Snatched

By Roseanna R.

A gripping and suspenseful story of a young woman's abduction, and her family's struggle to find her. Melissa is a college student snatched off the street by criminals. She prays for the rescue of herself and the other young girls who are being held captive. Miraculosly, her prayers are answered, and the other girls are released. However, Melissa remains a captive. Her family's faith in Christ is tested as they struggle to believe that He will bring her home safely. They are forced to confront their own fears and doubts as they wait and hope for her return.

 

Captain Luke Black returns from his final deployment to learn that his mother is dying and his parents have lost their home. Devastated, he tries to make things right by locating his brother, who allowed his parents to suffer and hasn't spoken to them in 8 years. Along the way, Luke must confront his own demons, as well as the secrets his family has been keeping. Snatched is a heart-wrenching debut novel about the costs of war, the power of family, and the redemption that can be found in both.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. B Publications
• Release date: Nov 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215829899

Book preview

Chapter One

Vapor rose from the asphalt, creating a toxic mix with emissions from several vehicles either idling at stoplights or moving slowly in this crowded section of downtown. If memory served correctly, traffic would drop off dramatically in another block or two. Melissa Flynn wiped the sweat from her forehead as she strode the few blocks to the bus stop. She pulled out her phone and called her mom to inform her of the change in plans. As expected, her mom wasn’t pleased.

Mom, I can’t believe how hot it is. It’s gotta be over 100 degrees. I thought it’d be cooler in the afternoon, Melissa said as she walked the two blocks to catch the bus.

You haven’t been away at college that long. You know how hot Triton gets. You shouldn’t be walking at all. Jason was supposed to pick you up and take you to rehearsal. It’s always something with him, her mom snapped.

Although Melissa agreed, she didn’t want her parents to get on her younger brother again. Since she returned home for the summer, all her parents and Jason did was argue. He called. His car wouldn’t start and he’s waiting for someone to come check it out.

Her mom snorted. We’ll see.

Melissa stopped and crossed the street. The job interview went well. I think I’ve got the job.

That’s good. But how will you get back and forth? Can’t count on Jason. I can’t drive anymore and your dad’s busy with the church. Another problem had arisen while Melissa was in college was the long hours her father, the Senior Pastor of New Hope, spent away from home. Although his schedule hadn’t changed since before the accident, lately her mom resented being left home alone for long periods and fussed constantly.

I can catch the bus or use Uber. That will not be a problem. She waited for her mom to agree. When she didn’t, Melissa continued. Wanna go shopping with me for a few new pieces for work? I don’t have to be all dressed up, but I need some new things.

Hmph. Wait until you get the job before spending any money. You never know what may happen.

Aware her mom was peeved over her brother not picking her up, Melissa turned her phone toward the street. Three guys leaned against the wall wearing long, dark hoodies zipped up halfway, baggy pants, baseball caps, and shirts. She grinned while tucking her head down so they wouldn’t notice her laughing at them.

Look at those guys, Mom. They’ve got to be hot in those jackets. They look ridiculous. Wonder why they’re dressed like that in this heat?

What’re they doing? Hanging around the street? Cross over. I don’t like the look of them. Her mom’s voice rose to a pitch with a thread of nervous hysteria.

Melissa crossed the street in the blistering heat and wished she hadn’t shared the images. It was getting harder and harder to get along with her mom. Since the automobile accident left her mom in a wheelchair, she fretted whenever Jason or Melissa were out, especially if they were in a car. They’d become accustomed to the constant questions and well-intentioned, although unsolicited, advice. But nothing made her mom happy anymore. She rarely smiled and seemed mad at the world. Her father mentioned his concerns and begged her to come home instead of remaining at college for summer school. It had surprised Melissa to see the normally upbeat, quick-witted woman slumped in her wheelchair, pale with blotches, and her blondish brown hair limp and unkempt. The accident took more than her mom’s mobility. It took her joy and damaged her spirit as well. 

Okay, I’m crossing. She didn’t look toward the guys and kept her gaze forward. The soles of her feet hurt. Dressy sandals were not meant for long-distance walks. Large sweat rings clung to the underarms of her short-sleeved light blue shirt and her dark blue trousers created friction with every step she took. Fortunately, she wore her long thick hair pinned up, so it was off her neck. This’ll take me longer to reach the bus stop. I’ll have to cross back over at the end of the block. This side had no shade. Perspiration rolled from her forehead down her face as she moved forward at a steady clip. Hot and growing more frustrated by the minute, she focused on the promise of relief from the air-conditioned bus and pushed through small groups of people standing together to reach the next corner.

That’s okay. You’ve got plenty of time. Choir rehearsal isn’t for another two hours and you’re not that far away.

The crowds thinned. There was less traffic and noise.

Melissa continued walking and didn’t respond to the extra time comment. Instead, she reviewed the job interview for the temporary Administrative Assistant position with a local food and beverage company. Both interviews had gone smoothly, and they had almost assured her of the job when she left today. Next year, she’d be a senior in college and wanted to travel with some friends to Italy for spring break. Her current financial situation wouldn’t cover that, so this job was critical.

Missy, are you listening to me?

Sorry, what’d you say? She slid around a couple of guys without looking at them and hefted her purse higher onto her other shoulder.

Keep your eyes open and pay attention to where you are. Downtown’s changed. It’s not the same as when you were younger. I could hurt that boy for taking the car and not picking you up. Where are you?

I’m almost at the corner. Rather than say more, she turned the phone and pointed it at the street sign. See, I told you this wasn’t a far walk to the bus. Don’t be too mad at Jason. I’m almost there. I’ll meet Daddy at church. We’ll grab a bite to eat before rehearsal and come home together later, alright?

Just... just watch where you’re going, her mom repeated.

Melissa reined in a sigh. Yes, Mom. Right now, I’ve stopped at the corner and am waiting for the light to change. Two girls, one Black, the other Spanish, both dressed in snug-fitting jeans, flats and tight tee-shirts crossed from the opposite direction, laughing and looking at their cell phones. Watching them, Melissa felt old at the ripe age of 21. These two couldn’t have been over 16 and seemed so carefree. Melissa smiled at their antics and allowed them to walk ahead of her when the light changed.

Eager to reach the bus stop that seemed much further than the middle of the next block, she didn’t pay attention to who was behind her. A white van swerved to a stop just as she crossed the street, surprising her to the point she stared open-mouthed as two men ran from opposite directions, snatched the two young girls and tossed them into the van. Her brain kicked into gear. She opened her mouth to yell, was picked up from behind and tossed inside as well, hitting her head hard enough to see stars as the van spun off.

Chapter Two

M issy? Missy? What happened? What’s that noise? Heart racing, April Flynn, Melissa’s mom, held the phone closer to her ear as the sound of squealing tires, shouts and yells in the distance filled her ears. God, please don’t let nothing happen to my baby. No, not her. Please, God.

Hello? a female voice said.

April jerked and grasped her phone tighter. Where’s Missy? I was just talking to my daughter, Missy. Did she drop the phone? Where is she? She screamed the last questions as her entire body shook with fear.

Ma’am, I’ve never seen anything like it. A van drove up, and they took three girls. Two young girls and one a little older. Were they together?

Frozen, April couldn’t speak.

Ma’am? Ma’am?

My baby, she whispered. Tears rolled down her cheek. It hurt to breathe. She couldn’t stop shaking.

I’m sorry, Ma’am. The police are here. I’m giving them the phone. I’m so sorry, she said again.

My baby, April whispered as dark, horrifying images filled her head. Triton, Texas, wasn’t too far from Dallas. That city’s reputation for sexual slavery sent chills through her body and tightened her heart until she thought it stopped beating.

Hello? Hello? The masculine voice on the other end broke through her loud sobs.

They took my baby? she cried.

Ma’am, was one of the victims your daughter? You were on the phone with her?

Victim? Oh, God. Yes. Her breath hitched as she realized she spoke to the police. Find her. Please find her. She’s a good girl.

They’re all good girls, Ma’am and don’t deserve what happened to them, he mumbled.

Yes, yes, I know, but I only know my daughter, not the others. Please find them, she pleaded.

We’ll do our best. He paused and asked for her contact information. Someone will get your statement soon. Is that alright?

What? Her thoughts flew in several directions, she didn’t hear his comments.

Your statement on what happened, someone will be in touch with you to get it as soon as possible, he said.

April inhaled and released it slowly before pushing the knob to move her chair into the den. Yes. Yes. Please do what you can to find them. She disconnected and placed another call to her husband.

He answered on the second ring. Honey, I was just thinking about you. I’m—

They took Missy. A sex slave ring snatched her off the road and drove off with her while she was on the phone with me, she yelled.

What? What did you say?

She took a deep breath and repeated her earlier comment, slower this time. I can’t breathe, Maurice. They took my baby.

No, Jason picked her up. He told me he planned to pick her up from the job interview. You’re getting worried over nothing. They’ll be home soon, April.

A scream of anguish ripped from her throat. Shut up and listen to me. Listen to me. Didn’t you hear me say Missy, and I were on the phone when this happened? They won’t be home soon, Maurice. They won’t, she yelled.

Alright, alright. I apologize. He paused. I’m on my way home.

Appeased, she took a deep breath. Sorry for yelling at you.

No, you were right, I hadn’t heard what you said and this ... this is, I can’t wrap my mind around it yet. It’s too... I can’t accept it. I’m in the car and headed to the house. He paused. Hold on, baby, I’m coming.

She wiped the tears from her pale cheeks with the back of her hand. I need you.

I need you, too. Have you talked to Jason?

No. This happened within the past few minutes. I called you. I don’t know what to do. How to respond or handle this. What’re we going to do, Maurice? They took our baby. Tears welled in her eyes and rolled down her cheek. You know what happens when they do that?

Don’t. April, don’t think like that. We’ll pray. Ask God for guidance, seek His wisdom. Beyond the pain, we have to pray and believe God is in control.

Her eyes widened as her heart squeezed. In control? Of this? Are you serious? No way would she accept or believe God had anything to do with Missy’s kidnapping. He couldn’t.

We’ll talk more about that when I get home. Right now, pray. Pray for Missy and the other girls. Pray for every child that’s ever been taken like that. Can you do that? he asked.

Not right now. I’m sorry, I can’t. Pain throbbed through her head and chest. I can’t think straight right now.

That’s okay. I’ll call Mama and your mom to get a prayer circle started. They’ll probably come down, he warned.

Too tired to argue, April sighed. Whatever it takes.

Won’t hurt. I’m almost there. Have you taken your medication today?

She glared at the pills on the counter. How many times did she need to tell him she wouldn’t take any more pills? No. She hoped her clipped response would end the matter.

Baby, we’ve talked about this. Taking medication doesn’t mean you’re not in faith over your healing. Some healing is progressive, others instant. Please follow the doctor’s instructions. It won’t hurt.

Maurice, I don’t want to talk about that.

Silence.

The police took her phone. She told him of the conversation with whoever picked up Missy’s phone and the subsequent conversation with the police.

Okay. Maybe they’ll have information for us when they come or call, he said. His voice lacked conviction. Maybe the entire bizarre situation was finally sinking in.

April bit her lip to keep the dark comments of the documentaries regarding sexual slavery locked inside. Words had power. If she didn’t speak of the horrible conditions, they wouldn’t happen. Her heart lifted at the thought. Words have power. Father, thank you for keeping Missy and the other girls safe and away from any kind of slavery. Return them home safely to their parents. Words of pain, disillusionment, fear, and anger crowded her mind, battling to be set free. Anger wasn’t a sin. She opened her mouth, realized the damning things she might utter, and snapped it shut. Shut up before you make things worse, she muttered as a car pulled into the driveway.

She whirled her chair around and moved to the middle of the room.

Mom? Jason yelled as he entered the front door.

Eyes closed, she curled her palms into tight fists and counted to ten.

Ma? The car stopped. A wire came loose. I didn’t pick up Missy, but I called her. She’s taking the bus, so it’s all cool. He moved with easy grace, like his father, leaned down and kissed her forehead. Mint mouthwash didn’t fully cover the faint scent of alcohol on his breath. Resentment rolled through her at the mess her son made of his life.

She leaned back, met his hazel gaze, and despaired. As the son of a handsome black father and white Irish mother, agents offered him modeling jobs before he turned 12. Tall, slender and muscular, women adored him and put up with everything he did to and through them. No one, other than her and his father, held Jason accountable for his actions. Over the years, he mastered the skill of talking his way out of anything.

Not this time.

Another car door slammed. Maurice ran inside, stopped in front of her and fell to his knees, wrapping his arms around her.

What’s going on? Something happened to Grandma? Jason asked.

April swallowed hard, prayed for strength not to strike out at him, and stared at the top of her husband’s head. A group of thugs snatched Missy off the street a few minutes ago on the way to catch the bus.

Chapter Three

Melissa’s head hurt . She opened her eyes to darkness and tried to speak. Something covered both her eyes and mouth. Nearby whimpers and the smell of urine assaulted her senses. It took a moment to remember she had been on the way to catch the bus. Had crossed the street.

Terror seized her.

It hurt to breathe. Air locked in her throat. Someone had picked her up from behind and threw her in a van along with the young girls in front of her. Pain lanced her head. Had they hit her? She tried to swallow and couldn’t get around the ball of fear lodged in her throat. Things like this didn’t happen to girls like her. By anyone’s standard, she was a plain, light-skinned, small-breasted, thin, female. Her brother, Jason, was the good-looking one in the family. Why would they take her?

The van drove over something, jostling them in the back. One girl fell on Melissa’s leg. Tears or drool ran down her ankle from where the young girl whimpered. This was actually happening. Melissa couldn’t believe they had taken three people off the street in a U.S. city in broad daylight. Everything she had ever watched on television ran in a continual loop in her mind. They could kill her. Or ship her out of the country. Or give her to someone else. Horrendous terror, as she had never known before, overtook her. Icy tendrils seized her core, locking her in place to the point she needed to scream from the pain.

She gasped as her pulse raced. The sound of her heartbeat rose to a thundering clap. Dots flew across her blinded vision as she fought down the scream locked in her throat. No. No. No, her mind screamed. She couldn’t, wouldn’t, do that. Although she wasn’t a full virgin, thanks to a mistake that went a step too far but not all the way her freshman year, she had no stomach to be used that way again and hadn’t dated since then. The mental picture of her asking men to pay her for sex sent a shudder of revulsion through her entire body. She would either pass out or vomit at the sight of naked strange men or their body parts. They’ll kill you. Those thoughts pierced her heart in defeat. What could she do?

Dread latched on with a tenacious grip, choking her. No matter what, it seemed death loomed ahead for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jason, why didn’t you pick me up? I wouldn’t be here in this mess if you had. The pain in her head worsened. Her leg went numb. Everything hurt. Tears ran unchecked down her face.

Ignorance of what was happening or where they were going fed the dark specters of fear camped in her heart and mind. She sought a bright spot and found none. She tried to pray and couldn’t think of a single word beneath the crushing weight of her predicament.

Did I do something wrong? Why did God allow this to happen to me? Where were my angels? As a pastor’s kid, all her life, they had taught her God was not only her Father but a provider, protector, healer, and deliverer as well. Things like this should not happen to God’s kids. There had to be a mistake. Why hadn’t the Holy Spirit told her to run or something? As her helper and standby, with all the knowledge of God, He had to know what was going to happen.

Shivering, she reviewed everything she had done that day, wondering what she had done wrong to deserve this. Around nine, she prepared breakfast for her mom so they could eat together after her father had left for work. They talked about the job, school, and a few television programs her mom wanted them to watch together. Jason dropped her off for the interview. She left to catch the bus rather than spend precious dollars on Uber. God, how she wished she had spent the money, she would be safe at home rather than being taken God knows where. In silence, she alternated between fury and fear.

The girl