Page 15 of Jase

“No. He’s not allowed to.”

The weight of a million worlds took over my limbs. My lids grew even heavier, and all I wanted to do was forget everything. I didn’t want to feel this terror anymore. I didn’t want to keep getting the flares of pain.

“There we go.” The doctor adjusted the new gown while the nurse took away the soiled linens. The new blanket was pulled up and Dr. Landers checked me again, lifting the top half of her body back to stand when she finished. “You should feel better now. Close your eyes and sleep. Everything’s going to be okay.”

But she didn’t know that, and neither did I.

****

Beep.

Beep.

“I’m afraid episodes like the one she had earlier are common in people who’ve experienced traumatic situations. It’s going to take time. With help and friends like you by her side, she should make a full recovery.”

Beep.

Light. Bright light. Spotlight? Was I back on the table?

“Kody…Kody…It’s going to be okay now. No one will ever hurt you again. I promise. I’m going to keep you safe. Kody, look at me.”

“Kody?”

The deep voice vanished as my eyes flew open. I wasn’t outside the store anymore. Tiffany was standing at the side of my bed, her purse hanging from her shoulder. She was still wearing the same white dress with red and blue flowers. Was it the same day?

“Kody, honey, I have to go. Visiting hours are over. You’ve been asleep for quite a while. I’ll be back first thing in the morning. Is there anything you want me to bring you?”

“I…” Clearing my throat, I shook my head. “I don’t know. Clothes, maybe?”

“You got it. I’ll bring your favorite, muffins and coffee. How does that sound?”

Memories…They played again, blinding me as David bumped into me as I left Joe’s. I’d been getting coffee when I first saw him. That had been the day he took me. I wouldn’t have even remembered had he not winked as he apologized. It was so out of place that it stuck with me.

“Coffee would be good. Thanks, Tiff.”

“I love you, girl.” She leaned over, giving me a hug. “If you need anything, call me. I don’t care what time it is. I’ll be back in a heartbeat. Those nurses will just have to fight me off.” She laughed, but sobered. “Promise me.”

I promise. I promise.That deep voice. It kept coming back, repeating in my head.

“I promise. I’ll call.”

“Good. I’ll be back before you know it.”

She walked for the door, and I gave a weak wave as she headed out and shut it behind her. For minutes I stared up at my ceiling. What I saw wasn’t large, white tiles. I saw stone. I saw dark, hidden crevices between those large rocks. It was cold. My teeth were chattering, and I hurt.

I jumped as knocking sounded throughout the room. I turned to the door, watching it open.

“Kody Marshall?” Two men in suits entered, triggering a blur in my mind. I’d seen them before.Today?Yesterday?One was on the shorter side. He couldn’t have been an inch or two taller than my five-foot-five-inch-frame. The other was six feet at best. They were both in their thirties, but by how much, I wasn’t sure.

I sat up as they approached.

“You look better.” The shorter one took the lead, stepping forward. “I’m Detective Adame, and this is my partner, Detective Mallory. Do you remember us?”

“I think so.” I reached for the water, taking a drink. “Yes, a little. It’s foggy.”

“That’s understandable. If you can, we’d like you to walk us back through what you remember.”

I nodded. “David. His name was David.”