her. She kept her eyes on mine, and at last, I recognised her it was Officer Judy, who’d come years before. “Do you feel up to talking?” she asked carefully. Beside her, the policeman took out a notebook and pen, watching me carefully.