A Taste of Slavery Ch. 30

"I'll check with the crime scene techs. If they're done, you can go back. If not, we'll have to keep everyone out. I'll let you know before you leave the hospital."

******

JULIA

The first thing I saw when I woke up in what appeared to be a hospital bed was a nurse making notes in a chart.

"Hello, where am I?"

"Clovis Community Medical Center, Mrs. Rivers. How are you feeling?"

"Like a truck ran over me."

"What's the last thing you remember?"

What was the last thing? My memory seemed foggy, clouded. A fist. A face over mine, Jack. A cock penetrating me. Then Lisa on the floor, her legs splayed, a man fucking her. Jack again. Working on the bed. The doorbell.

"The doorbell rang. Lisa went to see who it was. She didn't come back. I went upstairs to check on the delay. Her ex-husband was fucking her. I called 911 from my watch. I went into the kitchen for a knife. Her nose was bloody. I stabbed in the ass with a meat fork, threatened him with the knife. Told him to leave. He knocked the knife out of my hand and hit me. I know he started to rape me, then I went under. I don't remember anything after until waking up here."

Suddenly panicking, not knowing what happened to her, what Jack had done after I was unconscious.

"Is Lisa all right? She's not dead is she? Please tell me she's not dead."

"I think she's better off than you. Broken nose, some cracked ribs. She's here too."

Another thought, more panic. The baby. Please tell me the baby's all right.

"Did I lose my baby?"

"It was touch and go, but the doctor thinks your baby will be fine."

A sigh of relief.

"Does my husband know?"

"I believe he's here."

"Please, I need to see him."

"Before he sees you, the social worker needs to speak with you."

"Okay. I'll talk to her now. Whatever I can do to speak to my husband."

The nurse got this older woman, gray haired, gray eyes. She sat down beside the bed, a yellow legal pad and pen in hand.

"Hello, my name is Andrea Tyndall, Mrs. Rivers. I'm the hospital social worker. When you came in here, the doctors reported you were wearing a leather dog type collar and a locked neck manacle they had to cut off."

"They cut off my jewelry. I loved my jewelry."

"Dear, jewelry may usually be removed by the recipient, not have to be cut off you because it locks and requires a key."

"Mrs. Tyndall. I'm a submissive. My husband is my dominant. I'm not his prisoner. I'm able to exit this life any time I wish by saying Omega. I don't want to leave my life. I'm happier than I've ever been. If not for the crime which occurred, I would be home welcoming him, naked for him, with my friend Lisa. He would have had sex with us, so much sex. I've been without him for a week. I've missed him so much."

"He does not mistreat you?"

"Not in the way you mean Ms. Tyndall. He would never do anything to harm me. It would be as foreign to Scott as standing on the surface of the moon."

"And your friend, Lisa. How is she treated?"

"The same as I am. We're co-equal. A friend of ours is preparing paperwork so we all know we're equally protected in our relationship. She is starting a business with me. We were working on it in the basement when the crime occurred. Lisa went up to answer the door. Her ex-husband broke in, hit her, was raping her. Her nose was bleeding. It looked broken. I stabbed him in the buttocks with a meat fork, which is when he turned on me. I had a knife, to protect myself, but he knocked it out of my hand. I know he struck me, and I hit my head on the counter, I think. I know he started raping me before I passed out."

"That is consistent with what Lisa told the police. I have the paperwork. Mr. Rivers showed it to me."

"Did they catch him?"

"I'm afraid not. He went out the back door before the police came in the front. There will be a policeman on guard to protect you while you're in the hospital."

"When can I leave?"

"That's up to the doctor. The nurse might be able to tell you more."

"Can I see my husband now?"

"I'll let the doctor know you're not at risk from your husband. I'm sure they'll let him see you."

"Thank you, so much. I know we live an unconventional life. I'm happy you won't hold it against us."

I closed my eyes. I might have dozed off. Then a hand took mine and I opened my eyes to see my Master.

"Scott," I started crying. "I'm so sorry. I wanted to greet you at home, make love to you."

"Sweetheart, as long as you and the baby and Lisa are okay, I don't care about the rest. It doesn't matter." He buried his head in my neck.

"Did they tell you what happened?" I asked.

"Broadly, dear. I've not gotten any details yet. Lisa said it was Jack."

"He raped me, Scott. Raped us, both of us."

"I know darling. I'm so sorry he did that to you."

I looked around, saw no one near, but I whispered anyway. "It's the first time I've ever regretted being a slave, sir. He went right in, no resistance, the same as if it was you, Master. I was so ashamed, like my body betrayed me, betrayed us, giving him what I reserve only for you."

"It's not your fault, Julia. Never, ever believe that it is. He's a criminal who stole from you. Remember what you told me after we first began. Rape is a form of theft, as much as anything else, taking from you what you choose to give to others. You're not to blame. Neither is Lisa. Jack was a crazy man. I swear I'd kill him myself if I found him, hurting you as he did, risking our child."

I hugged him. "When can I go home?"

"I don't know. They haven't told me yet. Maybe the nurse knows." He raised his voice. "Nurse. Nurse."

She appeared around the corner of the curtain wall.

"We were wondering when Julia and Lisa can go home. Has the doctor said anything?" Master asked.

"At a minimum, both of them will be kept overnight for observation. Mrs. Rivers suffered a concussion in addition to the broken facial bone. We also want to make sure the baby's fine before we release her."

"Jack broke my face?" I asked. "Is it bad?"

Master smiled. "You look like you worked a day as a punching bag. Don't you feel it?"

"Well it hurt, but I thought I was just bruised. He broke something?"

Master touched his cheek, the cheekbone on his left cheek. "Right here, cracked or broken, a nearby sinus cavity damaged. You have two black eyes. Your cheek is blown up like a balloon. You're quite the sight. Good thing I didn't marry you for your looks."

"You told me you married me for my looks."

"I lied. The looks were a side benefit. I married you because I loved you. Don't feel too bad. Lisa looks just as bad. She has a broken nose and two black eyes. Couple cotton things stuck in her nose. Looks a little like a vampire with misplaced teeth."

"Poor Lisa. She had such a beautiful nose."

"She'll have one again. I'm sure they reset it so it will be good as new, just like you."

"Mr. Rivers," the nurse said, "it's late and she really should get some sleep. I'm going to give her a sedative and pain killer. You can come back at eight tomorrow morning to see her again."

"I'll be back tomorrow, first thing, I promise." He hovered over my face, like he wanted to kiss me. "You're all puffy. I'm afraid to kiss you for fear I'll hurt you." He kissed my hands instead. "I love you, Julia. You're the love of my life. That will never change, no matter what. Sleep now, and I'll see you in the morning."

The nurse gave me some pills. I closed my eyes. I could still see Master bent over me, afraid or unable to touch me.

******

SCOTT

"Nurse, can I see you a moment?" I asked.

"What is it, Mr. Rivers?"

"If Julia is moved from ICU, could you put her in a room with Lisa McManus?"

"Why?"

"They're lovers. It would mean a lot to both of them."

"Isn't she married to you?"

"It's okay. We're all lovers. It doesn't bother me in the slightest."

She watched me with a look of surprise on her face as I walked away.

Going back to the lobby, I saw the detective was still there, talking to Marcia. It looked like idle chat as opposed to questioning. His body language was much different, almost preening. I wondered if he realized she was married to the good looking man sitting down waiting. Sam was watching them with amused indifference, confident of where he stood in Marcia's life. I interrupted and asked if my house was available.

"Yeah, they're cleaning up now. They should all be gone by the time you get there."

"Have them lock up. I don't want unpleasant surprises when I get there."

He nodded and called it in.

To her I said, "You might as well spend the night, Marcia. I can make you and your husband comfortable."

I said it just to see how the detective took it. He looked crestfallen. If he knew I'd seen the gorgeous creature naked, I'm sure he'd be burning with jealousy.

"The social worker gave me your contracts back," Marcia said.

"Excellent. I want to thank you so much for dropping everything to help out. I can't repay you enough." I turned to Zoe and told her the same thing.

"It's no problem, Scott."

"Lucia, this is not the way we intended to welcome you into our home, but welcome to Fresno."

"It's okay, Mister Scott. I'm just happy both of your women were not more grievously hurt and your child is okay."

"We left in such a rush, I doubt anyone had a chance to eat. I know a great Italian place nearby called Luigi's. Let's eat, my treat."

"We had the food Chantelle packed," Sam said. "You forgot it in your rush. We'll come for a drink and dessert, though, while you and Marcia eat."

"Follow me."

Zoe and Lucia got in my truck, Marcia rode with Sam. I led them to Luigi's. I was glad to see Sharon was working tonight. I asked to be seated in her section. Sharon came to our table, surprised to see me without my two girls.

"Where are Julia and Lisa?" Sharon asked, eyeing Zoe rather sharply as she was sitting beside me.

"Unfortunately, the hospital. They were attacked while I was out of town by Lisa's ex-husband," I replied. "These are my friends who rushed to help me get here as quickly as possible. Sam and Marcia, the couple, Zoe, and Lucia, who will be staying with us while she's here on a medical issue." Seeing the look of horror on her face, I quickly added, "They're going to be okay. They're battered, but fine. They have to remain in the hospital overnight for observation. Marcia and I haven't eaten, so we'll be having supper. The others had a bite, but give them whatever they want. The bill is on me."

She took everyone's order. I was in the mood for comfort food and alcohol, so I had a drink in addition to lasagna. Zoe's pregnancy was apparently making her hungry. She had two appetizers, one shared with Lucia, in addition to a dessert and ice water. Sam had a salad instead of dessert and a cocktail. Marcia had chicken parmigiana and a glass of wine. Conversation was subdued, primarily about Julia and Lisa and what had happened to them.

"This is where we plan on having our bonding ceremony," I said. "I hope everyone of you will be able to come."

"I think we'd like that," Sam said. "As long as Marcia is off work at the time."

"Do you have a firearm in the house?" Marcia asked.

"Yes, I do," I replied.

"Do you know how to use it and can you hit anything with it?"

"I do."

"Do Julia and Lisa know how to use one?"

"Julia knows how to shoot, but not much about firearms, but I don't know about Lisa."

"Hopefully, they catch Jack quickly, but if they don't, both women should know how, where and when to shoot."

"I'll ensure both of them do. What about Lucia, since she's going to be staying with us?"

"Chantelle and I have been working with Lucia for over a year. Anyone who tries anything with her will be in for a rude awakening, if they wake up."

I looked at her, dark and slight, not more than five feet two inches tall. She looked so tiny. She seemed to grow bigger and harder as Marcia spoke, less dainty, as if her words made her toughen.

We went home after. The crime scene tape was gone, but there was still blood on the floors. Whose blood I didn't know.

"This must be where Lisa was," Marcia said. "Jack burst in on her at the door. This is close to the door. The smaller drops from her nose, the larger drops from where Jack was stabbed with the meat fork." She walked around the room. "This looks like where Marcia struck her head and fell. More blood; I'm guessing, mostly Jack's."

"Why didn't he die from being stabbed in the back?" I asked.

"Crime scene probably took the meat fork and knife. Would it have come from this knife holder?"

"Probably," I replied. "The easiest to lay hands on."

"This space is probably the meat fork. The other empty hole is from a broad bladed knife." She pulled out the other knives, looking at what was there, and what would seem to be missing. "Probably a seven to nine inch butcher knife. Good for slicing, not necessarily stabbing unless you're stabbing soft tissue. If Lisa attempted stabbing him in the back over his rib cage; a wider blade would get hung up on his ribs unless you turned it sideways. Knives look wicked, but unless you know what you're doing, hard to use. Most people don't know how to use them properly in a fight. They hold it wrong, they have the wrong blade. A thin bladed stiletto or switchblade is what you need for a knife fight. This bone carver would have worked better instead of the butcher knife, but you'll go for bigger if you don't know what you're doing. In our self defense training, they teach us that we need to be 21 feet from someone who knows how to handle a knife, or we will be cut. You can't draw and shoot your weapon before you're stabbed."

"Doesn't your body armor protect you?"

"There's a breast plate to help protect your heart against knives, but the kevlar doesn't stop knives, only bullets, and if they cut the femoral artery on your leg, you'll bleed out in minutes. I hate knives, especially in the hands of an expert. Women hate the thought of being cut, and I'm no exception."

"We can help you clean up, Master Scott," Lucia said.

"Not tonight. Let's all go to bed and tackle it tomorrow sometime. Lucia, I know where Julia planned on putting you. Let's get you settled. Zoe, why don't you sleep with her since it's strange surroundings for her."

"What about you, Master," Zoe said. "Will it comfort you to have company?"

"It wouldn't feel right sharing my bed with you while my slaves are in the hospital. I'm sure you understand."

"Of course, Master."

"We weren't expecting you two," I said to Sam and Marcia. "We'll probably need to put sheets on the bed."

"No problem. If you show us where the sheets and room is, Sam and I can make up the bed while you get everyone else settled."

I showed them the linen closet and their room.

"The bathroom's right down the hall. You'll share it with Lucia and Zoe. If you need any incidentals, we keep some on hand."

"I was able to pack what Marcia and I need. I don't know if Zoe got what she needed for an overnight stay," Sam said.

"I'm fine for a brief stay," Zoe reassured me. I left Sam and Marcia and led the other two down the hall.

"This will be your room then," I showed it to Lucia and Zoe.

Lucia found an envelope with her name on it placed on her pillow.

"Is this for me?"

"I'm sure it is if it has your name on it."

She carefully opened the envelope, almost if she were afraid some other Lucia would come in and claim it from her. When she read it, she started crying.

"What is it, Lucia?" Zoe said, putting her arm around her.

Lucia handed her the card. Zoe started crying too. "It's beautiful," Zoe said. "So thoughtful of them."

"What is it?" I asked.

Zoe handed the card to me. The note, kind, the picture of the two children holding hands, precious. I started tearing up too. I thought of how close I might have come to losing my own child, and I couldn't help it.

I reenforced Julia's greeting. "Welcome Lucia. I hope everything works out for you. I'll leave you two to it. Have a good nights sleep."

I went downstairs, made sure the doors were all locked and the alarm was on. If not for my guests, I might have left them open, hoping Jack would come back, the bastard. I used to kind of like the guy, back when he'd been my neighbor. Not particularly close, but okay. I had nothing but hate in my heart now.

Shit! I wondered if Julia's and Lisa's parents had been informed of the crime and their children were in the hospital. I started with Julia's, Harold and Mary.

Mary answered the phone. She frequently had dates on the weekends, as did Harry, with other people.

"Hey, Mary, Scott here. I have some bad news. Julia and Lisa were attacked tonight by Jack McManus. He hurt them both. They will be fine, but they're both in the hospital tonight for observation. Julia suffered damage to a cheek bone and a slight concussion. Hopefully, they'll both be released tomorrow. I think they're both asleep now, taking some strong pain killers, but they might want to hear from you."

"Oh, dear, is the baby okay?"

"I think so, Mary. It's okay so far. I'm sorry to cut this short, but I need to contact Lisa's parents too, and my own."

"Of course. Thanks for calling me first."

I repeated the call to Reggie and Marge Lloyd, Lisa's parents. I told them their daughter had suffered cracked ribs and a broken nose and their ex-son-in-law was responsible for it.

"That Goddamn bastard. I always thought he was a prick and I never said anything because it wasn't my place. I was so happy she divorced that shit."

"I'm sorry I wasn't home to protect her, Reg."

"Not your fault. Put the blame where it should go. Have they caught him yet?"

"Not yet. Julia stabbed him with a meat fork and Lisa got him with a knife, but not deep enough. Hung up on his ribs."

"That's my girl. I'm only sorry she didn't finish the job."

"Me too, Reggie."

The last call to my parents. Mom frantic the baby had been harmed.

"To the best of our knowledge, the baby is fine. They're keeping them both overnight. Hopefully, I get them both back home tomorrow morning."

After hanging up with my folks, I went to bed and realized it's the first time I'd been in bed alone for several years. The bed seemed monstrous without at least one other person in it.

******

I'd set my alarm for six-thirty. When I got up, everyone else was up too. Zoe and Sam were making breakfast. Marcia and Lucia were straightening up.

"I only planned on getting a breakfast sandwich on the way to the hospital," I said.

"Nonsense, it's almost done," Zoe replied. "We're going with you, except Lucia. She wanted to stay and ensure the house was clean before they returned."

Sure enough, she and Sam were plating bacon and eggs in no time, scrambled, because they didn't know how I liked them fried. I packed some clothes for Julia and Lisa as they might not have had anything on when taken to the hospital. They were usually naked around the house.

Sam took their car so we'd have enough room for everyone. I hoped both of them were coming home. When we got there, Jerry and Reneé were already in the lobby.

"Jesus, Jerry, I should have called you again last night. You didn't know what happened last night after I sent you to the house. I'm sorry. How did you know they were here?"

"It was on the news last night, which we watched to find out what happened."

I introduced them to everyone. Before I finished introductions, Edward, Rob, Regina and Chen also arrived, though not together.

"What the hell happened?" Edward asked. "We were watching the news last night and saw both of them were injured and at the hospital. They're looking for Lisa's ex?"

I explained what I knew, leaving out they'd been raped. Apparently, that was left out of the news report.

"Janet will come by this evening after work," Chen said. "She was very upset by the news."