Scene 1
Josiah: I would get a beating every night for no reason at all. One night it went overboard and I actually fought back. He hit me hard and gave me a black eye. My mom sat there and didn’t do anything. I looked at her from the ground as tears streamed down her face because she couldn’t do anything to stop him. I crawled in my room as he lies there on the sofa holding his groin. I closed the door, locked it and got up, started packing my clothes and the small things that I wanted with me like my PSP. I opened my window, threw my stuff out, and then I followed. I started walking and soon gained speed. I saw a police officer up ahead I stopped before I got to the car and prayed for the officer to understand why I need to ask for a ride or ask to use his cell phone. I hope he doesn’t ask why I, a ten year old kid, would be walking around the neighborhood at midnight. I finally walked up to the car and as he rolled down the window I asked, “Can you take me to my aunt’s house?” He looked at me and I knew he saw the black eye.
Luke: Sure, hop in.
Josiah: I got in the passenger seat and he started to drive. I told him where and who my aunt was. We made small talk and one of the questions was…
Luke: How did you get that black eye?
Josiah: I looked down and said I got in a fight. The rest of the ride was quiet, which was short. When the officer stopped at the apartment we got out and he walked me to the door. I rang the door bell. She didn’t answer through the intercom she came to the door and opened it. My tears started to fall as she wrapped her arms around me.
Dani: You should have called.
Josiah: She held me longer before she let the officer in and we talked and took pictures of the black eye and the bruises. And that’s where my life changes.
Scene 2
(Dani’s Apartment after taking the last picture of the black eye)
Dani: One more picture and this is over. Ok, Joe we’re done. (Kisses his forehead) You need sleep, take my bed and we’ll talk about school in the morning.
Josiah: No, I’ll take the couch.
Dani: Josiah Michael Hamilton, I need to finish up with the paper work. Go on to bed and we’ll talk in the morning. (He nods and leaves) Love you.
Luke: Is that all I need to know?
Dani: I think so. Thank you. Oh and you probably want the pictures of Josiah.
Luke: Yeah, that would be good. (Pause) You taught him how to fight?
Dani: If I didn’t, Joe would be dead and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I’m proud of him though, he finally fought back.
Luke: He never did before?
Dani: No, he never did Officer…
Luke: Luke. Luke is fine.
Dani: Luke, I’m Dani or Danielle. Anyway, here the pictures are printed out. I hope you get him.
Luke: If I don’t, then someone else will.
Dani: Question… is it kidnapping if Joe came to me and can Joe stay here for as long as he can?
Luke: (Sigh) since I brought him here and he is safe, you didn’t kidnap him and I can’t answer the other question.
Dani: Thanks, I needed to know.
Luke: (nods) I better go and put this in a report.
Dani: Right, well thank you for bringing Joe here and everything you’ve done.
Luke: You’re welcome.
Dani: If you need a laugh Josiah and I are around.
Luke: I’ll keep that in mind. Good night Dani.
Dani: Night Luke.
Scene 3
(Next morning
Dani is in the kitchen making breakfast. Josiah groans after waking up and entering the kitchen.)
Dani: Good Morning Josiah, how did you sleep?
Josiah: I slept like a baby.
Dani: Good, here is your breakfast.
Josiah: Thanks Dani.
Dani: You’re welcome. (Phone rings) I’ll get it. (Answers the phone) Hello...hey… yeah he is here, question; what happened last night that you couldn’t even save your son…Yeah sure…You know what he needs to stay here for a while...and so should you….I’m not kidding… (Looks at Josiah and then moves away) You know he might even kill you…Jess…Jess! (Hangs up the phone) Joe, how are we getting you to school?
Josiah: Sadly I was thinking the same thing.
Dani: (laughs) now I know that you’re not my nephew. Seriously though, I can take you to school, pick you up and then take you to the theatre where you can do homework and learn a little bit of acting or techie work. How’s that sound?
Josiah: That sounds great! I would love that.
Dani: But you have to have all of your homework done first.
Josiah: I will I promise. (Eats his breakfast a little bit) What did mom want?
Dani: To see if you were here and to make sure you were ok.
Josiah: Really?
Dani: (sad smile) really, are you done? We need to get you to school.
Josiah: Ok, I’m going to go change. (Stands and about to walk away)
Dani: Josiah, (he looks back) I love you.
Josiah: I love you too. (Walks back to the other room.)
(Phone rings again.)
Dani: Hello…hi Officer Luke Parker how is the case going…Ok…yeah, I can understand that, you guys are busy…don’t worry about it…Oh I’m taking him to school and then we have plans to go to the theatre why…oh really….well I think I can talk to him and see if he wants to go to dinner tomorrow night....I work on odd nights...ok well, call me later and let me know about the case… Ok Officer…Luke… Bye.
Josiah: (Comes back in to the room) who was that?
Dani: That was Officer Luke Parker; he wants to have dinner with us tomorrow night. I told him it was up to you.
Josiah: Sure why not? You need to go on a date anyway. I hear you haven’t been out much.
Dani: Hey, that’s none of your business; let’s go to your school.
Josiah: Not looking like that you’re not.
(Dani looks at what she is wearing and it was still her pajamas.)
Dani: Yeah, I’ll be right back.
Josiah: (laughing) what would you do without me? And you still need a date!
Dani: (yells from the other room) don’t go there, kid. I’m hurrying.
Scene 4
Josiah: My aunt Danielle has been helping me a lot and of course I’ve been getting to hang out at the theatre and get to learn about acting and technical work. I have also been getting free meals from an Officer Parker who has been eyeing Dani. He has been around a lot and I’m starting to get scared that he is going to take me away from Dani. It’s been a week and I’m not getting hurt and I’m happy. I’m getting better grades than I did when I was at home. Dani is more like a mom…but I can’t help but think when the day will come when my mom and dad tries to come and take me back home. I pray that my mom will get help and my dad, but no matter how much I pray…sometimes I feel that they won’t change. It’s been just 7 days and nothing has happened yet…Dani always said that thinking is dangerous, jokingly of course, it still makes you think.
Dani?
(Sitting on the sofa reading a book)
Dani: Yeah, hon.
Josiah: I’m scared.
Dani: (puts down the book) Come here, why are you scared?
Josiah: I’m scared that someone will come and take me away from you.
Dani: (wraps her arms around him) Joe, if something like that did happen, you know I would fight for you. I would fight until I knew you are going to be with me.
Josiah: What if mom and dad wants me back?
Dani: They probably would want you back, but I wouldn’t want you to go back to them…
Josiah: Is it bad if I miss them?
Dani: No, it’s not bad that you miss them. Do you want to go see them?
Josiah: If that’s ok with you?
Dani: Joe, it would be fine, but we should bring Luke with us. Just so you know, they would want you back and I don’t have custody of you, so that means that you would have to stay with them…
Josiah: No, then I don’t want to see them. Not until I know that I will be safe.
Dani: Do you want to see your mom?
Josiah: Yeah, I do.
Dani: I’ll see what I can do, ok.
Josiah: Ok…Dani?
Dani: Yes?
Josiah: Are you ever going to see Luke without me?
Dani: (laughs) you know what? (Starts tickling him) You are a pain and you’re not even a teenager yet.
Josiah: (laughs) Stop, I give…I give.
Dani: but I love you just the same.
Josiah: I love you too Dani.
Scene 5
Josiah: Dani is finally going out on a date with Luke. This has been an interesting night with Dani actually putting on different dresses and figuring out what to wear.
(Dani walks out and turns around in a dress.)
Hey she’s my aunt what do you expect, I gotta look out for her right?
Dani: How about this Joe?
Josiah: Wow, you know I bet any officer saw you they would want to date you.
Dani: You’re not funny, but thank you.
(Door knocks)
Josiah: I’ll get it.
Dani: Joe…
(Door opens and Cora comes in.)
Josiah: Cora! You’re going to stay until Dani comes back!
Cora: Duh, you silly kid.
Dani: Thanks for coming, Cora. I owe you.
Cora: No you don’t, just because I lost an audition for watching my best friend’s favorite nephew and my favorite kid. What more could I ask for?
Dani: You can guilt me even more, and kick my butt later. How does that sound?
Cora: Perfect! You look good, hopefully you’re date will look the same.
Dani: We are not going to go there.
Josiah: He’s a cop.
Dani: Josiah…
Cora: A cop huh? (Josiah nods) So what’s he like, Joe?
Josiah: He is a nice guy, been after Dani ever since he’s met her.
Dani: Joe, stop that. He was not, more concerned about you than me.
(Door knocks)
Josiah: Can I get it?
Dani: Might as well.
(He answers the door and Luke walks in. Both girls jaws drop, Luke is in a tux)
Luke: How are you Josiah?
Josiah: I’m good and you?
Luke: I’m good too; do you think Dani is ready?
Josiah: Yeah as soon as she gets her jaw off the floor.
Dani: (snaps out of it) Remember that I love you Joe and you will get you’re butt kicked later.
Josiah: Yeah I know, I love you too now go.
Cora: Yeah go ahead we’ll be fine.
Dani: You both have my cell so call me if anything happens…that is bad, like…
Cora: Dani, breathe. Go have fun.
Dani: Ok, I love you Joe. (Kisses his cheek)
Josiah: I love you, just go already?
(Dani and Luke leave)
Josiah: Do you think that she will be ok and actually have fun?
Cora: I guess we’ll find out later.
Scene 6
(Date is over and they are outside of the apartment)
Dani: Luke, I have a question.
Luke: You always have questions.
Dani: Ha, ha. I was wondering if there is a good custody attorney.
Luke: You want Josiah?
Dani: Yeah, I do. I want him to be safe and he is safe with me. I can’t stand the fact that he is going to get hurt when he goes back to his parents.
Luke: I know, I was thinking about it too and I think that you should adopt him and have supervised visits with the parents.
Dani: Do you think my sister would flip her lid when I ask this of her?
Luke: She might think of it as a blessing.
Dani: I care about her too, but she won’t do anything about it.
Luke: I know, I know. Truthfully you can’t do anything other than try to get her to leave him and get a divorce.
Dani: Joe wants to see her. I really want her to see him. I just don’t know how that will work.
Luke: How about you three meeting for lunch? Would that work?
Dani: It might, she calls and talks to me but not Josiah. Why?
Luke: She doesn’t want to let him know that she is weak.
Dani: I should have known that. She does that to me all the time.
Luke: I’m sorry.
Dani: Yeah, well, I better go inside so I can make sure that Joe is in bed and thank you for dinner.
Luke: You’re welcome and thank you for being you.
Dani: You’re sucking up and you’re not good at it.
Luke: I know.
(Dani kisses his cheek)
Dani: Goodnight Luke.
Luke: Goodnight Dani. (He kisses her lips.)
Dani: I have to go. Night Luke.
(Dani leaves him; Luke just stands there as the lights fade)
Scene 7
(Dani in the kitchen making breakfast and Josiah comes into the kitchen)
Josiah: How was the date?
Dani: It was nice.
Josiah: Did he kiss you? Because if he did, am I allowed to kick his butt?
Dani: (laughs) No you can’t kick his butt and yes he did kiss me.
Josiah: You’re happy?
Dani: Yes, I am. Here’s your breakfast and this time I’m changing before I take you to school.
Josiah: Good thinking. Do you think you’ll go out on another date with him? (Dani leaves)
Dani: Maybe…why are you asking?
Josiah: Just wondering. (Phone rings) Can I get it?
Dani: Sure.
Josiah: Hello, Collins residents…hi mom…I’m ok how are you…uh she’ll be here in a minute she went to change…school is good. I’m working hard…learning a lot…mom, don’t cry…please…why don’t you want to see me…I do love you mom…mom…I love you…Dani, it’s mom.
(Dani gets the phone)
Dani: Jess…he wanted to answer the phone…Jess…come on, he loves you…what…are you sure? (Looks at Josiah and walks away again) Jess, I would like to have Josiah in my custody and I was wondering if it would be ok with you…Jess…I wouldn’t keep him away from you, just Rick…I want you to leave him…Jess…JESS! (Hangs up the phone, Dani mumbles) I hate when she hangs up on me.
Josiah: She sounded like she was hurt.
Dani: Josiah, we need to get you to school.
(Josiah stands)
Josiah: Dani? When can I see her?
Dani: Oh baby, I don’t know… (They hug) I just don’t know.
Josiah: Thank you.
Dani: For what?
Josiah: for everything.
Dani: (smiles) go get ready for school. And we’ll talk on the way there.
(Josiah leaves the kitchen as Dani sits there. She picks up the phone and calls Cora)
Dani: Cora…Hey we need to talk…it’s about Joe and his mom…I need advice, (she looks to make sure Joe isn’t around) Jess doesn’t want to see him…yeah; lunch sounds good…see you then Cora. (Hangs up the phone)
Josiah: Hey are you ready to go?
Dani: Yeah, let’s go.
Josiah: Are you ok?
Dani: I’m not going to lie, no I’m not. I’m meeting Cora for lunch and we are going to talk.
Josiah: have fun.
Scene 8
Dani: I don’t know what to do.
Cora: Well, I don’t know what else to tell you. Other than you need to keep Joe.
Dani: No kidding. Hey look who’s coming our way.
Cora: Jess has changed a lot.
Dani: Yeah she has. (Dani stands) Hey Jess, what are you doing here?
Jess: (sighs) I want Josiah back and so does Rick.
Dani: Are you two getting any help?
Jess: Just give me my son.
Dani: Answer my question.
Jess: (pauses) Yes we are.
Dani: Where are you getting it?
Jess: Damn it Danielle, just give me my son and everything will be ok.
Dani: Unless I know that you two are getting help, then I would be happy to give you back Joe.
Jess: Rick is getting better, Dani. He wants Joe back as much as I do.
Dani: (exams her clothes) Let me see your arms.
Jess: No!
(Dani grabs Jess’s hands and pushes up her sleeves)
Dani: Jessica…he is burning you with cigarettes.
Jess: No he’s not.
Dani: You’re telling me that Rick didn’t touch you and burn you, but Josiah is willing to tell…
(Jess slaps Dani and there is silence)
Dani: (sigh) you’re willing to stand up to me but not your husband.
Cora: Come on Dani. Let’s go.
Dani: Good idea, Cora.
Jess: I…I…
Dani: Let me guess, it never will happen again. (She leaves)
Jess: Danielle! Please…let me have Joe.
Cora: Jess, first you need to leave Rick and start making something of your self. Josiah needs a mother who can stand up for herself and he needs to learn that he doesn’t need to be hitting girls or women.
Jess: Cora, I need him.
Cora: Which one Rick or Josiah? Think about it Jess, a son who needs his mother or a husband who needs another punching bag. Think about it.
(Cora leaves)
Scene 9
Dani: It was nothing.
Luke: Nothing my foot. Your face is red from that slap.
Cora: Jess really wants Joe back.
Dani: I know she does, but she is not going to change until she leaves Rick. (Looks at her watch) I gotta get Josiah.
Luke: Are you going to let Joe see your face?
Dani: How am I going to hide it from him? With make up? I don’t wear any and he knows it. He knows me better than I know myself.
Cora: It’s true. He does, and he loves you too.
Dani: Yeah, I know.
Cora: You’re a good aunt. He trusts you.
Dani: I don’t want to lose him.
Luke: I hate to break it to you but you might have to send him back. (Dani and Cora shocking looks) I’m one of the men in law and I know it like the back of my hand, so I’m telling you the truth.
Dani: I hate that you’re right…
Cora: At the moment I don’t like you.
Luke: Sorry but it’s the truth.
Dani: I need to go get Josiah and tell him what’s going on.
Luke: Dani, trust your heart on this and trust me…please.
Dani: I will.
(Dani and Cora leaves)
Scene 10
Josiah: (sitting on the floor and sad almost at tears) I’m going back. Dani’s face was red from a hand print and her eyes were blotchy. She told me that mom wants me back. It’s been three weeks of happiness. I’m scared that the pain will come back, the bad grades will come back, and everything that has hurt me. My birthday is tomorrow…and I know that Dani didn’t want this to be my present from her. She said that she would come for my birthday and that she will take me to lunch with Luke and Cora. Tonight will be the first night I’ll be with my mom and dad and I’m scared out of my mind. At least I know what to do if I need to get out of the house….call Luke. I’m glad I met him and I’m glad that he likes Dani. Sometimes I wish that Dani was my mom and Luke was my dad.
Rick: It’s about time you came back. Did you have a good couple of weeks?
Josiah: Yes, sir I did.
Rick: Excuse me?
Josiah: Uh…I mean no sir. I didn’t.
Rick: That’s what I thought.
Jess: Josiah, why don’t you go to bed?
Rick: No, we’re talking.
Jess: He has school in the morning Rick.
(Rick slaps her)
Rick: Don’t even go there, woman.
Josiah: Don’t hit her! (He fights with Rick, Jess gets the phone this time and calls Dani.)
Rick: You think you can come and fight me? Go ahead! You’ve tried it before.
Jess: Come and get us, Dani.
Rick: You bitch! You think you can call someone and get them to come here!
(Josiah stands wobbly and then jumps on Rick’s back before he hits Jess)
Josiah: Don’t touch her!
Rick: You’re never going to learn are you kid. (Rick flips Joe off and he hits the floor hard) Nice try but I don’t think you’re going to get up after that.
(Luke barges in with gun in hand with his partner beside him.)
Luke: Down on the ground! NOW!
(Dani runs in and goes to Josiah as Luke handcuffs Rick)
Dani: Josiah, can you hear me baby. Josiah! Josiah!
Jess: I’m sorry Dani…he was trying to…
Dani: Save you. I know. Josiah Michael please answer me. (Dani holds Josiah)
Luke: Someone call a bus, now!
Dani: Josiah, please wake up. (Jess stands there watching Dani holding Josiah)
Scene 11
Jess: I should have listened to you Dani…I’m sorry. (Dani doesn’t say anything just sits there looking down) Did you hear me? I’m sorry.
(Dani looks at her finally)
Dani: I heard you. Shockingly I have nothing to say. (Dani gets up and walks away)
(Cora enters)
Cora: Dani! How is Joe? Are you ok? (They hug)
Dani: Joe is in a comma and Rick is in jail. Go see Jess; she probably wants to talk to you more than me.
(Cora lets go of Dani)
Cora: You sure? (Dani nods) Ok. (Walks over to Jess) Jess, are you ok?
Jess: Dani won’t talk to me and my son is in a comma…what do you think?
Cora: Probably as crappy as Dani does.
Jess: Thanks for talking to me though. I guess hearing the same old thing from Dani got old and I needed to hear it form someone else.
Cora: Yeah, I figured. Let’s get some coffee. (They walk to the other side of the stage)
Luke: Dani, Josiah is going to be fine.
Dani: I know, but when is he going to wake up?
Luke: You are always asking questions that I can’t really answer.
Dani: I’m sorry. I just want Josiah to wake up. (Looks at her watch) Its 12:15 am it’s his birthday and he has bruises all over him and other black eye. (Her emotions take over and she cries on his shoulder.)
Luke: Oh Dani, you know he’s going to make it. You know he will.
Dani: You can’t promise that. It’s in God’s hands and I’m praying that God will let him stay here.
Luke: Keep praying Dani…Keep praying, you know God is listening.
Dani: What would I have done without you?
Luke: Who knows, sweetie? Who knows?
(The doctor comes in.)
Doctor Northern: Mrs. Hamilton?
Jess: (stands) Yes, is Josiah ok?
Doc. Northern: He’s fine. He woke up and he went back to sleep.
Jess: Thank you…can I stay here with him.
Doc. Northern: Yeah, you can do that.
(Doc. Northern walks to Dani)
Dani: Thank you Denise. I know it had to be hard on you.
Doc. Northern: You’re welcome and yes it was hard, but you trusted me with him. And that tells me that I’m a pretty damn good doctor for a friend to come and ask for help.
Dani: Thank you.
Doc. Northern: Again, you’re welcome and Danielle thanks for trusting me.
(Doc Northern walks away)
Dani: She’s the best and that’s what Josiah needs. Thank you God!
Luke: You need just as much rest as he does.
Dani: I know. I want to stay here with him.
Luke: Jess is with him. Why don’t we go home?
Dani: (looks at him weird) we go home? Did I miss something here?
Luke: You know what I mean. Why don’t I take you home?
Cora: I think I’m going to go ahead home. And Dani let the boy take you home. Night (Cora leaves)
Dani: (jaw drops) Night Cora. Well, I guess you are the next person to take me home, but I’m not leaving.
Luke: Ok, fine…where are you sleeping?
Dani: Right there in that chair. (She sits down and leans back.)
Luke: Fine… (He sits next to her)
Dani: What are you doing?
Luke: Staying here with you.
Dani: DO you have to work tomorrow?
Luke: I work the night shift tomorrow.
Dani: Just checking.
(Dani and Luke started to go to sleep)
Scene 12
(Josiah wakes up)
Josiah: Dani…where are you?
Jess: (wakes up) Sh, shh, you’re ok.
Josiah: Where’s Dani?
Dani: (walks in) I’m right here, Josiah. (Takes his hand in hers)
Josiah: I fought back…
Dani: That’s my boy.
Josiah: It felt good.
Dani: (sadly laughs) I’m glad it did.
Josiah: Mom, are you ok?
Jess: Yes, baby…I’m ok. Dani came before he even hit me…again.
Josiah: Where is dad?
Luke: In jail, you don’t have to worry about him. The only thing you need to worry about is this… (He hands Josiah a medium size box) Happy Birthday Joe!
Josiah: Thanks Luke. (He opens the box and a picture of Great Dane) It’s a dog picture. Thanks Luke.
Luke: Actually Dani and I thought about it.
Dani: You’re old enough to have one.
Josiah: What? I’m confused.
Dani: He’s waiting for you at my place.
Josiah: What’s his name?
Dani: Whatever you want it to be.
Josiah: Really?
Dani: Yes really.
Jess: Can I talk to Joe…alone?
Dani: yeah, we’ll wait outside.
(Dani and Luke leave the room)
Jess: I’ve been thinking.
Josiah: Dani always says that’s dangerous.
Jess: (laughs) yeah she’s right it is, but this is a good one.
Josiah: What is it mom?
Jess: I was thinking that you should live with Danielle for awhile until I can handle being a mom again.
Josiah: Is Dani going to have custody of me?
Jess: Maybe… right now I’m not good enough…
Josiah: Mom, you are a good mother. You just need to work on getting someone like Luke.
Jess: I do love you Joe. That’s why I would like to do this.
Josiah: I know that you’re going to do whatever you want, but will you come visit me and check on me.
Jess: I will do that. (She kisses his forehead)
Scene 13
Josiah: My 11th birthday was an interesting one. Dani has custody of me with Luke by her side. Did I mention that they are getting married and I’m going with them to Hawaii? My mom is working hard and got a divorce. She started to date Luke’s partner, Jarod and she is really happy. My dad is in prison and he is going to be in there without parole. That’s what happens when you attempt to kill your wife and child. Danielle saved me and I’m glad that she was there for me. If I didn’t have her, I don’t know where I would have gone or what to do. I might even be dead. I can’t help but thank Dani for all that she has done for me.
The End
Abuse happens everyday in the world, different kinds happening everyday. I just hope that with my story people would seek for help and not become abusers themselves.
For the kids who can’t seek help. For the ones who are hurting everyday because they don’t know how to stand up for themselves yet or they are too scared to. This is for the ones that can recover from the abuse, from the pain. This is for you, my kid.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Inspiration Through Someone Else’s Eyes (c)
Your eyes
Inspire me
As I write
These words
On paper
Nothing else I
Can think
Of will
Help me
Write
I write
These words
Because of
You and
How you
Keep me
Going until
I can’t
Go anymore
You give
Me inspiration
So I
Can give
You something
To read
And hopefully
So you
Can be
Inspired by
Something
I Write
Inspire me
As I write
These words
On paper
Nothing else I
Can think
Of will
Help me
Write
I write
These words
Because of
You and
How you
Keep me
Going until
I can’t
Go anymore
You give
Me inspiration
So I
Can give
You something
To read
And hopefully
So you
Can be
Inspired by
Something
I Write
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Saving Katherine (c)
Katherine Baker sits on the side of interstate 295 wearing her long blue dress. She’s a thin woman, with golden hair, and jungle green eyes. Tears are streaming down her face. She left her husband on the sofa sleeping. She doesn’t know where to go and she can only think of what just happened at the place where she used to call home.
Katherine was in the kitchen making dinner when she heard her husband Lyle walk in and then he grabbed her biceps hard.
“What’s for dinner?” he asked angrily.
“Uh…chicken pot pie..,” she said as clearly as she could without letting him know that she was scared.
“I don’t want that,” he pulled her away from the counter and pushed her to the floor. “I’ll make my own dinner while you just sit there.” Lyle was a muscular guy like Arnold Schwarzenegger, worked in construction, and his eyes were brown almost black.
Katherine just nodded and never looked at him in the face. She knew if she moved or said anything he would probably kill her. While Lyle was making his dinner he would walk across the kitchen floor and kick Katherine as many times as he wanted.
Once he was done creating his dinner, he sat at the table eating. He would look at her to say, “Do you want some?” and then he would throw a little piece of food at her like she was a dog. Then when he was finished eating, he would leave his plate on the table for Katherine to clean up when Lyle said it was time for her to get up off the floor. He would go to the other room and watch a TV show then fall asleep.
Before he became a son of a bitch, he was a sweet guy who cared about others including Katherine. He took care of the patients that he listened to and made sure that the ones who needed justice got it. Then one day he was accused for sexual harassment that he never did. In his mind, he thought that Katherine took the patient’s side when she was really on his side. This was the only reason why she has stayed with him to let him see that she was there for him.
Katherine was tired of what was happening to her for so many months. After she cleaned up the kitchen, she left.
Bright lights blinded her when she turned to hear an engine stopped running. She stood up and covered her eyes so she could see who stopped.
“Excuse me,” a tender voice spoke as the door opened and stepped out of the car. “Are you okay?”
Katherine didn’t say anything. The image came closer to her.
“Do you need any help?” the woman that looked like Diane Neal from Law and Order: SVU asked as she got even closer to Katherine. Again, Katherine didn’t say anything to her.
“My name is Olivia. Why don’t you come to my house? You can get cleaned up and get something in your stomach if you want.”
Katherine stood there for a second to figure out if this Olivia was a nice person. She looked at Olivia’s eyes, and she saw that were kind and concerned for her.
“I’m Katherine.”
“Nice to meet you Katherine, come on.”
Olivia took her bag from the ground and carried it to the trunk of the car. Katherine remembered every time she had to get in the car, especially the first time ten months ago.
“Where are you going?” Lyle asked as he closed the side door and started walking to the car.
“Getting in the car,” Katherine said as she reached for the passenger side door handle.
Lyle took her hand and pulled it behind her back. “That’s not where you’re going to sit.” He took her to the back of the car and opens the trunk. “Get in.”
“Why the trunk?” Katherine asked out loud.
He pulled her hand higher up her back almost breaking her arm, “Because I said so that’s why.” He pushed her inside the trunk and once she was inside he closed it.
While Katherine was in the trunk thinking what she has done wrong that day and why she was put in the trunk the first place. For all Katherine knew she did nothing wrong.
“Katherine…” Olivia was standing next to her snapping her finger close to her eyes.
“Sorry,” Katherine said while she walked to the car. Olivia followed her and watched her go to the trunk of the car.
“What are you doing?” Olivia asked, while realizing what Katherine was thinking. Katherine shook her head.
“You know, you can sit in the front seat as long as you buckle up. It’s a law in Virginia.”
Katherine looked at the trunk and then looked at the passenger side door. It had been too long since she had sat in the front seat. Katherine slowly walked to the front of the car. Olivia watched Katherine as she open the door and got in slowly. Once Katherine’s door was shut, Olivia got in, started the engine, and closed her door.
“Don’t forget to buckle up, Katherine,” Olivia said in a soft voice while buckling her seat belt. Katherine nodded and fastened her own seat belt.
Lyle woke up to the sound of screams on the TV. “Stupid TV show,” he said while stretching. He stood up and turned off the TV. “It’s too quiet…I wonder if she’s sleeping.” He walked to her bedroom door and kicked it in. She wasn’t there. “All right she’s not in there. Maybe the bathroom?” He walked to the bathroom door and bang on it hard then opened it. He even looked in his room and saw that the car keys were gone. “That bitch.” He ran down the hall into the kitchen where the side door where the car is parked to see if she took it. “That stupid bitch! She’s going to get it when I get my hands on her!” The car was gone and he started for his search for her after he found his motorcycle key.
Olivia parked in her driveway and turned off the engine. “Here it is. This is my home.”
Olivia’s house was a two story house that had a wrapped around porch. She left the outside lights on so it would be easier for her to find her way to the door.
“Let me show you around.” Olivia was out of her seat belt and out of the car heading to the trunk of the car to get Katherine’s bag. Katherine hesitated getting out of the car and walking into the house. Olivia was next to Katherine’s door waiting for her to get out. Olivia puts her hand on the door handle to open it.
“Come on, let me show you around.” Her hand was out waiting for Katherine to take it.
“I don’t think you’ll be comfortable in the car. Trust me, I know.”
Without another word, Katherine unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the car. Katherine didn’t trust Olivia just yet but she did trust her more than Lyle.
“Let’s go inside, but I must warn you that I have two dogs. I hope that’s okay.” Katherine shrugged her shoulders while following Olivia up the steps. Once Olivia opened the door and put Katherine’s bag next to the stairs, they hear barking.
“Jack. Shadow, it’s only me.” A Golden Retriever ran around the corner and slid on the hardwood floor. Olivia bent down to pet him. “This is Shadow, Jack must be hiding. Jack is a Great Dane so don’t freak out if you see a horse walking around.”
Katherine giggled like a child would do when they would hear something funny from an adult. Olivia smiled wondering how long it’s been since Katherine laughed or smiled. Olivia stood up while Shadow greeted her with a sniff and encouraged her to pet him.
“Here is the down stairs,” Olivia said as she started to walk towards the kitchen and Katherine followed. Olivia pointed to the living room, “This is the living room where you can watch a movie, read, or just relax.” Katherine looked in there real quick. “Here’s the bathroom.” Olivia opened the door to show her where it was. “And right here is the kitchen.” Olivia explained where everything is in the kitchen then she asked, “What would you like to eat?”
“What?” Katherine asked in confusion.
“Are you hungry?” Olivia asked while getting a mix from a cabinet. “I didn’t have dinner yet. If you want I can make something for you.”
“Oh no thank you.”
“You might want something to eat. I think you’ll feel a little bit better.” Olivia looked at Katherine. She had a blank look on her face. “Okay, how about this, I’ll make something and if you want it you can eat it or you can give it to Shadow. I think he likes you.”
Katherine looked down seeing that Shadow hadn’t left her side since she was greeted by him. Olivia started to make their dinner and Katherine decided to sit down in one of the chairs. Shadow had placed his head on Katherine’s lap.
Olivia was almost done with dinner when she heard Jack’s paws slowly entering the kitchen. Jack is at the right height where Olivia didn’t have to bend down to pet him. Olivia looked at him, “What did you do?” She asked him like he was a child. Jack just laid down on the floor next her feet. “Yeah, yeah suck up all you want Jack, but you’re not getting a treat.”
“Why do you talk to him like that?” Katherine asked.
Olivia looked at her, “Like what?”
“Why do you talk to him like a child?”
“I talk to them like that because they are my kids.” Olivia got a couple of plates from the cabinet.
“Did you want kids?” Katherine asked.
“Why all of a sudden you asking me questions?” Olivia was confused while she put the mashed potatoes on the plates and then the baked chicken.
“I don’t know. I’m sorry,” Katherine looked down at Shadow and he was looking up at her.
“No its ok I don’t mind answering your questions I guess I was a little confused on where they were coming from that’s all.” Olivia placed the forks and knifes on the plates and took them to the table where Katherine was sitting. “I don’t really know if I want kids. I think I’m better off with dogs or being an aunt.” Olivia sat next to her and said, “What about you?”
“I don’t know…I’m too scared to be living in this world and to bring a child in the mix.” Katherine looked at her plate that was sat down in front of her.
“It’s not going to bite you, unless you bite it back.” Olivia said while watching Katherine.
“I can eat this with you.”
Olivia was concerned now, “Yes, you can do what you want. You don’t have to be afraid of being yourself.”
Katherine gave her a sad smile, “I don’t know who I am anymore.”
Lyle found the car on the side of route one where Katherine ran out of gas. “If it isn’t my lucky night,” he said parking next to the car, getting off his motorcycle, and looking into one of the windows. “You’ve got to be kidding me?!” He hit the car as hard as he could. “I know I can’t find her in the dark…I guess I’ll have to wait until the morning and once I do find her, she’ll be one less person on this fucking earth.” Lyle got back on his motorcycle and drove back to where he started.
“Did you enjoy your dinner?” Olivia asked seeing that Katherine’s plate was empty.
Katherine nodded, “Thank you.”
“No problem here let me show you where you’ll be sleeping and I’ll get the dishes.” Olivia stood up and walked to the stairs and Katherine followed. Olivia picked up Katherine’s bag and started her way up the stairs with the dogs raced up the stairs before they could make it to the top step. “They like to race me up here,” Olivia said. “Okay, you two won, go to your spots.” The dogs went to the door where they could get their treat, Olivia put the bag down on the floor, and then she opened the door. “This is the closet where the towels, sheets, wash clothes, and their treats are. I know a bad place to put them but they can’t get to it if the door is closed.” Olivia took out two treats, “Sit…” they sat. “Don’t move…” she placed the treat on their noses. “Now,” with one tilt of their heads both dogs seem to get their cookie in their months.
“How did they do that?” Katherine asked surprised that a dog could do something like that.
Olivia closed the door, “Practice I guess, they’re crazy but gotta love them.” She walked to the next door, “This is the other bathroom so you can get cleaned up.” Olivia picked up the bag again and walked a down a little ways in the hall, “Pick a door.”
“Excuse me?”
“I have three bed rooms up here for no reason what so ever, but they are all cleaned and you can decide which one you want to be in.”
“Any one of them is fine.”
“I think you should decide which door to pick.” Olivia said knowing that she’ll pick the door right across from her because that’s the door that seems less threatening than the others and it was closer to them.
“That one is fine.” Katherine walked across and opened the door. “It has a bed?”
“They all do.” Olivia looked at Katherine in the eyes, “I won’t bother you with questions tonight. It’s been a long night for both of us. My room is right next to the stairs so if you need me just open the door. Jack might be in the doors way but he always is in my way. Shadow looks like he’ll be joining you unless you don’t want him in there.”
Katherine looked on the bed to see a happy Golden Retriever waiting for her to walk in. “He’ll be fine.”
Olivia put Katherine’s bag on the bed next to Shadow, “Again if you need anything, my door is always open.”
Olivia was about to walk out, “Olivia.” She turns around. “Thank you for letting me stay.”
“You’re welcome. See you in the morning.” Olivia walked out and closed the door behind her.
Katherine looked around examining everything in the room. “I have a bed.”
The next morning Katherine woke up to Shadow’s whimpering. She figured that he wanted to go outside so she gets up and opened the door. The sun was bright shinning through a downstairs window as she made her way down the steps. Shadow was at the back door in the kitchen waiting for Katherine to open it. She opened the door for him and she stepped out as well seeing that Olivia was outside sitting on the step watching Jack run around the yard.
“Good morning, Katherine.” Olivia said without even seeing her.
“Good morning.” Katherine walked to Olivia and sat down on the step beside her.
“How did you sleep?”
“I slept like…like I did before things got bad with Lyle.” Katherine watched the dogs as they ran around the yard.
“Is that who you were running from?” Olivia looked at Katherine.
Katherine looked down at her feet, “Yes…it was.”
“You should probably tell me what has been happening in your life.”
“What do you do for a living, Olivia?”
“I’m a police officer; I was getting off duty when I saw you sitting on the side of the road.”
“Am I going to be a case for you?”
“Maybe, but I need to know what has been going on.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Katherine stood up and walked out where Shadow and Jack were running.
“He’s going to be looking for you and if you don’t get my help I’m sure that he’ll find a way to find you.” Olivia walked to Katherine, “I know he’ll find you, I’m not going to lie men like Lyle will keep looking until you’re gone. You have to trust me.”
Katherine stood there in the middle of the running space as Shadow ran to her. She thought about all the things that have happened to her. “We were in love and he was the greatest thing that happened to me. He was sweet and kind, one of the perfect guys that every girl wished they had. We had friends, actually went out, and went on dates just to have fun. When Lyle lost his job everything horrible started. He was a psychologist for ten years and he was accused of sexually harassing one of his patients,” Katherine shifted from one foot to the other. “He thought that I was taking the patient’s side instead of his.” Katherine started to cry and rubbed her arms. “He bought a motorcycle so he could go out to places and to make sure I wouldn’t use the car.”
Olivia stood there listening to her but she knew she wasn’t on the job. “When did he lose his job?”
“About a year ago. Now he’s in construction and has been getting muscular from all the work he’s been doing. Everyday I’m scared it would be my last day.”
“You did the right thing.” Olivia encouraged Katherine, “If you didn’t run out now he might have well killed you.”
“But what if you’re right? Him searching for me?” Katherine is shaking at this point. She is officially scared of what is going to happen to her.
“He will probably find a way to get to you, but now you know someone that can help you.” Olivia stood there knowing exactly what to do, “Come on let’s get something to eat.”
“But…I…”
“Don’t worry, I have everything under control,” Olivia said.
Katherine watched Olivia walked to the house with Jack behind her. “Come on, Shadow. Let’s go see what’s for breakfast or should I say brunch.”
Lyle was up and looking for Katherine. He started where he left off at the car. Let’s see which way she would go. He thought to himself as he looked at both directions trying to see if there were any foot prints leading to. He doesn’t want to give up but he knows that if he doesn’t find her than he would be in jail. “Damn it Katherine! Which way did you go?!” he yelled as cars passed him.
Olivia made a call and made something for them to eat. Katherine didn’t understand the real reason why Olivia was helping her.
“Why are you doing this? I didn’t ask for it,” Katherine asked when the door bell rang.
“I’ll be right back.” Olivia got up from the table and went to the front door where the dogs were standing waiting to see who it was.
Olivia opened the door to a man, “Hey Liv, what’s going on?”
“Thanks for coming over,” Olivia let the man in and he followed her to the kitchen where Katherine was. “Katherine, this is Mark Benson. He works for the district attorney’s office.”
“Nice to meet you, Katherine,” his hand was out for her to shake but she declined. “I understand why you called Liv.” Mark was a kind soul who always wanted the best for someone else. Mark was about six foot five inches who could be the spiting image of Jesse L. Martin from the musical Rent.
“Katherine, I promise you nothing will happen to you,” Olivia said as she was getting the dishes up from the table to place in the sink. “Please trust us.” Olivia felt that she should reassure Katherine because from her own experience in what happened to her.
“Ok, I do trust you, Olivia.” Katherine finally said.
Olivia walked back to Mark and he stood there wondering if it would be ok to sit down. “I think its ok for you to sit down in a chair, Mark.”
“Thanks, Liv, for letting me know that,” he sat down in the chair and opened his brief case. “I’m going to apologize ahead of time because I have ask you to repeat everything that has happened to you.” He has his tape recorder and pen in hand ready to write down important things that Katherine says.
“Do you have to record me?” Katherine asked rubbing her hands together.
“I need to get the information and since we’re not at a police station filing a complaint…”
“Mark, the simple answer is probably better,” Olivia said as she sat down in a chair next to Katherine. “It is the best way for him to get all the information he needs to make sure that you’re safe.”
“I do have bruises that Lyle has made.”
“Liv, did you…”
“I had no idea, Mark; don’t say that I did.” Olivia got up and left the room to get her camera.
“May I see the bruises?” Mark asked before Olivia came back with the camera.
Katherine’s hand rubbed her arm. “I don’t think…”
Olivia came back into the room, “Sorry, Katherine, but we need this for evidence. Please roll up your sleeve.” Katherine was hesitant, “Katherine you don’t deserve to be treated this way. You deserve better than Lyle.”
“But he’s all I got.”
“Not anymore,” Katherine looked at Olivia. “You got me for a friend to help you.” Katherine looked at her hands and then rolled up her sleeve. “That’s a girl.”
Olivia started to take pictures of Katherine’s bruises. Her arms had slouches of blue, green, and purple of all different sizes and shapes. Most of the shapes were from hand prints.
After the long day of talking with Mark and Olivia, Katherine needed to get some rest. Katherine went to her room leaving Mark and Olivia in the kitchen.
“What do you think, Mark?”
“I think we have a good case against Lyle and get an order of protection for her.” Mark started putting things in his brief case.
Olivia wanted to ask something but she didn’t know how to exactly ask it, “Mark, I was wondering…”
“If you should tell Katherine what you experienced?” Mark looked at her.
“Yeah.”
“I think that you should but it’s up to you, but you know what she needs to hear more than I do.”
Olivia stood up and opened the door for Jack to go outside, “What if she doesn’t believe me and just thinks that I’m doing this for other reasons?” She waited for the dogs at the door.
“Liv, you need to remember that she is in your old shoes and she needs to know that she is safe. That’s one reason why you became a cop right? To help people when they need you.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” She opened the door and let the dogs back in. “I just don’t know how to tell her is all.” She walked back to Mark.
“Tell her like you told me… when we were dating.”
Olivia cringed, “I thought you would bring that up.”
“I wouldn’t have to unless you asked my opinion which you did.”
“Thanks, but I think you should go now.” She walked to the front door.
Mark got up from the table and followed her to the front door, “I’ll get the paper work final for you.”
“Thanks, Mark, for everything.”
“Yeah, well you have my number if anything goes wrong,” he said and is about to go out the door. “Also if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Mark. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Olivia.”
Olivia closed the door behind him and lend up against the door. “I’ve got to get some sleep.” Olivia went up stairs and into her room and she thought of ways to tell Katherine what have happened to her.
The next day Olivia got ready for work and went downstairs to get something to eat. Katherine was in the kitchen with breakfast already made.
“Morning, Katherine.”
“Morning,” Katherine looked up from the book that she was reading. “You have to go to work today?”
“Sadly yes, but that’s what keeps the dog food on the table.” Olivia sat down, “I should be home around seven and I would like to talk to you about something important.”
“What about?”
“About my past.”
“Ok, I won’t be going anywhere.”
“All right, you can take a walk or anything like that you know. Shadow is good on a leash so if you want he can go with you.”
“Thanks Olivia, I might do that.”
“Ok, well, I better go now and get some work done. See you later.” Olivia left through the back door to get to her car and left her home.
“I wonder what she wants to talk about. I’m sure that it couldn’t be that bad unless it has to deal with…” Katherine sat there talking to Shadow and Jack. “She couldn’t have gone through what I have. Could she?” Katherine sat in the chair wondering what Olivia wanted to talk about. Her thoughts kept going back to where what happened to Katherine has affected Olivia and her work.
Lyle finally gave in and was going to file a missing persons report at a police station. He didn’t want to, but this was his last and final decision that he was going to get Katherine back if it was the last thing he would do.
Olivia had been at the precinct for six hours working on paper work when she hears a voice say, “Can someone help me here?” He sounded annoyed.
“I can help you over here sir,” Olivia said waving her hand and looking at papers.
“I would like to make a missing person report.”
Olivia looked at him and he looked as normal as anyone else who is filing a missing person’s report. “Have a seat.” He sat down, “Now I need the person’s name.”
“Katherine Baker is her name.”
Olivia looked up and studied his face and his body image, “What is your name sir?”
“Lyle Baker. Katherine is my wife and I don’t know what happened to her.” Lyle was making fists with his hands. He was angry because he had to do this and Olivia was stalling.
“Excuse me sir, let me check to see if someone has something on her already.” Olivia stood up and walked to her co-worker’s desk to make a call. “Mark?”
“What’s up Liv?”
“Lyle is here. Did you get the protection order from the judge yet?”
“You have good timing I just got it and I’m walking up behind you.”
Olivia turned around and Mark was right there hanging up his cell phone. “Thank you so much,” Olivia said as she was hanging up the phone herself.
“No problem, did you tell her yet?”
“No, but you need to tell this guy what you have. He doesn’t like me so far.” Olivia followed Mark so he would talk to Lyle.
“Excuse me Mr. Baker; there is a protection order against you.”
Lyle stood up, “From who?!” He yelled at Mark and his face turned red from all the anger he had. His hand formed into fists ready to hit someone or something.
“From your wife, Katherine,” Mark handed him the places he is not allowed to go and most of them were woman protection places.
“She’ll be seeking for a divorce as well,” Mark said with a smirk.
“You’re kidding me right?” his teeth were clinched as he said it.
“No, I’m not. Have a good day Mr. Baker.” Mark said and walked toward an interrogation room.
“I’m sorry, sir, I can’t help you.” Olivia said wanting to give a smirk herself.
Lyle was steamed. He looked like one of the cartoons that steam coming out of his ears. “Thanks for trying.” He stormed out of the police station.
Olivia walked to Mark. “I don’t like the way he looked at you, Liv.”
“Hey, if it wasn’t for you, I would be in trouble.”
“Before you called me I called your Captain. He thinks you should go home and watch out for Lyle. I have a feeling that he might go looking for her.”
“The dogs are with her you know they won’t let anything happen.”
“Olivia, just because you have two dogs doesn’t mean anything…”
“Well they’re better than nothing,” Olivia said out of anger. “I’m sorry. I’ll take my paper work with me and do what I was meant to do in the first place.”
“Ok, I’ll swing by to check on you two and to get divorce papers ready.” He kissed her forehead without thinking.
“Thanks,” Olivia walked away to her desk to get her things. Then she walked to her Captain’s office to tell him that she was out of there.
She left the precinct knowing that she doing the right thing but didn’t realize that she was being followed at a good distance.
Olivia got to the house with groceries in her arms and took them inside. “Hey Katherine. I’m home.” She was greeted by Jack and Shadow. “Hey boys, I got some food for you.”
“Hey Olivia!” Katherine said walking towards her. “Let me help you with those.” Katherine got one of Olivia’s bags.
“Thank you.” They walked into the kitchen and put the groceries on the counter. “Katherine I should tell you that Lyle came to the precinct about an hour ago.”
“What happened? Does he know where I am?”
“Calm down, he doesn’t know anything. The protection order is in place and you’re going to be safe. Even if he did know where you are it would be a big risk for him to get past Shadow and Jack. Anyway, Mark is going to be stopping by and file divorce papers for you so you can stay away from him.” Olivia looked at her dogs and saw her feet and she realized was still in her uniform. “I better go change out of the uniform and I’ll tell you what happened.”
“Take your time I’m making dinner anyway.”
Olivia smiled and left the kitchen to go to her bed room to change and Jack followed. Once she was done changing out of uniform and into jeans and a t-shirt, she realized something didn’t feel right in her gut. She heard growling in the hall way. Something isn’t right. Where’s my gun? Olivia got her gun from her holster and is ready to shot anything her way. She saw Jack standing growling. “Jack, go to Katherine boy, go on,” but Jack stayed by Olivia while Shadow started barking loudly and growling loud enough so Olivia can hear. From the top of the steps Olivia called out, “Katherine, are you okay?”
Silence, something was wrong. Olivia walked down slowly down the steps once she was close to the bottom step she jumped down gun in hand ready to fire. “Katherine!” Olivia yelled one more time. She started to walk down to the kitchen where she left Katherine. She saw Shadow growling at something while guarding Katherine.
“Olivia, watch out!” Katherine yelled.
Olivia was hit, she dropped her gun, and her and Lyle stood in the doorway with a knife in his hand. “Stupid cop think you can hide my wife.”
“You didn’t do your research on me then.”
“Why do you say that?” Lyle asked with a smirk on his face.
“You really want to know?” he nodded. “Come here Jack!”
“Who’s Jack?” Once Lyle asked the question he found out quickly as the Great Dane pounced on him biting his arm almost breaking it. “Get your damn dog off me!”
Olivia grabbed her gun again. “Jack off!”
Jack let go of his arm and stood next to Lyle waiting for him to move again while growling at him. “So you want to try that again?” Olivia asked and Lyle could only groan in pain. “Katherine, go outside with Shadow and call 911 and Mark is on speed dial: two.” Olivia threw her cell phone at Katherine.
Katherine caught the phone and did as she was asked to do. “How did you know where she would be?” He didn’t say anything, “I don’t think you want Jack to attack you again, do you?”
“No! I saw the way you looked at me when you couldn’t help me so I figured that you were stashing her.”
Lyle’s feet were near Olivia’s and he made a stupid move to kick her down. She lost her balance and fell while he tried to stand. Jack got a hold of his same arm and pulled him down on his knees. Olivia kicked him in the stomach. Lyle felt the shock of pain but Olivia was up and punched him in the face. Olivia’s hand was bleeding from the punch and Jack still having a good grip on his arm. Olivia punched him again in the face and the one round house kick in the head. He fell on the ground.
“Jack, off,” Olivia said calmly. Jack stood next to Olivia as she gave him praises when her Captain and couple of officers walked in along with Mark.
“Liv, where is Katherine?” Mark asked getting to Olivia as soon as he saw her.
“She is outside probably in my car or out back with Shadow.”
“Okay paramedics are right behind us and they should be coming in to check you out.” Mark said and then he looked at her arm, “Did he have a knife on him Liv?”
“I wasn’t looking at what he was holding I was making sure he wasn’t near Katherine. Why?”
“He cut you pretty bad in the arm.” Mark gently got her arm.
“Ok!” Olivia shrieked in pain. “Go check on Katherine.”
Mark smiled and left Olivia to find Katherine. He walked out in the back yard and he was attacked by Shadow. “Shadow it’s me, Mark.” Shadow was wagging his tail anyway. “Where’s Katherine?”
“I’m right here, Mark.” Katherine said walking towards him and giving him a hug.
“I’m just glad that you’re safe.”
“Did you know what Olivia wanted to tell me?” she asked while she let go of him.
“Yeah, I take it that Lyle got in her way of telling you.” she nodded. “Let’s sit down.” Mark guided Katherine to the step as things were still going on in the house. “Olivia was married and her husband was abusive.”
“But she’s a cop.”
“She wasn’t always the strong cop that she is now and this was before she became an officer. She actually came to me for help and I told her what she should do.”
“That’s the short story,” Katherine said as Shadow snuggled next to her.
“Pretty much, but when she tells you the details of it I’m sure that you’ll understand why she wanted to help you more than anything.”
“Thanks Mark.”
“You’re welcome; I have some papers in the house for you to sign.”
“I should probably sign them then.” Katherine stood and walked toward the front door where the paramedics were taking Lyle out of the house.
“You doing okay, Olivia?” Katherine asked looking at her bandaged arm.
“I’m okay, as long as you’re okay,” Olivia smiled.
“Thank you for saving me.” Katherine said while going for a hug. She then heard Olivia hiss in pain, “Sorry about that.”
“It’s ok. We’re still alive and you trusted me enough to help you.” Olivia winked at Katherine. “But I’m sorry that I didn’t protect you enough.”
“You did protect me as much as you could. You couldn’t stop your world to be my body guard.” Katherine gave her a smile. “Come on let’s go out for dinner, Mark’s treat.”
“I never said…Never mind,” Mark smiled and took Olivia and Katherine out to dinner.
Katherine was in the kitchen making dinner when she heard her husband Lyle walk in and then he grabbed her biceps hard.
“What’s for dinner?” he asked angrily.
“Uh…chicken pot pie..,” she said as clearly as she could without letting him know that she was scared.
“I don’t want that,” he pulled her away from the counter and pushed her to the floor. “I’ll make my own dinner while you just sit there.” Lyle was a muscular guy like Arnold Schwarzenegger, worked in construction, and his eyes were brown almost black.
Katherine just nodded and never looked at him in the face. She knew if she moved or said anything he would probably kill her. While Lyle was making his dinner he would walk across the kitchen floor and kick Katherine as many times as he wanted.
Once he was done creating his dinner, he sat at the table eating. He would look at her to say, “Do you want some?” and then he would throw a little piece of food at her like she was a dog. Then when he was finished eating, he would leave his plate on the table for Katherine to clean up when Lyle said it was time for her to get up off the floor. He would go to the other room and watch a TV show then fall asleep.
Before he became a son of a bitch, he was a sweet guy who cared about others including Katherine. He took care of the patients that he listened to and made sure that the ones who needed justice got it. Then one day he was accused for sexual harassment that he never did. In his mind, he thought that Katherine took the patient’s side when she was really on his side. This was the only reason why she has stayed with him to let him see that she was there for him.
Katherine was tired of what was happening to her for so many months. After she cleaned up the kitchen, she left.
Bright lights blinded her when she turned to hear an engine stopped running. She stood up and covered her eyes so she could see who stopped.
“Excuse me,” a tender voice spoke as the door opened and stepped out of the car. “Are you okay?”
Katherine didn’t say anything. The image came closer to her.
“Do you need any help?” the woman that looked like Diane Neal from Law and Order: SVU asked as she got even closer to Katherine. Again, Katherine didn’t say anything to her.
“My name is Olivia. Why don’t you come to my house? You can get cleaned up and get something in your stomach if you want.”
Katherine stood there for a second to figure out if this Olivia was a nice person. She looked at Olivia’s eyes, and she saw that were kind and concerned for her.
“I’m Katherine.”
“Nice to meet you Katherine, come on.”
Olivia took her bag from the ground and carried it to the trunk of the car. Katherine remembered every time she had to get in the car, especially the first time ten months ago.
“Where are you going?” Lyle asked as he closed the side door and started walking to the car.
“Getting in the car,” Katherine said as she reached for the passenger side door handle.
Lyle took her hand and pulled it behind her back. “That’s not where you’re going to sit.” He took her to the back of the car and opens the trunk. “Get in.”
“Why the trunk?” Katherine asked out loud.
He pulled her hand higher up her back almost breaking her arm, “Because I said so that’s why.” He pushed her inside the trunk and once she was inside he closed it.
While Katherine was in the trunk thinking what she has done wrong that day and why she was put in the trunk the first place. For all Katherine knew she did nothing wrong.
“Katherine…” Olivia was standing next to her snapping her finger close to her eyes.
“Sorry,” Katherine said while she walked to the car. Olivia followed her and watched her go to the trunk of the car.
“What are you doing?” Olivia asked, while realizing what Katherine was thinking. Katherine shook her head.
“You know, you can sit in the front seat as long as you buckle up. It’s a law in Virginia.”
Katherine looked at the trunk and then looked at the passenger side door. It had been too long since she had sat in the front seat. Katherine slowly walked to the front of the car. Olivia watched Katherine as she open the door and got in slowly. Once Katherine’s door was shut, Olivia got in, started the engine, and closed her door.
“Don’t forget to buckle up, Katherine,” Olivia said in a soft voice while buckling her seat belt. Katherine nodded and fastened her own seat belt.
Lyle woke up to the sound of screams on the TV. “Stupid TV show,” he said while stretching. He stood up and turned off the TV. “It’s too quiet…I wonder if she’s sleeping.” He walked to her bedroom door and kicked it in. She wasn’t there. “All right she’s not in there. Maybe the bathroom?” He walked to the bathroom door and bang on it hard then opened it. He even looked in his room and saw that the car keys were gone. “That bitch.” He ran down the hall into the kitchen where the side door where the car is parked to see if she took it. “That stupid bitch! She’s going to get it when I get my hands on her!” The car was gone and he started for his search for her after he found his motorcycle key.
Olivia parked in her driveway and turned off the engine. “Here it is. This is my home.”
Olivia’s house was a two story house that had a wrapped around porch. She left the outside lights on so it would be easier for her to find her way to the door.
“Let me show you around.” Olivia was out of her seat belt and out of the car heading to the trunk of the car to get Katherine’s bag. Katherine hesitated getting out of the car and walking into the house. Olivia was next to Katherine’s door waiting for her to get out. Olivia puts her hand on the door handle to open it.
“Come on, let me show you around.” Her hand was out waiting for Katherine to take it.
“I don’t think you’ll be comfortable in the car. Trust me, I know.”
Without another word, Katherine unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the car. Katherine didn’t trust Olivia just yet but she did trust her more than Lyle.
“Let’s go inside, but I must warn you that I have two dogs. I hope that’s okay.” Katherine shrugged her shoulders while following Olivia up the steps. Once Olivia opened the door and put Katherine’s bag next to the stairs, they hear barking.
“Jack. Shadow, it’s only me.” A Golden Retriever ran around the corner and slid on the hardwood floor. Olivia bent down to pet him. “This is Shadow, Jack must be hiding. Jack is a Great Dane so don’t freak out if you see a horse walking around.”
Katherine giggled like a child would do when they would hear something funny from an adult. Olivia smiled wondering how long it’s been since Katherine laughed or smiled. Olivia stood up while Shadow greeted her with a sniff and encouraged her to pet him.
“Here is the down stairs,” Olivia said as she started to walk towards the kitchen and Katherine followed. Olivia pointed to the living room, “This is the living room where you can watch a movie, read, or just relax.” Katherine looked in there real quick. “Here’s the bathroom.” Olivia opened the door to show her where it was. “And right here is the kitchen.” Olivia explained where everything is in the kitchen then she asked, “What would you like to eat?”
“What?” Katherine asked in confusion.
“Are you hungry?” Olivia asked while getting a mix from a cabinet. “I didn’t have dinner yet. If you want I can make something for you.”
“Oh no thank you.”
“You might want something to eat. I think you’ll feel a little bit better.” Olivia looked at Katherine. She had a blank look on her face. “Okay, how about this, I’ll make something and if you want it you can eat it or you can give it to Shadow. I think he likes you.”
Katherine looked down seeing that Shadow hadn’t left her side since she was greeted by him. Olivia started to make their dinner and Katherine decided to sit down in one of the chairs. Shadow had placed his head on Katherine’s lap.
Olivia was almost done with dinner when she heard Jack’s paws slowly entering the kitchen. Jack is at the right height where Olivia didn’t have to bend down to pet him. Olivia looked at him, “What did you do?” She asked him like he was a child. Jack just laid down on the floor next her feet. “Yeah, yeah suck up all you want Jack, but you’re not getting a treat.”
“Why do you talk to him like that?” Katherine asked.
Olivia looked at her, “Like what?”
“Why do you talk to him like a child?”
“I talk to them like that because they are my kids.” Olivia got a couple of plates from the cabinet.
“Did you want kids?” Katherine asked.
“Why all of a sudden you asking me questions?” Olivia was confused while she put the mashed potatoes on the plates and then the baked chicken.
“I don’t know. I’m sorry,” Katherine looked down at Shadow and he was looking up at her.
“No its ok I don’t mind answering your questions I guess I was a little confused on where they were coming from that’s all.” Olivia placed the forks and knifes on the plates and took them to the table where Katherine was sitting. “I don’t really know if I want kids. I think I’m better off with dogs or being an aunt.” Olivia sat next to her and said, “What about you?”
“I don’t know…I’m too scared to be living in this world and to bring a child in the mix.” Katherine looked at her plate that was sat down in front of her.
“It’s not going to bite you, unless you bite it back.” Olivia said while watching Katherine.
“I can eat this with you.”
Olivia was concerned now, “Yes, you can do what you want. You don’t have to be afraid of being yourself.”
Katherine gave her a sad smile, “I don’t know who I am anymore.”
Lyle found the car on the side of route one where Katherine ran out of gas. “If it isn’t my lucky night,” he said parking next to the car, getting off his motorcycle, and looking into one of the windows. “You’ve got to be kidding me?!” He hit the car as hard as he could. “I know I can’t find her in the dark…I guess I’ll have to wait until the morning and once I do find her, she’ll be one less person on this fucking earth.” Lyle got back on his motorcycle and drove back to where he started.
“Did you enjoy your dinner?” Olivia asked seeing that Katherine’s plate was empty.
Katherine nodded, “Thank you.”
“No problem here let me show you where you’ll be sleeping and I’ll get the dishes.” Olivia stood up and walked to the stairs and Katherine followed. Olivia picked up Katherine’s bag and started her way up the stairs with the dogs raced up the stairs before they could make it to the top step. “They like to race me up here,” Olivia said. “Okay, you two won, go to your spots.” The dogs went to the door where they could get their treat, Olivia put the bag down on the floor, and then she opened the door. “This is the closet where the towels, sheets, wash clothes, and their treats are. I know a bad place to put them but they can’t get to it if the door is closed.” Olivia took out two treats, “Sit…” they sat. “Don’t move…” she placed the treat on their noses. “Now,” with one tilt of their heads both dogs seem to get their cookie in their months.
“How did they do that?” Katherine asked surprised that a dog could do something like that.
Olivia closed the door, “Practice I guess, they’re crazy but gotta love them.” She walked to the next door, “This is the other bathroom so you can get cleaned up.” Olivia picked up the bag again and walked a down a little ways in the hall, “Pick a door.”
“Excuse me?”
“I have three bed rooms up here for no reason what so ever, but they are all cleaned and you can decide which one you want to be in.”
“Any one of them is fine.”
“I think you should decide which door to pick.” Olivia said knowing that she’ll pick the door right across from her because that’s the door that seems less threatening than the others and it was closer to them.
“That one is fine.” Katherine walked across and opened the door. “It has a bed?”
“They all do.” Olivia looked at Katherine in the eyes, “I won’t bother you with questions tonight. It’s been a long night for both of us. My room is right next to the stairs so if you need me just open the door. Jack might be in the doors way but he always is in my way. Shadow looks like he’ll be joining you unless you don’t want him in there.”
Katherine looked on the bed to see a happy Golden Retriever waiting for her to walk in. “He’ll be fine.”
Olivia put Katherine’s bag on the bed next to Shadow, “Again if you need anything, my door is always open.”
Olivia was about to walk out, “Olivia.” She turns around. “Thank you for letting me stay.”
“You’re welcome. See you in the morning.” Olivia walked out and closed the door behind her.
Katherine looked around examining everything in the room. “I have a bed.”
The next morning Katherine woke up to Shadow’s whimpering. She figured that he wanted to go outside so she gets up and opened the door. The sun was bright shinning through a downstairs window as she made her way down the steps. Shadow was at the back door in the kitchen waiting for Katherine to open it. She opened the door for him and she stepped out as well seeing that Olivia was outside sitting on the step watching Jack run around the yard.
“Good morning, Katherine.” Olivia said without even seeing her.
“Good morning.” Katherine walked to Olivia and sat down on the step beside her.
“How did you sleep?”
“I slept like…like I did before things got bad with Lyle.” Katherine watched the dogs as they ran around the yard.
“Is that who you were running from?” Olivia looked at Katherine.
Katherine looked down at her feet, “Yes…it was.”
“You should probably tell me what has been happening in your life.”
“What do you do for a living, Olivia?”
“I’m a police officer; I was getting off duty when I saw you sitting on the side of the road.”
“Am I going to be a case for you?”
“Maybe, but I need to know what has been going on.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Katherine stood up and walked out where Shadow and Jack were running.
“He’s going to be looking for you and if you don’t get my help I’m sure that he’ll find a way to find you.” Olivia walked to Katherine, “I know he’ll find you, I’m not going to lie men like Lyle will keep looking until you’re gone. You have to trust me.”
Katherine stood there in the middle of the running space as Shadow ran to her. She thought about all the things that have happened to her. “We were in love and he was the greatest thing that happened to me. He was sweet and kind, one of the perfect guys that every girl wished they had. We had friends, actually went out, and went on dates just to have fun. When Lyle lost his job everything horrible started. He was a psychologist for ten years and he was accused of sexually harassing one of his patients,” Katherine shifted from one foot to the other. “He thought that I was taking the patient’s side instead of his.” Katherine started to cry and rubbed her arms. “He bought a motorcycle so he could go out to places and to make sure I wouldn’t use the car.”
Olivia stood there listening to her but she knew she wasn’t on the job. “When did he lose his job?”
“About a year ago. Now he’s in construction and has been getting muscular from all the work he’s been doing. Everyday I’m scared it would be my last day.”
“You did the right thing.” Olivia encouraged Katherine, “If you didn’t run out now he might have well killed you.”
“But what if you’re right? Him searching for me?” Katherine is shaking at this point. She is officially scared of what is going to happen to her.
“He will probably find a way to get to you, but now you know someone that can help you.” Olivia stood there knowing exactly what to do, “Come on let’s get something to eat.”
“But…I…”
“Don’t worry, I have everything under control,” Olivia said.
Katherine watched Olivia walked to the house with Jack behind her. “Come on, Shadow. Let’s go see what’s for breakfast or should I say brunch.”
Lyle was up and looking for Katherine. He started where he left off at the car. Let’s see which way she would go. He thought to himself as he looked at both directions trying to see if there were any foot prints leading to. He doesn’t want to give up but he knows that if he doesn’t find her than he would be in jail. “Damn it Katherine! Which way did you go?!” he yelled as cars passed him.
Olivia made a call and made something for them to eat. Katherine didn’t understand the real reason why Olivia was helping her.
“Why are you doing this? I didn’t ask for it,” Katherine asked when the door bell rang.
“I’ll be right back.” Olivia got up from the table and went to the front door where the dogs were standing waiting to see who it was.
Olivia opened the door to a man, “Hey Liv, what’s going on?”
“Thanks for coming over,” Olivia let the man in and he followed her to the kitchen where Katherine was. “Katherine, this is Mark Benson. He works for the district attorney’s office.”
“Nice to meet you, Katherine,” his hand was out for her to shake but she declined. “I understand why you called Liv.” Mark was a kind soul who always wanted the best for someone else. Mark was about six foot five inches who could be the spiting image of Jesse L. Martin from the musical Rent.
“Katherine, I promise you nothing will happen to you,” Olivia said as she was getting the dishes up from the table to place in the sink. “Please trust us.” Olivia felt that she should reassure Katherine because from her own experience in what happened to her.
“Ok, I do trust you, Olivia.” Katherine finally said.
Olivia walked back to Mark and he stood there wondering if it would be ok to sit down. “I think its ok for you to sit down in a chair, Mark.”
“Thanks, Liv, for letting me know that,” he sat down in the chair and opened his brief case. “I’m going to apologize ahead of time because I have ask you to repeat everything that has happened to you.” He has his tape recorder and pen in hand ready to write down important things that Katherine says.
“Do you have to record me?” Katherine asked rubbing her hands together.
“I need to get the information and since we’re not at a police station filing a complaint…”
“Mark, the simple answer is probably better,” Olivia said as she sat down in a chair next to Katherine. “It is the best way for him to get all the information he needs to make sure that you’re safe.”
“I do have bruises that Lyle has made.”
“Liv, did you…”
“I had no idea, Mark; don’t say that I did.” Olivia got up and left the room to get her camera.
“May I see the bruises?” Mark asked before Olivia came back with the camera.
Katherine’s hand rubbed her arm. “I don’t think…”
Olivia came back into the room, “Sorry, Katherine, but we need this for evidence. Please roll up your sleeve.” Katherine was hesitant, “Katherine you don’t deserve to be treated this way. You deserve better than Lyle.”
“But he’s all I got.”
“Not anymore,” Katherine looked at Olivia. “You got me for a friend to help you.” Katherine looked at her hands and then rolled up her sleeve. “That’s a girl.”
Olivia started to take pictures of Katherine’s bruises. Her arms had slouches of blue, green, and purple of all different sizes and shapes. Most of the shapes were from hand prints.
After the long day of talking with Mark and Olivia, Katherine needed to get some rest. Katherine went to her room leaving Mark and Olivia in the kitchen.
“What do you think, Mark?”
“I think we have a good case against Lyle and get an order of protection for her.” Mark started putting things in his brief case.
Olivia wanted to ask something but she didn’t know how to exactly ask it, “Mark, I was wondering…”
“If you should tell Katherine what you experienced?” Mark looked at her.
“Yeah.”
“I think that you should but it’s up to you, but you know what she needs to hear more than I do.”
Olivia stood up and opened the door for Jack to go outside, “What if she doesn’t believe me and just thinks that I’m doing this for other reasons?” She waited for the dogs at the door.
“Liv, you need to remember that she is in your old shoes and she needs to know that she is safe. That’s one reason why you became a cop right? To help people when they need you.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” She opened the door and let the dogs back in. “I just don’t know how to tell her is all.” She walked back to Mark.
“Tell her like you told me… when we were dating.”
Olivia cringed, “I thought you would bring that up.”
“I wouldn’t have to unless you asked my opinion which you did.”
“Thanks, but I think you should go now.” She walked to the front door.
Mark got up from the table and followed her to the front door, “I’ll get the paper work final for you.”
“Thanks, Mark, for everything.”
“Yeah, well you have my number if anything goes wrong,” he said and is about to go out the door. “Also if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Mark. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Olivia.”
Olivia closed the door behind him and lend up against the door. “I’ve got to get some sleep.” Olivia went up stairs and into her room and she thought of ways to tell Katherine what have happened to her.
The next day Olivia got ready for work and went downstairs to get something to eat. Katherine was in the kitchen with breakfast already made.
“Morning, Katherine.”
“Morning,” Katherine looked up from the book that she was reading. “You have to go to work today?”
“Sadly yes, but that’s what keeps the dog food on the table.” Olivia sat down, “I should be home around seven and I would like to talk to you about something important.”
“What about?”
“About my past.”
“Ok, I won’t be going anywhere.”
“All right, you can take a walk or anything like that you know. Shadow is good on a leash so if you want he can go with you.”
“Thanks Olivia, I might do that.”
“Ok, well, I better go now and get some work done. See you later.” Olivia left through the back door to get to her car and left her home.
“I wonder what she wants to talk about. I’m sure that it couldn’t be that bad unless it has to deal with…” Katherine sat there talking to Shadow and Jack. “She couldn’t have gone through what I have. Could she?” Katherine sat in the chair wondering what Olivia wanted to talk about. Her thoughts kept going back to where what happened to Katherine has affected Olivia and her work.
Lyle finally gave in and was going to file a missing persons report at a police station. He didn’t want to, but this was his last and final decision that he was going to get Katherine back if it was the last thing he would do.
Olivia had been at the precinct for six hours working on paper work when she hears a voice say, “Can someone help me here?” He sounded annoyed.
“I can help you over here sir,” Olivia said waving her hand and looking at papers.
“I would like to make a missing person report.”
Olivia looked at him and he looked as normal as anyone else who is filing a missing person’s report. “Have a seat.” He sat down, “Now I need the person’s name.”
“Katherine Baker is her name.”
Olivia looked up and studied his face and his body image, “What is your name sir?”
“Lyle Baker. Katherine is my wife and I don’t know what happened to her.” Lyle was making fists with his hands. He was angry because he had to do this and Olivia was stalling.
“Excuse me sir, let me check to see if someone has something on her already.” Olivia stood up and walked to her co-worker’s desk to make a call. “Mark?”
“What’s up Liv?”
“Lyle is here. Did you get the protection order from the judge yet?”
“You have good timing I just got it and I’m walking up behind you.”
Olivia turned around and Mark was right there hanging up his cell phone. “Thank you so much,” Olivia said as she was hanging up the phone herself.
“No problem, did you tell her yet?”
“No, but you need to tell this guy what you have. He doesn’t like me so far.” Olivia followed Mark so he would talk to Lyle.
“Excuse me Mr. Baker; there is a protection order against you.”
Lyle stood up, “From who?!” He yelled at Mark and his face turned red from all the anger he had. His hand formed into fists ready to hit someone or something.
“From your wife, Katherine,” Mark handed him the places he is not allowed to go and most of them were woman protection places.
“She’ll be seeking for a divorce as well,” Mark said with a smirk.
“You’re kidding me right?” his teeth were clinched as he said it.
“No, I’m not. Have a good day Mr. Baker.” Mark said and walked toward an interrogation room.
“I’m sorry, sir, I can’t help you.” Olivia said wanting to give a smirk herself.
Lyle was steamed. He looked like one of the cartoons that steam coming out of his ears. “Thanks for trying.” He stormed out of the police station.
Olivia walked to Mark. “I don’t like the way he looked at you, Liv.”
“Hey, if it wasn’t for you, I would be in trouble.”
“Before you called me I called your Captain. He thinks you should go home and watch out for Lyle. I have a feeling that he might go looking for her.”
“The dogs are with her you know they won’t let anything happen.”
“Olivia, just because you have two dogs doesn’t mean anything…”
“Well they’re better than nothing,” Olivia said out of anger. “I’m sorry. I’ll take my paper work with me and do what I was meant to do in the first place.”
“Ok, I’ll swing by to check on you two and to get divorce papers ready.” He kissed her forehead without thinking.
“Thanks,” Olivia walked away to her desk to get her things. Then she walked to her Captain’s office to tell him that she was out of there.
She left the precinct knowing that she doing the right thing but didn’t realize that she was being followed at a good distance.
Olivia got to the house with groceries in her arms and took them inside. “Hey Katherine. I’m home.” She was greeted by Jack and Shadow. “Hey boys, I got some food for you.”
“Hey Olivia!” Katherine said walking towards her. “Let me help you with those.” Katherine got one of Olivia’s bags.
“Thank you.” They walked into the kitchen and put the groceries on the counter. “Katherine I should tell you that Lyle came to the precinct about an hour ago.”
“What happened? Does he know where I am?”
“Calm down, he doesn’t know anything. The protection order is in place and you’re going to be safe. Even if he did know where you are it would be a big risk for him to get past Shadow and Jack. Anyway, Mark is going to be stopping by and file divorce papers for you so you can stay away from him.” Olivia looked at her dogs and saw her feet and she realized was still in her uniform. “I better go change out of the uniform and I’ll tell you what happened.”
“Take your time I’m making dinner anyway.”
Olivia smiled and left the kitchen to go to her bed room to change and Jack followed. Once she was done changing out of uniform and into jeans and a t-shirt, she realized something didn’t feel right in her gut. She heard growling in the hall way. Something isn’t right. Where’s my gun? Olivia got her gun from her holster and is ready to shot anything her way. She saw Jack standing growling. “Jack, go to Katherine boy, go on,” but Jack stayed by Olivia while Shadow started barking loudly and growling loud enough so Olivia can hear. From the top of the steps Olivia called out, “Katherine, are you okay?”
Silence, something was wrong. Olivia walked down slowly down the steps once she was close to the bottom step she jumped down gun in hand ready to fire. “Katherine!” Olivia yelled one more time. She started to walk down to the kitchen where she left Katherine. She saw Shadow growling at something while guarding Katherine.
“Olivia, watch out!” Katherine yelled.
Olivia was hit, she dropped her gun, and her and Lyle stood in the doorway with a knife in his hand. “Stupid cop think you can hide my wife.”
“You didn’t do your research on me then.”
“Why do you say that?” Lyle asked with a smirk on his face.
“You really want to know?” he nodded. “Come here Jack!”
“Who’s Jack?” Once Lyle asked the question he found out quickly as the Great Dane pounced on him biting his arm almost breaking it. “Get your damn dog off me!”
Olivia grabbed her gun again. “Jack off!”
Jack let go of his arm and stood next to Lyle waiting for him to move again while growling at him. “So you want to try that again?” Olivia asked and Lyle could only groan in pain. “Katherine, go outside with Shadow and call 911 and Mark is on speed dial: two.” Olivia threw her cell phone at Katherine.
Katherine caught the phone and did as she was asked to do. “How did you know where she would be?” He didn’t say anything, “I don’t think you want Jack to attack you again, do you?”
“No! I saw the way you looked at me when you couldn’t help me so I figured that you were stashing her.”
Lyle’s feet were near Olivia’s and he made a stupid move to kick her down. She lost her balance and fell while he tried to stand. Jack got a hold of his same arm and pulled him down on his knees. Olivia kicked him in the stomach. Lyle felt the shock of pain but Olivia was up and punched him in the face. Olivia’s hand was bleeding from the punch and Jack still having a good grip on his arm. Olivia punched him again in the face and the one round house kick in the head. He fell on the ground.
“Jack, off,” Olivia said calmly. Jack stood next to Olivia as she gave him praises when her Captain and couple of officers walked in along with Mark.
“Liv, where is Katherine?” Mark asked getting to Olivia as soon as he saw her.
“She is outside probably in my car or out back with Shadow.”
“Okay paramedics are right behind us and they should be coming in to check you out.” Mark said and then he looked at her arm, “Did he have a knife on him Liv?”
“I wasn’t looking at what he was holding I was making sure he wasn’t near Katherine. Why?”
“He cut you pretty bad in the arm.” Mark gently got her arm.
“Ok!” Olivia shrieked in pain. “Go check on Katherine.”
Mark smiled and left Olivia to find Katherine. He walked out in the back yard and he was attacked by Shadow. “Shadow it’s me, Mark.” Shadow was wagging his tail anyway. “Where’s Katherine?”
“I’m right here, Mark.” Katherine said walking towards him and giving him a hug.
“I’m just glad that you’re safe.”
“Did you know what Olivia wanted to tell me?” she asked while she let go of him.
“Yeah, I take it that Lyle got in her way of telling you.” she nodded. “Let’s sit down.” Mark guided Katherine to the step as things were still going on in the house. “Olivia was married and her husband was abusive.”
“But she’s a cop.”
“She wasn’t always the strong cop that she is now and this was before she became an officer. She actually came to me for help and I told her what she should do.”
“That’s the short story,” Katherine said as Shadow snuggled next to her.
“Pretty much, but when she tells you the details of it I’m sure that you’ll understand why she wanted to help you more than anything.”
“Thanks Mark.”
“You’re welcome; I have some papers in the house for you to sign.”
“I should probably sign them then.” Katherine stood and walked toward the front door where the paramedics were taking Lyle out of the house.
“You doing okay, Olivia?” Katherine asked looking at her bandaged arm.
“I’m okay, as long as you’re okay,” Olivia smiled.
“Thank you for saving me.” Katherine said while going for a hug. She then heard Olivia hiss in pain, “Sorry about that.”
“It’s ok. We’re still alive and you trusted me enough to help you.” Olivia winked at Katherine. “But I’m sorry that I didn’t protect you enough.”
“You did protect me as much as you could. You couldn’t stop your world to be my body guard.” Katherine gave her a smile. “Come on let’s go out for dinner, Mark’s treat.”
“I never said…Never mind,” Mark smiled and took Olivia and Katherine out to dinner.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Open Your Heart (c)
Open the door that you just closed
I am waiting for you to open up
I’m not leaving you here in your misery
Chorus: I want you for who you are
Just open your heart
You will see I am here
No matter where you go
I will be by your side
Just open your heart
And you will see
I’m with you
You think you don’t exist in this world
When you haven’t opened your eyes
To see who is standing in front of you
Don’t you see you’re the best thing in my life
And I can’t let you go
~chorus~
Open your door let me in
I’m not leaving you
Open your eyes
And see what I see
You are someone worth living for
~chorus 2~
Open your door that you just closed
I am waiting for you to open up
I’m not leaving you here in your misery
Chorus: I want you for who you are
Just open your heart
You will see I am here
No matter where you go
I will be by your side
Just open your heart
And you will see
I’m with you
You think you don’t exist in this world
When you haven’t opened your eyes
To see who is standing in front of you
Don’t you see you’re the best thing in my life
And I can’t let you go
~chorus~
Open your door let me in
I’m not leaving you
Open your eyes
And see what I see
You are someone worth living for
~chorus 2~
Open your door that you just closed
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Understands (c)
Looking around
Not really wanting to see the world
But always hearing the sounds
Of pain
Tired of hearing
Tired of seeing
I feel like I should go
Go anywhere
I can’t stay where I am
I need to go…
It’s bad when
You feel like you have to run
From the ones who care about you
It’s bad when you feel so alone
In your own family
Or friends
No one really understands
No one will ever understand
At least not my family
They will never understand that
I’m lost and can’t find my way back
They won’t understand that
I have to go and figure out who I need to be
Because I have no idea who I am
I wear a mask.
A mask that hides it all
I don’t remember the last time
I was me
When I was truly happy
When I could be the real me…
Still lost
In the world
That no one understands.
Not really wanting to see the world
But always hearing the sounds
Of pain
Tired of hearing
Tired of seeing
I feel like I should go
Go anywhere
I can’t stay where I am
I need to go…
It’s bad when
You feel like you have to run
From the ones who care about you
It’s bad when you feel so alone
In your own family
Or friends
No one really understands
No one will ever understand
At least not my family
They will never understand that
I’m lost and can’t find my way back
They won’t understand that
I have to go and figure out who I need to be
Because I have no idea who I am
I wear a mask.
A mask that hides it all
I don’t remember the last time
I was me
When I was truly happy
When I could be the real me…
Still lost
In the world
That no one understands.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Two in One
SunGlasses (c)
I wear sunglasses so no one can see my eyes
My eyes tell my whole life
When I'm happy
When I'm sad
When I'm mad
When I'm scared
I don't like to show you my eyes
You can see things that
I don't want you to see
You can see the truth
But do you know the truth?
My sunglasses hide everything that's wrong with me.
Pain in My Eyes (c)
So much pain
Can you see it in my eyes?
If you can't that's good.
Cause you don't want to see my pain
That's hidden inside me
You don't wanna see what brings me down
You don't wanna know the pain
That I go through.
I need to make you laugh
Not cry
I don't want you to see my pain
My pain will make you cry
The pain that I have won't help you
Pain is so hurtful that
I don't want you to see
Now I use my pain to make you laugh
Don't look into my eyes
Cause you'll see the truth...
I wear sunglasses so no one can see my eyes
My eyes tell my whole life
When I'm happy
When I'm sad
When I'm mad
When I'm scared
I don't like to show you my eyes
You can see things that
I don't want you to see
You can see the truth
But do you know the truth?
My sunglasses hide everything that's wrong with me.
Pain in My Eyes (c)
So much pain
Can you see it in my eyes?
If you can't that's good.
Cause you don't want to see my pain
That's hidden inside me
You don't wanna see what brings me down
You don't wanna know the pain
That I go through.
I need to make you laugh
Not cry
I don't want you to see my pain
My pain will make you cry
The pain that I have won't help you
Pain is so hurtful that
I don't want you to see
Now I use my pain to make you laugh
Don't look into my eyes
Cause you'll see the truth...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Nothing (c)
The things I see
Are the things I hate
I hate the fact that
Family members have to
Flaunt around
Showing off boyfriends
Knowing the fact that
I don’t have one
I want to cry
I want to runaway
From it all
Does anyone know
How it really feels
No one in this family does
Not even my sister
Understands
Probably because
She is one of the “cute” ones
Unlike me…
I’m not cute
I’m not pretty
I’m not smart
Or anything else!
I’m in a family that
Encourages me
But doesn’t really encourages me
I’m lost in a “pretty” family
And everyone sees everyone else
But loses me
Are the things I hate
I hate the fact that
Family members have to
Flaunt around
Showing off boyfriends
Knowing the fact that
I don’t have one
I want to cry
I want to runaway
From it all
Does anyone know
How it really feels
No one in this family does
Not even my sister
Understands
Probably because
She is one of the “cute” ones
Unlike me…
I’m not cute
I’m not pretty
I’m not smart
Or anything else!
I’m in a family that
Encourages me
But doesn’t really encourages me
I’m lost in a “pretty” family
And everyone sees everyone else
But loses me
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