A/N: This is the first chapter of one long chapter I had to split again. It starts slow but it picks up. Fair warning, the next chapter comes with a trigger warning! It's not for the faint of heart. I told you no one would die, but I also said a long time ago this story would be dark and hard to read at times, you can call me a lot of things over this story, but you'll never call me a liar. Anyway if dark drama scares you run away! Those of you left, god bless you. Please review...shout out to my beta mrj726. Thank you so much for your hard work. And with all that being said...here we go!
Maura
I stood staring at myself in my office mirror. I swallowed a painful lump in my throat. I ran my hands over the leather of my studded vest and winced at the temporary tattoos Korsak helped me place on my arms and chest. I looked at my short leather skirt and sighed. I looked at the horrible knee length lace up boots on my feet and shook my head. My face was painted in dark make up around my eyes and lipstick the color of blood. My hair was ratty and messy but Korsak said it was appropriate for my character...Diamond...I felt more like a Rhinestone, cheap and worthless. I thumbed the leather studded collar around my neck. Who was I? FT? I stared at my eyes in the mirror. My normally bright hazel pupils were a cold distant grey the color of a stormy sky. The light I'd come to see in my face was gone. This person in the mirror was not me. Who was I? I closed my eyes and swallowed hard turning away from the mirror. I looked around my office. Everything seemed the same. Nothing was out of place. But I felt so cold, and lost, and empty; like I didn't belong. I walked over to my desk and my heart caught in my throat. In the middle of my desk was a coffee cup with the words 'World's Best Maddy,' written all over it in scribbled childish handwriting. I stopped short staring at the mug. Jane had that mug made especially for me. I felt my eyes begin to water. I reached for the cup with trembling hands and held it to my chest. I ran my thumbs over the word Maddy as a tear slowly leaked from the corners of my eyes.
I noticed the picture of Jane, Angela and I at the park in New York in a cute wooden frame with butterflies painted on it that Jane picked out for me. I smiled when I remembered the day we took that picture. It was the day after we brought Angela home from the hospital. I dressed Angela in an outfit I bought for her. I remember the way she squealed, kicked her feet and smiled at me as I bathed her and dressed her and tickled her tiny body. I remember the way she grabbed onto my finger with her little hand still bruised from IV needles and the drawing of blood samples. I remember the way she looked right into my eyes as she tightly held my finger. I remembered the smile on her face and the trust in her eyes. I remembered the way she cooed and giggled and wouldn't let my finger go. She held me like she never wanted me to leave, her grip strong despite the fragile condition of her body. I remembered the love I felt for her. I remembered the way I promised her she didn't have to worry, I would never let her go, that I would always be there, that I would always take care of her. I remembered the way Jane looked at me when she walked into Angela's nursery and saw me playing with her baby. I remembered the surprise on her face and the way her expression melted into the sincerest appreciation and admiration. I remembered the way Jane didn't say a word. She just stood in the doorway watching us. I remembered the tear that rolled down Jane's face as I changed the bandage on Angela's neck without making her scream in pain. Jane never managed to be able to do it without hurting the baby. She tried twice but dissolved in tears when Angela would scream and kick when the tape was peeled away from her tender skin. But I could change her bandage without so much as Angela wincing in pain, my doctor's fingers working confidently but with only the gentlest touch. I remembered the moment Jane fell in love with me as I dabbed the ointment on Angela's scar and sang her softly to sleep.
I remembered carrying Angela to the park in my arms the entire way refusing to lay her in her stroller. I remember the way Jane wrapped her hand around my waist as we walked and smiled at me from time to time, kissing my forehead her eyes bright and happy and loving. I remembered the picnic Consuela packed for us. I remembered the butterfly that buzzed around Angela's head in the warmth of the spring sun and the way she laughed and tried to catch it with her little fingers. I remembered the way Jane laughed. I remembered smiling at Jane as she tried to impress me by juggling three apples Consuela packed for us. I remember the way she succeeded at first and the way Angela giggled when one of the apples fell on top of Jane's head making her moan, whine and curse. I remember rubbing Jane's head as she sulked in embarrassment and the smile she got when I kissed her lips. I remembered Jane convinced a stranger to take our picture and how happy I felt posing with Angela in my arms on the red and white checkered picnic blanket with our wicker picnic basket in the background and the smiles on all of our faces. I remembered thinking in that moment how all my dreams had come true. I remembered thinking Jane, Angela and I were picture perfect. I remembered thinking how I would do anything and everything to protect them. And then I remembered thinking how Jane would do any and everything to protect me. I remembered brushing Angela's cheek and running my fingers through her silky dark curls so much like her mother's and whispering in her ear that she was my daughter too for the very first time.
I covered my mouth with my hand as I stared at the picture. My heart ached and felt heavy. That day at the park had been one of the best days of my life. That day Jane laughed, joked, and teased without a care in the world. That day there was no shadow of pain in her eyes. That day she was mine, she was happy, she was free. That day I fell in love with her deeper than I ever knew possible. I wanted every day to be just like that day. I promised Angela and I promised Jane I would always be there for them. But had I lied? Why had I sent them away? Why was I not with them? Had I turned my back on them? In my desperation to give Jane closure had I lost my way? Was my judgment clouded? Was I really doing the right thing, that which is best for my family? I shook my head.
The vision of Jane on her knees begging me with red tearful eyes to stay with her haunted me. I doubled over and had to extend my hand and grab my desk to keep myself from falling over. Remorse washed over me. The look in Jane's eyes distressed me. I had done that, I put that look there, I opened those wounds. I was disgusted with myself. I closed my eyes tightly, my breath becoming shallow and choked. I had left Jane on the floor weeping and cold, scared to death and trembling in sorrow. I had left my daughter with a kiss on her giggling cheeks, too young to know what was happening but still she looked at me like she loved me. Like she knew I would come back. Like she trusted me when I said I'd never leave her. Angela had grabbed my finger again before I walked out the house. Her eyes bright and excited. I almost fell apart right then but my resolve and imprudence overcame me and I turned away from her and walked out the door into the darkness and the unknown.
I sat heavily in my chair. I folded my arms on my desk and lay down my head. I felt so numb. I felt like I had lost a part of myself, the best part of myself. I felt lost. What had I done?
"Maura," Detective Korsak's voice made me jump.
I sat up quickly and tried to brush the tears from my eyes before he could see them.
"Detective," I said in a shaky nervous voice.
I turned my head so he couldn't see my red eyes and running mascara. The detective was standing in my doorway dressed in his leather jacket and what were incredibly tight jeans… I didn't move for a while. He didn't speak. He just looked at me. He saw me and my tears. He saw my hurt. I leaned my elbows on my desk and bit my fist to keep from crying more. I couldn't stop thinking of Jane and Angela. I closed my eyes and shook my head. I was lost in some atrocious limbo between what I thought was right and where I knew I really wanted to be. Forward along this path I'd chosen led to a darkness unknown to me, a road no doubt to danger, but the hope of justice moved me to face the darkness and bring justice to those that deserved it. The road backward led back to Jane, my daughter, my son, and the life of love and family and devotion that was given to me and I swore to cherish and protect. But that road would not lead to justice for the victims. Turning back was a selfish path, yet moving forward was a selfish path. Either way someone would lose, some promise would be broken, some peace would not be found. I felt trapped. What was I to do?
Detective Korsak sighed. He moved into my office and sat in a chair in front of my desk. I slowly brought my eyes to his. His face was soft, his eyes sympathetic, his voice kind and understanding. I smiled at him but my lips trembled. Several more tears escaped my eyes. Detective Korsak had seen a part of me no one ever should, especially not a trusted colleague. Earlier this evening, he witnessed my family's deepest darkness, he saw Jane's pain. He knew what was driving me to succeed in this case. He knew what was haunting me to run away as far and as fast as I could. I felt like there were no more secrets between the older man and me. Only the truth was left. I could not meet his eyes. All I could think about was whom I'd left behind.
"I'm pulling you off this case, doc," Detective Korsak said firmly.
"What..I can still..." I started to protest but he cut me off.
"...I never should have allowed you to get involved this way. It's my fault. I put you in this position. Your girlfriend is right, you are not a detective. You don't belong anywhere near that gang..."
"...But I opened the case. I found the motorcycle jacket fiber, I put the pieces together, and I have to collect the evidence..."
"...No Doctor Isles!" Korsak's voice rose. His eyes blazed with fortitude and resolve. His lips thinned and his steady, penetrating gaze shut me up. He bowed his head.
"I'm an old man. I've been on the job 30 years. I've solved hundreds of cases, brought down bad guys no one else could touch. I'm a hero in the department. I've got a dresser full of medals and a wall full of plaques. I'm the detective all the young guys aspire to be one day. I'm damn good at my job and always have been. But you know what doc? When I go home, all I've got to greet me is a drawer full of dusty medals and a wall full of worthless plaques. I got cold pizza three days old in my fridge and not much else. I got no wife...I lost 'em all cause I cared more about those damn medals and plaques than my family. I got no kids cause I didn't have time, my job always came first. I got a cold bed and a cop's heart. They're gonna bury me with a medal around my neck. They're gonna salute and call me a hero. Boston's finest. A pillar of society. I'm gonna get a three gun salute, waiving red, white, and blue flags, and they're going to put me in the ground and say I served my city faithfully. I'll be forgotten after that. They'll hang my picture on the wall, but I'll be forgotten. There won't be a woman to cry for me, I got no kids to carry on after me. My family's name goes in the ground with me. Just me and my cold medals left to rot away." Detective Korsak said dejectedly.
I was speechless. The look on the man's face was one of hopelessness and of deep loneliness. I'd seen that look before. I'd seen it on my own face nearly all my life. I'd seen it on Jane's face the first time I laid eyes on her across the room at the bar in my hotel. I hadn't seen that look in weeks...since I fell in love with Jane and she in love with me. I'd forgotten how bitter and painful it was. I'd forgotten the despair, the grief, the feelings of worthlessness. My life had changed in an instant. My life was bursting at the seams with excitement, my heart was overwhelmed every moment of every day with the love I had for my lover and my child...children. My mind had no room for thoughts of pain as Jane and Angela consumed every space in the recesses of my thoughts. I no longer cared to hide myself from the world as I once had. I was no longer afraid of living or the living. I wanted to live, I wanted to be with my family. I wanted to see the sun rise and set in the eyes of my child and my love. My name would carry on, my legacy would prevail. My accomplishments would be remembered. Seeing Korsak so gripped by a pain so familiar to me washed my heart with guilt over putting my job over my family, and sympathy for the man who had made the same mistake so many times before. I didn't want to be Detective Korsak. I admired the man. He was fearless, accomplished, intelligent, and wonderful at his job. But he was alone. I didn't want to be alone.
"Detective Korsak," I started but he interrupted me again.
"I want you to back off this case...I demand that you back off this case. It's my case now. It was mine five years ago and I let the brass shove me off it. It's mine again now. I'll get you the evidence you need, but you aren't going anywhere near those people. If I die I'll die a hero, I'm leaving no one behind. You've got too much to live for. I saw the way Jane looked at you. She's falling apart, you're falling apart. You can't even focus on the job, you're distracted. I won't let you make the same mistakes I did. Some things doc, are worth more than a million medals. Some things are more precious than a million guilty verdicts. You have that thing that's worth more than everything else," Korsak said. He sighed and hung his head even lower, "I envy you. I'm long past making up for my mistakes, but you can. I got nothing else. You're off the undercover investigation." He said with finality.
I sighed. I thought of everything he said. I considered his words carefully. Was it true that he envied me, despite that he'd only ever seen Jane in anger and or the deepest despair? What happened at my home between Jane and me right in front of Korsak was awful to the point of being frightening and heartbreaking. Yet still the man envied me. I was slow to speak.
"Detective...I promised her I would help solve this case, that I would bring her peace." I whispered. My eyes were desperate for understanding.
Detective Korsak smiled and nodded his head.
"You've done both those things already. You broke the case, I can take it from here. And you have brought Jane peace, a peace she will only know with you by her side. If you turn away from her and something happens to you, you will have broken both of your promises. You owe it to her and yourself to back away. You're no good to me anyway, you can't stop thinking about her pretty little face and that adorable baby girl!" Detective Korsak joked.
I started to speak but closed my mouth quickly. I looked at the clock. It was after nine p.m. I wondered if the plane had taken off already. Detective Korsak noticed me glancing at the clock.
"GO!" Was all he said.
I hesitated. I looked at him and smiled sadly. I wanted to cheer him up. I wanted to give him kind words. I wanted to tell him thank you in so many ways, in every language I spoke. I wanted to tell him how much his sacrifice meant to me. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and cry on his shoulder and tell him he was a hero and he wouldn't be forgotten. I would never forget him. I felt my eyes leak tears. I swallowed the lump in my throat many times. I looked at him through sad but ever so grateful eyes.
"Detective Korsak..."
"GO!" He said again.
I stood and walked around my desk. I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him as tightly as I could. I don't know what was happening to me but I cried on his shoulder like I hadn't cried in ages. I felt my body trembling and my heart bursting with love for the man and relief, mostly relief. Fear also. I was afraid for the man that was so bravely releasing me from the most pressing burden of my life and carrying the cross of justice into the fire on his own. I ached for his lonely heart, I ached for his selflessness, I ached over the guilt I felt in leaving him to do this alone, but I also ached for my family. Detective Korsak patted my back and shushed me softly. His deep voice made his chest rumble against my body and I cried all the harder.
"Go," He finally whispered to me pushing me away and smiling at me.
I wiped my tears and found it in me to smile back.
"Thank you," I whispered back.
"Go," He said again, he stood and walked toward the door.
"Detective Korsak," I called out to him before he was too far away.
He turned around slowly and cocked his head. His eyes were sparkling and sad. I smiled at him.
"You are always welcome at my family's table; you don't have to be alone." I said kindly.
Detective Korsak smiled.
"If I live through this...I'm gonna take you up on that offer," He chuckled and walked out the door.
I watched him go with a heavy heart, but I had no time to lose. I grabbed my purse and ran for the door. I had no time to change. I had to get to the plane. I had to get to Jane. I ran as fast as I could to my BMW since my Mercedes was locked up in the CSI lot. I searched my purse frantically for my cell phone and cursed when it wasn't in there.
"Dammit," I said slapping my steering wheel angrily.
I'd left my phone at my house. I needed to call the pilot and tell him to hold the plane. I contemplated running back inside to use my office phone, but I was only ten minutes away from the airstrip. I could make it...I could make it. I started my engine and sped away. I could make it.
"I'm coming Janie," I whispered softly to myself.
...
Jane
I pulled up in front of Maura's house and turned off the engine. My heart was racing. I couldn't believe what I'd just done. I couldn't believe how crazed I was. I felt hideous for leaving James in the street with no cell phone or even his luggage. I didn't have time to think. I had to do something and fast. I saw the opportunity to escape and I took it without even thinking. If I'd gone to the airstrip I never would have had the courage to leave. I'd have taken one look at Angela and fallen apart all over again unable to be separated from her. I detested leaving her. I sat silently in the car gripping the steering wheel tightly. I tried to calm my breath. I tried to keep my limbs from shaking. I tried to erase my guilt and my shame but the reality of my position was all too real. I had no choice right? Angela was safe with Consuela who'd never let anything happen to her. My baby had more people looking after her safety than I ever did growing up and even now Angela was far safer than me. I felt like I was being pulled in two different directions by two people that needed me desperately. My baby needed me, but so did Maura. If I left her behind I was terrified something would happen to her. Maura swore she was only trying to protect me and that she'd made me a promise she intended to keep. But hadn't I made the same promise? Hadn't I sworn to always have her back, to always stand by her side? Who was Maura to send me away? Angela was far safer in New York I understood that...but how could she send me away? She needed me, and I needed her. I would not let her walk into this nightmare alone. I steeled my nerves. I got out of the car and ran up the front steps and into the house. It was still chaos in there. Mess was everywhere. No one had bothered to straighten anything up in the mania of leaving the house so suddenly and unceremoniously.
I ran up the stairs and started pulling off my clothes. I knew I didn't have long. Mine and James' absence would cause suspicion very soon and then those massive security guards would track me down and drag me back to the plane on Maura's orders. I felt like I had no means to fight her. I felt like James was right, Maura did what she wanted with me and everyone else. She actually thought she could be rid of me, that her money and contacts and that fucking plane were enough to keep me at bay. Maura might have the means, but I had the motivation. She might have a plane but in my mind I had a strategy. But most important, I was not leaving her no matter what.
I tore through the drawers looking for clothes that might have been left. I found a little black skirt and an old white button down. That would have to do. I found a pair of my heels in the shoe closet and ran to the bathroom to change. I'd done this a million times before. I'd stood in front of a mirror and transformed myself into a lady of the night. I painted my face, curled my hair and slipped on a g string. I worked a pole for just enough money to feed my daughter. Before my 'profession' only brought me shame. But for some reason, as I stood painting my lips, I felt nothing but purpose and determination. I wasn't dancing for food, I was dancing for Maura. I just wanted to keep an eye on her. I wanted to be close to her. Maybe, just maybe, I could help her somehow and we could be finished with this nightmare and I could have my family back and whole again. I wouldn't get in her way. I wouldn't interfere. But I'll be damned if I was going to sit by a phone all night, scared to death, waiting for it to ring and give me bad news. I undid the bottom three buttons of my shirt and tied the ends in a knot just below my breasts. I rolled the waist of my skirt over to make it a few inches shorter. I slipped on the heels and stood back looking at myself in the mirror. I was stunned for a moment at my reflection. I looked like a painted whore again. All my feelings of worthlessness crept into my mind but I batted them down. I put my hands on my hips and forced a smile. This was the only way. I nodded my head at the woman in the mirror and smiled again. I could do this.
I looked at my watch and jumped. It was after nine p.m. I had to get moving. It was Sunday night. For most strip clubs it was amateur night. If I was lucky I could convince the club owner or manager to let me dance. No one would say no to me...no one ever said no to me when I was dressed like this. This was a fact I was counting on. If I was lucky the guy in the jacket wouldn't be able to say no to me either. I just needed one hair off his head or one fingerprint. Dressed like this I might just be able to get close enough to get what Maura needed. She and Korsak could do the rest. But I could help...I knew I could. I grabbed a light jacket from my closet and slipped James' Taser inside. I shook out my hair and ran down the stairs. I had to get out of the house. James was a resourceful man. He wouldn't be stranded for long. He'd find a way to get a hold of Maura and tell her what I was doing and then security would be on me in an instant. I had to move quickly. My heart pounded in my chest as I bounded down the stairs. I grabbed the car keys and was just about to reach for the door handle when the door flew open and James burst inside.
My heart stopped in my chest. My body froze. The adrenaline in my veins made me feel sick. James' eyes were wild. His chest was heaving and the veins in his neck and forearms were popping. I was terrified just looking at him. I gulped. James slammed the front door hard making the whole house shake. His dangerous eyes glared menacingly at me. I took a step back trembling slightly. How could he have gotten here so fast? He looked so angry. I was beyond panicky.
"J-James," I said stuttering nervously, "H-How did you get here?"
My voice was high yet croaky. I could hear James' teeth grinding in his head. I took another step back. He was sweating like crazy, his hair was wet and sticking to his forehead, his shirt was damp and sweat stained, his suit was rumpled and twisted oddly on his body, his shoes were dirty with mud, his hands were clenched in tight fists at his sides. I gulped again.
"You left me in the street!" He hissed at me. "You held a Taser to my neck! You stole my cell phone!"
James was shouting at me now. I took another step back.
"Take it easy buddy, I just had to..."
"...To WHAT!" James roared.
His voice was so strong and powerful it echoed off the walls and all throughout the house. I shook with utter anxiety.
"Maura..." I choked. "I have to get to Maura."
I was pleading with him to understand. I needed him to calm down. He was terrifying to witness. Ihad not met this version of James. I backed up several more steps until I was pressed against the wall. James flew at me and snatched the car keys from my hand. He grabbed my jacket and found his cell phone and mine and the little taser.
"You're not going to trick me again!" He shouted slamming the taser on the floor and stomping on it so it shattered into a million pieces.
I jumped and flinched. What was going to happen now? He looked so crazy! Why didn't I get out of the house sooner? I gulped and tried to dash around him, but James was faster than me and motivated by his rage. He pocketed my cell phone and grabbed me roughly by the arm dragging me into the living room as I kicked and screamed. I cried out in pain and struggled as hard as I could. I felt my arm bruising under his grip but James seemed possessed and oblivious to my pain. I didn't know James could be so frightening. But James was twice my weight and ten times as strong as me. There was no breaking away from him. I was nothing more than a rag doll in his hands. He shoved me down on the couch and I sat quaking scared even to breathe. James glared down at me furiously.
"Where did you think you were going? Look at you! You're not a whore anymore Jane! Why are you dressed like one?" James thundered like a raging storm.
I held my bruised arm and whimpered softly. I couldn't look at him. I was furious and humiliated and terrified all at the same time.
"Maura needs my help..." I started, but James cut me off in a roaring rant.
"...Maura made it very clear she doesn't want you involved in this! It's my responsibility to get you on that plane! What do you think would happen to me if you showed up at that club to what...strip for those maniacs? Are you so crazy that you are willing to take off your clothes and jiggle your tits in the faces of the men that killed your family? You think that would make this easier for Maura? Have you any idea how crazy and furious Maura would be? With me? With you?" He thundered.
I shook my head and turned away from him. I wrapped my arms around a pillow and held it tightly to my chest. I felt so weary and tired. I'd tried so hard to get to Maura. I did everything I could think of. Everywhere I turned there was someone or something in my way. Why did no one understand? Why could no one see I just wanted to protect her? I just wanted to look out for her. I just wanted to be near her. I was terrified for her. I was doing the only thing I knew to look out for her. Why could no one see?
"Answer me!" James fumed.
His voice was thick with malice. I closed my eyes and swallowed my tears.
"I love her James, I love her and I can't leave her," I whispered barely loud enough to be heard.
James sighed and shook his head. He started pacing around in front of me. His face was drawn but his expression had softened into disbelief and exhaustion instead of frightful rage.
"Help me, James." I pleaded.
James stopped his pacing and looked down at me. I was still too afraid to move. He looked sympathetic but I knew he would not help me.
"You know I can't do that," he said sadly.
Misery consumed me. I rubbed my bruised arm.
"You hurt me, James!" I exclaimed.
James looked miserable himself now. He sighed heavily and rubbed his temples.
"I'm really sorry about that. If you don't tell Maura about my indiscretion I won't tell her about yours. It wouldn't do either of us any good if she knew the truth of what happened tonight," James said sincerely.
I turned my head and felt my face start to burn with frustration and anger. But I nodded my head. I wouldn't get away from him I knew, and Maura had enough on her plate than to deal with me and James' insanity right now.
"Where are the keys to your Escalade and your wallet?" He asked firmly.
His voice was gentle but he was strict in his command.
"Kitchen counter and front desk," I said sadly.
James moved around the house pocketing my things. Tears streamed down my face. I thought of Maura in that awful club with those horrible people. I thought of my family those people took from me. I thought of the five years of horror I lived in darkness and pain before I met Maura. I thought of all the ways Maura had saved me. I thought of all the reasons I loved her more than life its self. I thought of a life without her if that gang took her from me. My chest felt like someone had kicked my heart and I wanted to fall apart all over again. But I barely had any tears left to cry and I was far too spent and exhausted to break down. It didn't matter anyway. I had no choice but to do as I was told and I hated my life and myself all the more for it. James came back to stand before me.
"I'm going to call my wife and tell her what happened. I'll tell her we got a flat tire or something and that's why we're running late. You go upstairs and change. I don't want anyone seeing you like this. We're getting on that plane and going back to New York and we're going to pretend like this never happened," James said eyeing me with a look that brokered no argument.
I wanted to cry. But I just nodded my head. What choice did I have? I had no money, no keys, no options; all of those things were given to me by Maura and even though she wasn't here, she'd taken them away just as easily; all to protect me. I didn't feel protected though, I felt...everything and nothing. I wiped my eyes and sighed. I stood and walked up the stairs, each step harder than the last. I leaned heavily on the railing to keep my weary body from falling over. I was exhausted and spent. I'd given everything I had, pleaded for dear life, cried from the depths of my soul, done all I could and still I was being sent packing. I walked back into Maura's and my bedroom and slammed the door as hard as I could and locked it. I sat on the floor and held my head in my hands. The realization that I wasn't going to get to Maura tore at me. I hung my head in defeat. I heard James talking on the phone downstairs. I leaned my head against the bedroom door and gazed out the window. I was just about to start crying when I remembered something that shot me to my feet in half a second.
I'd locked myself out of the house once before and shimmied up the columns outside and onto the balcony of the bedroom because I couldn't stand to call Maura and hear her lecture me on my irresponsibility. I smiled to myself. When one door closes, another one opens. There was always a way. I was always good at climbing. I climbed trees all through my childhood higher and faster than both my brothers. I smiled. I slipped the spare key to my Escalade from my nightstand drawer and crept out the balcony door closing it softly behind me. It was terrifying inching my way down the column in a skirt and heels. It took me nearly three minutes to navigate my way to the ground but when I did I took off running through the back yard. I slipped into my Escalade and started the car. I started backing up when James burst out the front door. I slammed my foot on the gas and tore onto the street. James was running at me full force. He was gaining on me. My heart was racing and my hands were sweaty. I was frantic. I put the car in drive and sped away just as James reached the passenger side door. I didn't stop at the stop sign at the end of the street. I blew right through it.
"1532 Cavalier Blvd," I remembered in my head.
"I'm coming little angel!" I said breathlessly.