TRAPPED (Breaking Free Book 2) (3 page)

HUNTER:

“
Come on. Fuck man, wha
t’
s taking so long
?
”
 
Seriously, Connie is going through god only knows what, and here we are sat making phone calls and going around in circles.

“
Dude chill, nothing is going to happen to Connie,
I’
m just chasing up a few leads and I am heading out
.
” Harry throws my way, not even glancing up at me from his phone.

Does he think
I’
m stupid? That I did
n’
t pick up on the fact that he sai
d“I”
. Not a chance is he going to get her without me,
I’
m going to get my girl and more fool the person who tries to stop me.

“
Yeah well, just hurry it up, I ca
n’
t stand the thought of her being alone with that sick fuck. Are we taking your car or mine
?
” Harry finally looks my way, brows furrowed at my words. He must see the determination written quite clearly all over my face. He sighs, shakes his head and mutters something under his breath that sounds a lot lik
e‘
stubborn fucker
.
’
I’
ll live with that, I am a stubborn fucker, especially when it comes to my girl.

Harry throws his phone in to the pocket ofhis black combats, turns on his heel and starts talking over his shoulder as he strolls towards the lift in my apartment
.“
I have a lead. The Jeep Dan was driving was spotted on CCTV heading towards Thamesmead, right around the corner from where his Mum resides. If yo
u’
re coming you follow my lead, you do
n’
t do anything stupid or rash and you stay back. If you ca
n’
t follow my rules you do
n’
t come along. Do we understand each other? I will not have you putting yourself or Connie at risk because of a split second decision. YOU STAY BEHIND ME
!
”

I begrudgingly nod, knowing Harry is only doing wha
t’
s best and is trained in situations like these. And judging by the bollockinghe has just given me, he knows that if I get the chance
I’
m taking Dan down, regardless of what he says.

We arrive outside a dilapidated terraced house, on a nasty looking estate. The windows have a brownish colour to them, and there is paint peeling from the walls. The garden is waist high, huge weeds taking over most of the grass. It shocks the hell out of me that someone chooses to live this way.

Groups of teens, wrapped in hoodies and baseball caps are congregating on the street several houses down, eyeing up the vehicles we have ridden in and glaring through the windows at us. Let e
m
’ try something,
I’
m sure we can have heaps of fun taking down a few street punks, whose balls have
n’
t even dropped yet.

I wait for Harry to remove himself from the driving seat of his black Range Rover, before I follow his lead. I am itching to break down the door, but as Harry said, it could endanger Connie and force Dan to do something rash without thinking clearly.

The adrenaline is causing my whole body to shake, the rage flowing through my veins is so extreme, Ido
n’
t think I have ever felt this volatile in my life before.

Harry nods at the symmetrical vehicle behind, and out jump three men, suited and booted in combat trousers, black tank and chunky black boots. All have buzz cuts and are wearing nasty looking scowls on their faces. They are quite clearly connections from his past, a past that haunts him and he does
n’
t ever talk about. Not that
I’
m complaining,
I’
ll do whatever it takes to get my girl back.

Harry starts throwing hand signals around, and two of the men head off around the back of the estate, I can only guess to cover the back entrance. He nods at me, handing me a small hand gun and gesturing for me to follow.

He knocks on the front door, as if we are a neighbour coming to ask to borrow some tea bags. I bite my tongue to rein in my wild thoughts, thoughts of smashing the door down and storming the house. Shooting everything that moves. I know this is for the best, i
t’
s just so bloody hard when my girl could be inside hurting.

The door cautiously opens, a small, older woman with dark brown hair and plain features peeks her head around the side. Her eyes bulge as she takes in the sight of three massively intimidating men staring her down on her door step.

She gasps and tries to slam the door shut, but Harry is too fast for her and slips his foot in the gap, gripping the edge of the door with his fingers and wrenching it back. She squeals in protest and starts wailing tha
t‘
we are not welcome here, sh
e’
s an elderly widow and this is
n’
t good for her healt
h’
. I leave Harry to deal with the crazy woman at the door and head straight for the stairs, catching fresh spots of blood out the corner of my eye on the bottom step.

I throw myself up the uncarpeted stairs as fast as I can, not even pausing to take a breath. I can hear shuffling and grunting from the end of the hall, and a window ajar grabs my attention. The fury is building the closer I get, i
t’
s like I have built in radar to Connie, I know sh
e’
s out there and
I’
ll do whatever it takes to get her back and take down the fucker who thought he could take her from me.

“
Stop, you take one more step and
I’
ll shoot
.
” I hold the gun with my arm outstretched, legs dangling over the window sill, readying myself to shoot and take him down. A red haze flits across my vision upon seeing Connie passed out, dangling over Da
n’
s shoulder with blood covering her face and parts of her body.

Dan swings his head in my direction as I jump from the window, edging my way towards them. His eyes are shifty, like a trapped animal. This man is
n’
t right in the head, he has a crazy look about him, a completely unstable man that is now under pressure
.“
You really gonna
shoot me, when
I’
m holding the one thing you came for? If I go down she goes down with me. Now back the fuck up or I throw her
.
”

H
e’
s right, how can I shoot him when the fucker would just dump Connie straight off the building, it may not be overly high, but i
t’
s still enough to do her damage.

I back up, albeit slowly, awaiting my chance to jump down after him and take him down at ground level.

He spins and makes his way to the ladder balancing on the edge of the building, barely holding Connie as he goes. My heart is pounding and my throat is constricting at the idea he could drop her or get away.

I race to the edge, hearing a whizzing
sound
and look down to see Connie sprawled on the grass with Dan lying next to her, blood seeping from a small wound to his lower leg. I make my way down the ladder, heading straight from my girl and watch as the two men who separated from us earlier emerge from the conservatory and give chase after a running Dan.

I leave them to catch the fucker and collapse beside Connie, turning her over and checking for life threatening injuries. I listen to check sh
e’
s breathing and nearly collapse in relief when I hear her steady breath parting from her lips.

Conni
e’
s top is ripped, her clothes grubby and spattered with dried blood. Her face has a few cuts and scratches, but other than the blood coating her mouth, I ca
n’
t seem to locate any real damage to her face. I know that does
n’
t mean a thing though, without getting her stripped of her clothes and fully checked out. I ca
n’
t even begin to fathom the possibility of her coming out of this unscathed, going on the history she had with that brute, my mind is reeling with what I will find under those clothes.

I gently lift her in my arms, my sole focus being my girl, the world has faded around us, and I need to get her away from here, away from this hell hole.

Stalking through the house, I only pause long enough to tell Harry to get his arse in the car and drive us back to my complex, throwing instructions for him to contact my doctor and have him be there waiting for us when we arrive.

The fury rolls off of me in waves when I overhear that Dan has managed to escape back in to the vehicle he kidnapped Connie in. How did he manage to evade some of the highest trained MI5 agents? If they do
n’
t track his vehicle down and locate him,
I’
m looking for himself myself, I will not stop until my girl and her babie
s
’ are safe.

Connie stirs in my arms, and I vow then and there that that bastard will not get his hands on her again, I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and the first chance I get,
I’
m taking him down.

Connie:

Eugh, what now?

I can hear noises, shuffling sounds, and hushed whispers, but i
t’
s too strenuous for me to even attempt to open my eyes. My body is sore, achy and
I’
m incredibly tired. What the hell was I doing last night for it to have this effect on my body?

And just like that it hits me,
I’
m with Da
n
… shi
t…
. I need to force myself to wake up and get out of whatever situation I have ended up in this time.

“
Connie baby, yo
u’
re safe sweetheart, yo
u’
re home now
.
” No fucking way, surely not, it ca
n’
t be him, can it?

My eyes snap open, my gaze landing directly on to a pair of baby blues that make my heart flutter wildly in my chest. It is him,
I’
m with Hunter. If it was
n’
t for the soreness in my body
I’
d assume I had dreamed the series of events I have just suffered through.

I endeavour to lift my head to confirm my surroundings, needing clarification that I am in fact safe and away from Dan. The heaviness and throb that settles to the back of my head makes me flop it back down on a wince.

Hunter immediately picks up my hand, rubbing small circles on the top of my hand as he talks, i
t’
s then that I notice I have a drip inserted in to the skin
.“
Gently, you need to take baby steps. You took some nasty knocks to the head, a sprained ankle, bruised ribs and dehydration, hence the drip
.
” Hunter pauses, chewing the corner of his lower lip, looking unsure all of a sudden and deliberating whether to go on. The nervousness kicks in, and I worry just over what other damage Dan has subjected me to
.“I’
m so sorry Connie, I should have told you about Ash, but I just never found the right opportunity, and did
n’
t have the balls to bring it up any other time. I know this is
n’
t the right time, but I really want the chance to tell you about her and set a few things straight. The whole situation is not as she has falsely led you to believe. If it had
n’
t been for her and my reluctance to bring it up then this would
n’
t have happened, you being in this way is all my fault
.
”

God, really? Did he really need to remind me of that clusterfuckof a situation right now? As if
I’
m not hurting enough at present, he has to open another wound.
I’
m so desperate to know my babies are safe, and now on top of the not knowing, my heart feels as though it has been ripped in two at the reminder of him having a wife.

I watch Hunter drop my hand and pace beside the bed. The strong, dominant man I have become accustomed to is gone, and is replaced by this completely unsettled, and nervous being instead. Despite everything that has gone on between us, I could never hold him responsible for Da
n’
s actions. The short amount of time we have spent together, and the feelings I feel for him make it impossible to ever blame him for this.

My voice comes out hoarse as I answer him and attempt to put him at ease
.“
This is
n’
t your fault, you ca
n’
t ever take the blame for Da
n’
s actions. Only he can do that, just like every other time. As for you and your wife, I really do
n’
t have it in me to discuss that mess, so please can we just drop it for a while? My priorities right now are on finding out where my babies are and listening to their little voices. Everything else can wait
.
”

A sorrowful look flits briefly across his face, and I inwardly kick myself for seeming harsh, I just do
n’
t have the energy to open up the whol
e‘
us, and him marrie
d
’ scenario
.“
Of course, I should have thought of that sooner, the kids are fine though, they will be arriving home tomorrow
.
”

He pulls his mobile from his pocket, dialling and placing it on loudspeaker next to my head. I go to lift it as the call connects, but he shakes his head at me, halting me instantly.

“
Hello
.
” My mu
m’
s voice comes through the phone.

“
Hi Mum, you okay
?
”

“
Connie, Connie is that you darling
?
”

I smile as I reply, hearing my Mu
m’
s voice has an instant soothing effect, no matter how old I may be, I will always feel safe around her
.“
Yes Mum i
t’
s me. I
t’
s so good to hear your voice, and before you start just know that I am fine, slightly sore but otherwise all functioning
.
” I know she must be going out of her mind with worry.

“
Oh Connie, oh my darling girl. Are you okay sweetheart?
I’
m so sorry I was
n’
t there to help look for you, Hunter told me it was best to keep the kiddies away and not bring them home just yet. I have been tearing my hair out and harassing that poor man of yours silly
.
”
 
I sigh, not correcting my mother over the fact that Hunter is
n’
t my man, he belongs to another woman, but now is not the time to allow that pain to creep back in. I throw him a look instead, one he winces over.

“
Mum
I’
m fine,
I’
m not gonnalie, my body is a bit banged up, but
I’
m okay.
I’
m safe. You did the best thing staying away with the kids, it was
n’
t safe for them to be here
.
”

“
I know sweetheart, but it does
n’
t make it any easier being so far away and knowing that my baby girl had been taken by that brute of a man. It practically killed me putting on a brave face for Alex and Lily. Those darlings have been the only things keeping me together this whole time
.
” My heart skips a beat at the mention of my children, they are the light in my life and regardless of anything else going on, they will always be enough for me to keep living and smiling. I love them more than life itself.

My Mum does
n’
t give me a chance to respond, she interrupts my musings with an admonishment to her tone
.“
Now you listen to me Connie, I know you are hurting right now, but you give that man of yours a chance. He has explained everything to me, and although I do
n’
t agree with him keeping it from you, I do understand why he did it, and agree that he is the one who will make you happy. He loves you darling and you need to hear him out, do
n’
t shut him out and run, not this time
.
” My Mum knows me so well, the thought of running had
n’
t even occurred to me just yet, but sh
e’
s right, i
t’
s what I do, and look what happened the last time I ran. I just ca
n’
t deal with all this yet.

“
Mum, I promise, I will hear him out, just not yet.
I’
m too overwhelmed with everything and I do
n’
t think now is the right time. Can you put Lily and Alex on the line please
?
” I ask, as a way to distract her and drop the subject.

“
I know i
t’
s not Connie, I just needed to make sure you did
n’
t throw a good thing away before he had a chance to explain. So long as you promise to at least give him the opportunity then I will give the phone to the kids now, they are bouncing up and down in desperation to speak to you
.
” I look to Hunter, letting him see that I am willing to talk, just not yet.

“
Yes Mum, I promise
.
”

I hear shuffling, followed by my Mum asking my babies to calm down and she will put me on speaker.

“
Mummy, mummy. Are you there Mummy
?
”
 
They both repeat the same things several times, both speaking at once. Hearing their voices calms me instantly, all other worries and troubles fade and my sole focus is on my two babes.

“
Hello my little monsters. Are you being good for your Grandma
?
”

“
Yes, yes we are very good
.
”
“
Yes, Grandma is buying us an ice-cream later
.
”
“
Alexxxstop,
I’
m talking to Mummy
.
”
“
Noo, we are both talking to Mummy Lily
.
” I laugh at the pair of them, hearing them bicker is such a relief, they are happy and safe and that is all I could ever ask for.

“
Woah woah woah, slow down, one at a time okay. Alex can Lily go first? Then when Lily is done talking its Ale
x’
s turn okay
?
”

“
Yes Mummy
.
” They both reply in perfect unison.

“
Mummy, I miss you, when are we going to see you? Do you miss me too Mummy
?
”

“
Oh my baby girl, of course I miss you, more than you ever know. Do you want Grandma to drop you off tomorrow when you get home, or do you want to stay with her for one more night
?
” I ask, I do
n’
t care what the plans are surrounding the whole Dan situation, or the fact I am a bloody train wreck with a sprained ankle, and a battered body. If my baby wants to come home then she is coming home. They are first and foremost my main priority. I just need to get myself moved back to Lotti
e’
s apartment, I ca
n’
t stay here and I ca
n’
t have the kids staying here either.

“
Tomorrow Mummy, I want to come home tomorrow
.
”

“
Okay princess, tomorrow it is then. Can I speak to Alex now please baby? I love you
.
”

“
Love you too Mummy
.
”

My heart swells with love for her, I cannot wait until I get to kiss and cuddle them again.

“
Hey Mum
.
”

Mum, really? Er I think not.

“
Excuse me little man, but I think yo
u’
ll find i
t’
sMummy not Mum. Do
n’
t make me come through that phone and tickle you till you get it right
.
”

He giggles, and i
t’
s the best bloody sound in the universe
.“
O-kay Mummeyyy
.
” He drags the words out
.“
Are you okay Mummy? Grandma was sad because she missed you, and I miss you too
.
” My boy is far too perceptive.

“
Yes baby,
I’
m fine. You and your sister are coming home to Lotti
e’
s tomorrow, and we can have a nice big cuddle and a nice talk. How does that sound
?
”

“
Okay Mummy, can I go play with my I-pad now
?
” I ca
n’
t help but laugh, my boy and technology.

“
Of course you can. I love you okay. Tell grandma
I’
ll call her later and
I’
ll see you both tomorrow
.
”

“
Bye Mummy. Love you
.
” I go to reply but he hangs up before I get the chance, sheer desperation to get back to his computer totally evident.

I feel lighter, more relaxed and at ease again. I get to see my babies tomorrow and the feeling is euphoric, it has been pure torture without them.