For the Sake of Amelia - Retribution: For the Sake of Amelia, #3

By Valerie Bowen

Retribution brief synopsis...Life for Amelia has changed significantly with the help of her loving husband Kyle.
Unexpected news from deep within the Kansas prison walls has disrupted the Talbot's lives once again.
With the eminent release of Amelia's ex-husband Ray, and his vendetta, the Talbot's are forced to do something drastic.
An unexpected change of events has caused Amelia's life to change yet again. Will Kyle be capable of handling the emotional strain when a handsome man from Amelia's past relocates to Camden?
A simple phone call changes Amelia's life forever. Will she be able to accept the information that has been hidden from her for years?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Bowen
• Release date: Nov 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465733085

Valerie Bowen

About the author Valerie is originally from the beautiful state of Maine, where she lived until she was ten. Being young when she lived there she never appreciated the absolute beauty of the rocky coastline. Although she never live in Camden, she did have a very dear cousin that lived there and they would spend many hours in downtown Camden. When she decided to write For the Sake of Amelia she tried to imagine a great setting for the book. she thought of many places in Connecticut (where she reside now) but kept going back to her childhood and the many fond memories she held in her mind of Camden.

Book preview

Kyle was standing in the middle of the kitchen in their new home holding his two month old daughter Alyssa Marie. Amelia was sitting at the table going over the island plans with Ben when a knock came on the door. Ben entered the foyer and opened the door; he smiled brightly when he glimpsed Tracy and Olivia.

Olivia, said softly, It’s freezing, I can’t believe I didn’t buy a house in the south…what the heck was I thinking.

Ben laughed as he swung the door open to allow them enter, You can still buy a house down south. Think about it Livi, you can live here in the summer and there in the winter.

No I don’t think I really want the hassle of moving all the time, I guess I’ll just have to put up with the freezing cold.

Olivia entered the kitchen and tried to pry the tiny dark haired baby out of her father’s arms. She glared at him and scolded, You know, you really should learn to share. I think I’m going to tell Amy you won’t share your daughter with me.

Kyle laughed, I don’t share with her either. As a matter of fact, she’s constantly telling me to put her down. But I just can’t bring myself to let her go.

Oh Kyle let Olivia hold her. I swear if you don’t start putting her down I’m going to have to do something drastic like maybe rip off your arms.

He passed Alyssa to Olivia, and pulled Amelia in to his arms, he whispered, Well if I can’t hold my daughter, I’ll have to hold her mother.

Olivia laughed, I feel sorry for you Amy, he has taken this whole mine thing to an entirely new level.

Kyle kissed Amelia on her soft lips, released her and opened the refrigerator, Can I get anyone anything? He looked around the kitchen and asked, Hey where’s Ben?

Oh I think he’s still at the front door saying hello to Tracy.

He walked into the foyer and noticed Tracy was crying, Ben was holding her tight as she wept. Ben Kyle said slowly, What’s wrong with Tracy?

We have to go to Kansas for your brother’s trial. Tracy’s upset because she knows she’s going to have to see Caleb during her testimony.

Oh Tracy, I’m sorry. Kyle eased her from Ben’s loving embrace and held her close to him, Sweetie, we’re all going to be there. Besides, Caleb won’t be able to say anything to you. Please Tracy you have to try to calm down.

She eased away from him and dried her tears with Ben’s white handkerchief. I know, it’s just…I hate the idea of having to tell the story….Oh Ben… She reached out to him and he pulled her into his arms, he whispered, It’s going to be alright. Please sweetie, please calm down.

Kyle scowled, I don’t know why they’re insisting on her going to the trial. Don’t they realize she’s having a hard time with this whole trial thing?

I talked to the prosecuting attorney; he said he needs her there to build a stronger case against Caleb. Kyle, would you go get Amy, maybe she can calm her down.

He left the room and returned a few moments later with Amelia by his side, he said, Sweetheart, can you tell Tracy what she may have to do during Caleb’s trial?

Well, I’m not going to tell you it’s easy, as a matter of fact when I first sat down on the stand during Ray’s trial I thought I was going to die right then and there. She held out her thin arms to invite Tracy in, Once I was on the stand and I looked Ray in the eyes, and I immediately calmed down. I guess what I’m trying to say is the hardest part is walking to the stand. Once you take the oath and sit in the chair everything just seems to calm inside. Caleb’s a bully; all you have to remember to do is keep your eyes on the attorneys and answer their questions. Don’t force yourself to look at him if you feel you really don’t want to. The truth is Tracy…you’ll want to.

I don’t know about that, I really can’t bring myself to talk about him to Ben let alone an entire courtroom full of people. She took a shuddering breath and asked, Do you have to go to court to testify?

Amelia looked down at the floor, she thought for a brief moment, As a matter of fact I do. I have to tell the court what he had done to me the time he kidnapped me. Kyle placed a strong hand on her trembling shoulder, Tracy, at least I feel better going to court this time…

Tracy cut her off mid sentence, How could you possibly feel better? What is so different with Caleb’s trial than with Ray’s trial?

Amelia looked into Kyle’s eyes and said calmly, This time I have Kyle. She turned her gaze to Tracy, You have to understand Tracy, when Ray was on trial I was alone. I was testifying against my husband. This time’ I walk in with the strength of a loving man beside me.

Tracy gazed into Ben’s loving eyes, Will you go with me?

He pulled her into his arms, and whispered softly, You should know by now, I would never allow you to go anywhere without me. He looked into her tear filled eyes, I would have gone even if you had asked me to stay away. I love you, and I’m here for you. He brushed his knuckles against her jaw, he said with tenderness in his voice, I’ll be there for you, I’m here to help you through this…never doubt that I’m your rock.

Tracy’s tears subsided as she realized with the strength of Ben by her side, she would make it through the trial.

Caleb was sitting in his prison cell awaiting his trial when he was confronted by a strange man. The man called out, Hey you aren’t you the man that took my wife?

Caleb looked up from his relaxed position; he stared into the man’s cold brown eyes and replied, I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. I never saw you before in my life. Just get the fuck out of here before I call the guard.

No you know me. I saw you with my whore in Maine. The man growled, I’m Ray Parker, you were there when my asshole cousin shot me.

Caleb realized Ray Parker had confused him with his brother. An idea flashed in his head, he gritted his teeth and said, No you have me confused with my twin brother, he’s the one that stole my woman.

Ray laughed, Ha Ha, seems to me your brother may be working on both our nerves.

Yeah well, I would really love to take her back from him but it’s kind of hard when I’m stuck in this shit hole.

Hmm, maybe we can cut a deal.

Caleb scowled, What the hell kind of deal can you make with me? Look around asshole; you’re in the same predicament as I am.

Ray turned his head and spat on the floor, That’s where you’re wrong, I’m getting out of here in a few months…I can see to it your brother loses that whore.

Yeah right Caleb sat up on his bunk, What exactly is it you think your ugly ass can do?

My ugly ass can find that bitch and put an end to her miserable life.

Caleb thought for a long moment, he imagined the horrified look on Kyle’s face when he spied Amelia’s lifeless body lying on the floor. Judging by the comment you just said, you won’t be able to get to her…you said you were shot the last time you were near her. He rubbed his hand over his short beard, What makes you think Kyle or that Ben character will let you anywhere near her again?

Well, I guess you and me have to make a plan, I imagine your court date is coming up pretty quick.

Yeah, so what about it?

I think if you go in there making like you’re…ah…not going to try to get that little whore, then all those fools will begin to relax

So how the fuck is that supposed to help asshole?

Well they’ll stop protecting her ugly ass.

Caleb immediately lost his temper; faster than Ray could track, he shot to his feet, rushed to the bars and grabbed Ray by the shirt collar. He snarled, There is nothing ugly about my woman! You better watch your fucking mouth when you talk about her!

Okay, okay, I didn’t mean anything by it. He pried Caleb’s hands from his collar, That nasty temper of yours is gonna get you in a hell of a lot of trouble around here.

Caleb returned to his bunk and sat down. He growled, Don’t ever talk shit about my woman….EVER! Caleb looked into Ray’s evil eyes, Now finish telling me about your plan.

Ray leaned against the cell bars and explained, As I was saying, once those clowns believe that…ah Amelia is safe, they’ll relax their guard enough for me to step in and do the deed.

Caleb leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees; he stared down at the floor. Finally he said, What’s in it for you?

Ray pulled his cigarettes out of his pocket; he removed one from the pack and lit it with a match. He took a long drag and released it letting the smoke roll around his face, What I get is a dead wife and the satisfaction no other man will ever have her.

Humph, that’s enough for me; at least Kyle won’t have her. He rose to his feet and slowly walked to the bars where Ray was leaning. Tell me, exactly how you’re planning to kill her.

Ray took another drag from his cigarette, I hear tell she’s got a kid now…

Amelia has a child? Rage bubbled in Caleb’s gut, he growled, That child should have been mine! How dare Kyle plant his seed in my woman? Caleb stared Ray in the eyes and spluttered, I don’t care what the fuck you do or how it’s done, just make sure you kill the fucking kid too!

Not a problem, as soon as I’m released I’ll be taking a little trip.

Caleb kicked his bunk causing it to slam against the concrete block wall, Just let me know when it’s over!

Ray tossed his cigarette on the floor and crushed it out with his boot, I’ll send word when the deed is done. He turned and walked away from Caleb’s cell, he heard the slamming of the bunk against the cell bars as he walked away.

Chapter One

Ben and Tracy were relaxing on the sofa in her living room. He was leaning against the sofa’s arm and she was resting her head on his shoulder with his arm draped around her. Ben said softly, It’s been six months since your abduction… He kissed her tenderly on the top of her head, …I was wondering if you’re willing to talk about the incident? I know it’s hard for you to relive the time you were with Caleb. But I believe if you get things off your chest, it’ll be easier for you when you have to tell the story to the court.

I don’t know Ben; I think I agree with Amy’s logic.

And what logic would that be?

Tracy fidgeted with the hem of her blouse, She seems to believe that if you push the horrible memories to the back of your mind you’ll heal faster…I’m trying to keep those memories back there but they keep coming back to the surface.

He pulled her closer, I really don’t believe that way of thinking has been working very well for you. He shifted her so he could look into her sorrowful eyes, Hun, please tell me what you went through. I hate sitting here knowing you have this horrible incident eating away at you. I promise I’ll only listen, I won’t say a word unless you ask me for my input.

She bit her lip and thought for a long moment while she pondered his request. Finally she said, You have to promise me to never mention this to anyone.

Oh Tracy, whatever you tell me will never be repeated…I promise. I love you more than you could possible know. I would never jeopardize your trust

He kissed her gently on her soft lips, she began, Remember the day of Kyle and Amy’s wedding?

Yes, as I recall that was the day Caleb had escaped from the hospital in Caribou.

Do you remember when you came downstairs after talking to Kyle; you noticed I abruptly hung up the phone? You asked me if everything was alright…do you remember what I said.

You told me you were missing your parents. He scanned her face, and asked with hesitation in his voice, You weren’t talking to your parents, were you?

Tracy shook her head and said solemnly, No, it was Caleb who called, and he told me he was coming for Amelia. He told me if I said anything he would kill all of you. Tears began to well in her eyes, I believed him. I knew from everything that Amy had told me, he was capable of just about anything. He wiped a tear away as it began to trickle down the side of her face. She continued, I just couldn’t tell you. I wanted Kyle and Amy to at least get on the cruise ship safely. I didn’t want them to know Caleb was anywhere near here. I knew you had convinced Kyle to leave early, so I thought everything would be alright.

He ran his fingers through her straight brown hair, I was thinking along the same line. I thought once they were safe on the ship it would have given law enforcement plenty of time to apprehend him before they returned from their honeymoon. I never thought Caleb would remain in this area…damn it, I never imagined he would go after you.

She wiped her eyes with her fingertips and continued, The day you went home to do some work was the day he came to my house. Apparently Olivia invited him for dinner thinking he was Kyle…Oh Ben, I felt so bad for her once she realized who he really was.

He cradled her head and let her sob for a few long moments, Sweetheart, this whole incident should have never happened. Shhh, it’s over now, he can never get you again.

She eased away from him and continued, Once he was in the house…Oh Ben…

I know sweetheart, take your time I’m here for you. He pulled her hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss on it, Take it slow, you have all the time you need to release your pain.

Tracy looked into his loving eyes and continued, I tried to call you when I realized it was Caleb that Olivia had invited for dinner. That was when he grabbed my cell phone and put it in his pocket. He told me I had to write you a note…oh god. He told me to write that I wanted him not you. That was so hard for me to do because I love you so much. He must have known what I was thinking while I was writing the note because he made me start over a few times. It was then that he punched me the first time. That was when I realized he would probably kill me if I didn’t comply. She looked away from him and continued with tears in her voice, He followed me into the office and I guess that was when he got the idea to take some of Mark’s guns. He demanded that I give him the key to the cabinet, so I had the idea to slip a picture of Olivia’s house into the log book…I prayed you would find it. Once Caleb had the guns in his hands he changed for the worst. That was when he shoved Olivia and me out of the office and demanded that we get into the front seat my car. I think he taped the note to the door as we were leaving.

I’m so sorry it took me so long to get to you. His eyes began to well with tears, When I read the note I thought for sure you had left me for him.

She had the look of shock on her face; she said with a stunned tone, Ben, I would never do that!

I know that now, but you have to understand, I’m so used to being taken advantage of that I thought the worst. I’m so sorry I doubted you… He said with shame, Kyle even had a hard time convincing me that the note that was left wasn’t from you.

Tracy looked into his loving eyes and continued her story, Caleb hid in the back seat during the daylight hours, he made Olivia and I drive twenty-four seven. We only stopped at rest areas at night so he could get out and stretch his legs. When we entered Kansas he must have thought we were taking too long to get to Colby so he took over the driving. Caleb is as evil as a man can get. He constantly threatened to kill us…the first time he punched Olivia I thought I was going to have to kill him. I swear if he didn’t have a gun I would have driven the car off a cliff. There’s just something about having a gun shoved in your side that makes you do whatever is requested of you.

Ben held her close, Oh Tracy, I don’t know how I can ever make the fear you felt…ah still feel, go away.

I feel safe with you right now. Just having you here with me is more comforting than you’ll ever know.

So what happened once you arrived at Olivia’s? Did he calm down once he thought he was safely hidden?

That’s just it Ben, he got worse. I remembered Amy had told me she thought he was bipolar or something. So I tried to do everything to keep him calm…nothing worked. He snapped and began throwing things around and hitting both me and Olivia. I panicked and began to cry. That’s when he told me I was nothing like his woman, because no matter what he did to her, she never shed a tear. A tear rolled down her cheek and she swept it away with the back of her hand. Ben I felt so weak at that point.

Why would you feel weak? Caleb’s nothing more than a bully…he likes it when he can see the fear he dredges up in people. You’re not weak Tracy; you’re just not accustomed to dealing with men like him.

I don’t understand how Amy could be so strong. It’s like she can almost hide inside herself.

Like I told you before, Amy has had a much different life than ours…the kind of life she lived would make anyone emotionally stronger.

I know but…

He placed the pad of his forefinger on her lips, Please Tracy I want you to finish telling me what happened to you. My only concern right now is helping you get over your difficulties. I love you and I want you to know I’m here for you. I can’t help you if you continually avoid telling me what you have tried so hard to push away. The experiences you lived through with Caleb have been eating at you for far too long. Now that you’re willing to confide in me I want to hear the entire story.

She kissed the tip of his finger, and explained, I just don’t want you to believe that I didn’t fight. She sighed, Once we were in the farmhouse, I tried to come up with a plan to get Olivia and myself away from him. She was very reluctant at first, but I finally convinced her that he would kill us whether we fought back or not. She finally realized I was telling her the truth when he pointed a gun in our direction and pulled the trigger. The bullet passed between us and was lodged in the wall directly behind our heads. When we screamed Caleb laughed…it was the most terrifying laugh I think I had ever heard. He said was going to use us for target practice. He told us he needed to get a feel for the guns he was carrying, so when Kyle came he would be able to take him out. Tracy wiped a tear from her eyes as she remembered, After you called, it was like all hell broke loose. He told us once he had the money and Amelia, he was going to hunt Kyle down and shoot the ‘son of a bitch that took his woman’. I decided at that point, I needed to somehow get in contact with Kyle to warn him. I told Caleb I needed to use the bathroom…I was hoping I could grab the handset for the phone and make a call to you. When he realized what I was doing he fired a shot… She pointed to the two inch long red scar on her upper arm, I tried not to scream when the bullet hit me, but failed. He laughed and said, ‘not bad if I do say so for myself.’ That was when Olivia screamed and he said, ‘you’ll get one too if you don’t stop screaming.’ I think he realized he needed us…or at least me to complete the deal.

Ben ran his fingers through her long hair, rage burned in the pit of his stomach as he listened to her horrifying tale. He clenched his teeth and said, If I knew this before I would have taken him out myself. I need a timeline so I can figure out exactly how long you suffered before the actual raid?

I guess it was about fifteen or twenty minutes after your call…so maybe an hour or so. I wasn’t really concerned with time; I was more concerned with the pain and Olivia.

Just so I get this straight, he made you suffer in pain for approximately and hour before he was apprehended. Ben began to devise a plan.

She scowled, I thought you were just going to listen!

I’m sorry; it’s just the thought of you being in pain for any length of time…

Please let me finish. He nodded and she continued, I guess he thought it was fun to hear us scream so he fired the gun again…that bullet missed me and hit one of the kitchen cabinets. I thought for sure he was going to continue shooting until he had at least killed me. I really don’t know what came over him, once he fired that shot, he approached me and apologized. I was taken aback by his change of attitude. He looked at my arm…it was as if my blood made him change. He handed me a hand towel and told me to hold it on the wound. Believe it or not his attitude change was far more terrifying than anything else he had put us through. Just knowing his personality could change at the drop of a hat, had both me and Olivia wondering how to keep him in his kind understanding mood. She flinched as she remembered, He sat me down on the sofa, entered the kitchen and dampened a cloth. When he re-entered the living room he noticed we were whispering, and just like that he flung the cloth, pulled out the gun and fired it. That bullet skimmed my shoulder. He screamed, ‘I tried to help you but you sit here whispering behind my back. What were you talking about? Were you thinking I would be dumb enough to give you a chance to escape?’ He grabbed me and pulled me to my feet…he backhanded me so hard that I went flying into the entry door and fell to my knees. He picked me up and flung me back to the sofa. Olivia tried to look at my wounds but he quickly pulled her from the sofa and slammed her down onto the chair. He then walked into the dining room, slammed a chair against the wall and slapped the gun on the table. We didn’t dare to move or utter a word; we just wanted him to stay as far away from us as possible. Right before the officers stormed in I had decided to approach him. When I heard the first crash of glass as it hit the floor, he rose to his feet and fired. The last thing I remember before I saw you was the unbelievable pain in my chest.

Ben scrubbed his hands over his head, he fought back his tears when he said, Sweetheart, you have been through much more than I ever realized.

He wrapped his strong arms around her as they both began to sob. While they comforted each other in silence they fell asleep. She rested peacefully knowing she was safe and he loved her with all his heart.

Chapter Two

Tracy woke to the gentle touch of Ben’s knuckles on her cheek; she peered into his eyes and said with a yawn, What time is it?

I don’t know, but it must be close to dinner time. Are you hungry?

I guess a little, but I’m far too comfortable to get up and make dinner right now.

He laughed, What’s the plan, to stay here until you starve to death?

Very funny, I just love the feeling of you holding me. I never realized how much I missed this after Mark’s death.

Sweetheart, I’ll hold you anytime. I love having you in my arms, just knowing once we’re married I’ll never have to let you go.

She pressed her lips to his, I love you Ben Sullivan. Let’s go in the kitchen and find something for dinner. I think Amy and Kyle wanted to come over tonight… She hesitated for a brief moment, You won’t tell Kyle what I told you right?

Hun, I promised I wouldn’t repeat your story, please trust me.

They rose to their feet and entered the kitchen. He pulled her into his arms and whispered, There is one thing I need you to promise me…

She eased away from him and looked into his pleading eyes, What would that be?

"Promise me you’ll never keep a secret from me again. I mean if you had told me about the initial conversation you had with Caleb I would have never left you alone. You don’t know how hard it was for me to read that note and believe you left me for him. I was a complete wreck until Kyle forced me to realize you didn’t leave me…you were taken. That realization forced another anguish to pass through me. I knew at that moment I had wasted so much valuable time feeling sorry for myself that could have been better on spent finding you. I don’t think I’ll