Running

By Amy Royea

Savannah Knowles thought her life was finally beginning to become normal. She finally found a life that she loved until one night sent her whole world spinning. From that night on she would be forced to face the terror that haunted her past. What had kept her running for years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781304671301

Book preview

Running

Running

Amy Royea

Running

Written by: Amy Royea

Running

Copyright © Amy Royea

All Rights Reserved

November 2013

ISBN: 978-1-304-67130-1

ISBN: 978-1-304-67162-2

Chapter 1

It was an unseasonably warm day in May as Savannah Knowles was immersed in trying to get the gardens ready at Stone Mountain vineyard for the spring seeds. The warmth of the sun on her back was a welcome change from the bitter cold of the winter they just came out of. They had spent two months cleaning up from the spring storm that ripped through the valley. The sun warmed her skin and she could feel its rays penetrating; heating her aching muscles and bones. As she took a moment to survey what she had accomplished so far that morning, she couldn’t help but smile. It seemed that the years had passed so quickly; so much had changed during that time. She felt like her life was finally starting to begin to be normal.  Well almost, she still couldn’t chance having a man in her life, but it was something she had accepted long ago. Pain and turmoil was all her life consisted of at one point. Now she was in charge of the grounds at Stone Mountain Vineyard and she had people working for her on the grounds.

Working in the gardens had always given her the peace and tranquility that she had needed so badly during her past. It was her escape from the hell and darkness she lived when he was home. 

Stone Mountain Vineyard was an immense property nestled in the Appalachian corridor. The main house sat atop the mountain looking down at the sprawling vineyard and extensive gardens that surrounded the property. It’s immense stone pillars, solid beam construction and walls of windows allowed it to have the 280-degree view of the mountains that surrounded it. On the perfect day you could see as far as the White Mountains. It was the most breath taking view. Savannah knew that everything about this place was special and she felt safe here. All the stone that seemed was the only thing people around there could grow, gave the Vineyard it’s own microclimate. They had worked hard over the years and it had given them the award winning Stone Mountain Pinot Gris and gold ribbon winning Riesling. During the summer season they were also very popular for their fresh produce and exotic fruit. Working on the grounds in the gardens and the vineyard was her favourite part of the job. Savannah was also the chef for the many parties and for the specialty products that they sold in the boutique.

Her job was very demanding and consumed all her time but she enjoyed it that way.  She had no time for a social life that suited her perfectly… Most of the time!

When Savannah arrived in town three years ago, she had quickly become friends with Annie Scott the owner of the local gift shop. She was a fiery red head that stood 5’3" that had so much energy you rarely saw her sitting down. She enjoyed being around Annie because she was always talking about everything happening in town or she would be involved in a project that she obsessed over. Savannah never had to talk about herself or her past and Annie never asked either. Annie’s latest project was the construction of the new youth centre. She had been working very hard on the project for almost two years and it was finally done. She was planning a big grand opening for everyone that had invested and donated to the project.

Annie had dropped by the vineyard to talk about the party that was going to be next Friday during her break. She sat across from Savannah on the edge of her desk sipping her fresh cup of java.

As I see it Savannah, you still owe me! Laughed Annie. She wasn’t able to touch the floor so she swung her legs back and forth.

Fine! Fine Annie. Savannah threw her hands up in defeat. I’ll arrange the food And the wine for the event, but you do realize that it’s really late to be contacting a caterer! Savannah sighed as she marked it down in her agenda. She wasn’t quite sure what she owed Annie for and she didn’t really have time to deal with this but she would figure it out.

Oh gosh Savannah, are you sure? You decide on what kind of food to serve, it’s your wine anyways so you know what goes best. Annie knew how busy Savannah was but she had no idea where even to begin. She needed everything to be perfect.  Anyways you’re just so good at this stuff. You don’t have to work at it, just hire the people for me.

Yes Annie, don’t worry. I’ll figure it out.  Savannah was still hesitant but it will make her weekend go by a lot faster at least. Most of her weekends consisted of sleeping in and trying out new recipes or trying to find a reason to go back to the vineyard to work. Annie was always trying to get her to go out and socialize with her but Savannah wasn’t comfortable or able to be in that position yet.

The grand opening is for the people that had invested in the project Savannah, so you know you are going to have to come shopping with me. Annie was annoyed that she could never get Savannah to dress up when they did go out. Truth was Savannah was more comfortable in her casual clothes because she would go unnoticed. No one takes notice to the plain Jane in the back. She loved her dresses at one time…but that was the past and she just didn’t have any reason to wear them now.

What do you mean I have to go to it too! Savannah was shocked as Annie laughed at her comment. It had been so long since she has been a large social gathering.

‘What the hell did I just get myself into?’ She scolded herself for not thinking this through.  It had always been a horrible fight that had ended up with more bruises whenever she would dress up for any party. ‘That was when he would actually let you go!’  She told herself, ‘but you are far away from him now.’ she needed to relax.

Yes you have to go! And don’t even think of backing out either. If I have to drag you there I will. There was no way Annie was going to let her out of this event.  Knowing that there was going to be a bunch of bachelors there she was determined that she was going to introduce some of them to Savannah.

Well at least you didn’t ask me to be apart of the date auction! I would never say yes to that, and get it out of your head! Savannah could see Annie’s wheels turning already.

I know, but it could be good… Get a hot stud for 24hrs... Annie winked and laughed.

No thank you, my luck I would get stuck with that slim ball lawyer. Savannah shivered at the thought.

Maybe, maybe not. Anyways I got to go, I have so much to get done still and I have a big order coming in at the shop. Hoping off Savannahs desk Annie waved and left her office.

See ya! Savannah yelled back as she ran her hands through her hair and let out an exasperated sigh as she leaned back into her chair. ‘Why the hell did I agree to that?’ She decided to make a couple phone calls for the food before she returned back to the gardens.

Crawling into bed she felt pleased that she had all the food arranged for the event and had organized her help to deliver the wine that day. On her way home she had managed to get Valentino’s to do the food and he was going to get a bunch of students from the college to serve. Everything had worked out perfectly. Now all she had to do was make sure they had enough wine there and give the serving staff their orders that night.

During the weekend they ventured to the city to go to Annie’s friend Brads boutique. It was a mix of contemporary and vintage clothing. A place where you can find anything, for any occasion. Brad had shown them around to all the different areas in his store, finally leaving them alone at the cocktail dresses. Savannah found a couple outfits that had suited her style now, but Annie kept fussing.

No way! I will not let you go and look like that! Annie huffed and turned to go find Brad.

Well that would be one way to avoid it then! Savannah whispered into the rack of dresses beside her. The dresses she picked had been conservative, dark colours, high necks with not a lot of skin showing. Shaking her head she thought of the scars that she conceals everyday.

Annie had returned with Brad snapping her out of her thoughts. Brad insisted that he be the own who choose her dress, since he truly had more style!  She didn’t take offence to the insult. Brad was a gay man and his style was truly far better than hers. ‘For now’ She told herself. 

Savannah darling, you are going to kill every woman once I am done with you. Brad remarked, as he hooked another dress on the door for her to try on.

Don’t you mean every man Brad? Savannah had no idea why she would want to show off to the women at the party. Could Annie possible told Brad that she had sworn off men? Maybe he figured she was interested in women instead. ‘Oh god’ Savannah thought.

No darling, if you kill all the men then there wont be any left for me. Brad and Annie both laughed.

Well you and Annie can have them all! I have no interest in any of them! She yelled over the dressing room door.

Letting out a sigh as she tried on the next dress that was thrown over the door. She really wasn’t interested in getting any attention from anyone at the party. As the days went on she was starting to get butterflies in the pit of her stomach. The more they talked about it the worst she felt. It had been almost five years since she had been with anyone and it was definitely something that was bothering her more and more but she had to be safe. Not just for herself but she couldn’t let anyone else get hurt if he was to find her either.

After trying on what had seemed to be thirty dresses they had finally decided on a stunning Verra Wang cocktail dress that showed off her tight tanned legs. It was made with silver chiffon and the spaghetti straps were studded with crystals. Savannah was tall at 5’11" with long black hair that she kept tied up the majority of the time. With this dress they decided that she could pin it up loosely. She hadn’t had time nor wanted to fuss about her appearance. She was more interested in work than anything else; she wanted… Needed… to keep focus.

Despite the fact that Brad and Annie going gaga over the dress Savannah actually really liked it, ‘but is it worth the risk?’ she thought as she looked at herself again in the mirror. ‘It’s just one night. Just relax nothing will happen.’ She told herself.  After stopping by two more stores to pick up some shoes and jewellery they were on their way back home. As they pulled up to Savannahs apartment she could tell that there was something on Annie’s mind.

What’s wrong with you? Savannah asked, she could tell that Annie was hesitating on looking at her.

Nothing… It’s just… I know how hard this is for you, and I am very thankful for everything you have done for me.  On the verge of tears Annie finally looked at Savannah. I really hope that you can enjoy yourself some at the party. Annie knew there was something in Savannahs past that kept her hidden away from everyone. She never asked her about but hoped that one day she would confide in her.

Seriously Annie, you need to go home and get some sleep. If you stay this emotional you are going to be a blubbering mess at the party!

Yeah, I guess your right. I did mean what I said though Savannah.

Smiling Savannah shut the door to the car and waved bye to Annie. ‘Thank god I am home’ She was no good at dealing with the emotional side of Annie or anyone else. She learnt a long time ago that showing her emotion only gave her husband more ammunition in torturing her. Never again will she allow herself to be in that position again. Now, having to go to the party was starting to bother her more and more as the week progressed.

That night the nightmares were worse than normal. She woke at 3am from a nightmare, panic ripping through her, tears running down her cheeks.. ‘ Oh god please, let them stop.’ Every horrible moment of her past is relived in her dreams. She wished she could forget. Move on… But they won’t stop.

A storm had been brewing during the night. The thunder and lighting was creeping closer together as the winds shook the shutters and howled through the trees. At the peak of the storm it was as if the air froze as the lightning struck a tree near her bedroom, lighting up the room. He had just gotten home from the bar.

She tried to lay there so he would think she was asleep but the lightning had made her jump. She couldn’t hear him talking. The sound of the rain pounding on the window engulfed all his words.

She tried to get away, but he was on top of her in an instant. Pinning her down so she couldn’t move. His fists’ hammering into her sides as his knee collides with her chest, knocking the rest of her air out. She struggled to take a breath, she wanted to scream but there’s no use… No one could hear her they are too far away. All she could do was take it and hope he stops before he kills her.

Staring into his dark eyes all she sees if anger, and elation. She knows what’s next and fear rips through her body as she struggles to breathe. Her lungs feel like razor blades as his hard calloused hands run up her body. His fingers wrapping around her neck to start slowly squeezing, strangling her.

Savannah woke up gasping, engrossed in the fear that had become her