Saving Grace (8 page)

For most of the ride, he pulled her into his side and rested his cheek on her head. The last thing Grace wanted to do was lean into his frame, but knew she didn’t have a choice at the moment.  If it were up to her, she would throw him against the door of the cab, jump out at the airport, and fly in the opposite direction.  But because she’d seen the darkness he’d held inside, she was forced to play along. 

So for now, Grace sat stiffly against Zach waiting for her chance to move away when the opportunity arose.  For every second he stroked her hair with his hand, Grace felt like her skin was crawling from her scalp to the tips of her toes. 

Zach gently pulled her chin up to search her face.  He pushed the hair away from her eyes, and lightly stroked the side of her large sunglasses, which she wore to disguise the battering she’d taken earlier. 

It took every ounce of strength she had not to recoil from his touch, as he leaned in to kiss her temple.  She clamped her lips tight, and held her breath until he withdrew his lips from her skin.

As the taxi pulled to a stop at the airport, Grace practically jumped from his embrace and quickly scooted out her door. 

The moment she stepped from the taxi, she shuddered, wanting to shake off every trace of his imprint from her body.  Grace walked to the back of the taxi, grabbed her overnight bag, and did what she could to keep up the charade while Zach paid the taxi driver.

As Zach was giving their bags to the skycap, her mind was racing of possible outcomes if she tried to run.  Although she knew she was safe in a public place, she didn’t know how she could stand to be near him much longer.

Once indoors, Grace refrained from taking off her sunglasses.  She already expected people to stare … they always did, but she didn’t need anyone questioning why her eye was swollen and bruised.

“I can’t wait to get you home,” he whispered into her ear, before pulling her back into his embrace as they settled into their seats by their gate.  “Do you think I could crash at your place when we get there?”  He leaned in and nudged her neck with his nose.

The feel of his breathe on her neck was nauseating.  Grace fought the urge to vomit and withdrew from his touch, but quickly regretted her decision as she saw the flash of anger that crossed his face.

“I’m sorry.”  Grace uttered.  She flashed a nervous smile and leaned back into his arm, saying, “See?  I’m good.  I’m just tired.  It’s been a long day.”

Lelani watched the couple, with curiosity, from her counter by the gate.  She knew all too well the reasons why someone wouldn’t take off sunglasses indoors. 

Either that person had a headache, a hangover, or was hiding something.  She speculated which of the three it might be, when she saw the beautiful woman recoil from her boyfriend’s touch and immediately knew.  She didn’t have to be a genius to do the math.

“Hey, Stephen.”  Lelani leaned over and whispered to her friend, a TSA agent working the gate. “I have someone I need you to do a regular bag check on, before they board.” 

She nodded toward Grace, but as Stephen took a step forward, Lelani quickly caught him by the wrist.

“Change your mind?” He asked, confused.

“No, but wait till her boyfriend scans his boarding pass with James.”  Lelani pointed to her other flight attendant, who was getting ready to call for boarding. 

“Um, okay?”  His brow furrowed.  “I’m confused.”

“I think she’s in trouble.  And if her boyfriend scans his ticket first and passes through, he has to board.  He needs to get in line first.  Can you arrange that?” 

Lelani sweetly smiled up at Stephen, who flashed a charming grin in return.

“Sure thing,” he said, moving forward. 

As James called for first class members, Lelani watched her couple, in question, stand.  As the young man grabbed the woman’s wrist to pull her up for boarding, it wasn’t lost on her how the elegant lady, wearing glasses, flinched at his touch.  Lelani knew she was right.  This lady was in trouble.

Stephen saw it too.  “I’ll take care of it.” 

He walked to the handful of passengers, who were forming a line for first class.  “Right this way folks.”  He smiled at Zach and held his hand out for his ticket.

Zach handed the large man his ticket, and watched as more passengers streamed through the gate.  He and Grace were now last in line for first class. 

Stephen handed the ticket to James, who immediately scanned in Zach’s boarding pass. 

“Thank you sir.”  James smiled at Zach, as he passed through the entryway. 

Zach turned to wait for Grace to scan her ticket and follow, as Stephen gently put his hand on her shoulder.

“Would you come this way, ma’am?  We need to do a bag check.”  He smiled sweetly down to Grace, whose mouth had dropped.

Was this her chance to break free?  Grace’s stomach flipped in anticipation, not knowing how it would play out … hoping Zach couldn’t come back through.

As Zach started to cross back through toward Grace, Stephen held his hand up, promptly stopping his efforts.

“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to board.  You’ve already scanned your ticket.”  His authoritative voice dropped an octave. 

When Zach’s face turned purple, with anger, Lelani almost laughed.  She loved watching Stephen in action.

“She’s with me! I’m coming,” Zach stammered, and stepped toward Stephen.

Stephen narrowed the gap even further, and stared down to Zach, almost challenging him to start something.  At 6’5”, Stephen loomed over Zach’s smaller frame.

“Sir. This is nothing but standard procedure.  It’s a random bag check.”  He smiled and took a step back, to lesson the threat to Zach.  “We do them all the time.  And your lady will join you in just a few minutes.  Now, please board, or I will have to call security.”

Zach’s steely eyes stared daggers up to Stephen, but he smiled none-the-less, refusing to be intimidated.  He had no choice but to board.

“I’ll see you in a few minutes, Grace,” Zach said firmly, and turned to walk down the corridor to board his plane alone. 

Grace, who’d not said a word, felt she could pass out on the spot.  This day was truly spinning more and more out of control by the hour. 

“Ma’am?”  Stephen pulled her to the side, next to the check in counter at the gate.  He looked down to her solemn face.  It was hard to tell what she was thinking with the large sunglasses that she wore, but if Lelani thought she was in trouble … he’d do anything to help.

“Would you mind waiting here?” 

Grace shook her head, still unable to speak as the TSA agent took her bag and unzipped it on a table set up near the gate. 

“This might take a while.  Have a seat,” Stephen said, and nodded back toward the chairs near where Lelani’s counter was.

Grace numbly turned to sit near the counter, and watched as the rest of the passengers started to board in coach.  As each person filed in line, it dawned on her that there were close to one hundred other people and a large plane between she and Zach. 

It was all she could to hold it together.

He’s on the plane.  It’s okay Grace … he’s on the plane.  He can’t hurt you. 

As she absentmindedly stared outside the terminal windows toward the plane, her purse vibrated in her lap, causing her to jump.  She reached inside for her phone, and saw she’d missed over 30 missed calls.  She opened her home screen to see they were all from Lilah and Mercy. 

Both must be going crazy,
she thought, sliding her phone back into her purse.

Her bag didn’t take long to search.  The TSA attendant promptly closed it, and slid it back toward Grace. 

“Here you go,” Stephen said, and placed it at her feet, before turning to walk away. 

Grace was about to stand, when a young flight attendant slid in the seat next to her.

“Hey.  You doing okay?”  Lelani had a cup of water in hand.  She knew she could lose her job for getting involved, but she couldn’t let the chance go by to help someone in trouble. 

“I thought you could use this.”  Lelani handed Grace the cup. 

Grace’s hand shook as she took the cup, and lifted it to her lips.  She took a sip and smiled in thanks.

“I appreciate your kindness.”  Grace heard her voice, but it sounded like someone else.

“Look.  I’m sorry if it’s not my place …” Lelani stopped and swallowed.  “Are you in trouble?” 

Grace said nothing in return, but slowly lifted her hand to her neck.  She slowly shook her head in denial. 

She didn’t want to admit any scandal, but couldn’t let go of the fact that she thought her life was going to be cut short only six hours ago. 

Lelani saw a tear escape from behind the large pair of sunglasses, and handed her a tissue.

Grace had never experienced this level of kindness from a stranger, and didn’t know how to respond.  She clutched the tissue in her hand and sat silent.

Lelani understood.  “Look, if you want to board that plane.  You can do so now.  It’s your life and your choice.  But…” Lelani paused and gently touched Grace’s hand.  “If you need to get away from something or someone … then this is your time to step away no questions asked.  And your luggage is the only thing you’ll miss as it’s already on the plane … and that’s just stuff.”

Grace’s frame relaxed for the first time in hours.  More tears poured from underneath her glasses.  She used the tissue to wipe them away and then looked to the attendant’s nametag. 

              “Lelani?” Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

              “Yes.”  Lelani’s eyes were starting to tear up too.  She smiled warmly at Grace and squeezed her hand.

              “Bless you.  You’re my angel. I can just take my carry on bag and go?”

              “Yes.  Consider it a missed flight. Okay?” 

              Grace let out a deep sigh and slumped back into her chair.  Slowly, the anxiety she’d been carrying began to release from the center of her chest.  Grace felt free for the first time in days. 

The thought of the safe haven Lelani was offering felt like she’d been given a second lease on life.  Not only was she grateful that she was free from Zach’s bizarre and brutal behavior, but she also felt free from Lilah’s rules and rein. 

Emotional shackles she wasn’t even aware that she had, until that moment, fell away leaving her feeling like she could breathe without anyone telling her how to do it.

              “Mahalo, Lelani.”  Grace used the only Hawaiian she knew.

              “Enjoy your stay in Hawaii, Miss Grace.”  Lelani had checked her ticket, so she knew her name. 

              Grace turned and left the concourse, not sure where she was going.  She was on limited time.  She knew Zach would be livid as the plane taxied away – without her.  She also knew he’d call Lilah as soon as they landed.

              Grace headed to the first ATM she found and withdrew as much cash as she could, and then left to find another taxi cab.

Chapter 10

Nathanial Davis Burkette sat on his back porch pondering on how long the tourist would sit on his beach.  Burke, who recently got out of the Marines, now lived on Kailua beach in his buddy’s guest home.  And in exchange for rent – he watched and maintained the property.

Normally this time of day, Burke would go for a run, but today’s weather wasn’t inspiring and he needed to paint the fence along the front of the home and clean up some fallen coconuts.

While getting his paint supplies out, he sat on the back porch studying this frail young woman, who quietly sat staring at the ocean.  Kailua beach wasn’t private property … but he felt he had claim to his back yard, as his home sat right off the sand.

Burke observed her grab tissues from her purse to wipe away tears.  He paused before opening up his paint can, taking a second to empathize with her.

What the hell was she doing all the way out here by herself?  She wasn’t local, as she had a carry-on and her purse sitting in the sand next to her, yet tourists didn’t frequent this area often.  They usually stayed on Waikiki or North Shore.

He took one last look before forcing the lid off his paint with an old beat up screwdriver.  He told himself not to get involved.  She’d move along soon enough. 

He shook his head, relenting to let go of mulling it over, until he saw a local boy walking with definite intent down the beach toward this young girl, who had her belongings sitting out for anyone to snatch and run.

He saw the quickened pace in the young kid’s stride, and in turn stood up from his crouched position over the drip pan and paint brushes. 

Instinct took over, as Burke leapt down the pathway to the beach.  The last thing he needed was a police report on his hands.

Grace sat mindlessly, watching the waves roll in searching for what to do next.  Normally the ocean had such a profound effect on her.  However, today it made her feel more alone than ever.  In fact, it could swallow her whole and no one would ever know.

Before leaving the airport, she’d emptied her account with her ATM card, and stashed bundle of cash in her purse.  It was enough to last her for at least a month or two, but after that, she wasn’t sure what to do.

A month?
  Grace thought in desperation. 
Am I really contemplating staying away for a month?

She had no desire to go back, as nothing was left of any value to her there.  She didn’t feel like it was her home.  She lost her home when she was seven and had been flailing ever since, barely keeping her head above water.

Every one in the world had left her.  Her parents died.  Her sister deserted her.  Her grandmother had betrayed her.  And, Zach tried taking advantage of her before brutally beating her.  She felt more alone than ever before.

From the corner of her eye, Grace sensed someone approaching from behind.  She turned just in time to see a young kid grab her purse and take off down the shore.

              “Hey!  Stop!”  She jumped up and started to run after him. 

              Burke quickly interceded. “Stay here with your other bag.  I got this.”  Burke smiled to himself.  It looked like he’d get his run in yet.

              His calf muscles burned as his bare feet pushed against the sand, so he pushed harder to close the gap.  The young local turned just in time to see Burke diving toward him, as they tumbled to the sand and rolled.  Burke landed on top, straddled the kid and started to yank him up.

“What do you think you’re doing?”  He yelled, yanking Grace’s purse away.

              “Hey, brah.  That stupid hoale was asking for it.  She sits on my beach and leaves her stuff out?  Can’t blame me, brah.  She needs to be more careful.”

              He didn’t think twice about popping the kid and punched him across the jaw. 

“Watch your mouth.  Didn’t anyone teach you not to talk about a lady like that?”  He growled and pulled the kid in close enough to see his pupils dilate.  “What’s your name?” 

              “Akau.  What you go hit me for brah?”  He rubbed his jaw, and narrowed his eyes taking his the man who towered over him.  “You going to call the cops?”

              “Will I see you out here again?  On my beach?”  He looked at Akau with such intensity, that Akau knew better but smarted back anyway.

              “This is our beach.  You’re just another hoale.” 

Burke grasped the kid’s tank top tightly in his hands, and shook him for effect.

“You want to try another answer, kid?”

With the fresh taste of blood in his mouth, Akau knew when not to press his luck.

“She’s one dumb hoale.  Tell her to keep better watch over her stuff.” 

Akau took a step back when he released him, and lifted his chin in a quick nod.  In Hawaii, a nod is a simple gesture but can mean so much.  Burke knew it meant that he wouldn’t be seeing him again.

              Grace watched the two men grapple for a few minutes, and was grateful to see the larger of the two men walk back with her purse.  As he approached she thought she should thank him, but part of her was scared.  He looked angrier than anyone she’d ever seen, including Zach, and Grace was instantly intimidated.

              Burke walked by and tossed her bag to her.  He continued to walk up the path to his home, forgoing any niceties. 

“Keep a better eye out next time.”  He growled over his shoulder.

              “Next time?”  Grace’s voice trembled.  He noticed her tone and turned back.  This time he had the chance to truly look her. 

              He’d been studying her back for half an hour, prior to the purse incident but never took her in.  Burke was taken back by how his gut reacted to the sight of her. 

She was stunning – even with the dark bruise under her left eye.  He could see that she tried her best to cover it up, but it was too fresh to hide. 

              Burke also noticed that her long legs were shapely, but firm.  If he had to guess, he’d bet she was a runner.  And, her long dark hair, which had been whipped around from sitting on the beach, still beautifully framed her oval face.  She was young but her eyes told him she’d seen much pain, and his heart went out to her.  He knew pain too.

              Burke gritted his teeth. 
Don’t get involved,
he inwardly warned himself.  He didn’t listen very well.

              “Just what are you doing sitting out here all alone?  This isn’t a touristy area – and you’re obviously not from around here.”  He frowned.

              “Geez! Is everyone out here this nice?”  She laughed to keep from crying.  She cocked her head and took a step back. She gave him a look of disappointment and said, “Thanks for getting my purse back.  Do I have your permission to sit out here?”  She waved back to her spot on the beach.

              “Suit yourself.” He turned back to his projects, and muttered under his breath, “Women.”               

“Ugh.  Men,” she whispered and took her spot back next to her belongings, except this time she clutched her purse and drew her carryon next to her.

Chapter 11

It didn’t take Mercy long to find bio information on Anne LaSal.  The details about her reality show, Broadcast Affair, was on every social media she could find.

As Mercy scoured through the many links that held precious information about Grace’s sister, she was amazed at just how public Anne had chosen to take her life after Lilah had done everything in her power to keep both girls under a strict protocol.  Sighing, she leaned back against the overstuffed pillows on her couch, wondering how Grace would feel when she saw her sister’s face for the first time after all these years.

Phillip leaned over the couch, and placed his chin on her shoulder to see what she found and chuckled.

“Don’t you watch that show?”

Mercy turned and grimaced at him.  “I did last year, but with our wedding plans I’ve been too busy to worry about it.” 

She looked down to the computer screen.  Anne’s photo was largely displayed, showing her genuine smile.  The lighting showed off her dark almond eyes, which were framed with thick long lashes.

“She and Grace look like they could be sisters.”  He cocked his head and rounded to couch to settle in next to her. 

“That’s because they are, dork.”  She laughed and tossed a pillow at him.

“Hey!”  Phillip put up an arm and shielded himself.  “I just meant - that I see the family resemblance.”

Mercy laughed and fell back on the couch, into her fiancé.  She set the laptop to the side and curled into his side.

“She looks like I remember her.  She was always such a kind person … always looking out for Grace and her best interests.”  Mercy frowned, and leaned back into her fiancé’s chest.  “Man, look at her.  She’s gorgeous.”

“She looks really nice too,” Philip said softly, kissing the top of Mercy’s head.

“I guess that’s why I found it hard to believe she cut all ties from Grace completely. It makes sense now though considering the information Grace uncovered.  Lilah has been cutting Anne off from Grace’s life.”

“I’m glad you don’t have a rich family anymore.  There’s too much drama … disgracing the family name.” He moaned in his best dramatic voice. 

Mercy absentmindedly frowned, and looked into Anne’s dark eyes on the computer, hoping she’d found happiness once she left her family drama behind. 

She sat up, grabbed her cell phone, and tried once more to call Grace.  And, just like it had for the prior four times, it went straight to voicemail.

Phillip stretched back, and placed his legs across Mercy’s lap.

“Is she answering yet?”  He asked.

She hit the end button and shook her head.

“No, and I’m worried. I hope she’s okay, because if she doesn’t call me in the next two hours, I’m tempted to call Lilah to see where Grace is.” 

Mercy put her phone to her lips, and prayed for her friend.

Chapter 12

Unwilling to move, Grace felt like she felt she had a rock in the pit of her stomach, which kept her anchored in the sand.  And as the waves rolled in and receded back out, all she could do was relive every disappointing moment in her life. 

As unsettling as the weekend with Zach was, it sadly followed suit with the rest of her life.  The loss of her parents was just the first domino that fell, knocking everything else out of order … or into place, depending on how you looked at it.

Grace lifted her head from her hands, and looked toward the horizon.  As the sun slowly lowered toward the far edges of the ocean, she found herself wishing she could sail off over the edge and start over.

Soft thunder could be heard in the distance, as storm clouds rolled in, blocking the bold island colors that normally radiated across the sky.  Within minutes, the vibrant canvas transformed, painting a very dismal picture.  She felt a few soft drops pelt her skin, and realized she had no idea where to go. 

What are you going to do now? 
Grace groaned, not having a clue.

In a matter of minutes, the sky seemed to open up, sending tears from heaven raining down around her.  She didn’t even bother to lift her hand to wipe off her face, as she’d been crying already.  She did wish, however, that she had a rain jacket as her white linen shirt was getting drenched. 

Burke sat, with beer in hand, wondering how long this tourist would take to pack up and run for cover.  He soon realized she was content to sit outside, without shelter.

“Sheesh,” he muttered under his breath, setting his Corona down.

He roughly grabbed for the tarp, which had been sitting outside with his paint supplies, lifted it over his head, and jogged out to sit next to this crazy young girl on his beach.

Claps of thunder shook her from her trance.  The first thing she noticed, after coming to realization that she’d have to take cover, were Burke’s strong legs as he sat next to her. 

It was then she realized how well formed his calf muscles were, and how the hairs on them tickled against her thighs, which were exposed from her shorts. As she watched him rush in, amazed at his kindness, she blinked back her emotions, which were a combination of gratefulness and disbelief.

It was almost as if he had his arm around her as he held the tarp over the two of them.  Her damp hair, which lay down her back, felt slick against his arm, as he held up the tarp over their heads.

“Are you going to sit out here all night?  You’re getting drenched,” he said softly, but still held a gruff tone. 

He looked down to her with a slight frown, noticing how her wet white shirt gave him a clear view of what was underneath.  He quickly averted his gaze.