I remembered nothing for a while, only to spend days in agony when my mind cleared. I remember them bringing a bag of hard bars to eat and water to drink, only not to get anything else for many days.
Then I remember how everything would repeat. Over and over and over again.
“You’re thinking pretty hard there, little darlin’.”
I swing my eyes open to see Brick and my dad shake hands.
“Sorry, it took so long, Coach. Had to get a few things in order.”
“No problem, son.”
“Hey there, pretty lady,” Brick says, sitting on the side of my bed. “Brought you something.”
He hands me a small brown bag.
“I figured it would help you out until your eyes can adjust to the normal light.”
I reach in the bag and pull out a pair of sunglasses. I smile and slide them on. It really does help.
I want to tell him so, but I remember what my voice sounds like and the pain talking causes. So, instead, I reach for his hand and squeeze it.
“You’re welcome, darlin’,” he lifts my hand and places a warm kiss on my palm. “I have something I want to talk with you both about.”
He waits until daddy is sitting in the chair beside my bed.
“I want to take Jessa to a safe house,” he tells my dad. “I have my brother’s working on finding out who took her, but until then, I think it’s best if we take her to a place where she won’t be found.”
“Where?” daddy asks.
“I can’t tell you, Coach,” Brick says, regretfully. “It’s called a safe house for a reason.”
“You expect me to let you take my little girl away from me when I just got her back?” Dad is trying not to shout, but I can feel his anger.
“Listen, Coach, whoever took her knows where you live. If she was to go back to your house, then the chances of her being retaken are extremely high.”
The thought of being shoved back into that dark and cold room has my heart racing. I would rather die than spend another second there.
Brick rubs the back of my hand with his thumb.
“You have nothing to worry about, baby,” he tells me. “I will never let them get their hands on you again.”
“As much as I hate to admit it,” daddy says. “You’re right. I don’t have to like it, but you’re right. What do you say, Mouse? You want to go to this safe house?”
I have so many questions I want to ask. Where will it be? Will I be alone? If not, who’s going to be there with me? How long will I have to stay there?
But I really don’t want anyone to hear my ugly, destroyed voice.
I look up only to see my father and Brick looking at me. I open my mouth then close it. I can’t talk. I won’t.
Brick stands and leaves the room. Did I make him mad?
I just want to scream for him to please come back. To please not leave me. I’ll talk. I’ll say anything he wants.
But, before my emotions get the best of me, he walks back into the room holding a pen and notebook.
“Write down what you want to say, baby,” he hands me the notebook and waits.
I take a deep breath and smile.
Will I be alone?
Brick reads what I wrote.
“No, Jessa,” he reassures. “There will be a few people with you.”
Who?
“Well, I can’t name the others,” he says after reading my question. “But I will be one of them. My brothers will be working from here to find out who took you.”
Why are you helping me? You don’t even know me.
I’m scared about showing him what I wrote, but I really want to know the answer.
Brick read’s it and chuckles. “Well, that’s tough to explain, little darlin’, without sounding a bit crazy,” he says. “A good friend is always telling me to listen to my gut. When I first saw your picture months ago, my gut told me that finding you was finding my future. My fate was sealed the moment I found out you existed.”
I’m shocked.
I saw you once at my dad’s gym. I couldn’t look away. When I was locked in that dark room, I would have dreams that you would break open the door and rescue me. You were covered in blood and looked like an avenging angel. It was the best dream I’ve ever had.
I rip the paper out and quickly wad it up. What the hell is wrong with me?
Brick holds