Run (23 page)

“I am. But he’s too stubborn to do anything other than pull through.”

As if on cue, a doctor in blue scrubs appeared. “Mr. Graham, I am Dr. Swartzer. I understand you’re waiting for news on Mr. O’Shaughnessy.”

Aya’s heart pounded and she clutched Foster’s hand.

“I am, what’s going on?”

“Fortunately, we were able to remove the bullet intact which was more than we could have hoped for. It nicked one of his lungs, which collapsed. We’ve been repairing it. The healing agent is working beautifully and he will be as good as new in a few weeks. In the meantime,” Dr. Swartzer faced Aya. “Miss Smith?”

She nodded.

“Your uncle is here. We were expecting your visit earlier but not under these circumstances, unfortunately. If you would like to follow me, I can lead you to his room.”

Aya glanced at Foster with uncertainty. Had it been Dare’s plan to bring her to the hospital all along? Why had he escalated their confrontation?

“Miss Smith?” the doctor prompted.

She stood. “Yes, of course.”

Foster reached out for her hand. “Would you like for me to come with you, Aya?”

Aya gently tugged it away. “No. But, thank you for the offer.” She followed the doctor down the hallway with an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She hadn’t seen her uncle in a few months and she wasn’t sure if she was prepared to see him in a hospital bed.

“Here we are, Miss Smith, room 810. I’ll allow you some privacy but if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to buzz.”

She nodded. Aya didn’t know how long she stood outside the door before she had the courage to go inside, but it must have been for few minutes because a handful of hospital staff walked past her.

When she did go inside, Aya gasped. Lying in the center of a hospital bed on stark white sheets was her uncle. He’d lost an unspeakable amount of weight as if he hadn’t eaten since she’d last seen him. His skin clung to his bones. But it wasn’t simply the weight loss that alarmed her, it was the many bruises that covered the majority of his body. What kind of sadistic asshole would do this to a helpless old man? She hoped the guard who’d done this would receive at least some sort of punishment but she doubted it. That he had done it in the first place, was probably an indicator that he’d done it before with impunity.

He was hooked up to two IVs, one in each arm. He lay completely still and for a moment, she didn’t think he was alive. As she eased closer, she noticed the gentle rise and fall of his chest to indicate he was breathing.

She took the chair closest to his bed and took his hand in hers. It was like holding the hand of a skeleton. “Oh, Uncle Arthur, what have they done to you?”

Aya placed her head against the bed and sniffed.

“You’re not going to start crying, are you, girl? You know I can’t stand to see a woman cry.”

Aya raised her head. Her uncle gave her a half smile from his swollen lips. “Uncle Arthur? I’d ask you how you were feeling but looking at you, I already know the answer to that.”

“Actually, with these fancy pain medicines, I feel pretty good, really sleepy. I’ve been drifting in and out of sleep for most of the day. Best rest I’ve had in weeks. And guess what? I don’t have to share this room with roaches and rats although after a while they did become my only friends.”

Aya began to tear up as she thought of what her uncle must have endured. But it was just like Uncle Arthur to maintain his sense of humor despite the grueling circumstances.

“What happened?”

“Damn, guard didn’t like to have his authority challenged. You know how it goes. I probably should have kept my mouth shut but I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I had. Anyway, if that guard didn’t use my body for kicking practice, I wouldn’t have landed in here. Much better.” He attempted another smile. Then his expression turned solemn. “Aya, he got you, didn’t he?”

She nodded deciding not to mention The Run. It would cause her uncle more undo stress than necessary.

He sighed. “I’ve failed you, didn’t I?”

Aya shook her head vehemently. “Uncle Arthur, don’t say that. You’re my hero.” She squeezed his hand. “You’ve taken care of me when you didn’t have to. You could have turned me out into the streets when Mom died but you didn’t. You made sacrifices so that I wouldn’t have to go without.”

His lips twisted to half smile. “It was no sacrifice for me, baby. I didn’t have any children of my own, so when Violet had you, it was like you were my child, too. You were so full of life and smarter than any of those Elite children in their fancy schools. I used to brag about you to everyone who would listen. And when you father was killed, it was nothing for me to step into the role of the father figure you needed. I vowed that what happened to Violet wouldn’t happen to you, but it did.”

Aya shook her head. “No, it didn’t. I’m alive. And while my situation hasn’t been ideal, I’m unharmed.”

Her uncle squinted. “Maybe not physically. There’s something different about you. As much as it pains me to ask, how has he been treating you?”

She lowered her head unable to make eye contact with him. The last thing she wanted was to mull over every sexual encounter she’d had with Dare, not to mention the fact that she liked it. “We’ve had some rough patches. But lately, things have changed and it’s hard to explain.”

“What’s changed?”

“He’s just different. At first I thought the change was sudden, but as I think back to certain instances, it could have been gradual. But…”

“What?”

“He’s uh…he’s actually here in the hospital right now.”

Uncle Arthur furrowed his brow. “He’s waiting in the wings? If he’s looking to visit me, I don’t want to see him. I’m surprised he allowed you to come see me.”

“Actually, he’s not a visitor. He’s a patient.”

He widened his eyes. “A patient? How did that happen?”

Aya leaned forward to whisper. “I shot him.”

Uncle Arthur was silent for a moment. “How did you get ahold of a gun? Licenses to own a deadly weapon are too expensive and it’s even more expensive to purchase one illegally. Besides, this doesn’t seem like something you would do.”

“It was his gun actually. And I didn’t mean to do it. I swear. I was so angry when he told me what happened to you. I feared the worst and my temper got in the way and as I pointed that gun at him—”

“Don’t be sorry. I’m sure there are people who would stand in line to shoot that son of a bitch. If he doesn’t pull through, then you would have done the world a favor.”

She sighed. “You’d think that, wouldn’t you? I mean I used to believe the world would be better without him but now I’m not so sure.”

Uncle Arthur narrowed his eyes and gave her a discerning look. “Are you all right, girl? That man has done nothing but cause us harm and destroy our means of earning a living and you don’t think he had it coming? If he could do that to us, just imagine the countless other people he’s ruined without blinking an eye.”

“Uncle Arthur, he made me shoot him. It was like he wanted to die. I don’t understand it myself. I was holding the pistol and I wasn’t going to go through with it but he was yelling and he grabbed my hands so tight and I inadvertently pulled the trigger.”

“So? Who cares how it happened? It serves him right.”

Aya moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. It was clear her uncle wasn’t interested in hearing the circumstances of Dare’s shooting but she felt compelled to further explain. The look in Dare’s eyes as he’d goaded her to shoot coupled with what Foster told her, had made her realize that the Dare she thought she knew wasn’t who he really was at all.

“Uncle Arthur, remember when shortly after mom died, it was just the two of us and someone broke into the bar and stole a lot of goods and supplies?”

“Yes, what does that have to do with anything?”

“Do you?” she insisted he answered.

Uncle Arthur frowned. “Yes but—”

“And I was so angry. We both knew the enforcers wouldn’t act unless you already had a name and it was left up to us to pick up the pieces and clean up. You ended up selling a lot your personal items in order to replace some of the equipment you needed to operate the bar?”

“Yes. Of course, I remember.”

“You put up a sign and said you’d give a reward to anyone who had information on who the culprit was. And of course, people in need of that reward you promised were happy to tell you who it was. And, it was Mac. Do you remember how betrayed you felt when it turned out to be the same kid who’d come around and run errands for you. I wanted to beat him up but you wouldn’t let me.”

Uncle Arthur chuckled. “You were four and a half feet of pure fury. Mac towered over you and was starting to develop muscles, but I think you could have taken him.”

A smile tugged the corners of her lips as she remembered how she’d challenged him. “Yes. He was a little afraid of me.”

“Who wouldn’t be? What you lacked in height, you made up with in energy and determination.”

“Right. I guess I’ve always had strong ideals about right and wrong. But you surprised me. You taught me compassion that day. Instead of turning him over to law enforcement or banning him from your property, you threw even more work his way, nearly more than you could afford. And I asked you why and you replied, ‘sometimes when people act out, it’s a cry for help’. And it turns out, his mother was really sick and he needed the money for her medication. But because you showed him compassion, Mac hasn’t gotten in any trouble since. He became extremely loyal to you and we were never robbed again, because he would stick around late at night to keep an eye out on the place. He basically spread it around the neighborhood that our place wasn’t to be touched.”

“Yes, of course, Aya. I remember all that. But I don’t get how what happened with Mac has to do with O’Shaughnessy destroying everything I worked so hard for.”

“Because like Mac, he had to have a reason for what he did. I’m not saying those reasons justify what he did, just as circumstances didn’t justify what Mac did. And, I think there’s something more there that I haven’t figured out yet.”

Uncle Arthur was silent for a moment before speaking. “Do you have feelings for him?”

His question took her by surprise, but Aya should have seen it coming considering her uncle rarely prevaricated. “I don’t know,” she answered honestly.

“Aya, I don’t know what’s happened between the two of you, actually, I’m not sure I want to know but you have to be careful. I don’t think this old heart could handle it if I lost you, too.”

“You won’t lose me. I promise.”

He yawned. “I think the next wave of pain medication has been released. I’m getting sleepy again. I love you, Aya.”

“I love you too, Uncle Arthur.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the forehead, as his eyes drifted shut.

Dare was coming home tomorrow after being away for nearly three weeks. She hadn’t seen him since that night in his weapons room, but she received reports from Foster who visited Aya daily. Dare had made a fairly quick recovery mostly owed to the accelerants he was given to heal his internal organs that had been affected by the gunshot wound. But, he’d been released from the hospital over a week ago. He’d stayed at one of his private properties since then.

Aya wasn’t sure how she felt about that or what she’d say when he returned. So much had happened in these past weeks without him here. The night of the incident, Aya had wanted to stay by her uncle’s side to assure him that she hadn’t left him, but Foster had assured her he’d take her to see him the next day, a promise he’d kept. After a week, her uncle was released, and to her surprise, set up in luxury apartment in a complex owned by Dare. Uncle Arthur missed the old neighborhood and the bar and complained about the lack of things to do, but he was provided with a companion to keep him company when Aya wasn’t there.

Aya visited him daily. Every morning after breakfast, one of the drivers would be ready to take her across town to see her uncle. Along with a companion, Uncle Arthur had been provided with a servant to take care of the apartment. She was surprised that Dare had seemed to have set this up without her being aware of it. Aya wondered if it was in the works before or after the shooting. She hadn’t been allowed to visit him. Foster had told her that he didn’t want to see her, but was informed that Dare asked about her every day.

 She tried not to dwell on the confusing feelings she had toward Dare. Aya did a pretty decent job of pushing them to the back of her mind. Between her visits to her uncle and dinners with Foster, she managed to keep herself occupied. As she thought of the blond, she frowned. He was usually here in time for dinner and it was nearly a half hour past that.

“Miss Smith, should I serve dinner or would you like to wait for Mr. Graham?” the chef asked.

“I haven’t heard from him and to be honest, I’m not that hungry, so we can bypass dinner.”

“Miss. Smith, at the risk of being forward, maybe you should eat something. I’ve noticed most of your meals are being returned half eaten. If there’s something not to your liking, I’d be happy to make you anything you’d like and not make what you don’t care for.”

It was true, she didn’t have much of an appetite lately, but it had nothing to do with the cooking. “Your cooking is delicious. It’s not that at all. I guess, I’ve had a lot on mind lately and maybe, I’ll get my appetite back soon.”

The chef looked uncertain. “Well, if you’re sure.”

At that moment, Mr. Garrison stepped into the living room. “Miss. Smith, Mr. Graham is here to see you,” he announced stiffly. Since night of the incident, Mr. Garrison was polite but cool toward her. She was certain he still blamed her for what had happened to Dare but he was too professional to say so.

“Thank you, Mr. Garrison.”

He nodded before disappearing again.

Foster walked into the dining with his usual aplomb. “Aya, you look lovely tonight as always.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Hi. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it for dinner tonight.”

“I always have. I told you, I’d have dinner with you until Dare returned. Since he’s coming home tomorrow, looks like this will be our last night together. But we won’t be alone.”

“No? Did you bring someone with you?”

“Actually, I have. Dare thought it would be a good idea to hire a companion for you.”

“A companion? Like the one my uncle has? I’ve been fine without one so far. Why now?”

“How about you meet her first and if it doesn’t work out, she’s gone.”

“Uh, okay.” There was something cryptic in his words but she didn’t know why he’d need to be that way.

“I’ll go get her. Stay right here.”

“Okay?”

He left the room and returned shortly.

“Aya?’

She looked toward the doorway and gasped. It looked like....but it couldn’t be. The girl standing before with a shaven head and a jagged scar down the side of her face was so painfully thin, she looked as if she could be blown over by a strong gust of wind. Her clothing practically hung off of her boney frame. But it was the big violet eyes that gave away the girl’s identity.

Aya was on her feet. “Macy?”

“Yes. It’s me.”

Aya raced across the room and pulled the other girl into her embrace. Macy returned Aya’s exuberant hug with one arm while keeping the other firmly at her side. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. I’m so glad you’re here.”

She pulled away to verify it was actually her friend.

“Trust me, these past months, there were times when I didn’t think I’d make it so I’m just as happy to be here as you’re happy to see me.”

“How are you here? Did that Rat Face let you go?”

“Rat Face?”

“That guy who took you.”

“Oh.” Macy began to shake at the mere thought of that asshole. “I never learned his name until recently, West was his last name, but I only ever referred to him as Master. He was awful and I thought eventually, he’d kill me. After the first couple weeks with him, I was praying for death. He did this to me.” She touched the scar on her face. “And this.” She held up the hand that had been at her side.

Aya gasped to see three stumps where Macy’s fingers used to be. “No!”

Tears streamed down Macy’s face.

When Aya would have taken the girl in her arms again, Foster was at Macy’s side. He pulled Macy into his arms and stroked the back of her head. “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay. No one’s going to hurt you anymore. I promised you that.”

Aya raised her brow. She wasn’t unsure of the dynamic between Macy and Foster but Macy seemed comfortable with him. Aya patted the other girl on the back, horrified at what she must have suffered through at the hands of an obvious maniac.

“Macy, would you like something to eat?” Aya asked to break the uneasy silence that had fallen.

Her question only set Macy off into another bout of tears.

Aya looked silently to Foster for answers. “That asshole took most of her teeth.”

“Oh, no, Macy…”

Macy lowered her head.

Aya gave her another hug before looking to Foster. “How about I take her upstairs and get her a bath? And then we can see if she’s up to eating something afterwards. I’m sure the chef can make her something that can accommodate her needs.”

Foster gently pushed Macy away but cupped her face in his hands in one of the tenderest gestures Aya had ever witnessed. “Are you going to be okay?”

Macy nodded. “I’ll be fine. Thank you. For everything.”

“My pleasure.” He released her before focusing his attention on Aya. “I think you two need some time alone, so if you don’t mind, I’ll skip out on dinner tonight.”

Macy grabbed Foster by the sleeve. “You’ll be back?”

He smiled down at the girl. “Yes. I’ll be back tomorrow. And you have my coordinates in order to get in contact with me whenever you need to.”

His promise seemed to assure her. “Okay.”

Foster gave Macy another hug and one to Aya, before leaving them alone.

Aya wrapped her arm around the girl and led her out of the dining room and up the stairs. “It’s going to be okay now.”

“I know,” she whispered.

Aya helped Macy undress as her bath water ran. She was sickened at the sight of the scars crisscrossing and circling over Macy’s pale skin. There didn’t seem to be a part of her that wasn’t abused by Rat Face. Tears sprang to her eyes at the sight.

When Macy stepped into the tub, she sighed. “This feels nice.”

“Would you like some privacy or would you like for me to keep you company?”

“Stay please. I don’t want to be alone.”

“Okay.” Aya took a seat on the edge of the tub. “Macy, how did you come to be here?”

“I’m not really sure. I was in the box and everything was dark. One minute, I was there and the next thing I knew Master ripped off my hood, and dragged me through the house. I could barely walk, but I tried because I knew if he was angry, he’d hurt me. I fell and I expected him to kick me which was something I’d gotten used to. But this time, he didn’t. I was scared because I figured whatever he had in store for me would be much worse than a kick. I lost control of my bladder. He cursed at me but he didn’t hit me. I was too weak to get up, so he half dragged and half carried me the rest of the way.

He took me to the front door and that’s where Mr. Briggs was. I recognized him from The Run. I thought Master was going to send me back to it but I knew better than to say anything. Mr. Briggs covered me up with his jacket—because Master didn’t allow me any clothing. Mr. Briggs led me out of that house and I don’t remember much outside of that besides, waking up in this bright room. I learned I was in a hospital. I was dehydrated and starved. I was hooked up to IVs and I was drifting in and out of consciousness for a few days and then Mr. Graham—Foster showed up.” There was a hint of a smile in her voice at the mention of Foster’s name.

“You’ve been in the hospital all this time?”

“Yes. The first week, the doctors worked on healing some of my most serious wounds. There were a few places where gangrene had set in. They healed a lot of my scars so I was in a lot worse shape than now. I spent a lot of time in a machine they referred to as the destresser. It’s supposed to help the body recover from major trauma quicker and it’s supposed to be psychologically soothing.”

“Did it work? The psychological part, I mean?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe. I’ve had nightmares every single night since I’ve left that place but I don’t flinch every time I’m touched, like I did in the beginning of my hospital stay.”

“Macy, what did he do to you?” Aya whispered.

The girl pulled her knees to her chest and rocked herself. “Aya, I’ve never been one to back away from a subject but I, this…I’m sorry. I can’t talk about it. I feel that if I put in to words all he did to me, I might fall apart and I’m desperately trying to hold on to my sanity.”

“I understand. Well, you don’t ever have to worry about him again.” Aya hurt for the other girl. She wanted that bastard to pay for what he’d done to Macy. But she would respect her friend’s wishes and not bring him up until she was ready to talk about him. “So you’re my companion?”

“Yes. Mr. Briggs said that Mr. O’Shaughnessy had an open position for me as a companion to someone special to him.”

Aya stiffened. “Is that how it was presented to you?”

“Yes, those were his words exactly. Frankly, I wanted to go home to my family but then he told me how much I’d be compensated for my time, I couldn’t turn it down. Those credits would really help my family out and if it could keep my other sisters out of The Run, then I would be silly to turn the position down. I, of course, had some concerns but it couldn’t be worse than…well, anyway. I figured Mr. O’Shaughnessy wouldn’t bother sending me to the hospital if he meant to harm me again. At least, I hoped not.”

Aya had heard every word Macy said but nothing really registered except the first part. When had she become special to Dare? Was it around the time when he’d softened to her, and when the house staff started speaking to her? It seemed like he’d set a lot of things in to motion before the accident, all to make things easier for her. But he’d never said he actually cared, not that she was sure it made a difference. His good deeds in no way negated what he’d done to her. But the fact that he’d taken some steps to make things right, told her that maybe he did care about her, which further muddled her own feelings.