Chapter Two

Everything happened fast after I told Jenny that I wanted out. My future was essentially in the hands of complete strangers, but honestly it couldn’t get any worse that my current condition. Carrie quickly took the x-rays that were needed due to my injuries, but I never seen another doctor at that hospital. Jenny instructed me to lay down flat on the hospital bed and to not move. She covered me with a few sheets and for a few moments I felt like a child again in a blanket fort.

I could feel the bed moving through the hallways and we had turned a few times, but I had no idea where I was headed. After a little while Jenny pulled the sheet off of my head and I could see that we were standing in some kind of basement storage area. There was a garage space and soon both doors started to go up. Two identical large moving vans backed into the building. A woman that looked very similar to Jenny hopped out of the one van.

“I have Whiz working on her credentials already. Carrie said it was an emergency situation, so I had Tobias drive the other van because he knows what to do. Now what kind of vehicles should we be looking out for?” I could only stare dumbfounded at the woman speaking. Truthfully, I had no idea what was going on, or what she was talking about. Jenny must have sensed or seen my confusion because she clarified that the woman was asking what kind of vehicles Vex or anyone he knows would be driving.

“Well, he drove the Camaro here, it’s a dark green with silver pin striping, but normally he is on his motorcycle.” I quickly supplied them with information.

“Ok so he is a biker that’s good to know what does his patch look like?” The woman asked me.

“His group is called the Devil’s Jesters. They have a big skull on the back with like a clown hat on the skull” I could see that as I started to explain the motorcycle club that this woman had some idea who she was dealing with.

“I have heard of them before. I can understand now why Carrie said this was an emergency. My name is June by the way, I am Jenny’s sister if you couldn’t tell. You’re going to be in the back of my van for a little while until Tobias and I can ensure that we aren’t being followed. Then we will have to do some switching around, but I don’t want you to worry about anything we are getting to be old pros at this. We are burning time though so let’s get you settled in so we can get as many miles as possible between you and him tonight that we can muster.” With that June turned and opened the back door of the industrial van and I was surprised that it looked comfortable inside. Instead of there being storage space there were actual chairs bolted in, and even a lounger type chair. “Hop on in and make yourself comfortable” June instructed.

“Before you go Abigail here is a copy of your medical records. You will hand these over to Whiz when you see him. Also here is some pain medicine that I had the pharmacy fill, which is safe for the baby, but make sure you read the instructions carefully. Ice your ribs as much as possible, and of course do not do anything too strenuous. Carrie gathered up a few clothing items for you since you’re still in paper scrubs, they are not much but it will get you through. You can change carefully in the back of the van” Jenny gave me a kind smile as she finished her instructions, and I took the bag from her hands. “June let Whiz know that she needs to get into a doctor asap. She has broken ribs, and I am worried about her vitamin deficiencies. She is also pregnant, so she is going to need prenatal treatment. The guys she came in with has already figured out that something is wrong. Carrie called in the locals, but they can only question him for so long before they have to let him go. She needs to get out of here now.” June shook her head in agreement with Jenny’s words.

The back was quickly shut tight and within a few moments I heard the soft purr of the engine starting. Once the truck was turned on, I was slightly surprised to learn that the back had been carefully lit with soft white lights. Wasting no time, I dug through the bag and found the clothes Jenny had been talking about. I donned the shorts and shirt quickly, feeling strange that I was changing in a moving vehicle, but for the first time in forever I had hope that I would actually get away from him.

I could feel the van turning several times and at one point I think I fell asleep. Before too much time had passed, I could feel us slowing down and then coming to a stop. My heart was in my throat because an irrational fear had crept into my mind that they were delivering me back to Vex. June spoke through the door before asking if it was ok if she opened it, and I said yes.

June popped open the back and quickly explained that Tobias was patrolling the area, and that another person would pick up her van. She quickly moved me and the bag into a smaller car and once again we were on the move.

“Ok so now that we are moving again, I am sure that Jenny filled you in a little bit about us. What questions do you have for me?” June was quick to get to the point and I appreciated her frankness.

“Honestly this still feels like a dream to me. I never thought I would get away from him. I don’t even know what happens from here, or where I am going.” For some reason I felt completely comfortable with June even though I had spent more time with Jenny.

“Alright well maybe I can put your mind to ease. There are a few people in this world that realized a long time ago that the justice system could not help everyone. Too often the people that need help the most are the ones left to their own wits. Jenny and I grew up watching our mother getting hurt a lot. No one helped her, and eventually he killed her. We knew then that we would find a way to help others in her situation, so Clipped Wings was born.” June patiently explained to me.

While she was talking, I was rubbing my stomach and thinking that I never want my child to grow up in that kind of violence.

“It has taken us a few years to be fully operational, but I am proud to say that we now have a nation-wide network dedicated to helping people just like you.” June affectionately patted my thigh gently. “I assume that Jenny explained that you can never go back to your old life?” I stated that she had explained that. “My job now is to get you to Whiz. He will create all new identity cards for you and give you a new name. We will also get you set up with your own apartment and a job as well as getting you medical care. So, for now just sit back and relax we have a long drive tonight.”

June’s words had put my mind at ease and as the car drifted through the streets farther into the ebony night my mind and body finally found rest.