The interior was decorated in soft earthtones with double-wide beige seats and couches made from the finestItalian leather and slick mahogany tables and sideboards. Thetechnology provided touch-screen capability to control the cabin’stemperature, lighting, window shades and varied entertainmentoptions.
Huge oval-shaped windows were positionedhigher on the fuselage to offer a panoramic view of the outside.Allison pushed a button embedded in the top right side of a longcabinet, that separated the cabin from the galley.
Jessica watched as a huge flat screen rosefrom inside the cabinet and slowly shook her head in amazement.
She settled into one of the wide single seatsmid-way down the aisle and buckled herself in. She could hearAllison inform the Captain they were clear for takeoff. The enginesimmediately revved. The wheels slowly rolled the jet back out ofits ramp, maneuvering onto the taxiway, and they were third in linefor takeoff.
She felt as though a thousand pounds had beenlifted from her shoulders. She got away, she smiled triumphantly.She was finally free. Despite the euphoria she felt accomplishingthe feat, she still could not help, but feel remorse for her partin Richard’s death. It bothered her terribly, regardless of theabuse and humiliation she was forced to endure. She knew heractions were justified. She knew she was a decent person. She knewshe tried with all her might to salvage her marriage and begRichard to get help.
But, she also knew in her heart, that Richardwould have killed her that night, if she had not defended herself.Her eyes filled with tears, as she reflected on all the painfulmemories that would hold her hostage for quite some time. And thegreatest loss most of all, was the child Richard took from her.
Her hand absently reached for hermid-section, as she gazed mindlessly out the window and slowlymassaged the area, that once cocooned the babe she lost almost sixmonths ago. There was nothing she could do then, despite herefforts to shield herself and safeguard the baby from his brutalattack. Tears streamed from her eyes, as she remembered the anguishand pain she bore and would haunt her for the rest of her life.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTERFOUR
The moment the wheels touched down on therunway, Jessica felt safe for the first time in what seemedforever. She could not wait to see her Aunt and get on with her newlife. Once the plane neared its private hangar, she released theseat belt and noticed a shiny, black town car was parked to theside. Her Aunt’s chauffeur, Martin, exited the car and opened theback door. Jessica’s eyes filled with tears, when her Aunt exitedthe vehicle and turned her gaze toward the plane.
Her Aunt’s broad smile sent a feeling ofcalmness to wash over her, and Jessica waved excitedly from thewindow. The hostess, Allison, let Jessica know she was clear todisembark the plane and Jessica popped out of her seat quickly.Patiently, she waited for Allison to unlock the cabin door. Jessicathanked the captain and hostess graciously, stepped over thethreshold, and immediately descended the steps.
She watched as her Aunt walked brisklyforward to greet her, and Jessica quickened her steps to close thegap between them. It was an emotional reunion, as they both brokeinto tears and wrapped their arms tightly about each other, plyingeach other’s cheeks with tender kisses, and speaking words ofendearment.
Her Aunt held her at arm’s length and lookedher over with a critical eye.
“You look ghastly, dear. Whatever have theydone to you?” Her Aunt looked behind her and her gaze was puzzled.“No luggage?”
Jessica shook her head. “No, none … just whatyou see here,” she lifted the purse from her shoulder and pointedto her clothing. “I was being watched and had to move quickly.”
Florence sent her a look that made hergulp.
“Did he threaten you, that bastard?”
Jessica sighed deeply. “That, and more.” Shelooped her arm through her Aunt’s and directed her toward the towncar. “I’ll fill you in on the way, okay?”
She focused her attention on Martin andextended her hand in greeting.
“Hello, Martin. It’s good to see youagain.”
He was ever-so gracious as he bowedrespectfully, before taking her hand tenderly between his big,brawny ones, speaking softly.
“Tis very good to see you too, Miss Jessie,and welcome home. It’ll be a pleasure serving you once again.”
A tender smile crossed her lips as shereplied. “Martin, you’re a dear and the feeling is mutual I assureyou. Will you go riding with me again?” She winked playfully. Sheknew from his reaction that her question pleased him. “I’m serious,Martin. I won’t ride with anyone, but you.”
There was a sentimental softness that shonein his eyes, as he smiled warmly and planted a fatherly kiss uponher brow. “I’m touched and would love nothing more.” He steppedtoward the back door and opened it for them to enter, closed it,when they were both seated comfortably inside, and moved to thedriver side, entering.
Just as the town car pulled away, her Auntturned to her with a look of determination planted upon her face.Jessica knew what she was going to ask before the words slippedfrom her Aunt’s lips. She knew that Florence would be livid, butfor her own safety, Jessica knew it would not be wise to holdanything back. She lifted her hand to forestall her Aunt’s wordsand inhaled deeply before she began to tell her about Hal and hisoffer.
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“He what?” Her Aunt bellowed. “How dare heimply that you … that a Rochelle take to his bed like a paid whore!Did he touch you … force you? You must tell me, Jessica.”
Jessica shook her head in the negative, andher Aunt continued her rave.
“His day will come, dear. That, I promiseyou. He will sorely pay. But, we will have that conversation someother time. I’m sure you must be famished and can’t wait to soak ina nice hot bath.”
“Yes, I am and would love nothing more,” shereplied.
