18
Victoria
I knocked on the door excitedly. I missed hanging out with Kelly, and I was sure she'd be happy to hear the good news. When she opened the door, her eyes grew wide. A smile spread on her face as she reached out and hugged me tightly.
"What happened to you?" Kelly sobbed. "Where have you been?"
"I'll explain everything. Can you please let go before I drop Antonio?"
Kelly immediately let go and looked down at the carrier.
"Oh my goodness, he's gotten so big! Come inside!"
"Thanks."
I stepped into Kelly's apartment and sat on the couch. I unbuckled Antonio and put him on my lap.
"Would you like something to drink?"
"I'll have water."
As Kelly stepped out of the living room, I took out a pack of animal crackers for Antonio.
"I was so worried!" Kelly said as she handed me a bottle of water. "I went to your apartment every day and called you. What happened to you?"
I took a deep breath and said, "well, Antonio's father found us."
"WHAT? How?"
"His cousin spotted us and told him."
"So then, what happened?"
"He was furious, as expected. In the middle of the night, he broke in. He held a gun up and told me to pack up my things. Then he took us back to his house in Nevada."
"Why didn't you try fighting him?"
"He had Antonio in his arms. He must've snuck in through a window and made his way to Antonio's room."
"Oh, shit."
"Yeah."
"What happened? Did he hurt you again?"
I couldn't speak as memories flooded my mind. I had already relived them as I told everything to the police and testified in court; I didn't want to go through that again, so I decided to be blunt with Kelly.
"Yeah. I ended up in the hospital several times. However, the doctors took notes and pieced together that I was being abused, and they talked me into pressing charges."
"What was the result of that?"
"He was charged with domestic battery, rape, unlawful possession, and risk of bodily injury and sentenced to twenty years in prison. He'll be eligible for parole after fifteen years with good behavior."
"Rape?" Kelly asked worriedly.
Unable to make eye contact, I nodded.
Kelly reached over and gave me a hug.
"I'm so sorry."
"I'm okay now." I pulled away from the hug and smiled.
"So, how have you been?" I asked.
"Aside from worried about you, I've been good; I've mostly been working. I tried filing a missing person's report, but the police wouldn't help me."
"Yeah, Antonio's father probably has ties to the police. As wealthy as he is, I wouldn't be surprised if he owned the police."
"Does anybody else know what he did to you?"
"Not really. His family and friends met Antonio, but I doubt they knew we were kidnapped."
"How did meeting everyone go?"
"It went great. Everyone loved Antonio; I almost felt bad for staying away. However, they're all pissed at me for keeping Antonio away from them. I can't imagine how they feel now that Michael is behind bars."
"Do you think they'll come after you?"
"Maybe, but I want to take everything one step at a time. I want to spend time with my son and move on with life. We're already settled in a new apartment, and I have a job working at a hospital."
"Wow. Good for you."
"Thanks," I smiled.
"What will you do when Antonio's father gets out of prison in twenty years?"
"I don't know. I guess I'll have to figure something out."
As if on cue, my phone began to ring. I checked and saw that it was detective Voight.
"I need to take this."
"Of course," Kelly took Antonio in her lap, and I walked out of the room.
"Hello, detective," I shakily said.
"Victoria, I have some news regarding Michael."
"What is it?"
"Michael killed two people."
"What?" I was shocked.
"He got a hold of a piece of glass and slit the throats of two officers while trying to escape."
"What happens now?"
"Well, there were multiple witnesses, and they all testified against him. He'll be serving life in prison with no chance of parole."
I let out a sigh of relief. Yes, I felt terrible for the families of the two officers Michael killed, but Antonio and I would be safe.
"Thank you for letting me know."
"Take care, Victoria," detective Voight said." If you ever need anything, just give me a call."
"Thank you."
I hung up the phone, walked back to the living room, and slumped on the couch.
"What happened?" Kelly asked.
"Antonio's father just got life in prison."
"How?"
"He killed two people."
"That's unfortunate but good too. He won't be able to hurt you or anyone else again."
"Yeah."
Kelly and I remained quiet, neither of us knowing what to say. For several minutes, all that could be heard was Antonio's babbling.
"Do you think he's going to give you a hard time regarding Antonio?" Kelly broke the silence.
"No. The judge took away all legal rights, and he's not allowed to see Antonio while he's a minor."
"What about his family?"
"I don't know; I don't think they have any rights to see Antonio since his father's rights were taken away."
"They're still his family, though, and they might try to take you to court."
"Well, his mother slapped me, and the rest of his family practically ambushed me; there's a reliable witness to that who already testified against Michael. I'm sure he won't hesitate to testify again."
"In that case, I think you're good."
"Yeah, hopefully."
Michael
I was sitting alone in my cell. Since I killed two officers, I was placed in solitary confinement. I would probably remain here if my behavior didn't change. I laughed to myself. I'm sure the detectives told Victoria; she probably thought she would never see me again. She couldn't be more wrong. Victoria and I would be reunited soon, and she would face the consequences of betraying me.
