Page 17 of A Raven Revived (The Raven’s Den #4)

Chapter Seventeen

A fter what felt like an eternity, they finally rolled up the drive to the asylum. A rusty sign hung over the gate with the words Auburn Ridge. Who would have imagined those two innocuous words could fill him with so much dread? An old, red brick building with few windows, and bars on even those, seemed to rise out of the mist. The silence was deafening as they made their way to the main door. Fitz had expected to hear screaming, but the quiet was perhaps even more ominous. Somehow the men who acted as security, managed to melt into the shadows right before his eyes. Patrick and Michael pulled him back, as well.

Ash pounded on the door and they all held their breath as they waited for it to open. Instead, a small portal opened in the door.

“May I help you?” the man said as he peered out at Ash. Ash simply handed the man his card. After reading it, he nodded and opened the door.

He was large, when not compared to present company, and wore an unusual tan suit. “How may I be of service, Lord Ashdown?”

Ash yanked him outside by the front of his shirt, and he yelped as he was slammed against the wall.

“We’re here for Lady Jane Kemp.”

The man’s brow furrowed. “You can take her for all I care. That one’s been nothing but trouble.”

Fitz leaned in with a growl. “Where is she?”

He shrank back. “End of the hall. I think Dr. Mickelson is in there with her.”

Ash plowed his fist into the man’s stomach before leaving him for security to deal with. Fitz and a few others followed him into the long, dimly lit corridor. It led to a bright, open room. To the left, was another room with an oversized bathtub in its center.

Ash’s steps barely slowed as he looked around before turning right and striding down another long hall. It was quiet, but the whole place reeked of fear. Doors lined the walls of the lengthy corridor. Each one of them had a portal in it, just like the main entrance. How many women were locked up in this godforsaken place?

A man in a white coat emerged from a cell at the end. Presumably, that was Dr. Mickelson.

“It’s my turn,” Patrick snarled as he pushed past and grabbed the man, throwing his knee into him before pinning him against the wall. “We’re here for Daisy. Is she in there?”

The man groaned, but said nothing.

Another man surged out of the same room.

“Harlan, just cooperate with them,” Dr. Mickelson ordered.

But the man didn’t listen. Instead, he made the poor decision to throw a punch. McKinnon’s fist connected with the side of his face, jerking his head around as blood splattered over the doctor’s white coat, before he collapsed in a heap.

“I don’t want any trouble.” Dr. Mickelson held up his hands. “Please, these women need someone here to take care of them.”

“Then stay out of our way,” Ash warned.

He nodded, and McKinnon pushed the unconscious man aside with his foot.

Fitz hurried into the room. The cell within was dark, but the light that filtered in from the hall allowed him to make out two beds, one on each side of the small space. He leaned over the one nearer the door.

“Daisy?” It was her. “Thank God.”

She nodded, but her eyes barely managed to stay open, and she didn’t speak. He pulled back the blanket. She was wrapped in some kind of heavy fabric that had her arms pinned tightly across the front of her body.

“Oh Daisy, what have they done to you?”

“It’s the jacket.” Her words were soft and slurred.

It was too dark to see properly, but there were buckles down her back, holding the thing shut, and pinning her arms against her front. “Ash, they’ve got her in some kind of contraption, and I don’t know how to get it off her.”

“Just get her out of here. We’ll cut it off outside.”

Fitz scooped her up into his arms and her eyes filled with tears as they met his. “I’ve got you now, love. You’re safe.”

“Fitz.” Her breath feathered across his neck.

“Daisy,” he whispered back. He was relieved to have her in his arms, but his heart broke at the state of her.

“Don’t leave Samantha. Please.” Her head lolled and she was asleep.

He turned back to Ash. “If that’s Samantha, get her too.”

“I need a knife,” he yelled as he exited the building. He didn’t address anyone in particular, but someone would make it happen. As soon as he got her into the carriage, Michael climbed in behind him, knife in hand.

“Just hold her tightly so she doesn’t move. I’ll cut it off of her.” Fitz pulled her securely against him as Michael set to work. He sliced through the straps holding her arms in place and then slowly released the buckles all the way up her back.

She didn’t wake, even when he finally pulled the horrible garment from her body. He threw it out on the ground, never wanting to see the horrific thing again. Patrick appeared at the carriage door and handed a young woman up to Michael, who helped her onto the seat beside him. She was wearing a matching thin white gown to Daisy’s and both of them had bare feet.

“Tuck your feet up here,” Michael said softly to her before covering her with a fur blanket. He handed another to Patrick as he climbed in and he tucked it around Daisy, making sure her feet were also covered. Sadness filled his eyes as he gazed down at her.

Ash climbed in, immediately pounding his cane against the ceiling and the carriage lurched into motion. It was a tight fit with six of them and Michael ended up pulling the other woman snugly against him to make room.

“You’re safe,” he assured her. “I promise we won’t harm you.”

She was obviously afraid, but oddly calm, under the circumstances. What kinds of hell had she been through that being trapped in a carriage with a group of large, strange men didn’t have her fainting or in hysterics?

His heart ached. What would Daisy be like when she woke? What kinds of hell had she been through?

Ash sat down next to Samantha and nodded toward Daisy. “Is she alright?”

“I don’t know.” Fitz continued to caress her ear and the side of her face as her head rested limply against his shoulder. “They must have drugged her.”

“They did,” Samantha said softly. “Dr. Mickelson injected her just before you came in. She won’t come round for a few hours.”

He held her tightly against his chest and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You’re safe now, Daisy.”

“You must be Fitz.” A sad smile tugged at Samantha’s lips. “She said your name over and over again in her sleep.”

Fitz nodded, but the knowledge was like a hot poker in his chest. He’d failed her and still she’d called out for him.

“So,” Ash said, looking down at the young woman beside him. “What is your surname, Samantha?”

“Allister,” she said quietly.

Ash’s brow raised, uncharacteristically. That answer had surprised him, apparently. “Any relation to Simon Allister?”

“Yes. Simon is my brother.” Her brow furrowed. “Do you know him?”

Ash shrugged. “Not well, but we’ve met. Does he know where you’ve been?”

She nodded. “He took me there, but his intentions were good. I’m afraid he just didn’t know what else to do with me.”

Ash's eyes narrowed, but he didn't respond.

“Are you going to take me back to him?”

“I’m going to make sure you’re safe,” Ash vowed.

Silence fell, but Fitz continued to whisper words of love and assurance into Daisy’s ear. She gave no response. Her body was slumped heavily in his arms, her head rocking against his shoulder with the movements of the carriage.

When they reached their destination, one of Lord Epworth’s country estates, Michael carried Samantha into the house. Ash stood at the carriage door and held out his arms.

“Here. Your arms need a break. I’ll carry her inside.”

Fitz shook his head. “I’m not letting her go.” After a moment, Ash moved out of the way.

Epworth directed Fitz to Daisy’s room where everything was clean, the fire was lit, and the bed had been warmed. A maid hurried ahead of him to pull back the blankets and he laid her limp body onto the bed. He brushed her hair out of her face and whispered into her ear, “You’re safe, Daisy.”

The sleeves of her nightgown were pushed up, revealing bruises that covered her arms. He’d never been a violent man, but right now, he wanted her father to suffer. He wanted the men in that horrible place to suffer. As gently as he could, he pulled her sleeves back down. “I’m so sorry, my love.” His heart ached for her. What had they done to her? He pulled the blankets over her and let out a long sigh as he stared down at her. She was pale, dark shadows beneath her eyes.

“These were put out for you in the next room,” Epworth said from just inside the doorway. He held up a set of pajamas. “Why don't you get some sleep in there? A servant can watch over her until morning, or at least until she wakes.”

Fitz shook his head. “I'm not leaving her. Not even for a moment.”

Epworth nodded and handed him the garments. “If you insist.” He looked down at Daisy. “I’m glad she’s safe. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you might need. I’ll make sure someone is available throughout the night.”

“Thank you, Lord Epworth. For everything.”

When he was gone, Fitz pressed a kiss to Daisy’s forehead. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I love you, Daisy.” He’d said the words so many times, but what else could he possibly do? He couldn’t take back any of what she’d been through.

He changed into the pajamas and climbed into bed, pulling her pliant body against him. At least warmth was something he could provide. He held her tight, silently promising that he would never let anyone hurt her again.

* * *

Daisy’s dreams had once again been of Fitz rescuing her. She’d dreamt it so many times. But as she slowly came awake, he was there, holding her tightly against his body. She didn’t even have to look to know it was him, his warmth, his love.

He’d come for her.

She wasn’t sure if she was capable of speech yet, so she simply lay there in his arms, enjoying every second of it. She was safe. Her body still hurt, but at least he’d removed the horrific jacket they’d strapped her into.

She swallowed and tried to speak. “You came.” It was a scratchy whisper, but he’d heard her. He pulled her even more tightly against him, his chin resting on her shoulder and his lips barely an inch from her ear.

“Of course I came,” he whispered. “I would have crawled through hell itself to find you and get you back.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Daisy. I never should have left you alone with your father.”

She pushed against him, and he scooted back, helping her to turn so she could see his face. For the first time in days, her lips tried to turn up in a smile she didn’t despise. Her body was still so tired and weak, even the most basic of things were a struggle. Her shoulders ached from being trapped in that horrible device.

He kissed her forehead and looked into her eyes. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life than your face right this minute. My God, I thought I’d lost you. I am so sorry, Daisy.”

She shook her head and rested her palm against his scruffy cheek. “Fitz.”

He closed his eyes and pressed another lingering kiss to her forehead. “Daisy.”

“Are you hurt? Or just sleepy?”

“Both,” she said with a nod.

His eyes grew wide with worry. “I’ll send for a doctor.”

The words sent panic racing through her. “No!” Her voice finally made a bit of sound. “Please no doctors!”

“Shhh. It’s alright, love. No doctors.” He shook his head and pulled her close. “Tell me what hurts.”

She huffed a quiet laugh. “Everything, but nothing is broken. Can we just sleep a bit longer?”

“You can sleep as long as you’d like.”

“Will you stay with me?”

“No one could pry me away.”

His assurance brought her so much comfort. With him, she was safe.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but she felt much better the next time she woke. Her head was still resting on Fitz's shoulder, but his eyes were closed, and all the worry was gone from his face. He was asleep, and the sight was beautiful. Her biggest fear while she was in that place was that she’d never see him again, so this was a dream come true.

She lifted herself up carefully and pressed her lips against his. They were soft and warm and welcoming. His eyes slid open and for a moment, they simply shared a smile.

“Feeling any better?”

She nodded. “Much. My body is still sore, but at least some of the fog has lifted from my brain.”

He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Do you want to tell me about what happened in there?”

She shook her head. She had no desire to talk about it or even think about it. “Where are we?” There was nothing familiar about this room or this bed.

“Well, you don’t know him, but we are in an estate that belongs to Patrick’s brother.”

“Lord Epworth?”

“Do you know him?”

She nodded. “I’ve met him. He won’t remember me, but I acted as Rosie’s companion when they went to tell him about their betrothal.”

“He’s been incredibly helpful and kind.”

“Has he?”

Fitz nodded. “Was he not kind when you met him?”

She shook her head and laughed. Or at least, she tried to laugh, but the pain it triggered brought it to an abrupt end.

The worry was back on his face. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to send for a doctor?”

“Please no.”

He nodded sympathetically.

“Who else is here?” she asked, purposely moving his mind away from her well-being. A doctor was the very last thing she wanted right now.

“Ash, Patrick, Michael, and probably a dozen security men.”

“Really? All for me?”

He raised his brow. “Have you met Ash?”

There was a light tap on the door. “That’s probably him now, if I had to guess. Are you up for a visitor?”

“I’m sure I look a fright, but presumably they all saw me last night, anyway.”

“No one will care how you look. We’re all just happy to have you safe.”

She nodded and Fitz called out to invite him in. Ash smiled when he saw her eyes open.

“I’m so glad to see you awake, and that small smile on your lips has made my whole morning.”

“I understand you brought an entire battalion to my rescue.”

“I only did what was necessary.”

“Well, thank you. I will be eternally grateful.”

Ash shrugged it off, as he always did. He didn’t like people thanking him or reminding him he was a good man. “The others will want to see you too, when you’re feeling up to it.”

She looked under the blanket to see if she was still wearing the same gown. “I’m not really dressed for company.”

“There’s a clean gown and wrapper in the armoire when you’re ready to get out of bed.”

“I’m ready.”

Ash’s smile was filled with pride as he nodded. “We’re all just sitting down to eat breakfast. If you’re feeling up to it, we’d love for you to join us. If not, I’ll have a tray sent up for you.”

“I’ll come down.” She didn’t want to stay cooped up in a bedroom.

“Are you sure you’re feeling up to that?” Fitz asked after Ash was gone.

“Yes. I may be a little slow, but it will be nice to move around and see some friendly faces.”

He pressed his lips to hers in a brief kiss before climbing out of bed and pulling the clothes from the armoire. He turned the blankets down and helped her to stand.

“Lift your arms.”