Knotted Roots - Part 19

As my truck rolled into town, I began calling Jane’s phone. The phone kept ringing to voicemail, and after the third or fourth attempt, I stopped calling. Pacing led to wandering the streets, alleys, and shops in town. I started in the small western boutique on the far side of town. When I entered the store which smelled of citrus scented plug-ins, I was greeted by the shop worker as I scanned the aisles for Jane. “Can I help ya’ find anything?” She asked, everything in me wanted to ignore her as I was focused on finding Jane, but perhaps she’d seen her? “Uh, maybe. I’m actually looking for my friend. Jane Cross. You seen her?” “I know her, but no. Jane hasn’t been here today.” She smiled and went off to finish folding clothes and adjusting the racks as I turned to leave with a huff, I stopped as something glimmering down the road caught my eye. Slowly creeping towards the broad window next to the glass door, I leaned to peer down the road when my heart turned into a bass drum. Each beat like a roar of thunder as it began to beat louder and louder in my head. My feet struggled to find solid ground as I wobbled in place, placing my hand on the wall for support. My eyes shut as tight as I could to hide the reality of my fears before me. “Hey, you okay?” The shop worker asked, her hand gently pressed on my shoulder as it caused the ground to cease returning to its solid state, my heart fluttering back to normal, my eyes open to meet hers. “I’m sorry. Yes, I’m fine. Just had some…stomach issues. I think I ate too much.” I lied, trying my hardest to be as convincing as possible. Although the worker didn’t seem satisfied, she released her hand with a smile. I jetted out of the store when I could, and turned the corner. My chest heaved with each forced breath! Why? I thought to myself. Why would he still be here? He lived in the big city! He has no other reason to… and then it dawned on me. My heart practically stilled, my eyes wide, breath caught in my chest. He knew I ruined his fraudulent scheme, broke off our engagement, and even brawled Jasper…the man was wildly terrifying at the extent of resentment and vengefulness he held. Surely he wouldn’t be so bold to go after Jane? The thought of Jane being dragged into my mess made me realize how much I’ve affected so many people, families, hearts. No more. In this moment I swallowed my fear, determined to protect everyone from my mistake! Greg was rabid to say the least, there was no telling how far he’d go until he was satisfied. If he had Jane, Jasper would surely want to know. But first, I had to be without a doubt. I had to confront the very person who traumatized me. With a deep breath, I shook the nerves off and breathed in the crisp air as I made my way to that glimmering blue mustang down the road. With each step closer, I felt like I was trembling beneath my skin, but I couldn’t let innocent people like Jane be hurt by such a monstrous man. Greg’s mustang sparkled like a jewel under the bright sun, I cupped my hands on the warm glass and peered in the windows searching for Jane, and was slightly relieved not to find her. “Well, didn’t think you’d come crawling back so soon.” My heart froze, a jolt of panic jumping into my throat as I heard Greg’s voice behind me. With a stiffness, I stood tall and spun on my heels. My narrowed eyes like arrows. The man I once cowered under was going to answer me. “Where is she?” “Who?” “You’re really going to play these games?” An evil and crooked smile spread across his lips like a snake. Greg slowly stepped towards me, eyes fixated on my lips. I kept screaming in my head to not break eye contact! Stand your ground! “Tell me, Grace. Tell me how badly you missed me, how you’ve been longing for me.” His face was entirely too close to mine, his hands lifting to encircle my hips, but before he could I stepped back creating much needed space. “Don’t touch me.” Greg hid his disgust behind his wicked eyes. “I see. You’re still mad, no worries. I will fix that.” “You’ll fix nothing.” I gritted through my teeth, “I’m here for Jane.” “And what makes you think I know where Jane is?” Was he really toying with me? Who else would have been on the other end of the phone? It had to be him! “You’re not fooling me.” Greg simply stared at me, as if plotting his next words. He took another step forward and as I moved back again, I was met with the car door of his mustang, trapping me between the car and Greg as his hands pinned me. “Beg.” Greg’s tone was sharp, his eyes blackened with a storm within. “No.” Greg’s hands shifted, pressing my back against the door handle causing a sharp pain as I winced. “I said, beg. Or you’ll never know where she is.” His words struck a chord! Spewing like venom from his lips. Anger shrouded my mind, and although I was disgusted, I complied for the sole purpose of finding Jane. “Please Greg. Please help me find Jane.” “Not good enough.” My eyes widened, was he serious? With a deep breath, I peered through my eyelashes as I looked upwards to him, shifting forward to press myself against him, my arms encircling his neck, “Greg. Please? Please help me find her.” My words slipped out in a slow and hushed tone, batting my eyes slowly to appease his disgusting fantasy. “Mmm. You almost convinced me, love.” He spoke in a low, husky tone, eyes searching mine as his body pressed me harder against the car door. Swallowing regret, I planted a soft kiss on his lips, in which he returned with vigor and want. I played along as the purpose behind this was to find Jane. Thankful for the air when he was finally satisfied, at least for the moment. “One more thing, love.” Greg sneered. Of course there was always more, one thing was just never enough for him. Suppressing the world’s largest eye roll, I continued to play along. “It’s imperative you do exactly as I say. For Jane’s safety.” I tried to refrain from my eyes growing like saucers before him, to remain composed, but I was chilled to the bone with fear. “Surely, you’ll be a good girl, hmm?” Greg pressed, his black eyes like onyx glistening with a venomous smile. “I will.” I spoke just above a whisper, as he released me to get into the mustang, my eyes dropping in fear. I had to do this, for Jane, for Jasper. Then it dawned on me that this could very well be my final day of freedom. I wasn’t sure what Greg was plotting, but I knew he was maddened with revenge. In a brief epiphany, I had to suppress my realization, the last bit of security I had left. I could share my location from my phone with Jasper! Surely if things took a turn for the worse, he’d come searching and at least know where to start! I changed the permission on my phone to update Jasper’s with my location and I reluctantly got into Greg’s passenger seat as he sped away from town.

—

The day slipped slowly, and still nothing from Jane. I kept pushing through my daily chores, convincing myself everything was fine, but I grew suspicious, concerned. Something in the air hinting of danger. At first I thought I was being overbearing or co-dependent, but as the day marched on and silence filled the winds, I decided I’d call. The phone rang and rang, leading me to her voicemail. Odd. Glancing at my phone, I saw Grace’s location pinging like a notification. I scrolled it away, not paying it much attention. I wish I had Jane’s location. Shaking the uneasiness that intensified, I waited until supper to attempt calling her again. At first the dreadful ringing began, but then soft static, like she had answered, but wasn’t speaking. “Jane? Can you hear me? Hello?” Still nothing, and then I heard the click. She hung up? Maybe the call dropped? I redialed her number, but it was sent to voicemail before the call could be connected. Odd again. All the signs of something being off were staring me down, something was wrong, but what? Another notification pinged on my phone, it was Grace’s location, it had moved. Earlier she said she wasn’t with her, but what if they were? A heavy sigh escaped me and I thudded inside the house, shoulders slumped. The surge of abandonment crept upwards, my worst fear of being alone, yet it greeted me like I half expected it. I loved Jane, and I knew she loved me, even though I always waited for the day for her to come to her senses. To see me for who I was, as nobody but a broken soul. Ping! Another notification, Grace had moved yet again, was this some sort of ploy? Was I supposed to be following her? My brows pushed together, my eyes narrowing on the map. Why would she be headed for the abandoned mill on the edge of town? Nobody’s owned that property in years! Curious, I sent her a message, “What are you doing?” I waited for what felt like forever, but it was a mere minute or so before she responded one word. “Follow.” Without hesitation, I slammed my hat atop my head, slugged my boots on and practically stormed towards the truck. I wasn’t one for games, and I grew impatient. I slammed the truck in “Drive” and created a dust cloud as I pointed the hood towards the old mill.