CHAPTER 4 – Lost and found
I rubbed my neck instinctively. It was still sensitive, but it was nothing compared how Dawn was.
Doctors were still fighting for her life as she was in a coma, only the life-supporting machines keeping her alive.
Hank sat next to her bed, lost in thoughts as I went out to grab us a coffee. Although I was sure he won't like the decision I made, I was determined. I was going to help Dick to find Rachel.
"A double espresso" I handed Hank the drink when I arrived back. He came out to the corridor too to meet me.
"Thanks, babe" He said accepting the travel cup as for a moment an uneasy silence settled. "I'm sorry for what I said before, I didn't mean, I just..." He started, with his voice being full of guilt and resentment, but I shook my head interrupting him.
"I know" I sent him a warm smile. I knew how hot-headed he could be, but I wasn't reacting very mature either. "Let's just forget about it" I offered raising up to my tiptoe to press a small kiss on his lips.
His arms wrapped around me immediately keeping me as close as physically possible, nuzzling the crook of my neck.
You're my light, little Firecracker. He trailed my collarbone with tender kisses. A strong shiver ran down on my spine as I got disturbed by the raw power of my attraction to him.
"Are you ready, Ror?" Dick cleared his throat from behind as I swore under my breath. He really couldn't wait, could he?
"What is he talking about?" Hank lifted up his head frowning.
"A minute, please" I turned around to send Dick a look as he stepped aside to give us a little privacy, though I was sure he could still hear everything.
"You're leaving" Hank read the situation, releasing me, like my closeness just burnt him.
"I'm sorry" I grabbed his hand desperately. That's not how I wanted him to find out… "Dick's got a call. They had a footage of Rachel, her last location is not so far from here."
"And let me guess, he begged for you to go with him" He mocked glaring at Dick who pretended not to notice our argument.
"No, I offered" I talked again without thinking. "That's not what I meant…" I murmured as he pulled away again. "Hank, I can help to find her, you know I can" I tried to reason. I found Rach once, I could recognize her vibes even more easily. "She's in trouble, I have to help her."
"And I imagine our detective was devastated by your company" He noted it bitterly as I sighed tiredly. Their little jealousy – power games were truly tiring.
"It's not about him for Christ's sake" I started. "It's about a scared little girl who has no one to fight for her" I continued. "She's lost, terrified and confused. She has no idea what's happening to her, she has no one to turn to. She's like… me. Before I had you" I confessed stepping closer to him. Please, Hank. I pleaded with my cutest puppy eyes as I've heard him taking a deep breath.
He'd better not touch you. He grumped agreeing eventually as a wide grin spread across my face.
I won't let him. I ensured him, folding my arms around his neck one last time as he wrapped me in a bone-crashing hug. "Take care of Dawn" I asked him as I pulled away.
"I will"
I nodded with a half-smile then I turned around to leave. Yet I couldn't take a single step since he suddenly pulled me back, his mouth swooping in to steal a kiss. It was a desperate kiss, wild with passion.
Almost against my will I reacted, opening my mouth as his tongue claimed mine savagely. A tortured moan squeezed past my lips quietly as he finally decided to have mercy on me.
So you won't forget me. He smirked smugly being completely satisfied with himself as we parted.
Sure. So Dick standing a few meters away had nothing to do with it. I raised my brows knowingly as shrugged.
It was also a good lesson for him to know his place.
"You're insufferable" I told him off playfully, but honestly I couldn't be angry with him.
"But you love me like this." He declared it self-confidently as I chuckled.
"You know I do" I admitted it genuinely as he finally let me go.
"So you and Hank..." Dick started as we drove off with his car. I thought the silence was uncomfortable, but I was wrong. This was so much worse. For a moment I considered not to even answer or tell him to mind his own business.
"Yeah"
"Since when?" He asked nonchalantly fixing his gaze on the road. I sighed silently.
"A few days"
He suddenly looked at me examining. Was it disbelief, disappointment that I saw in his eyes? It was only a moment though, then he turned back to driving, pressing his lips together just like every time he was about to say something but he thought better of it.
I looked out of the window, supporting my head at the seat, feeling completely anxious again. What were you thinking, Rory? That it would be a nice road trip, like in the good old days?
I should've come earlier.
Then I've heard Dick, making me wince. It was a quiet murmur and I was sure he wasn't intended me to hear it yet I stiffened up, like I've been stung.
"No, Dick, you never should've left" I corrected him unawares as he looked at me surprised. For a moment we locked eyes. I knew my words hurt him as his eyes darkened with remorse. It should've filled me at least with a bit victory, but instead I just felt guilt.
"Look, we never really had a chance to talk..." He started, but I shook my head fervently, knowing exactly where this is going.
"Please, don't. We are not here to fix anything." I told him a bit harsher than I wished, but I was too mad. "Let's focus on Rachel" I added gritting my teeth.
That did the job. I managed to kill the conversation for the rest of the trip.
"Wait here" He told me curtly as we pulled over at the gas station. A few police cars were parked there too. It was quite the scene. The side of the building was completely burnt down... "Try to track Rach if you can" He barked shutting the door.
I let out a deep breath. This will be great, good job, Rory...
I closed my eyes, concentrating. The noise was loud with everyone around, but I got used to it. I knew I will be able to adjust, I just needed a few minutes.
I regulated my breathing, calming down my mind as I reached out further and further to cover more ground.
And eventually there she was. She wasn't too far. Was she in some kind of a pub? No, a bowling place!
I opened my eyes, coming back with ease. I have to tell Dick, I'm sure we can find the location if we take a look at the nearby entertaining centres.
I almost jumped out of my skin as I noticed Dick next to me. He's already got back and was waiting for me. I hated how my face heated up as I blushed at his intense gaze.
How long has he been back?
"Google the bowling halls close to here" I told him clearing my throat. He hasn't asked anything he just did as I asked.
We soon was on the road again and half an hour later we reached our destination.
We split up to check out the place when we arrived. I spotted Rachel almost immediately as she was talking to a guy.
"Rach" I called her quietly. Her face lit up as she saw me.
"Rory, you found me" She smiled walking up to me then wrapping her arms around my neck. I hugged her back, relieved.
"You're safe" I murmured happily. "What happened, who took you?" I asked.
"She" Dick said appearing with a black woman on his side. She was tall, slim and had so pink hair that it radiated yet the most unsettling thing about her were her light green eyes. "Come on. We're going." He ordered.
"What is he doing here?" Rachel turned to me, folding her arms in front of her chest.
Always tactful, Dick. I rolled my eyes.
"He was worried about you" I explained as Rachel scoffed.
"How convincing."
"Now's not the time, okay?" Dick looked around concerned.
"Why are you here?" Rachel turned to him now.
"Can we talk about this somewhere else?" He pleaded.
"Let's go." I gently put my hand on her shoulder as she gave in finally. "We gotta get you somewhere safe."
"Do you know who sent that weird family after her?" The woman asked as we walked to the parking lot.
"Who are you by the way?" I asked still being on guard.
"I don't know. But somehow Rachel's the key to me figuring me out." She shrugged as my eyes widened. Is she serious?
"Is that why you kidnapped her?" Dick asked demandingly.
"She didn't kidnap me. She saved me." Rachel told genuinely. "How's Dawn?" She turned to me worried.
"Rachel..." I started not really knowing what to say.
"I read what happened online. Is she gonna be okay?" She insisted as I felt tears gathering in my eyes. I wanted to say yes, to reassure her, but her condition was still not stabile.
"Who's Dawn?" The woman asked, but we all ignored her.
"We really can't talk about this right now, okay?" Dick answered instead of me, sensing my turmoil. "The cops are looking for you. They think you killed your mom." He explained as I raised my brows. That was new for me too.
"What?"
"I may have failed to mention" He noted sending me an apologetic look. "And they're looking for you, too." He turned to our stranger. "Assault on multiple officers. Arson. And not to mention kidnapping."
"Like I said, she didn't kidnap me, she saved me." Rachel raised her voice a bit, getting annoyed. "When you didn't." She added.
"Well, that's technically true. Dick." The woman commented measuring him up.
"Okay, first of all, it's none of your business." I intervened firmly, seeing Dick's expression. "And second, that was enough" I told Rachel. Right now our priority was to keep her safe. Throwing fists was not helping.
"He left me." She argued. "I thought you of all people would understand" She added disappointed.
"I do. That's why I ask you to trust me." Her remark hurt more than I let it be seen. She was completely right. Yet that didn't change the fact that her best option to survive was Dick.
"I haven't left you." Dick murmured still emphasizing the details.
"You might as well have. You were going to."
"Rachel, I wasn't."
"I read the note." She stated as the matter of fact as I sighed getting more and more irritated.
"Look..." Dick started, but she interrupted him quickly.
"You were just gonna leave me with them?" She said gesturing to my direction.
"Hey" I warned her since her tone seemed a bit mocking.
"No offence, Rory, I have nothing against you. It's quite the opposite" Rachel noted genuinely.
"I just need time to figure things out." Dick said as I shook my head. This wasn't going to end well…
"Stop." Rachel demanded getting pissed off.
"Rachel." I tried to call her, but she wasn't listening.
"Stop lying!" She yelled at Dick as all the cars' glasses near us broke into pieces just like in our apartment. "I need to go back to the Sisters!" She declared desperately as we exchanged a look. She was getting out of control.
"Okay, sweetheart." I ensured her embracing her shoulders. "Okay. Come on, let's go." I told her guiding her to the car.
I had no idea who the Sisters were, but if Rachel thought she need them, then so it be.
"And Kory is coming with us" She added leaving no place for disagreement. At least we've learnt our stranger's name…