Dolby(42)
Author: Maryann Jordan
Tudora had managed to send a wide-eyed, scared look toward Marcia, but she didn’t know how to interpret what was happening. Simply mumbling her thanks, she watched as Tudora was sent out of the room. The man stayed and stared at her for a long moment, and Marcia could feel the sweat forming underneath her clothes. She couldn’t tell if he was divining that she was not Angela or if he was simply trying to offer a threatening tone. Standing perfectly still with her hands clasped in front of her hoping to imply her acquiescence, he finally turned and closed her door, locking her in.
She released a long breath as her body shook, not having realized she could barely breathe while in his presence. Pitar and Tudora had been a shock to get used to, but she had become familiar with them. Now she felt as though her situation had changed again, and definitely not for the better. The tremors rocked throughout her, and fear slithered along her heightened nerves.
Her legs gave out, and she plopped onto the mattress, then looked down at the meal. Trying to settle her stomach, she’d eaten quickly but remained ill at ease for the rest of the afternoon. So close, but no way to escape.
Now, as she waited for the evening meal to be delivered, her stomach clenched as she wondered what would be presented to her. The knock came, followed by the door opening. Once again, the harsh man stood back, allowing Tudora to enter. This time, Tudora was visibly shaken, and Marcia could only imagine what was happening to the young woman—her brother was missing, and this new escort appeared volatile. It struck Marcia that while she was undoubtedly a prisoner, perhaps Tudora was also not on board of her own accord. At least the man moved back toward the hall to speak to someone.
While she pressed her lips together, the two women stared at each other, neither speaking. Then Tudora’s gaze dropped to the tray in her hand, barely lifting the cover. Surprised, Marcia glanced down to see something nestled next to the vegetables on the plate. “Wh—”
Tudora whimpered, giving an almost imperceptible shake of her head.
Marcia took the tray in her hands and peered closer. A gasp left her lips at the sight of a dove figurine. One of her doves. The one she’d had at Angela’s house. Oh God! As quick as a flash, she knew where it came from… Jonathan!
Unable to keep her lips from curving, she moved to where only Tudora could see her smile. Tudora’s expression morphed from confusion to wide-eyed surprise. Then her lips curved slightly as well.
“Pitar?” Marcia whispered.
Tudora’s face fell. “Hawaii. Was made to leave ship. We weren’t supposed to let you walk outside.”
She winced, hating that Tudora was separated from her brother having assumed he’d given his sister some protection.
“What are you waiting on?” the man barked, causing Tudora to jump.
“Thank you,” Marcia whispered, watching as Tudora nodded, then turned to hurry out of the room. This time, when the door shut and locked, Marcia was giddy with anticipation. She dropped to the floor, not even bothering to make it over to the bed. Plopping the tray on her lap, she lifted the plate cover again, and the figurine was there, assuring that she hadn’t imagined it.
Carefully lifting the carving, she cradled it in her hands. The dove. One of my doves. A sign of encouragement and hope from a loved one who has passed. Oh, Marty… Jonathan has to be here… somewhere on this ship! For the first time since she’d been attacked in Angela’s house, she felt a sense of hope that she’d be saved. She couldn’t imagine how Jonathan had gotten on board or where he was, but she didn’t care. Just knowing he was close was enough to make her almost giddy as renewed energy flowed through her veins.
Suddenly, a fat tear rolled down her cheek. Giving in to the emotions that rocked her as she hugged the figurine to her chest, she allowed the tears to fall, then swiped them away. Eating quickly, she wanted to be prepared for anything. She had no idea what he planned for her rescue but was determined to be an asset, not a liability. Oh, Marty. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to get out of this.
She paced back and forth, occasionally peering out the corner of her window to see the darkness of the night creep onward. She had no idea what the crew normally did but felt sure that Jonathan would want to approach her at a time when the risk was low. As the minutes ticked by, her imagination began to take over. Is it him? Is there someone else? Will anything happen on the ship? Maybe, I have to wait until—
The doorknob jiggled, the sound reverberating in the small space sounding much louder than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat before it began a staccato pattern threatening to leap from her chest. The door swung open, and she winced at the light behind the large silhouetted figure filling the space. And then it spoke. “Marcia.”
She’d dreamed of the moment she might see him again, but the reality was far more intense than her imaginings. His dark shirt stretched tightly over his torso, his bulky arms barely contained in the sleeves. Dark pants gave evidence to his powerful thighs. And his eyes not wavering from hers.
“You’re here,” she whispered, afraid he was an apparition that might disappear.
“I’m here, babe.”
Her eyes squeezed shut as her face scrunched, tears leaking down her cheeks. Her legs gave out from under her, and she began to crumple to the floor, unable to speak, much less stand.
But before she could drop to her knees, strong arms banded around her body, pulling her tightly against a broad chest. She felt lips against her forehead and then was shuffled along with him as the door closed, shrouding them in darkness. But this time, she wasn’t afraid.
“I’ve got you, Marcia. It’s going to be okay. I’ve got you now.”
She continued to cry as he held her, giving in to the emotions while he offered soothing words.
“I’m going to take care of you. We’re going to get out of here.”
“H… how? Wh… when?”
“Shh,” he whispered, rubbing her back. “As soon as we get to the next stop tomorrow. But I’ll be close and can keep an eye on you. I won’t let anything happen, I promise.”
She felt her body shifting again and, this time, found herself sitting on his lap as they both reclined on the mattress. His arms had not loosened his embrace, and she kept her face nestled under his chin, pressed to his chest. As the tears finally subsided, she leaned back and wished for the room to be bathed in light so that she could see his face more clearly.
It took several minutes for her eyes to adjust, and as they did, his features came into focus. The same thick muscles she remembered. The same square jaw she’d cupped with her hands. The same lips she’d kissed. But unlike before, she could now feel the tension in his muscles and anger radiating from him, but she had no idea what to do to alleviate his stress. So she did exactly what she’d dreamed of.