Committed (Book 2) (30 Days) (3 page)

COLIN
The three hour drive feels like an eternity. It gives me entirely too much time to think and overthink everything. Joe had graciously found out what Elle’s daily schedule was so that I would know when to expect her to be in her room. From his description I had a general idea where her window was but I still wasn't entirely sure which one to look for.
Runnin’ Out of Air
comes on the radio and I crank it up hoping music will help pass the time.
The lobby of the Marriott is bustling with activity as I approach the reception desk.
“Checking in?”
“Yes. Colin Wilder.” Her nails click on the keys of the keyboard as she pulls up my information and gets everything in order.
“Here’s your room key. Enjoy your stay Mr. Wilder.” She tells me after checking me in. I find the elevators, take one to the third floor and walk down the long corridor looking for my room.
The light turns green and clicks as I slide my card into the door lock. I push it open, enter and glance around at my new home for the next fourteen days thanks to Elle and her bag of cash. Tossing my duffle bags onto the bed I move to the window and stare at St. Francis Hospital a block away. Patients’ rooms light up the building and the skyline. It looks ominous and cold. Behind one of those windows is Elle.
I grab a quick bite to eat on my way to the hospital courtyard. It’s beginning to get chilly at night and the wind cuts through the buildings in the city like a knife. I pull my hat lower on my head until I find the courtyard bench Joe told me about. I pull out the poster Jenna labeled one and my flashlight. Counting up from the ground floor one level and three windows left I shine my light at the window I think is Elle’s and wait.
Just as I’m starting to feel like fool shining a flashlight in someone’s hospital room I see movement. Someone comes to the window. It’s hard to see through the bars and I find myself squinting to try and see if it’s Elle.
A hand presses to the glass and I can feel it in my soul, it’s her. I hold up my poster and shine the light on it. The room light turns off but there is a soft glow still behind her. In the dim lighting I can see her better. Tears trickle down her face as she keeps her palm pressed to the window. The sight of her nearly breaks my heart. She leans her face to the glass and blows making it fog up before drawing a heart in the fogged glass. I stand for what feels like hours as she stares directly into my soul. It’s perfect and not enough all at the same time.
I want nothing more than to hold her hand, wrap my arms around her or kiss her. When the light in her room comes on behind her she pulls her hand from the window and shoos me away. I watch shadows move in her room a moment longer before walking back to the hotel with a heart so swollen it might explode.
I fall onto the moderately comfortable bed feeling satisfied. Her eyes had lit up when recognition set in. I’d give anything to take away the sorrow hiding in her expression. I can't give her much right now but like Jenna said, I can give her hope and smiles and that’s what I intend to do.
I call Jenna and let her know that night one was a success. I have to hold the phone away from my ear as she squeals and demands details. I tell her what I think I know reminding her that I didn't get to
talk
to her so it’s just expressions that I’m going on. By the time Jenna and Ben are finished talking to me, the day has caught up with me and I’m beat. I click on the TV and hope something good is on to distract me until sleep finds me.

ELLE
When Rachel brought in the most stunning fire orange roses I was shocked. I’d pulled the card from the arrangement and as I read the floodgates opened spilling tears down my face. The card read;
Elle, One for every day we had. Twenty seven real and one fake ... I will love you until the last rose dies. Colin.
Sure enough there was one fake rose in the mix. Rachel had rubbed my back and told me I was so lucky to have something so romantic sent to me. My heart nearly burst with the affection, need and want I felt while staring at the flowers. At seven a strange glare at the window kept drawing my attention. Curiosity finally got the better of me and I walked to the window. Someone was shining a light in my window. I put my palm to the cold glass and leaned into the window staring out. Colin. He dropped the light to the sign he had in his hands and I switched the over light off leaving the bathroom light on to make it easier to see him.
IF YOU’RE CRAZY, I DON'T WANT TO BE SANE.
I can't stop the waterfall of tears that stream down my face as he stands there holding his sign trying to be near as possible right now. It means more than anything in the world. The glass barrier between us frustrates me but if this is the only way I can have him right now then I’ll take it. His smile as he gazes up at me is lopsided and gorgeous. It must be cold out because his jackets zipped and his hat is pulled low over her brow. He takes my breath away. I have nothing to write with. I can't communicate and it irritates me. I lean forward blowing hot air on the window. In the fog left behind I draw a heart with my finger and move left to see him again. His bright eyes and smile beam at me from the courtyard. I could stand here lost in his eyes all night.
The overhead light flickers to life making me jump. I wave Colin away and turn to find Manny at the door.
“Hey Ellebell.”
“Hey, you’re early.”
“Yeah, someone will be back with your sleeping pill at nine but I’m doling out everything else before I leave early.”
“Oh. Ok.” I sit on the bed and wait as Manny gets everything in order. We clink, I swallow, he checks my mouth and we say good night. I lay back on my bed, staring at the roses across the room. For the first time in weeks I feel comforted. He came for me. It’s shocking knowing that I put my faith in someone and then came through.

COLIN
The mixture of dread and joy I feel upon waking immediately sets me on edge. I feel restless. I hop out of bed, brush my teeth and shower. Unplugging my phone from the charger I notice I have a voicemail. My stomach clenches even though it could be good news or no news at all. I enter my code and wait for the message to start.
“Colin. Joe here. Ryan threatened Elle’s life. A nurse overheard and is willing to go on record backing Elle up. I’m free after lunch if you want to call.” I blow out a breath at the good and bad news. This should help Joe speed along the case and get her out but Ryan’s threat might mean it’s safer for her to stay where she is. I sit at the desk and fire up the laptop. I want to learn as much about Ryan Darling as I can.
After googling him and stalking him on Facebook I realize that unless I follow him around I’m not going to learn anything useful and give up. I head out to grab an early lunch and hopefully kill enough time before calling Joe back.
“Fill me in.”
“At her last meeting with Dr. Rand she took a stab in the dark and accused Ryan of paying him off if he kept her in the hospital. She said Dr. Rand was shaken up and apologizing up and down, so we have to assume that she hit the nail on the head. A day later Ryan stormed into her room and told her he’d put a bullet in her. Basically he said she can give him money or he can take it from her. The evening nurse heard the whole exchange. I have submitted everything to the judge. I’m hoping he will grant her release before the divorce trial.” He finishes sounding hopeful.
“When will you know?”
“He has all the information, we’re just waiting on him.” Joe informs me. I blow out a breath frustrated at being at the mercy of others yet again before I can see Elle.
“Alright well, just keep me posted.”
“Of course. Talk to you later.”
“Bye Joe.”
The rest of the day drags by like time’s standing still. I try exploring the city but it’s not fun alone and my mind wanders to thoughts of Elle and the things we did together. I tried zoning out to the movie I rented but I couldn't pay attention enough to follow along. I stare out the window and watch the sun descend before standing and arranging everything I need into my duffel bag for tonight. I pull out the well-worn, tattered letter from Elle and read it over like I do at least once every day.
Colin,
If you’re reading this I trust you’ve met Mr. Jowett and I’m gone. I’m so sorry. There are things that I couldn’t tell you. Things that I thought would change the way you see me, the way you feel about me. I’ve learned to always tell someone how you feel because opportunities are lost in the blink of an eye but regret can last forever, yet I didn’t tell you how I felt, so let me start with that...
You are my heart, every breath I breathe. I’m safe when I’m in your arms. Where I’m weak, you’re strong. I love you because you have given me no choice but to. You took the time to memorize me my fears, my hopes and dreams and you’ll never understand how much that means to me. Please know my heart is in your hands. It's nothing that I understand, because until you I’ve never felt this way... but in your arms you have complete power over me. I love you Colin.
My name was Elle Parks, my father owned Parks Industries. I know what you’re thinking...yes, that Parks Industries. When I told you I had money, I meant a lot of it. After my sister’s death I was lost. I couldn't stand Ryan and I couldn't see any way out. The night he hit me I got in my car and left. I drove down the road and purposely drove my car into a tree in an attempt to end my life. I woke up four days later in the hospital psychiatric ward. Ryan got power of attorney in order to keep me committed, in order to have access to all my inheritance. Seven months after being trapped in there I escaped... and that basically brings us current to when we met. I’m sure Joe has filled you in on what he’s trying to do. I’m not crazy Colin. I swear I’m not crazy. I don't know if I’ll see you again. I don’t know how this ends but I wanted to tell you how much I love you, how much you mean to me. I hope you can forgive my omissions. I hope I’ll see you again. I can’t imagine my world without you in it.
Love Elle
xoxo

It’s a constant reminder that what little I’m doing for her right now means a lot in the end. I just have to have faith. This will all work out. I will hold her in my arms again and I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. I miss her in the mornings when we’d have breakfast together. I miss her coming by the gym for trainings and I miss having her curled against me at night. I miss her voice.

ELLE
I’m all nerves waiting for the day to pass. Rachel’s statement to Joe along with the police report from my now crime scene cottage should go a long way in at least getting me out of here sometime soon. It’s impossible to focus on anything my new therapist is saying at this point. My mind is too consumed with next steps and playing this waiting game.
“So you feel that you don't belong in here?”
“I know I don't. This whole committed ordeal was a sick game my husband played to acquire my inheritance.”
“That sounds awfully paranoid Elle.” I sigh and bring my eyes directly to my new therapist.
“It does, yes, but it’s also true. Are we done for today?” My tone short.
“Elle, it would be really helpful if you talked to me.” She urges.
“I’m the only surviving heir to Park’s Industries. My husband gambles and probably owes bad people lots of money. He also thinks he deserves to live like a King just because he breathes. I’m pretty sure he had my sister killed and I know he promised my last therapist a large sum of money if he kept me in here. I’m not paranoid because it’s all true.” I watch as her eyes turn into saucers and she flips through my file, undoubtedly checking to see if some facts are true before looking back to me.
“Well, I see. I think I need to review your file more thoroughly before our next session.” She relents.
“Great.” I say flatly.
Two hours later and one disgusting dinner of mystery meat and frozen vegetables I’m back in my room and staring out the window. I don't know what Colin’s up to or if he went back to Searsport but I will stand at this window all night if it means possibly seeing him.
It’s near seven when I see movement in the empty courtyard below. I’m so excited I could burst. I stand frozen at the window staring down until he’s close enough to make out. The window fogs momentarily when I finally exhale. Like every night for the last three days I move left and put my palm to the glass and smile at him. The smile he flashes up at me melts me. His hot little dimple and lopsided grin only remind me how much I miss his touch. He reaches into the bag sitting next to him and pulls out another poster. Shining the flashlight on it I read tonight’s message.
I want to kiss every inch of you.
I laugh to myself and nod my head at him hoping he can see that I want that too. His smile falters a few moments later when there’s nothing for us to do but stare at each other in silence through a barred window. I blow all my breath on the window letting it fog up and trace,
your smile makes me melt
, backwards with my finger. It takes him a couple tries and me losing my breath trying to keep the window fogged before he understands and beams his heart melting smile back up at me. A few minutes later he wraps his arms around himself and shivers before waving goodnight to me. I’m sad to see him go but he can't stand outside staring at me all night and soon Manny will be in with my pills and I’ll be forced to sleep anyways. I wave back and blow him a kiss, which he catches before blowing one back to me. With a final wave I watch him walk away and hope like hell he will be back tomorrow.
I lurch up grasping at air as tears stream down my face. When I’ve gathered my wits enough I pull my knees to my chest and steady my breath. The nightmares are gruesome and disturbing and all end with Colin dead. Wiping the tears from my cheeks and the sweat from my brow I lay back down to try and sleep.

RYAN
“I will not sign them! I don't care what they think they have on me!” I scream into the phone at my lawyer. “Do what you’re supposed to or I’ll hire someone else!”
I slam the phone down and curse myself silently as it shatters. I’m so mad I can’t see straight. My lawyer actually had the balls to suggest that I sign the divorce papers and walk away before criminal charges are filed. They can’t tie me to Mick so what the hell do I have to bow down to her for? Dr. Rand has fled to God knows where after Elle’s little speech this week so he’s not a problem anymore unless he resurfaces but I highly doubt that will happen. I haven't been able to get a hold of Mick in weeks now and it’s starting to irk me.
I fold into my TT and pull out the driveway. My brain is churning a thousand different scenarios around. It’s time to pay a visit to Alister. If Elle wants her freedom and her money and this divorce I might be willing to give it to her if there’s something in it for me. If I can pitch this just right I can wipe out my debt to him and take care of Elle in one shot. I put up with her for too long and gone through too much to walk away empty handed at this point. Alister doesn't like interruptions to his evenings but I just need to buy myself a little more time.