Star Pupil
Chapter 2
After changing clothes, Katelyn and Hannah took the twins to a nearby park so that Tom and Christine could talk privately. Christine had always been confident and totally in love with Mike, but something was off. She was nervous and shaky and there were scars on her face that weren't there before. She had a story to tell.
"So, Katelyn told me bits and pieces, but I can tell there is more to the story." Tom said.
"There is. During the Red Flu, we were at Deer Park. Mike knew that much so you probably do too. Someone in the camp was exposed and it was time to leave. The guy running the camp said he would help me and the girls. I was pregnant with the twins and terrified, so I believed him. Katelyn told you we hid out, that is only partially true, because he kept us hidden. Once I had Aaron and Abby, is when the abuse started. To lump it all up, he beat and raped me regularly. We only got away because I told him I was bringing Katelyn to the Academy. He hates the older girls…really all the kids, but especially the older girls. Its only a matter of time before he finds me and I'll have hell to pay." Christine said.
"Where did he hold you?" Tom asked.
"Pretty much all over but recently, West Virginia. I know I should have fought harder and gotten away sooner, but I was able to protect my kids at least. Mike will want nothing to do with me now, but I hope he'll be there for the kids and get to know the twins." Christine answered.
"You might be surprised. Did he know who Mike was?" Tom asked.
"Yes. I think he did all this to me to get at Mike, not sure why exactly, but he definitely knew Mike was on the James." Christine explained as she fidgeted with her hand.
"Do you want me to call Mike? I assure you, he will want to be with you and the kids. He has really missed you a lot." Tom asked.
"I've missed him too and I do want him back, but I can't imagine he would want me given all this." Christine said.
"Well, like I said, you might be surprised. So, who was this guy?" Tom asked, knowing Mike would ask.
"His name was Brad Johnson, but I am not sure it was real." Christine answered after taking a drink of her tea.
"Alright. I'm going to step out and call Mike. I'm not certain where he is, but I will protect you and the kids until he gets here. Katelyn is safe at school, but you, Hannah and the twins may not be." Tom told her before standing up.
"I suppose I should start packing a few things up?" Christine asked.
"It would be a good idea. Maybe get the kids back?" Tom suggested and Christine nodded. Tom stepped into the hall and punched in Mike's number on his cellphone, praying he would answer. And on the third ring, Mike's voice came over the phone.
"First day of class and you already have a favorite student you want to tell me about?" Mike teased.
"Yes, actually I do. She is bright and I think she could graduate at the top of her class. She's a bit stubborn, kind of like her dad." Tom joked.
"Do I know him?" Mike asked.
"I would say so. The student's name is Katelyn Slattery." Tom said.
"Katie?" Mike asked, using his daughter's nickname that only he used.
"Yes. And Mike; she took me to her mom and sister. Christine and Hannah are alive. I don't know if you would call it okay, because Christine has been through hell. After a potential exposure at Deer Park, someone named Brad Johnson held them, basically hostage. When Katelyn got into the Academy, Christine used that as an excuse to get her and the kids out. She's got an apartment in Annapolis, but its not safe. There is something else, though. Mike; she was pregnant. She had twins and they are yours. Their names are Aaron and Abby." Tom explained. He had heard Mike gulp several times, but knew Mike was processing.
"Is…Christy…what happened?" Mike asked.
"She's been beaten and raped. Doesn't think you will want anything to do with her. She's got scars. I didn't ask a lot of questions, but I've assured her you will want back with her." Tom explained.
"Of course." Mike answered.
"So, I am going to pack them up and take them to my house. Its safer then at this apartment. You can get them moved out later. I'll take Katelyn back to school, where she's safe. But Christine, Hannah and the twins will be with me." Tom said.
"I understand. I'm in Washington. I will cut out and drive there." Mike said.
"Okay. I may hold off on taking Katelyn back then, but I'll call her advisor and explain." Tom told him.
"I would like to see her too and I know her advisor could pitch a fit, but I would really like to keep her close." Mike said.
"I don't think her advisor is going to argue with the CNO." Tom teased.
"Well, the Academy is a separate entity. They don't have to do what I want." Mike said.
"I know, but you have a lot of sway. I'm going to help Christine get ready to leave. I'll text when I have them at my house." Tom said.
"Thank you. I will get done here as quick as possible." Mike answered before hanging up. Just then Katelyn, Hannah and the twins appeared and Tom followed them into the apartment, where Christine had quickly packed several bags. It was like she had not expected to stay at the apartment for long. While Tom waited, he called Katelyn's advisor and got it cleared for her to stay with him or Mike for a few days. Now that it was known who her father was, Katelyn would be 'the student.' He also called Sasha, so she could be prepared.
Christine agreed to follow Tom to his house in her clunker of a car. It was not in good shape at all, but she got to Tom's house three minutes after he did. She was nervous, but immediately bonded with Sasha; talking about childbirth and babies. Finally, just before they were going to sit down for dinner; Mike showed up. Hannah got to him first, and then it was Katelyn. Christine and the twins held back until Mike pulled Christine into a careful hug and gave her a tender kiss on the forehead. Tom could tell it put Christine at ease. Now, they had to figure things out since they were reunited.