Page 6 of Caged

The man hurried out of the house to his porch and rambled off Larry's license plate to whoever was on the phone. He then glanced back at Danny and spoke into the phone. "Thin, but I don't see any physical injuries. Maybe some light bruising."

"The boys are hurt." Danny choked out. "He beat them last night. Raped them."

The man's features tightened as he repeated the news to whoever was on the phone. He looked at Danny. "Only two boys?"

Danny nodded. "In the basement. He keeps them there. The keys are hidden. I know where they are."

"Okay, take a deep breath. The police are almost here. We'll let them know once they arrive." He took Danny's arm again. "Come sit down on the couch while we figure all of this out."

He didn't want to move from the window, but he couldn't resist the man's hold on his arm as he led him to the couch.

It seemed like as soon as they sat down, there was a police officer standing in the open doorway. The man went to him, discussing things in a soft voice Danny could hardly hear. A moment later, the police officer was standing beside Danny.

"You're Danny Gilbert?"

He nodded.

"You say you've been held in that house for years?"

"At least ten." Danny's voice was shaky as tears still fell. "The other boys are there. In the basement. The doors locked, but I know where the key is. I can help you—"

"Easy. I'm going to ask you to stay right here. We'll take care of things over there. Do you know how bad they're injured?"

Danny shook his head. "Larry wouldn't let me go to them. I wanted to help, but he said they needed to suffer."

"Where's this key, Danny?" The officer asked.

"Kitchen, top drawer by the fridge. Yellow keychain."

"Is there anyone else in the house? Any dogs? Anything that might be a danger?" The officer asked.

"No pets. No other people other than the boys. I can go get them now if you'll let me." Danny started to stand.

"No, we'll do it. Officers are over there now. How about you get a glass of water and calm down so you can tell us everything once we make sure the boys are safe?" The officer glanced at the man who'd saved him.

"Of course." The man quickly turned away and left the room.

"Let us make sure the house is cleared and the boys safe, then we'll come back and talk to you. Are you injured? Do you need medical care?"

Danny shook his head. "Just the boys. He raped them. Beat them last night."

The officer frowned but nodded. "We'll take care of them. Will you two be okay until we get back?"

Danny glanced up to see the man standing beside him again, a glass of water in his hand. "We'll be just fine." He set the water down on the coffee table.

"I'll be right back." The officer hurried off.

Through the doorway that was still wide open and the windows, Danny watched as the street filled up with police. "Did they get Larry?"

The man who saved him took a seat at the other side of the large couch. "The man who was chasing you?"

Danny nodded.

"I don't know. They have his license number and the make and model of the car. I'm sure he couldn't get far." The man nodded to the glass. "Take a drink."

"Thank you for not making me go back to him." Danny choked back another sob. "It was the first time he ever forgot to lock the door. I had to try to get away."

"You did good, Danny. You're safe now." The man moved a little closer. "I'm Marshall."