“How long did you think it would take me to realize you weren’t taking me to Abby?” Jay asked coldly. Judy’s heart dropped into her stomach as she realized time was running out. “I am taking you to Abby.” Judy tried to sound convincing but she didn’t even convince herself. “If you do not take me to her right away I am going to kill you.” Jay threatened. Judy turned the truck around and hoped she had given them enough time to move Abby to a safer location.
Misty answered the phone around midnight. Both women had been huddled on the couch waiting for an update. “You have to get Abby out of there. Judy is being forced to reveal Abby’s location. She is now about thirty miles from you. Both of you get out of there now.” It was Nick speaking calling from his cell phone this time. “Where are we supposed to go?” Misty asked nervously. “Go to a hotel and check in under your name. Call back and let me know where you but don’t call anyone else. We will send an officer out to guard the room.” Nick commanded.
In a last attempt Judy took the longest route possible to Abby’s college roommate’s home desperately trying to buy more time. “Why are you doing this?” She finally asked timidly. “Abby’s mine and I don’t plan on ever letting her go even if I have to kill her to secure it.” Jay said callously. “You don’t love Abby anymore. You just don’t want to release the control you have over her.” Judy watched Jay’s knuckles turn white as he clenched his fist. Judy expected him to shot her on the spot and braced herself. “Pull over right here.” Jay demanded calmly. When the truck had rolled to a stop Jay placed the gun against Judy’s head. “If you value your life you will be careful what you say.” He threatened. “I want you to tell me where Abby is. Give me the address.” Shaking Judy tried to remember the address but her mind was blank. “I really don’t remember. I just remember the way to get there.”
“Who is she staying with?” Jay yelled pressing the gun tighter to her head.
“Misty Daniels.” Judy said trembling. “Her college roommate.”
“Get out of the truck.” Jay demanded. When Judy had climbed out Jay scooted over under the wheel. For the second time Judy braced for a shot but the only sound she heard was of the truck’s wheels peeling out of the gravel back to the road. Opening her eyes she watched the truck speeding away leaving dust in its wake. An unmarked police car pulled up beside her and Gary rolled down his window. “Are you okay?” He asked concerned. “Yeah I’m fine but I came really close to being shot.” Judy admitted.
Jay finally stopped at a service station to fill up. After he paid for the gas Jay found the tattered phone book near the pay phone outside the store. He paged through until he came to the section he sought. Running his finger down the page he located a listing for Lucas and Misty Daniels. Noting the address he closed the book and climbed back into his truck. He was going to take care of Abby once and for all tonight. “I just hope she is ready for my visit.” He said to himself as he pulled back on to the road.
A knock at the door made both women jump. The police had called to say they were sending out an armed guard to stand outside the door of the hotel room. “He must be here.” Abby said regaining her composure. Crossing the room she opened the door, and nearly fainted. Jay stood outside the door his gun drawn. “Hello Abby.” He said sinisterly. Abby’s blood ran cold as she stood just inside the hotel room. “May I come in?” Jay asked stepping over the threshold. “Did you really think you would outsmart me?” he said. “I thought you knew by now I will always find you no matter where you go and what you do to hide from me. You are mine Abby and I intend to make sure you stay mine.” He said pointing the gun at her chest. “They are going to catch you even if you kill me. You are going to get caught and pay for all you have done.” Abby said through her teeth. “What makes you so confident? I have ways of disappearing you would never think of. After I kill you I will just move to another state and start a whole new life for myself. I might even find a wife who would be faithful and love me like you never did.” He responded.
Misty had been stepped into the bathroom as Abby was opening the door and when she heard Jay’s voice had sank onto the cold tile floor. “I’ve got to do something.” She said to herself as she listened to the conversation just on the other side of the door. Glancing around the small room she searched for anything which might help her. Finding nothing Misty lay her head down on her knees and began to pray.
“If you kill me now you will be murdering an innocent child who has never done anything to you. Do you really want innocent blood on your hands.” Abby asked pleadingly. Jay paused as if weighing Abby’s words. In the split second he was distracted Abby lunged from the bed and grabbed Jay’s wrist. Struggling they fell to the ground. Abby watched in horror as the gun went slid across the carpet and stopped just out of her reach. Jay’s hands closed in around her neck and Abby fought to stay conscious. As the blackness closed in around her Abby heard a shot fired.
Abby awoke in the cool night air and began to shiver. She felt someone pull a blanket up over her arms and turned her head to see her rescuer. Tears came to her eyes when she saw Gary standing beside the stretcher. She tried to speak but the oxygen mask got in her way and she reached up to remove it. “No, don’t take it off, baby.” Gary said as he gently pulled her hand back down. Abby struggled to talk but Gary tried to soothe her. “ We can talk later. You just rest right now.” He said. Sleep started claiming her again and Abby didn’t fight it at all. She barely even noticed when the stretcher was loaded into the ambulance.
Abby awoke in the hospital. Monitors beeped and she could hear people bustling out in the hall. Gary slept in the vinyl recliner and Abby watched him for several moments before sleep claimed her again. The next time she awoke the sun was shining brightly. Gary was not in the room. The door opened a few minutes later and Gary walked in carrying a cup of coffee. There were dark circles under his eyes. Abby could tell the past week had taken its toll on him. The lack of sleep from the night before did not help at all. “You’re awake.” He said his voice rough from exhaustion. “How did you sleep last night?” he asked sitting down on the edge of the bed. “What happened to Jay?” Abby asked avoiding the question. Nightmares had woke her during the night but she did not want to add extra worry to Gary’s mind. “Misty shot him in the shoulder which saved your life. He escaped from the hotel room but was unable to move fast because of the injury and we caught him not even a mile away. He is in jail now.” Gary told her gently. “What about the baby?” Abby asked concerned. “Surprisingly, everything the baby is fine. The commotion from yesterday did not even seem to bother her at all. They did a sonogram yesterday when they brought you in. This baby has nerves of steel I think.” Gary said chuckling. Relief washed over Abby when she heard Gary chuckle and she relaxed against the pillows again. It had been a while since either of them had been able to relax enough to be able to laugh.
“It’s almost time to push.” Doctor Garrison said brightly. “You are doing so good Abby.” Gary encouraged. “It won’t be long now and we will get to meet little Grace.” Abby had found out she was having a little girl and they decided to name her Grace. Abby now realized how God did love her and always wanted the best for her. Since Jay had been caught and put away Abby had been able to enjoy the freedom like never before. In the months since the show down in the hotel room she had gotten back into work and had been anxiously anticipating of this day. She was looking forward to their family starting. “Are you ready Abby? I think this little girl is ready to come into the world.” Abby nodded and took a deep breath and tried to focus past the pain. A few minutes Abby heard her baby cry for the first time as she was placed into her arms. Gary leaned in close trying to get see his daughter. “Isn’t she beautiful?” He asked tears running down his cheeks. “Hi Grace. I’m your mommy and I am so happy you are finally here.” Abby said choking on your own tears.
“She is so adorable.” Kim crooned as she peered at the tiny person in Abby’s arms. “What is her name? Nick asked quietly. “We decided to name her Grace, it means the love and favor of God to Man.” Abby answered. “It’s perfect. Just like she is.” Kim answered. “Would either of you like to hold her?” Abby asked. “You know I do.” Kim returned. Kim sat down in the nearby recliner and Gary brought Grace and placed her in Kim’s arms. “I can’t wait until I can have one of my own.” Kim said quietly watching Grace sleep. “It would be nice. Wouldn’t it?” Nick said leaning in to get a better look. Abby leaned back against the pillows speechless. Gary was the first one to break the silence. “Is there something you two forgot to tell us?” Gary questioned. Kim and Nick stared at each other for a moment. “I guess we did forget to tell them.” Nick finally admitted. “I’m sorry Abby. I guess in the rush of the past few days I just forgot to tell you.” Kim apologized. “I proposed on Thursday night and Kim accepted.” Nick said awkwardly. Gently passing the baby to Nick Kim came back to the bed. Extending her hand Kim showed off the diamond engagement ring on her finger. Reaching up Abby pulled Kim into a hug. “I am so happy for you.” She cried. “I’m sorry I forgot to tell you.” Kim said ashamed. “It’s okay. I haven’t been the easiest person to get a hold of the past few weeks.” Abby said honestly. An hour later Kim and Nick excused themselves promising to come back the next day. Abby and Gary suddenly found themselves alone for the first time with Grace who was sleeping peacefully in her crib next to Abby’s bed.
Abby leaned over to look at the sleeping infant. “She has your hair and eyes.” Gary said quietly. “But she has your nose and chin.” Abby returned. Grace was petite just like her mother. She barely weighted six pounds even though Grace arrived right on her due date.
“We’re home.” Abby crooned to Grace as she walked through the front door of their apartment. “And it is great having you home.” Gary said as he walked past Abby carrying a suitcase to the bedroom. Abby carried a sleeping Grace into the nursery and place her gently in the crib. Stepping back she watched the sleeping baby for a few minutes before returning to the living room. “I can’t believe she is finally here” Abby said sitting down next to Gary on the couch. “We waited so long for Grace and now she is at home with us.” Gary said. “I know at first I wasn’t excited about having a baby but now I am very happy she is here.” Abby admitted. “God always know what he is doing and I think both of us have learned our lesson well.” Gary said quietly. The couple shared a quiet moment, which they had not enjoyed since before Grace had been born.
“How is everything going?” Kim asked during a phone call several days later. “I never seem to talk to you anymore.”
“I’m just to tired all the time now. Grace doesn’t sleep much at night and she keeps me hoping during the day.” Abby said wearily. “Nick and I set our wedding date.” Kim said. “March twenty third.”
“I know I have said this before but I am so happy for you. Nick is a great guy and he really deserves you.” Abby said honestly. “I was wondering if you would be my maid of honor.” Kim said hesitantly. “I would love to. I am so touched you would ask.” Abby said. Especially since I have been so distant over the past month.”
“I understand. You have a lot on you right now. I am not upset at all. To tell the truth I have been pretty busy myself.” Kim admitted. “I haven’t been there for you either.” A comfortable silence followed since nothing more had to be said. After a few more minutes of conversation Abby had to excuse her self to talk care of Grace who had woke up from her nap and was crying loudly from her crib. “I will just catch up with you later.” Kim said before hanging up the phone.
Gary could not believe what he was hearing. The announcement over the radio said three prisoners had overpowered a guard and escaped from the county lock down. It was soon discovered Jay had been among the group. Gary’s blood ran cold when he realized where Jay was headed. Scrambling for his phone Gary frantically dialed the apartment’s number. The phone rang four times before Abby finally picked up. “Abby I hate to tell you this but Jay escaped this morning. You and Grace need to get out of the apartment. Go somewhere safe. I would come home and stay with you but there is no way I can leave right now. Why don’t you go stay with Kim? I will call you when things are safe again.” Gary said quickly. “Hold on for a second.” Abby said quietly. “Someone is at the door.” Gary waited as Abby went to the door and opened it. What he heard made his heart stop. “Hello Abby. Didn’t think you would see me again did you?” Jay said coldly.
Abby froze when she saw Jay standing outside the apartment. As he shoved past her into the living room Abby prayed Grace would stay asleep. If he knew she was there Jay would kill her. Abby tried to seem calm as she slowly walked over to the couch and sat down. “What do you want from me Jay?” She asked. “I’m tired of playing games Abby. Since I can’t control you anymore I want you dead. You were suppose to be mine but you cheated and lied to me and now I have no choice but to kill you.” He said grimly.
Jay leveled the gun at her chest. Abby closed her eyes and held her breath. Gary’s face appeared in her mind. She though of everything she would be missing out on. Not growing old with him, having more children. Next she thought of Grace, who was sleeping in her crib. She would never get to see her grow up, learn to walk and hear her first words. A shot rang out and Abby heard Grace wailing in her crib. Officers swarmed the apartment. Abby opened her eyes to find Jay laying on the floor in front of her the gun lay several feet away. Gary rushed in concern clearly showing in his face. Relief flooded Abby’s emotions when she realized years of living in fear and looking over her shoulder was at an end. Jay would never again stalk her or control her life.
An officer brought Grace to Abby and she cuddled the infant close. Soon her wailing ceased and she fell asleep on Abby’s shoulder. Paramedics rushed in. One of them knelt down beside Jay and checked his pulse. Glancing up at the anxious officer he shook his head negatively. A stretcher was brought in and the lifeless body placed on it and covered with a sheet. Once the stretcher was loaded the ambulance drove out of sight.
Abby sat on the couch holding Grace who was still asleep. Gary sat close beside her unwilling to leave her for any reason. “Are you sure you don’t need to go to the hospital?” A paramedic knelt in front of her checking her pulse. Abby sighed quickly growing tired of the question. “He didn’t even lay a finger on me. I am fine.” She answered. “Honey maybe you should let them take you to the hospital just to get checked out.” Gary tried to persuade her while laying a hand on her arm gently. Jerking away Abby held Grace even tighter. “No!” She yelled in return. “I don’t want to go to the hospital. I just want to be left alone with my baby and if you can’t understand you can just leave me alone too.” Abby said beginning to cry. “I wasn’t trying to force you to do anything.” Gary said going to his wife. “I’m just worried you might be hurt and aren’t even aware of it but if going to the hospital upsets you so much we will just forget about it.” He said quietly. “It does.” She said simply.
