“Come on. Answer, Mickey.” I prayed as I waited for him to pick up.

Three rings, no answer.

I hit end, and dialed Talon, was met with no answer again, then redialed Mickey.

“Mickey, it’s me. I’m really worried. Talon didn't come home on the bus. I’m heading to the school now. Call me back. I’m scared.”

I disconnected, then hopped in my car and drove entirely too fast to the school. I burst into the building. The janitor cleaning the floors glanced up briefly. I ran to her locker, nothing. Then the gym, empty. Finally, giving up my search, I went to the office and went straight into the principal's office.

Mrs. Englewood sat at her desk, typing on her computer. She looked up from the screen as I burst in and the color drained on her face.

“Where is she?”

“They didn’t contact you yet?”

“Who? What are you talking about? Where’s Talon?”

“The police came by here at the end of the day. They said she needed to come with them. They pulled her out of her eighth-period class and told me that they would be in contact with you. I’m so sorry I thought for sure they would’ve been in touch with you by now.”

“The police? Oh, my God. You promised me that you would help keep us safe here? Did you tell someone?”

“No, nothing like that at all. I’m so sorry. The police station is just over on Fifth Street. Do you know where that is? I’m sure that they can clear it up.”

I glared, “Yes, of course, the police station.” I backed out of her office and moved to my car. She was safe. There had to be some type of misunderstanding. Talon would never have done anything to have the cops pick her up. I got into my car in a state of numbness.

Dread filled my belly. I called Mickey again and left another voicemail. I called Aubrey and left a message too that if she saw him to call me.

The police station was only a five-minute drive from the school. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders and walked inside. A woman with her hair pulled back tightly into a bun, in an oversized sweater, with glasses too big for her face and crooked teeth sat behind a glass window. There was no getting in until you passed by her.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

“My... my daughter, Talon Bettinger, was picked up at school.” I was trying to remain calm, but I was anything but.

“What’s your name? Do you have photo ID?”

“I didn't even think of it. I’m sorry I was just so worried when she didn’t get off the bus. My name’s Marie, and I’d like to see my daughter.”

“Have a seat and an officer will be with you shortly.”

“Oh, my God! I just want to see my daughter and find out what the hell is going on.”

“Miss, if you could please have a seat.”

I was getting – no I was past getting – I was pissed, but I needed to keep my cool. I was in a police station after all. I pulled out my cell phone and redialed Mickey, then the woman opened the glass barrier and said, “There are no cell phones allowed in here.”

I quickly shut the phone and stared at the clock on the wall as the second hand ticked past. Five minutes passed by gray door to the right of the woman opened, and two uniformed officers stepped out.

“Hello, Mrs. Bettinger. My name is Officer Draven, and this is Officer Ryan. Did you know there is an APB out for you?”

“What are you talking about an APB? I haven’t done anything. I just want to see my daughter.”

“I’m afraid that can't happen right now. You crossed state lines with your daughter when there was an allegation filed with the Jackson County Family Court in Florida. They’ve been looking for you for kidnapping.”

“Kidnapping? Are you kidding me? This is a fucking joke. She’s my fucking daughter.”

“Ma’am, you need to calm down.”

"This is wrong. I took Talon to keep her safe from her dad.”

“So, you admit taking her?”

“Of course, I do. She’s my daughter. This is just absurd. How can I kidnap my own kid?”

“I’m sorry to have to do this, but her father is adamant.”

“What did you just say?” My blood ran cold at the thought of Drake.

“He’s here? Listen to me. You’re making a mistake.”

“Miss, you’re under arrest for kidnapping. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand your rights as they have been read to you?”

I couldn't believe what was happening. They were placing my hands behind my back. “Call my boyfriend; Mickey McCafferty.”

“Shit,” Officer Ryan said. “I didn't know.”

Officer Drazen looked worried. “We have to do it.”

My hands were cuffed behind my back, then they led me inside. Once in the large open room, my heart stopped. I nearly fell to my knees as Drake sat in a chair, staring daggers at me. I could feel his fingers around my throat choking me, as he glared at me.

The officer, sensing my panic directed me away from Drake, and into a another/smaller/interrogation room. “I’m not supposed to do this. I had no idea you were Mickey’s. This guy out here; he has all this paperwork from a judge. Look, I can tell he’s a piece of work. Go ahead and use your phone, before we book you. I’ll do everything I can to make sure that these crap charges get thrown out, but for now, you’ll have to make your call, and then I’ll have to book you. I’ll keep you away from him for as long as I can.”

He uncuffed me. I rubbed my wrist, then put my hand to my chest trying to relieve some pressure. “Where’s my daughter? She’s not safe.”

“Has he ever hit her? When we asked her, she said no.”

“No, but...”

“I’m sorry. He has court documents saying she has to go with him. It sounds to me like this is a Family Court issue. Once you get an attorney, they should be able to argue that.”

My heart sank, “So, he has her?” I asked, as my voice broke and tears began to fall.

“Ma’am. You need to make that phone call and hold yourself together. I’ve seen men like him and they only get off on making women cry.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you.” I pulled out my cell phone and scrolled down to the clubhouse’s phone number that Mickey had made me add to my contacts, even though I was sure I wouldn't need it. My fingers moved over the buttons, and I hit send, then waited for someone to answer.

“Dray’s Customs,” a man’s voice on the other end answered.

“Hey, this is, Marie. Mickey’s...” my voice broke, “I’ve been trying to get a hold of him, and he hasn't been answering, and the school, and the police, and they arrested me, and I need help. My ex is here, and he has Tal, and I’m scared.”

I didn't know how much of that made sense. I was beyond frazzled.

“Shit, Marie. This is Daws. Mickey’s on his bike, probably hasn't heard it ring. We’ll get our attorney there, right away. Don't talk to the cops. Don't talk to anyone. I’m leaving now, but calling, Janis, she’s the best attorney. Hang in there. I’ll be there soon.”

Daws disconnected, and I pulled the phone away from my ear staring at it. Janis would be here. Daws would come they’d send help.

***

I WAS PUT IN A HOLDING cell. I'd been processed, which included surrendering my personal belongings, a mugshot, and fingerprinting. There was a homeless guy who reeked of booze that permeated the air, asleep in the cell next to me. The cell across from me was empty, and I was all alone in my cell, waiting. I hadn’t been in here long, and the police officer was kind to me.

I sat staring at the clock as minutes ticked by, and prayed that Talon was okay. I was so focused on the ticking of the second hand that I didn't notice the door open. I should’ve. I should’ve been more aware of the monster that was on the other side of the wall waiting to strike.

“Marie,” Drake’s deep voice reverberated against the cell doors. I looked up at him and stood, somehow needing to feel bigger. Mickey had been teaching me it was okay to stand taller; okay to feel more confident. I’d been working hard at letting the hold Drake had over me dissolve. I’d found that real love made me stronger.

I stood straighter squaring my shoulders and tried to stare Drake in the eyes even though he towered over me. He came close to the bars, and I spoke before he had the chance. “The police, Drake? Really? Who’d you have to pay off to get that warrant issued? I want you to drop the charges, and leave Talon and me alone. You and I both know why I took her and left. You would’ve killed me if I'd stayed.” My hand shook, and I clasped it with my other to stop it from visibly showing, although I was sure he already noticed.

“Talon's with me. Make no mistake. The order from the judge is ironclad. You shouldn't have taken my daughter across state lines. I told you, Marie. I FUCKING told you! How the fuck do you think I felt when I woke up and you were gone? Did you think I’d let it slide and that I’d forget about it? You knew I’d find you. Is that what this was; a fucking cat and mouse game? Because if it was, consider yourself fucking caught.”

The cruel way he spoke to me brought on flashbacks of abuse and fear. Panic started to grip me. I was stronger than I used to be. I couldn't let him walk all over me. I had to fight past my fear. “You can’t have her. I won’t let you.”

“Do you think you hold the cards here? Here is what’s going to happen. I’ll get the charges dropped. You’ll come home with our daughter and me. You will be the best fucking wife, after you’ve paid for your crimes, and you’ll do it gladly.”

“No!” I yelled, my voice trembling.

“Beat and Range already have Talon en route to Florida. They got her in a cage, but you make this a thing and don’t come willingly, that cage won’t make it back home. Those boys are already on my shit list, and I don’t really give a fuck if they go boom! I got Pinky on their ass, and all I need to do is send word. Do you hear me now, Marie?”

“She’s your daughter. You wouldn’t.”

“She betrayed me, when she left with you and didn't fucking contact me. The way I see it, you're both fucking traitors. It’s up to you, Marie. Your move. Your daughter's life, or your freedom. What’s it going to be?”

I lowered my head in defeat, because really what other option did I have. He reached into the cell and grabbed me by my chin, scaring the shit out of me even more.

“You been fucking someone else?”

I wish I could have hidden the fear in my face from him and not let him see the utter panic that was wracking through me..

“I find out who he is, he’s a dead man. I promise you this Marie, you’re going to live the rest of your life regretting the day you whored yourself out and left me.”

Drake left me in a pool of tears on the dirty jail floor. Daws came, but I wouldn't speak to him. The attorney came, but there was no point. I watched as the sky grew darker and I prayed that the charges would get dropped before Mickey got here. I couldn't stand it if Drake did something to him because of me.

An officer came in and released me from my cell. Apparently, they had spoken with the Florida courts and were told that there was an error, and I wasn’t to be held on kidnapping charges. Figures – Drake had to have had them in his pockets.

I was released, and Drake was there waiting for me. He grabbed my arm, and began walking me outside. Mickey was walking up with Daws to his left.

“Marie?” The color left his face as he took in the man beside me. I pleaded with my eyes for them to walk away, ignore me, to let us keep going. I mouthed Talon’s name, hoping they would see it.

“You,” Mickey said to Drake with an evil sneer.

“No!” I screamed.

It must’ve been tell enough for Drake to figure out it was Mickey that I’d been with, because he didn't hesitate to use it against me, twisting what I had with Mickey to make it seem like something vile and ugly.

“You think my wife actually fell for you, you dirty Mick. How do you think I’ve been able to get the drop on you?”