Bittersweet

By Larissa White-Ranaldson

Ashley and her husband Jared had the perfect life or so it seemed. Both had successful careers, a beautiful home and three beautiful children. Its amazing how things can change in the blink of an eye. No saw it coming , no one could predict the pain and sorrow that was going to fall upon the family. One phone call changed it all in the matter of moments, Ashley is missing, Jared is forced to deal with the fact that he may never see her again. Where did she go? Why did she leave? Why is his ex so concerned for him now? Where is Ashley?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781532085611

Larissa White-Ranaldson

Larissa Ranaldson, currently a Medical Support Assistant for an Army Dental Clinic, has a number of degrees to include an Associates in Health Sciences from Savannah River College as well as an Associates in both Business and Marketing Management from Augusta Technical College. She has served as an Operating Room Specialist in the US Army. She is a disabled veteran. Her husband is also a 21 year retired disabled veteran as well. She has 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls. Her oldest son was a victim of gun violence. Larissa and her husband reside in Hephzibah, Georgia.

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Copyright © 2017 Larissa White-Ranaldson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-8560-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-8561-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019916165

iUniverse rev. date: 10/10/2019

CONTENTS

Bitter Sweet

Jared

Marie

Ashley

Jared

Detective Miller

Marie

Gene

Jared

Marie

Ashley

Gene

Jared

Detective Miller

Marie

Gene

Ashley

Detective Miller

Marie

Gene

Jared

Detective Miller

Marie

Ashley

Gene

Marie

Detective Miller

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BITTER SWEET

For once in my life I was truly stomped. I didn’t know which way to turn. I had given all that I possibly could but that wasn’t the right answer or bright light at the end of my tunnel. I closed my eyes and waited for the end. A single tear slid down the corner of my eye but it was too late for tears and acts of pity. I was certain I was going to meet my maker. When was the looming question? I wasn’t sure how long I had been tied up but just thinking about it wore me down even more. I was so tired of fighting. I just wanted it to be over. I don’t understand how it had gotten this far. Had I not been a loving and caring person? Sure I wasn’t perfect but I always tried to do right by others. I was respectful of others and I even can remember sacrificing for my younger siblings then later for my own family. If I could just see them again to hold them and tell them all how proud I was of them. I doubt I will ever get that chance. As I laid in the dark I couldn’t see to figure out What was the last thing I had done before I woke up to this nightmare? Where had I been? Hell I don’t even remember the last time I had eaten. I could feel the hunger pains and my head felt like an elephant was sitting on it. I took a deep breath and tried to access my situation…..What happened? How did I get to this point?

All of a sudden a bright light hit me; I squinted attempting to see what was going on and who had me captive. I guess I had been in the dark so long that my eyes still needed to adjust to my newly acquired domicile. Someone yanked me out of my dark prison only to place a dingy bag over my head. I tried to fight back but I lost my footing. I attempted to gain my balance but my abductor did not seem to care. They continue to drag me along what seemed to be a very rugged and rough path. I tried my best not to panic even though I could feel my heartbeat damn near in the soles of my feet with each step I took. I tried to speak but my voice was gone. As I was pulled along I could feel the changes in the climate but I still could not figure out where I was. I was suddenly jerked down onto a soft and squeaky bed only to be roughly strapped to the cold and hard rails. I did not know what or why I had been taken but for the sake of it all I prayed that whatever was going to happen to me please let it happen fast and be painless.

As I lay in darkness I heard a door shut followed by a collection of muffled sounds…I tried to listen to what was being said. Were they inside the room with me or was I alone? As the fear started to slowly take over me I found my voice deep down inside. I started to scream and plead for help. I felt someone near me but still no one acknowledged me. I tried moving my arms and legs- flapping like a fish out of water. I continued to flop around for what seemed like hours. Where I found the strength from I have no idea maybe it was my desire to survive. I started to rock the bed, moving closer and closer to what I hoped was a door. Just when I thought I had made it, someone ripped the door open and yelled, If I don’t stop with all the damn noise, you will be very sorry!! I will inflict some serious pain on you!!! I had been screaming so loud that I did not pick up on the voice. Was it a man or a woman? At this point I did not care I just wanted out. They slammed the door and I listened as the steps disappeared in the darkness.

Not knowing what to expect or what to do, I began to focus on staying calm. I could not allow myself to self-destruct. I am sure someone would miss me. I had to have faith. I had to believe. I had no idea what was in store for me but at this point I would not be able to fight. I was too tired and as I rationalized my current situation I knew I had to save my strength. I felt myself dozing off and I