All the Broken Things: Lynn's Story, #2

By Elli P Hunt

All the Broken Things

Abi Coltrane is free from captivity, but not from the haunting memories and nightmares. Traumatized by the abduction experience left her shattered. In her brokenness, she searches for the path that brings her healing and strength. Shedding the persona of victim to become strong and able to face the challenges before her. Sometimes, it takes a declaration of love to see that you are not alone in the battle.

 

A celebration at home waited for her return. Another darker, more sinister figure also waited for her return. A sudden outbreak of violent crimes in and around the community had the local police chief, Reed Walters, on high alert. FBI agents, Alvarez, and Steele were engaged in a manhunt for the psychopathic killer that had abducted Abi. Ever evasive, his whereabouts unknown, but they have their suspicion about who his target is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elli P Hunt
• Release date: Aug 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393267539

Book preview

Elli P Hunt

Stray Dog Publishing

May 14, 2020

Copyright

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events. or locales is entirely coincidental

Copyright © 5/1/2020 by Elli P. Hunt

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review. The reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or any part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereinafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, or in any information storage device or retrieval system, is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the author, Elli P Hunt, 3003 Wilson Street, lot 62, Menomonie WI 5475

Publisher

Stray Dog Publishing

3003 Wilson Street

Menomonie, WI 54751

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my granddaughter, Leah who is the sunshine of my life and inspires me to be creative. Leah reminds me to enjoy life and have fun every day.

⁓ One ⁓

Something strange is going on at the Coltrane's’ residence; for months, it sat shrouded in silence, as if haunted by a lost soul. Today, though, there’s an explosion of excitement, as a group of people behaving like a bunch of inebriated clowns who escaped from a circus. Their revelry continued to grow until threats of chaos were lightly rumored.  Masterminding the small, euphoric crowd, Jesse Coltrane rubbed his chin with his fingers, Just when did I lose control of this situation? jokingly asking himself. Their excitement was contagious, it was time to celebrate, well, not quite yet, there was work for them to do.

Dianne and Reed must have let it slip that he needed help today. Unknowingly, Harry brought some friends home to help. Then Kurt and Rose eagerly volunteered once they learned about Jesse’s plan. Although Lynn, usually gregarious, decided instead to work alone upstairs, packing her mom’s personal things. Hmm, he quipped, I’ll need to find out what that is all about. Meanwhile, Jess herded the group into the den to explain his plan.

As you learned, Abi’s recovery is going better than expected. A burst of cheers and clapping erupted from the group. Jesse paused, waiting for them to quiet down enough to hear him. The fact is, she’s doing so well that in a couple of days, she and Hope will be released from the hospital. Abi is expected to recuperate at home. More cheering from the joyful group. Knowing Abi as I do, Jess teasingly stated, I’m sure she is playing the docile card for them, completely amenable to any restrictions placed upon her. The crowd chuckled with Jess. Ha, they don’t know her very well, do they? Shaking their heads, grinning in agreement. We do, and when she gets something in her mind to do, trying to stop her is like herding geese. Lord, help us. The group roared with laughter.

Kurt and Rose, standing side by side away from the group, were following along. Rose leaned into Kurt’s ear and whispered, Looks like Jess has them eating out of his hand. He should run for office. She chortled.

Kurt, grinning, nodded in agreement. They have come a long way from where they were a month ago. Abi, who is a loved and respected member of this community, disappeared from her home over ten months ago. It was understandable that a crime of this nature would unsettle them. Things like that never happened here before.

Moved by all the excitement stirred up with the news of Abi’s homecoming, Jesse had to clear his throat. His expression more serious, he continued. The situation that my family and I face is, Abi has some severe injuries that will take time to heal, and at least another surgery. There’s a new addition to my family for me to take into consideration.

The rowdy crowd fell silent, their expressions transformed into a look of concern and shock. You could hear a butterfly flap its wings in the quiet, still room.

So, I have a plan, Jess spoke, breaking the somber mood. Where we are is, or was, our den. Well, originally it was the master bedroom, in the beginning; that’s why there is a full bathroom attached. Since it’ll be a while before Abi can climb up a set of stairs, the obvious solution to me is to swap out the den with the upstairs master bedroom.

Well, everyone agreed it made more sense doing that. Jesse turned to Kurt and Rose, motioning them forward. You all recognize my friends, Rose and Kurt, both heroes in my opinion who played a vital role in Abi’s rescue. They’ve also volunteered to help and keep us all on track today. Meanwhile, you can find me upstairs, sorting through the items that are to come down, and hopefully organizing the items brought upstairs. That’s about my capacity today. Laughing, the crowd clapped in appreciation of Rose and Kurt. Finally, Jesse informed them, So, if you need direction or assistance, they will be the go-to people.

Kurt stated, If we work in small groups of three or four people, it will work better than having everyone tripping over each other. The bigger and heavier stuff might take more people, we’ll have to see how it goes. Mostly, don’t overdo it. We wouldn’t want anyone to hurt their backs. If you need help, ask someone. We’re all here to help, right? The small crowd agreed and broke off into groups.

Just one more thing, Jesse interrupted them. I want to say before we get back to our revelry, err -I mean tasks, ha-ha-ha, my family and I are grateful for your help and support. Chuckles spewed from them, with his slip. It’s been a long and difficult road, as you all know. Without you, I honestly don’t know how we would have made it. Jess felt a lump growing in his throat, and his eyes became wet. In a shaky voice, he started again. I want to invite you all to our surprise welcome home party for Abi and Hope. I believe Dianne and Gladys here are working out the details and will let you know when. Thanks, everybody. Thank you with all my heart.

The seriousness of moments ago faded into humor, and the camaraderie returned. Jess lingered, assessing the room, trying to see it through Abi’s eyes. She would enjoy the views from the windows. She’d love seeing her gardens; the view of the valley and hills beyond was always her favorite, and she would enjoy the sense of nature around her with plenty of natural light. The plan created a room with many conveniences and comfort for her and Hope. Jesse returned upstairs to their bedroom to finish packing up their clothes and belongings to take downstairs. He heard Lynn working in the bathroom, packing things to take to the new master bath downstairs. After finishing packing, he walked over to see how she was doing. Her sad face caused concern.

Hey, what’s up? Everything all right? His heart softened with empathy, patiently waiting for Lynn to put her words together. At times she held such strong emotions that it was difficult for her to communicate them when pressured.

Lynn turned, trying to fake a smile, but the pools of water in her eyes gave her away. I don’t know, Dad. It’s so horrible the way he treated Mom. I can see that she tries to put on a good front while Harry and I are visiting with her, but I can tell she is hurting badly. Possibly she doesn’t want us to see it, but I do.

I’m sure you are right. We need to give Mom the space she needs and allow her to tell us when she is ready. You always were very perceptive of people’s feelings, and I can understand that you would like to be able to talk to her about them. Sometimes, the best we can offer is our love and companionship, an ear to listen and show that we care. Jess offered a comforting hug. Lynn had grown so much, he could rest his chin on her head now. He wondered when that happened. Right in front of him, she had grown into a young lady.

Thanks, Dad, I appreciate you listening to me. I know you’re right. It is so hard to watch someone we love hurting and not being able to do anything for them.

Clutching Lynn with his hands on her shoulders and gazing into her eyes, he said, Don’t ever underestimate what love can do, honey. Love is the best thing we can offer at times like this. I’m sure Mom needs all that we can give her.

Lynn’s sadness dissipated, comforted by the love and concern in her father’s eyes. Eyes she grew up finding comfort and love in. Now she saw wisdom with the love and understanding he always offered. I’m okay, Dad, but it sounds like there’s a party going on downstairs. It wouldn’t hurt me to go down to visit a bit either?

Jess stood for a moment, assessing his daughter. True, but when you’re ready. He nodded. I’m here for you. Anytime you want to talk, I’m ready to listen. I love you, my dear daughter, always. The sounds of people talking grew louder from downstairs. Jess turned his ear to listen, then looked back at Lynn. I’d better go down to check on them. He chuckled. What can I take downstairs with me? I wonder if Rose is putting this stuff away in the bathroom and she might be ready for more.

Yep, I have a stack of boxes packed by the door there. She pointed at them. I’ll bring down more in a bit. Jess nodded as he lifted two boxes stacked on top of each other.

Upon returning downstairs, Jess startled to see that even Kurt and Rose were into the fracas now. Two FBI agents, nonetheless, fooling around, teasing each other. Whoever heard of such a thing? Here now, Rose picking on Kurt, arguing where to place the bed. Once they settled that, then Rose kept changing where one of the dressers should go, Yes, yes, right there, she teased him. Oh, wait! That won’t work there. Move a little to the right...good. Oops! I spoke too soon. You went too far! Move it back; just a little bit, she added, snickering at him.

Kurt blew the hair off his forehead. You sure this time? Cause I’m not moving it again, woman!

Well, since you put it that way, move it over against that wall. Rose pointed across the room by a window, trying to hold in her giggle. Oh, how she loved to tease this man of hers. She loved him.

God! Woman, aren’t you being a little bit fussy? It stays here, he goaded her, tapping the tip of his finger on the top of the dresser.

Everyone was laughing at their jesting; the atmosphere was light and cheerful. The crowd had thinned to three friends of Harry’s from high school, who couldn’t keep their eyes off Rose. She was a stunning beauty with her dark Latino features, eye-popping curves, chocolate brown eyes, and very kissable lips. It didn’t hurt that she was such a tease with them too. Kurt didn’t seem to pay any mind, but he would muscle his way in when they crowded her a little more than he was comfortable with. They finally moved on to the assembly of the infant crib.

Jesse was more than happy to let Kurt and Rose put the infant’s bed together. Of course, the boys were stumbling over each other, elbowing their way in to help. Or were they simply wanting to show off their manliness for Rose’s benefit? He had other stuff to bring down, but he couldn’t help observing their frolics first.

Their vociferous antics pulled him into watching their playful game with each other. Permitting himself another minute or two, he observed the teasing unfold between them. Who wouldn’t find this hilarious? Kurt asserted, There’s no need for the instructions that came with the crib.  Rose playfully led him on, trying not to giggle.

With the crib pieces scattered on the floor, Kurt grabbed a part. Uh-huh, this part goes right here. Then grabbing another, he laid it across from the other one.

Meanwhile, Rose was looking at the instructions and shaking her head. Tsk – tsk – tsk, no, that doesn’t look right.

What? Kurt asked. You’re saying it doesn’t go this way?

With a little giggle, Not according to these drawings, she stated.

Who needs them? He retorted. Any man worth his salt should be able to put this simple thing together in his sleep.

Jess imagined Kurt beating on his chest, staking his alpha position. All the boys were shaking their heads in agreement with Kurt. Kurt had a commanding presence about him, tall, broad-shouldered, and built like a nose tackle in the NFL. He once had played that position for the University of Illinois in Champaign. An injury his junior year had put him out of football, changed his career to become a big, bad FBI agent, which he was every bit of that.

Well, this should be fun. Rose grinned, putting the instructions down. I’ll just let all of you men geniuses have at it while I put Abi’s personal stuff away in the bathroom. Unless some of you would rather help me? she teased, fluttering her eyelashes with her head turned over her shoulder, looking back at them.

Personal stuff? What would that be? one of Harry’s friends asked.

Ah, humph, Kurt groaned, You know, like women’s things, he muttered.

The boy’s face turned beet red when he finally put it together, and the other boys were laughing at his embarrassing revelation. Harry playfully slapped his back, then tried to shove him in the direction of the bathroom, where Rose waited, giggling at them. The young boy wasn’t having any part of that, and he wiggled free. Laughing, Jess returned upstairs to work on what was coming down.

The next time Jess checked in, their bedroom furniture was assembled and placed into a comfortable arrangement. The crowd thinned once they completed most of the work. However, the infant’s crib remained in disarray on the floor, giving a vague impression of abstract art. Jess shook his head in disbelief. Rose peeked out of the bathroom, smiled at the pile of parts, shaking her head, raising her eyebrows while rolling her eyes. Kurt and the boys looked chagrined with defeat. Jesse decided to intervene, his skills as a designer and engineer, convince them that following instructions was no different from following a blueprint or a shop drawing to build a house or a car. Once assured that their masculinity remained intact, they listened eagerly to his instructions.

Kurt and the boys listened to Jesse as he pointed out where the parts fit together using the drawings. They organized the pieces now according to the instructions with Jesse’s assistance.

Rose poked her nose into the bedroom, shaking her head, and broke out laughing, teasingly proclaiming, Men, the most stubborn creature God ever made.  Chuckling, she returned to her work.

Kurt graciously accepted his defeat, even with a smile. Winning isn’t everything, not when the prize for him was so beautiful, he mumbled to himself. There no longer was any doubt that she owned his heart.

With Jesse’s guidance, they finished assembling the crib with many happy faces and a sense of accomplishment; it was not the simple project they first believed.

LATER, AFTER THE DUST settled, Jesse, sitting alone in their new bedroom, allowed himself to reflect on the journey that led them to this point. Of course, there was the excitement of hearing they found Abi alive after the long, dark period that haunted him still. The sequence of events that led to her rescue, the struggles and hardships they encountered, made him aware of how deeply interwoven into his life Abi was. When it dawned on them that someone abducted Abi, the shock squeezed him so tight, he was hardly able to think or breathe with the thought of losing her forever. The feeling was like, someone jerking a rug out from under him, and Jesse tumbled head over heels into a bottomless hole filled with despair. The weight of that reality came crashing down, forcing his knees to buckle. He couldn’t fathom living in a world without Abi. She was the very essence of life.

A mystery that gathered over them like the pressure of a massive storm as it approached. The mystery, like a storm, with an evolving intensity growing with every failed attempt to find Abi. Even with the help of the local chief of police, Reed Walters, a close family friend, they still struck out. Search after search conducted by the chief and other local authorities that joined in, along with the local volunteers, turned up nothing. The darkness was suffocating.

Jesse remembered when it was at its worst, his frustration nearly exploded with the direction things were heading. That was when the cost, money! Forced the authorities to call off the searches. It signaled the end. How could they find her if the searches ended? The wind dropped out of his sails. Was it over? Did they expect him to go on living without Abi?

Now abandoned by the very ones who swore they’d keep searching until they found her. This can’t be the end. It wasn’t written in his script that way. He expected to find her. However, the authorities did end the searches, leaving him with bruised feelings as if beaten without mercy.

There was no uncomplicated way to explain their decision to Harry and Lynn. Jesse had all along, insistently he refused to give up and encouraged Harry and Lynn to do so as well. He acknowledged that it would take a miracle to find her alive. Miracles do happen, he remembered telling them, we just need to believe that somehow, a miracle can happen. They wouldn’t stop searching, even if that meant doing it alone.

Grinning, Jesse remembered when that miracle manifested unexpectedly. First, relief came when FBI Special Agents Rose Alvarez and Kurt Steele came to take on the case. He answered the door one evening, opening it to find this monster of a man standing next to a tall, dark beauty, both dressed in dark business attire. He wondered what they were after and why they were bothering him while he was dealing with his wife missing. Then they introduced themselves as FBI Special Agents. They were here to investigate Abi’s abduction. These two people were soon to become close family friends as they worked to eventually find Abi.

They had found Abi alive and soon would return her to them, with Hope, a little more than a minor distraction for him at the time.  When Abi wanted him to be the legal father, petulantly agreed. There was no way he’d deny her persuasive pleadings. However, that didn’t stop the niggling feelings. Persistent at times, even percolating, and permeating until creating a bitter taste that was too hard to swallow. Why, oh, why can’t I find peace with this? Abi had suffered enough, and she deserved better. Shocked by what he had seen, the bruises, broken bones, and scars from the abuse that she went through. It was evident that no part of her body was spared from the violence. What kind of man could commit that level of torture to her?

I can’t love her more than I do, but I can show her and offer her the best I have to give. I can provide her with absolutely the best care. I love her, and she needs to see it. Whatever we may face tomorrow, our path is together, and I will be at her side.

Trouble continued to gather like clouds off in the distance. This was the calm before a storm, nothing but a gentle breeze that lured them into a false-sense of tranquility. Unaware that a serious threat was building in strength and fury, waiting for the right moment to descend and release the full extent of his anger. He was coming. Another turbulent season was heading for the Coltrane family, aware or not, trouble was on the way.

~ Two ~

Jesse’s heart pounded with excitement as he walked through the open door into Abi’s room. After taking a couple of steps into the room, Jesse froze in place, startled by the activity before him. A gap in the opaque curtain drawn around her bed, wide enough to permit him a view of a mother, captivated with breastfeeding her child. The bed raised into a sitting position for nursing. Jess watched as Abi guided the baby’s tiny mouth towards her breast. Lightly rubbing the baby’s lips, she encouraged her to latch onto the milk-laden breast. Pleased with the results, filled with satisfaction watching Hope suckle. A warmth of comfort and peace settled over Abi’s countenance. As Abi lovenly scrutinized Hope with a look of wonder, her eyes revealed an intimate attachment. Abi began speaking in motherese.

A moment of indecision left Jess lingering in the passageway, hopefully concealed by the adjacent walls projecting into the room. He needed a moment while sifting through the capricious feelings that struck him. This was a precarious position forcing him to walk a thin line. If he faltered, by allowing Abi to sense any indication of sulkiness with her situation, she’d interpret it as a threat. His only option was to resolve it, and man up, which he believed should not be that hard to do. This wasn’t the only time he had seen Abi mothering an infant. Those moments were precious, filled with a profoundness; the world was as it should be. Not any different than now? A mother-child bonding should be a joyful occasion? But it wasn’t for him, not now, he felt quite the opposite. Alienated! The sense of rejection created a strangled hold on his happy mood that he arrived with. Hope was her baby, not his, not theirs. He wasn’t part of this moment, he had no connection to the child.

The reality staggered him as if a boxer suffering a knockout blow, Jess realized he needed to coral these stinging thoughts before they turned into a stampede, flooding him with anger. He couldn’t afford to lose control of himself, not now, not here. Thoughtlessly, Jess stepped right into a trap, now there was but one thing to do, push forward. The reality he faced, like it or not, this baby was here, thrust into his life, and they needed him.

He paused for a moment to release the tension within him, breathing slowed as he let out long steady breath and inhaled in the same manor. Forcing his thoughts to focus on something happier, like the plan for the day. Today they were celebrating Abi’s return home. Luck came knocking on their door, they found her alive, and in a brief time, they would be on the road to home. Her reunion was well worth celebrating, no matter the entanglements. Whatever feelings he had to the contrary, nothing surpassed that. His mood shifted with those thoughts; excitement returned. The enormous grin growing on his face couldn’t suppress it, he moved deeper into Abi’s room with a noticeable bounce to his step.

A movement caught in the corner of Abi’s vision startled her. Abi turned her focus on him, her smile vanished, no sign of the comfort or contentment he’d witnessed earlier. Terror charged through Abi’s mind, caught enraptured with Hope, she had let her guard down and now faced the horrible consequences of that. Months of training herself to be constantly alert of every sound, smell, or variations in her surroundings to prepare for the beast holding her captive. A survival skill she picked up, paying attention to the little nuances expressed on her captor’s face, she learned how to read them and counter with expressions of non-aggression that soothed his anger. She offered him warmth, friendship, concern, and a smile that she used to disarm the angry beast many times. She hadn’t been paying attention now, she was unprepared and waited while holding her breath with a pretentious smile.

Tension hung in the air, Abi seemed rattled and sent off caution warnings in his head. Though he didn’t know all her triggers as Reed and Rose explained, he did realize that treading light and trying to keep a cheerful mood was important now. Heck, he would do anything to avoid another harsh reception like he had received in the past from her. Was his Abi even in there anymore? He had to admit though, she had this mood shifting thing down to perfection.

Oh! You surprised me, Abi said guardedly, I didn’t hear you come in.  That sounded lame to her, but it’s as honest and open as possible right now. Her response had been instantaneous; uncensored fear spilled out. A burst of fear and her defenses drawn up as if confronting a cat, and she was the mouse. Every move he made, the details of his expression, she calculated. Every step he took, she prepared to counter with her arsenal.  

Jesse couldn’t believe how hard this situation was, much harder than it should be. It felt like walking barefoot on broken glass. I’m sorry, the door stood open. I entered. Guess I should have knocked? Jess offered, as he struggled for balanced on the tight rope stretched across the canyon between them. You appeared enthralled with Hope, and I didn’t want to interrupt. Besides, it’s only me. I didn’t assume you would mind.  The tension stood like an impervious wall that neither managed to penetrate until Jess offered, I could come back later if you would rather be alone while you are feeding your baby.

Abi’s eyebrows lifted, and her chin dropped; she didn’t expect Jesse’s offer. Every day, the monster brutally assaulted her, which caused trepidation that she couldn’t brush aside. Hiding emotions or hiding from her feelings became paramount to protect herself—forcing her mind to numb all feelings. She expected aggression, but that’s not what Jesse offered. Dumbstruck, she didn’t know how to respond to kindness. God! Someone should put a warning label on me, she cogitated. Caution, broken with sharp edges or Assembly required. Her surroundings had changed, but she remained jittery, as if she remained trapped in that torture chamber.

God, no! Please - please stay, Abi said, I expect she’ll fall asleep once she is finished and burped.  Begging? Is that what I sound like? The conversation felt unwieldy to her, not sure what he expected from her. She tried, at least, trying to move in the right direction. Abi hoped.

She focused on the baby in her arms and the spring of love for Hope pouring out for her. Desperate to feel the same way towards Jess, but she wasn’t feeling it, why? What’s preventing me? Somewhere in her heart, she knew those feelings were there and more. "Need, or want? She acknowledged both." Wanting Jesse like in the memories she held of him, an extreme passion flared, pulling her like a magnet to him. Yet when he came near, she became jittery. Something is terribly screwed up and needs to change. I can’t keep doing this to him. The thought of just letting go made her feel more vulnerable, weaker, and subjected to things she didn’t want to go through ever again. It required a level of trust she didn’t have in her anymore.

Abi faced the horrendous experience of abduction alone; there was no one else to lean on. She learned how to protect herself by staying in control, fully alert. How could she let her defenses go? Who would protect her if she did? The isolated experience of her past taught her that she was alone with no one else to trust or protect her. Yet, the memory of Jess being there for her conflicted how to react to him now. In this muddled state of mind, going down an alternate path was like driving blind into a fog. By the time she recognized danger, it would be too late. Dr. Jensen had offered to contact a friend of his, a psychiatrist that worked with trauma patients at the V.A. At that time, she told him, Maybe I am hurt, but I’m sure not crazy. She laughed at it then. Now, though, his offer seemed worth reconsidering. I can do this, she encouraged herself. Look what I have survived so far. I’m stronger than this.

Did the doctor come to check you out? Jess moved to an upholstered chair that sat against the wall and settled into it, leaving a wide berth between them. The urge to touch her, hold her in his arms, and kiss her soft lips was strong, but there was no mistaking the fear he saw in her. This mood between them irritated him, and not sure how to deal with it made Jess mad. If he got close, she pushed him away, or even freaked out like what happened just the other day. Keeping his distance seemed like the only option for now, reminded Reed’s advice to take it slow.

No, not yet, Abi replied to his question. The nurse that brought Hope said that he should be in soon. She saw him making his rounds, working his way up to me, I think.

Didn’t give you a time, though? Jesse asked, shuffling his legs, eventually stretching them out in front of him and crossing his ankles.

"No. The nurse said he likes to visit when he’s checking in with each patient. The doctor wants to see how they are,