Chapter 30 #3
“I went to the washroom across the hall from my physiotherapist’s office, and when I came out of the stall, Colette and Joseph were there.
I was shocked. It was a co-ed bathroom, and all, but I didn’t know they flew down to visit.
They told me they were there to take me home, but that made little sense because Will was with me.
I told them I still needed to talk to my physiotherapist because we were going to go over some new exercises for Will and me to do at home. ”
Jake visibly gulps, so I lean forward to unscrew a water bottle cap and hand it to him.
He takes a large mouthful before handing it back.
“Thanks Sum. So that’s when Joseph pulled a syringe out of his pocket and told me we were flying home to New York and I could either go willingly or sleep through the trip.
He placed the needle against my neck, ready to plunge it into me, so I said I’d go willingly.
“I was hoping to see Will or someone I knew when we left the building, but there was no one around. When I got into the back of the rental car, Colette took my phone from me. We drove for hours and hours, and they acted as if we were on vacation or something. They stopped for fast food at a drive thru but he pulled out the syringe again, so I didn’t yell out.
“When we got to the airport, Joseph gave me a half dose of whatever was in the syringe. I felt groggy quickly, but I was awake. Colette explained that their father was a big deal in New York and there wouldn’t be any repercussions on them for taking me.
Their dad has many influential friends, including politicians and law enforcement.
The dad is a lawyer, I guess. They also threatened my dad and Summer.
If I didn’t go willingly, they would get hurt.
They seemed darn sure they could do it, and Joseph implied that the drugs he gave me were easily accessible and that he could use something nastier on them.
“I was scared for them, especially after what Summer has already been through, so I agreed to go. I figured Summer would realize who took me fast and that she and Dad would come for me. The drug lasted for a while in my body. I remember dropping off the rental car and the airport. By the time we were walking towards the gate, my mind was clear again. I don’t know what the timeframe was.
We could've gotten here hours or minutes ago.
“Mom was waiting for us at the gate. She has a court order not to come near me, but she did. After she tried to hug me, Summer, Zander, and Will got to me, and then we came here.”
“Thank you, everyone. Sit tight while I check with my colleague.”
“Officer Sanders,” Mr. MacLeod speaks over the phone. “A friendly reminder that Jake is still actively recovering from trauma and he needs rest quickly.”
“Noted,” Evan nods before leaving the room.
“What do you think, Mr. Macleod?” Dad asks.
“It’s all straightforward. There shouldn’t be any issues for you.
I would like to get a blood draw from Jake in case we can identify the drug they used.
They have medics at the airport, so I will arrange for one to swing by immediately.
I’ll call back in twenty minutes, and if you are still being detained, I’ll take care of it. ”
“Thanks, Mr. Macleod,” I call as Jake and Dad say similar.
When he hangs up, Dad says he’s going to talk to Troy, and Will massages and stretches Jake’s legs out. I text Seb and Alex quickly before video calling Ray so he can talk to Jake while we wait. The relief is palpable even over the phone. Ray’s group is on its way home.
A medic stops by a few minutes later to get a vial of Jake’s blood, and twenty minutes later Mr. MacLeod calls back and asks Dad to take the phone and find the police officer.
I’m unsure what was said, but Dad returns minutes later and tells us we can leave.
Dad gave the officers Mr. MacLeod’s contact information.
Seb and Alex are waiting just outside the security office for us.
They greet Jake, and then we make our way back to the parking garage and the SUV.
Dad stops to get food and coffee for everyone, and then drives us home.
Alex is in front with Dad, while Jake sits beside me in the middle seats.
He quickly falls asleep after eating, so I rest his head on my shoulder.
Three and a half hours later, we arrive at the condo, where Ray and Janus are both waiting in the lobby for us.
After teary hugs, I kiss Jake on the cheek and tell him to call anytime overnight if he needs me.
Will follows them upstairs despite the late hour to ensure there are no issues before he’ll drive home.
It feels strange to be leaving him tonight, but he’s overtired and needs his sleep.
Dad stops at the school so the guys can get their vehicles, and I hop out to give Seb and Alex hugs in thanks for coming today. When we get home and into the house, I give Dad a hug too. “Thanks for jumping in today and coming with me.”
“Of course, darling, happy to help. Why don’t you sleep in tomorrow morning, then go see Jake. School can wait.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I smile. “Night, Dad.”
We go our separate ways, and I grab a quick shower before crawling into bed. I decide to take a sleeping pill tonight, figuring the nightmares will get me. Hopefully, it, in combination with Nick’s shirt I’m wearing, will be enough. What a horribly exciting day.