“No, Mommy! Make them stop. I wanna go home. Take me home, Mommy.”
Lily’s purpose over the last six years was keeping her child safe. But she accepted that she was powerless right now. This exam had to be done. There was no medical care in Rick’s world. No vaccinations. No annual checkups. The only preventive measures Lily had for keeping Sky well were daily prayers. But this was the real world now, a world where children needed medical attention. Not only that, but Lily wanted confirmation that Sky was healthy—or as healthy as a child raised in captivity could possibly be. She endured Sky’s wails and pleas to stop, knowing this was in her best interests.
“It’s okay. It’ll all be over soon. Be Mommy’s brave little girl.”
When the doctors finished with the poking and prodding, Lily and Sky were relocated to a private room in the back wing of the hospital. VIPs, her mother always called patients who stayed there. Police officers were promptly stationed at the entrance. “A security precaution,” one of the nurses said reassuringly when Lily inquired about it. She figured it was better safe than sorry where Rick was concerned.
The nurses delivered warm bowls of vegetable soup and toast. Sky was starving and she devoured the food, her tears finally beginning to subside. After they ate, Lily curled up in bed with Sky, the two of them wrapped in warm blankets, and Sky finally drifted off to sleep.
An IV dripped fluid into both their arms, medications to treat their dehydration, lack of vitamin D, and all the other nutrients they’d been denied. Lily was dozing when Mom and Sheriff Rogers returned. She sat up, careful not to wake Sky.
“How’s Abby?” Lily asked her mom.
“She’s asking about you. She’s worried you’re mad at her.”
“That’s crazy. I’m not… Why would I be mad at her?”
Lily didn’t understand. She found Dr. Amari lingering at the entrance of the room. Lily surveyed the empty spare bed in the room and then looked at the doctor.
“Dr. Amari, is there any way Abby can stay in here with me? We both need… we need to be together.”
“If I consent to that, it’s important that you both rest.”
“Absolutely. You have my word.”
“I’ll make the arrangements with the nurses. And, Sheriff, I know you have questions, but if you can keep this visit short, I would appreciate it.”
“I won’t be long,” he said. Dr. Amari left, leaving Lily alone with Mom and Sheriff Rogers. He cleared his throat, shifting from side to side.
“Lily, your statement can wait until the morning, but it’s important that we find the location where Rick held you and Sky. We’ve asked Hanson, but he’s not talking. If you can remember any details at all…?”
Lily recalled the route—her route to freedom—in vivid detail. Each step, each twist and turn, was seared into her brain.
“There’s a cabin off Highway 12. It doubles as his office. He tells his wife he goes to write. He kept us underground… in a basement. There’s a door in the back of the cabin that leads downstairs. His wife probably knows where the cabin is located, but if you have a pen, I can draw you a map.”
Sheriff Rogers pulled out his notebook and a pen from his front jacket pocket. Lily’s hand shook as she carefully drew the map. She handed it back to him.
“Has Rick…? Did he say anything?”
“Not a word. But don’t worry. He’s not going anywhere. You and Sky are safe now. You have my word. Get some rest, and I’ll see you first thing tomorrow.”
“Thank you again.”
Sheriff Rogers gazed at Lily, clutching his hat in his hands.
“We worked like hell to find you all those years ago. I’m sorry we failed you, but I’m so damn glad you’re here. That you’re alive. Today is one helluva good day.”
Lily gave him a big smile.
“It’s better than that, Sheriff. It’s spectacular.”
Lily heard her mom half sob, half laugh, no doubt remembering her girls and their game. Startled, Sheriff Rogers moved closer to Mom.
“Eve, are you okay? Did I say something?”
She shook her head, squeezing his hand.
“It’s okay. We’re okay now.”
It seemed like he wanted to say something else, but he just tipped his hat and headed out. Eve wiped away her tears, hovering over Lily.
“I really need to get it together, don’t I?”
“You’re fine, Mom. But can you check and see when they’re moving Abby?”
Mom relented, apparently sensing Lily’s concern.
“Okay. But if you need anything, you’ll have the nurses text me?” Mom said, still nervously hovering at the door.