Chapter Thirty Seven
February 2000
Melbourne, Australia
Joey sat alone in her bedroom. It was more of a cell really but at least more comfortable than the basement she had been held and then raped in a couple of weeks ago. She had no idea where she was or what was happening. Hugo was the central figure in her life now. He was kinder to her than any of the others. She particularly disliked Suzy, and Derrick gave her the creeps. Robbo was dead and buried and one of the other guys had disappeared. She had ascertained that the other man who 'looked after her' was Hugo's father but she hadn't yet figured out his name. She still had no idea what was to become of her. She wasn't allowed to leave the room, except for bathroom breaks and those had to be escorted. If she was left alone and needed to pee, she had to use a bucket. It was degrading to say the least and she almost wished they would kill her and have done with it. The fear of not knowing what was going to happen next was terrifying. All she had been told was that her father had not fronted up the cash. That had hurt more than she had dared to admit to even Hugo, who seemed the kinder of her captors. She knew full well what her father was worth and so did the rest of the country. But apparently, Joey was worth nothing.
Ross arrived home, tired from another long day at work and grateful for his beloved wife and daughters. As a family, they sat round the dinner table but his mind was still full of concern. Elsie patted his arm, willing him to try and accept that he had tried his best for the Collins family.
"I know," he sighed. "But I'm running out of time to find her and the more time that passes, the less resources I have. That poor kid is suffering goodness knows what. She must be so scared. I just..."
"You really did do your best, Dad," Charlie said, trying to comfort him. "And, well, I don't know, but I have a feeling that you'll find her. It might not be soon but she'll be reunited with her family."
Ross smiled his appreciation, feeling very lucky to have his family but still so sad for what the Collins family had lost.
Joey remained in the corner of her room, looking up anxiously when she heard the door unlock. She was relieved when it was Hugo and nobody else who approached her.
"How are you doing?" he asked, perching on the bed beside her.
"Peachy," Joey replied flatly, curling up a little tighter.
"I'm sorry for all of this," he said.
"Sorry enough to let me go?" Joey asked, knowing the question was pointless.
Hugo sighed and shook his head.
"You know we can't do that, Joey."
"Why?" Joey pleaded. "I swear, I won't tell anyone anything. I'll just go home and nothing more needs to be said or done. I promise..."
"Do you really think I can just take your word for that?" Hugo interrupted.
"You can!" Joey said desperately. "If I means I'll be free, I swear I..."
"Joey!" Hugo snapped.
She fell silent and closed her eyes, willing her tears away.
"If you continue to make this amount of fuss, they will kill you," he warned.
"Fine," Joey said. "Kill me. I don't even care anymore. Just don't make me live like this!"
Hugo inched closer and she reluctantly accepted his hand.
"Listen to me," he said. "We've got a few months of moving around and keeping out heads down and then we're off."
"Off where?" Joey asked.
"Abroad. You'll have a whole new identity. And it won't be perfect. It couldn't be, considering you'll still be a prisoner. But I'll be your guard. That won't be so bad, will it?"
Joey merely shrugged.
"I'll treat you well, Joey," Hugo said. "You can be happy."
"How?" Joey demanded.
"You won't want for anything."
"Minus my freedom?"
"It won't be like this," he said, breezing past the issue. "We'll create a situation that works for both of us. I'll look after you. I swear."
Next time... Charlie and Joey get closer and Hugo comes up with a plan...