Runaway: Unraveling Sanctuary, #2

By Kali Zunn

The sanctuary wasn't safe. It never was…

A year after Emma's death, Daisy, the sanctuary doctor, makes a devastating discovery that changes the very fabric of her life, altering her views about her home and family. Guilt of the truth plagued her at every turn, along with the horrible truths that silently whisper in her ears: Death. Secrets. Lies. Daisy had to escape the compound where she felt betrayed.  Forming a plan in her mind, she confided in her only true friend Jenna that she was leaving. But Jenna was keeping secrets as well.  With nothing to lose, the two women escape into the forest and are met with adventures and hardships beyond their wild imagination. When a past friend finds Daisy trapped in the dark memories of her frantic choices, she offers a promise of a better life...

 

A better life with four men, a candy shop, a stonemason, and a teacher.

While Sterling, Slade, Jade, and Jasper are smitten at first glance with the young sweet doctor, to their chargen she's not easily swayed. It might take some time to earn her trust. Maybe a few melt-in-your-mouth sweet treats or a string of dainty lights, before the four males had her in their arms. One thing they knew for sure was, she was always meant to be theirs.

If only her men could keep the darkness from creeping in…

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kali Zunn
• Release date: Oct 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393374992

Book preview

Runaway

Unraveling Sanctuary 

All rights reserved Kali Zunn ©2020

Cover by: Sarphira @ selfpublishebooks.com

Textile by: Nikki Bolvair

Edited by: Self-edits

ISBN:

This book is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

Daniel, My Son

Four generations have passed, one-hundred-and-forty-five years, since many of twenty super volcanoes erupted and left twenty-six women in a sanctuary, which flourished under their attention.

The world, as they had known it, was gone, but so were the evil men who abused and belittled them.

Now, men were almost nonexistent.

Except for the ones that have been born here with us.

The original women who survived, who we now called The First Grandmothers, found ways to multiply after searching the abandoned cities for fertility centers or hospitals.

It was at these places they were able to collect sperm and populate their Sanctuary.

Now their children, we call them mothers or grandmothers. Then you have us, the younger women who are called sisters. We haven't earned the right of Mother- yet. That title is bestowed upon us when we give birth to a child. Grandmother is the highest title of honor given to a mother who births four or more children.

Male births were rare and few of them reside within these walls. The ones who were lucky enough to be at Sanctuary were children. Too young to help procreate, but blessed to have survived their early years of infancy without an untimely death. An untimely mystery we were still trying to unravel.

Activities and celebrations were held every year. The one most women look forward to was our yearly camping trips. It was there we were able to learn and grow beyond what the compound could teach us.

Emma, one of my dearest friends, loved going on them. Jenna, her escort, was linked to her side.

It was during one of these trips when the camping bus returned to the compound three days early.

They never came back early. Something was wrong.

My biggest fear was for Emma. A head or more taller than the rest of us, and odd in many ways, she was always treated differently. If someone had been hurt and she was around, they would blame her with no questions asked. I didn't want to see her get punished for something she didn't do, but as a low ranking sister, my hands were tied.

While others thought of Emma as an outcast for her looks and quirky disposition, I always thought her to be a sweet girl.

Now the bus was coming back early and I could help but pray that the very reason for that didn’t involve Emma.

Never allowed to treat her wounds, I taught her to how to take care of herself. She fastly became a quick and obedient student.

Just inside the gates of the compound, I waited eagerly in my little car as the bus stopped right outside.

Attached behind my car, I had a trailer that carried medical supplies that could be used, if anyone was hurt.

Mother Mary was the first person to step off the bus, waving at me to hurry.

Unlocking the car door, I stepped out as she cried, Quickly Sis-Mother Daisy! It’s Sister Jenna.

Hearing Sister Jenna’s name, I race over to the bus in fear of what might have happened.

Mother Mary moved back into the bus as I boarded and did a quick scan for both Sister Emma and Jenna. The sisters and mothers were pressed sitting, quietly whispering about what happened as I followed Mother Mary to the back, not seeing my outcast friend anywhere.

Once at the back of the bus, I found Sister Jenna in a bench, bleeding heavily.

My heart sank, knowing what was happening. She was at the beginning stages of a miscarriage. Her skin was pale in comparison to her normal healthy peach tone.

Everyone off the bus, I ordered, loudly.

Scurrying and shuffling sounded as the sisters did as they were told. What happened?

She took a boat out on the lake and it tipped over, Mother Mary replied. How can I help?

I need to get her to the hospital as quickly as possible. I didn't want to put more stress on Jenna’s body. Her pulse was already racing underneath my fingertips as I held her wrist. I checked for other vital signs, hoping she wasn't going into shock. This will be over within a few hours.

Mother Daisy, she is gone, Jenna whispered through the pain as a tear slid down her ashened cheek. I know the loss of a potential child is heartbreaking, but I never, not once, seen Sister Jenna cry. My own mother's heart went out to her. The pain of losing a potential child was always hard.

Thumbing away her tears, I softly agreed. Yes Sister Jenna, your baby is gone. I gave her a sympathetic smile. We need to take care of you now. Turning to Mother Mary, I directed her on what to do.  Mother Mary, grab her feet. I’ll take her torso. She won't be able to walk off the bus.

We can go out the back. It’s an emergency door, Mother Mary suggested.

Sister Jenna, I need you to hold on, I told her before I hollered out the window to have four girls open the back door.

Carefully and gently, Mary and I walked to the back of the bus with Jenna’s weight balanced between the two of us.

If Emma were here, she would have been able to carry Jenna off the bus baby style.

Sister Emma is gone, Jenna groaned as we neared the back of the bus.

Sister Emma is gone? That is not possible.

They would never let her out of their sight. She was the compound outcast, sure, all despised her, but to let her out of their sight was unheard of. The mothers and grandmothers were always keeping an eye out for her. They made the younger sisters play a hiding game when she walked by. How did they lose Sister Emma? This was all confusing for me. I didn’t see her on the bus, so maybe Jenna spoke the truth.

The back door to the bus opened as four girls waited for us. Both the mother and I eased Jenna down, but I felt her heavy body starting to slip and I knew she was over my weight limit, but I had to get her off the bus.

Yes Sister Jenna, she is gone. Please stop thinking of her, Mother Mary ordered as she set Jenna’s legs on the floor, then jumped out.

Sister Emma is gone? I questioned, not really believing it, as I sat Jenna on the floor of the bus with her feet dangling off the side. Carefully take her legs as I slide her forward and then her shoulders and let Mother Mary guide you back to my car.

Jenna let out a scream as she slid across the floor of the bus.

Don't worry, the pain is normal, I replied to the sisters helping. Knowing talking about Emma would help Jenna concentrate on something else, I asked, What happened to Emma?

She drowned when Sister Jenna’s boat tipped over, Mother Mary informed me quickly. I believe it’s the outcast who brought this upon our dear Sister Jenna.

There was a strong wind, Jenna protested as the four sisters made a chain with their arms,  linking them together to make a place for Jenna to sit. I hopped out quickly using two shoulders of the girls that replaced the original four.  It was an accident. We got close to the other shore line.

After Sister Lilly informed me, I knew she was dead. Jenna, my dear, You are in such stress, please relax, Mother Mary spoke softly, walking slowly with us to my waiting car. Our dear Sister Emma has met her end. The sanctuary is now clean of this outcast. We shall never speak of it again.

It was getting harder for Jenna to talk, she was breathing heavily after her last statement. It's ok Jenna, I’ve got you now.

The four sisters placed her on a large towel in the back of the cart as I moved all the medical supplies to the second seat.

Anything I can do? Mother Mary asked as I made sure Jenna was secure.

Not at this point. I got it from here, I replied as I got behind the wheel and started up the small car.

Taking the shortest drive back to the hospital, avoiding bumps as best as I could, Jenna still moaned in the cart behind me. I was grateful she stayed awake for this, but knew the pain she was in was awful. There was nothing I could do until I got her in the ER.

When I was sixteen the female body fascinated me. The bones, muscles, tissue, veins and even birthing class were amazing. Mother Frances noticed my interest and put me on a fast track to becoming a doctor. I studied hard and read all the books pushed my way. My first patient was Mother Gloria, she was about to deliver her fourth child, making her a grandmother. I performed a c-section perfectly, saving her life and her twins. I was only eighteen at the time. After that I could count on one hand how many patients, I have lost but I can no longer count how many I have saved. That first c-section was five years ago, but still feels like yesterday.

We are almost there Jenna, I called back to her. She moaned as I rounded the corner. Pushing the button on my wheel to alert the others, three nurses came rushing out with a bed.

The four of us helped Sister Jenna on top of the bed and quickly rolled her into the ER. I shouted out orders as my nurses went running about to do my bidding.

It took an hour and a half to get Jenna fixed up, but would take her a few months to heal completely.

She miscarried her first child, so emotionally, it would take a lot longer to heal from something like that.

It was normal to lose the first one. After her time healing in the hospital came to an end, I could see her depression and I invited her to live with me and my son.

She was overjoyed at the invitation. Grandmother Syshe, the oldest living mother in the compound, even agreed to the living arrangement.

Time passed slowly in our small home.

One month after Jenna had moved in, we had a small funeral for Emma. It was only then that Jenna told me what really happened.

I tipped the boat after Emma left and helped her run away. She said she would go South to see the land there and explore. They wanted to kill her Daisy.

But you harmed your baby in the process. I said pouring her some tea. Was there no other way besides tipping the boat?

I started to miscarry the morning of, Jenna replied, hanging her head. I thought if I tipped the boat, it would give Sister Emma enough time to...

I understand, you wanted her to run without them finding her, I answered, giving her a  reassuring pat on her hand.

She nodded. Emma was her first concern, she had already lost the baby, she was determined to not lose Emma too. The two had a bond I would never understand. Something that went deeper than the surface.Will you be returning to work today?

Yes, I promised the Grandmothers I would help out in the south garden, Jenna replied. I think working will help me recover.

Can you take Brother Daniel with you? I asked, getting up with my empty tea cup. He would enjoy the sun.

Sure, Jenna replied with a smile. I packed up Daniel’s bag quickly, making sure he had everything for his day in the sun with Jenna. After bidding Jenna and Daniel goodbye I left for the hospital.

Life became mundane after that. Without Emma around it was rather boring. Jenna and I fell in sync to living together. I would return to the hospital for my seven hours shift and Jenna took Brother Daniel to the gardens or for a walk around the compound. On Jenna’s teaching days she would drop him off with one of the caretakers.

Late one night, when I returned home after delivering three baby girls for three Mothers, I was exhausted.

I said hello to Jenna who greeted me with a smile and dinner.

Your home later than normal, Jenna remarked, setting out a dinner plate for me.

I sat down at the table. I had a long day,

Looks like it, Jenna said smiling as she cleared the dirty dishes off the table.

How was your day? I asked, taking a bite of food.

Jenna went to the sink and started to wash dishes. It was fine. I might have a new star gazer joining my classes next week.

That is wonderful news, I replied, How is my son?

That is the unusual part, Jenna said, setting down a cup. When I picked him up from Sister Beth’s he was asleep, and has been sleeping since we got home. I’m not sure if he is going through a growth spurt, or maybe he just missed his nap this afternoon.

He did not wake when you pulled him from the stroller? I was confused. Daniel always woke up when he was taken out of the stroller. I felt my heart drop right out, plopping on the floor.

Nope, odd right? Jenna replied, setting the cup on the counter. Do you think it's a growth spurt? Sister Beth said he was really quiet today-

I jumped to my feet quickly running to Daniel’s crib. Something was not right, I had to see him. Panic ran through me as I expected the worst. Did Jenna pick up someone else's kid, or... No, I would not think about it. I refused to think about that.

Mother Daisy? Jenna mused, worried as she followed me. Entering my darkened room with panic ebbing, I flicked on the light and hurried past my bed on the right side, toward Daniel's crib.

Gripping the side of the crib, worried that he didn't even wake up when I turned on the lights, I noticed he was pale and unmoving.

My doctor instincts kicked in first. I took his wrist in mine hoping to feel the beat of his heart. There was none, not even a flicker. I checked his breathing that too was still. My son was dead. The one thing I refused to think about had happened.

The sharpest pain seared through my body as I pulled him from the crib.I waited for the tears to start flowing from my eyes as I looked at my son. He looked so peaceful, like he was sleeping. I waited but the tears never came.

I took the lifeless son I had loved for the last four months, walked past Jenna, and went to the rocking chair in the living room. Daisy, I didn’t- I’m so sorry.

I am just going to rock him to sleep, I said melancholy, knowing I was in shock, but I didn't care. Maybe even sing to him.

That sounds like a good idea, Jenna whispered, I’ll join you.

I rocked, all night long I rocked. I cried as I held Daniel close. I called him by his name, I told him how much I loved him and how much I would miss him. In the morning I took Daniel to the morgue. Jenna never left my side, never said a word, and never asked.

I documented Daniel’s body, noted any strange sightings. When I opened him up Jenna took a step back. I knew she was there for support, but this was my job. I needed to know how he died and let the compound know. I had to figure out why our males were dying. There had to be a reason.

This was part of my job. Whether it was my son or not, all males were looked at under a microscope.

I devoted the whole day to Daniel. I never left his side until I was done. I just couldn’t leave him alone.

I have to get to the bottom of this. I have to find answers, I kept saying, going back over my baby and the clues I knew that were hiding.

The mothers and grandmothers understood. They gave me the time I needed, but Jenna, she was different.

Daisy, it hasn't changed. Jenna replied looking at me. It’s still the same. He wasn't poisoned. You have noted it three times and said it five.

I have? I asked, looking at my notes. Sure enough I had. Sighing, I knew I was done looking Daniel over. It was time to let him go. As a doctor I could let him go, but as his mother, I didn’t want to leave his side.

Come along, his funeral will be tomorrow afternoon. Jenna said, taking me by the hand. You need some sleep before then.

I dressed Daniel in one of my favorite outfits and prepared him for his funeral. Kissing him one last time, I left him alone in the large morgue freezer.

You can leave him, Jenna whispered.

I know, I replied, pausing at the door, I just don't want to.

I broke. Falling hard on my knees I cried like a child. I don't know how I got home, or how I got into bed or when I fell asleep. But sleep was what I truly needed.

Questions and Answers

When I returned to the hospital the following morning, my real work was waiting for me and Daniel’s body was still in the morgue freezer. He was close, but not close enough.

I took a few moments before my shift to look in on him.

He looks so peaceful. I whispered, pulling him out. This is my last chance to find answers.

I had to have one last look at him before he was gone forever.

As I pulled back the sheet from his sleeping form, I found something I had not seen before.

Why do you have bruises around your neck? I asked, leaning in closer to Daniel’s neck. I found three circular prints on his epiglottis. You were choked?

I grabbed my light to see down his throat. His larynx was crushed. This was no normal death. How could I have missed this? Maybe it was because I was not looking for signs of murder, but for answers. I opened my folder to find not only my handwriting but someone else’s.

"What? ‘Cause of death SIDS.’ They must have also missed these prints, I need to ask around." As I looked through the file, I didn’t see the three-page handwritten notes I’d put in the day before. They were replaced by a half page typed note, and nothing in this half report was any of my findings. Who would replace my notes? Who would kill my son? Anger flared up inside me to a boiling point, and I gripped the edge of the file tightly, crinkling the papers.

Footsteps in the hall brought me back to the present. I decided to keep my findings to myself, for now. As mad and as angry as I was I didn’t know who I could trust with as many questions as I had. Smoothing out the papers quickly, I placed them at the bottom of a pile of other files hoping no one would notice the edges.

Hello Mother Daisy, Said Mother Alice walking into the morgue. I plastered on a smile, hiding the anger that was boiling inside of me. What is Brother Daniel doing out?

I was just finishing up my autopsy. I replied, annoyed I was interrupted. Quickly I covered him up again.

Mother Ginna asked me to do that early this morning. Alice replied, You were very thorough yesterday.

Well I was his birth mother. I replied, keeping my cool. In truth I wanted to kill whoever killed my boy.

I understand. I washed him and redressed him for the funeral this afternoon. Did you not smell the chemicals? Alice asked, confused.

I had not noticed. I replied, tucking my flashlight back in my coat pocket. I had hoped she did not see the tools I used. Alice walked over to me, placing her hand on my shoulder. Her curly black hair was something I never liked. Why did it have to be so thick and curly? Her blue eyes didn’t help her either. I hated the fact that she had my eyes too.

I need to put him back. Alice said looking me over.

Can, I paused, thinking quickly. I wanted to see his throat again. Can I put him back as my last goodbye?

Sure, Alice said letting me go. I carefully picked up Daniel as if he was still living.

We have another body on the way and there are three mothers ready to deliver in the other room. What would you like to do today? Alice informed me as I walked over to the freezer.

If I do the deliveries’ I won't be able to attend my son’s funeral. I need the closure. I started opening the freezer door.

I thought you would say that. Alice said, hanging her