Chapter 52

John’s jet landed at the Fiji airport, he was feeling on top of the world. He will soon be reunited with his lady, and he couldn't wait.

Sliding behind the wheel of his rental car, he was heading first to the small bungalow that he rented for them. He wanted to be sure that the staff set it up as he requested. Everything had to be perfect for his pretty lady.

Pulling up the main road he spotted a long dock that stretched out onto the blue and crystal clear water. At the end of the pier was a beautiful bungalow, surrounded by water on all sides. John walked out to the bungalow, looking around the deck he noticed a beautiful hot-tub surrounded by small white lights and candles. Looking beyond the hot-tub, he saw double doors, all glass leading to a lush and beautifully decorated bedroom.

In the center of the room stood a huge king size bed with thick white cotton sheets and lots of colorful pillows. The octagon-shaped room was all windows, and water was visible on all sides. It is as if the bungalow was floating on water.

Doc is going to love this, he thought, couldn't wait to bring her here and make love to her in this water paradise. Looking again at the bed, he remembered his dream from earlier that day on the plane, “we will make my dream a reality tonight, baby. “

Happy with everything his staff has done to bring his dream to reality, John turned to leave. He was going to retrieve his lady, and he couldn't wait to see her beautiful face and hold her in his waiting arms. God, he loved this woman more than life itself.

Unable to wait another minute, John walked to his car and headed for the hotel.

John pulled up outside of Marlena’s hotel; he was about to jump out of his skin.

The best thing about this, he thought to himself, was that Doc has no idea that I was even in Fiji. She will be so surprised. John stepped out of the car and tossed his keys to the valet,

“I won’t be long, buddy,” he said with a smile as he stepped inside the lobby.

He was heading for the front desk when he heard a familiar voice calling his name.

“John, John!” it was Laura. John turned and pulled Laura into a happy hug “I hope Marlena is not down here with you,” he said, lowering his arms, looking behind her, “I want to surprise her.”

“John” Laura started, a worried look in her eyes, he could feel his heart skipping a beat, “ I have left several messages for you at the penthouse and your office. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you”. Laura was almost frantic. “Marlena is missing.”

“What?” he jumped in surprise, “What do you mean missing?” he placed his palm on the counter, trying to steady himself. “I haven’t seen her since last night at the gala. I tried calling you, and I called the police, they wouldn’t do anything for me.” she was talking, but all he could hear was his heart, pounding hard and loud in his ears,” I called them over and over until they finally came down here to investigate... John, I’m scared that something awful has happened, I looked in Marlena’s room, and all her things were gone, and Kit’s room was in shambles. I think something bad has happened.”

“Whoa, whoa, slow down Laura. Take a deep breath. First of all, when did you last lay eyes on Marlena?” John placed his hands on her forearms, squeezing them lightly to help her focus some, “I told you John, last night at the gala.”

“And what was she doing?” he continued, once a policeman, always a policeman.

“She was dancing with an old associate; when I looked for her again, she was gone” her mind went back to last night. “I figured that she just turned in for the night. She was missing you, and I figured that she just wanted to call you.” her words made sense except they didn’t, nothing about this made sense. “No Laura, I didn’t get a call from Doc last night...What about Kit? Did you ask him where she might be?” he was trying a new angle, if anyone knew where she was, it must have been her apprentice. “That’s just it John, I can’t find Kit either, and by the looks of his room, something went down in there last night.” she didn’t know what to make of it, but every time she saw Kit’s room, something in the pit of her stomach growled with pain.

“What do you mean ‘something went down’?” hearing her talk like that only made him even more worried about her, “Look, John, I’ve got the police here, and they have agreed to search Marlena’s and Kits rooms. It would be easier to show you than to try and explain.” John’s mind was racing, where was she? What happened to her? His earlier happy demeanor had disappeared entirely, and worry had taken over.

“Let's go,” John said, Authority in his voice, walking towards the bank of elevators.

The two police officers, John and Laura, marched towards the beautiful bungalow suites.

They searched Marlena’s room first. John looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary aside from the fact that all of her things were gone. He looked around, pulling out drawers and flipping up the bedding and pillows.

He could still smell the faint scent of her perfume. Oh, Doc, where are you, my love, he thought.  Next, they headed to Kit’s room. Looking around John was immediately alarmed. The room was in shambles. He noted that the bedding were all obscure and there seemed to be drops of blood on the sheet and a broken lamp on one bedside table.

He bent down on the floor; his eyes spotted a leather strap with a chain attached. John motions for a policeman to come over.

Pointing at the leather strap, “what do you make of this?” he gazed the policeman

“Looks to me like someone was into kinky sex,” the man winked at John.

“Look, man, I'm serious here. You need to get an evidence bag and take this to the lab along with the sheets. They need to be tested for DNA. I have a bad feeling that whatever happened here last night was not just “kinky sex” as you put it.” John looked down at the end of the bed and saw something sparkly, leaning down he picked up an earring.

“This is doc’s” he mumbled, almost to himself

“Are you sure John?”, Laura asked.

“Yes I’m sure, I gave her these earrings years ago when we were married. Back when we all thought I was Roman. They were a birthday present.” John held the earring up to his lips and breathed in. He had an awful feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach.

A police officer emerged from the bathroom, a scrap of white fabric in his hand. “I found this on the floor in there Captain,” he talked to his fellow officer. John grabbed the material from the officer’s hand. “This is from Doc’s dress, I know because I sent this to her to wear to the gala.” panicked kicked in, “ I don’t like this. What is her earring and a piece of her dress doing in Kit’s room?” John asked out loud.

“Perhaps she and this Kit guy hooked up after a couple of drinks last night, it happens all the time buddy,” the younger cops smirked.

John bounded over, grabbing the man by his collar, “Marlena would never “hook up” with a random man. She and I are engaged, and she loves me as I love her, with our whole hearts. Don’t you ever suggest something like that again. Do you hear me?” he spat, releasing the man's collar. The officer straightens his shirt, “I’m sorry sir, it was just an observation.”

“Well that’s not what happened here, got it?” he took a deep breath, he didn’t know what was happening here, and it scared him.

“You need to dust this entire room for prints and see what you come up with. Also, I expect you to go over this entire room with a fine tooth comb. We need to find my fiancé NOW!”

He ordered and stormed from the room, frantic with worry, Laura followed behind him, almost running to keep up.

“John,” Laura reached out with her hand to stop him.

“What?”, he yelled a little too harshly spinning around to face her.

Laura stared at John’s worried eyes. He immediately felt terrible for yelling at her, pulling Laura into his arms, “we’re going to find her, Laura. We will find her and bring her home to her family and loved ones.” he pulled back, seeing the tears in Laura’s eyes he brushed them away.

“Laura, please do me a favor.”

“Anything” she responded.

“I want you to go ahead and fly back to Salem. Please help with the children and let Shawn and Caroline know what’s happening. Just please try not to alarm anyone more than you have to.” his voice was low and soft, he looked at her and on the floor,

“John, I want to stay and help search for Marlena, she’s my dearest friend, and I’m very worried about her. I think that Kit has something to do with her disappearance”. She couldn't stand still; her hands kept moving. “Laura, listen, I need you back home. I will call you daily with updates, and I need you to keep certain members of the family filled in on what’s going on. Do you understand me?” he was hoping she would listen to his request, he didn’t want to argue, and he couldn't tell her what to do. He wished she’d do it.

Laura looked up at John, “ok, yes John I understand. You must promise me that you’ll call every day and that you’ll find my friend and bring her home to us.”

“I promise, Laura. Thank you for all you have done so far.”

He hugged Laura again and turned to leave in search of his love.

Marlena couldn't believe she has begun to trust him even a tiny bit. Normal men did not kidnap women from hotels. They didn’t drug them and bring them to dirty rooms. Men who like normal, consensual sex did not keep women captive; they didn’t rape them. No, Kit was not normal. 
He was a sadistic control freak, and she could never forget it. The fact that he hasn’t hurt her again didn’t mean anything. It’s just a matter of time before he’ll try something again and this time, she’ll remember it all. “I need to escape before that happens, and I can’t take my time with Kit. He’s far too dangerous and unpredictable. I need to find a way out of this place”.
It was evening. With every minute that passed, Marlena was starting to get more and more anxious at the thought of seeing her captor again. The dreams of being rescued no longer calmed her down. Marlena walked in circles around the room. She was dressed in a navy blue buttoned dress. It’s not what she would’ve chosen to wear under these circumstances, but it’s all she had. A pair of white lacy panties and a matching bra for underwear. She was trying not to think about what’s to come, but it was impossible. She didn’t know why she was so sure he’ll come for her tonight.  Marlena got into bed, her mind drifted to John and her family, when, around midnight, she fell into dreamless sleep. 

Her eyes shot open, wild, filled with terror. She was frantic, could hardly breathe. Something or someone was covering her mouth and nose. She felt the heavy sensation of a hand on her face. Then the warm breath of the one who gagged her. For a moment, her mind was floating in that inscrutable, unease limbo between sleep and wakefulness, between dreams and reality. She kept her eyes open, not wanting to miss a thing, Marlena struggled, her hands sent to release her mouth, squeezing her eyes to see something in the darkness, trying to figure out who was in her room.
Then she realized she could indicate a woman-shaped shadow, and she jerked her head to break free. 
“Shhh, I came to help you.”
Her lips curl in a half smile. It’s the middle of the night, and one of her captures decided to help her?. It was harder to breathe again, and she forcefully tried to moved her arm to push Erica off her face. Was she awake now?, Why was she in her room? Disbelief replaced by a shred of hope. No, please don’t let it all be a dream. Please let it be real. Marlena’s eyes narrowed. Erica could see the questions written all over her face, Marlena’s breathing relaxed some, but due to recent events, it took her a minute longer to gain her composure. 
“I am going to lower my hand. Don’t scream”, Erica whispered; she was able to detect her understanding in the darkness.
It’s not a dream. Erica was on her bed, and she was smiling, but there’s no way Kit would release her. They were somewhere on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, held captive by a man who derived pleasure from hurting her. 

“What are you doing here?” Marlena spat, quickly sitting on the bed, her voice set to a whisper. “How do you live with yourself?” she asked, genuinely curious.
How can a woman stand by and watch another woman being abused like this? How can she work with this cruel man? Instead of answering, Erica unchained her leg halter  “I believe you, I’ve watched the tape....I’m so sorry Marlena...but we don’t have time for this now, we have to go. Come on”. Taking Marlena’s hand, she helped her off the bed. 
“Wait” Marlena whispered “Kit..” she gave her an incredulous look. Does she know what Kit is capable of?  “Asleep. Come on,” she said quickly, motioning Marlena to follow her.
They walked quickly and quietly towards the wooden door. 

Erica pulled out her gun and looked out, it was dark, peeking her head, she glanced down the hallway, there was no sign of him.
Both ladies' feet were bare, to minimize any sound. Stepping out, they turned left and started walking down the hall, sneaking quietly towards the exit.

Cautiously looking around, Erica slid open one of the kitchen drawers and took out a gun. Examining it with her eyes, she determined it was loaded. A weapon. Perfect. Handing her the small pistol, Marlena didn’t speak, merely looked at the device in her slender hands with an uneasy feeling, but she knew it was mandatory, she needed to have some protection. The summer dress that she was wearing had a slim belt at the waist, and she used it to tie the gun to herself at the back. It was a very crude holster, but it held the gun in place. Marlena hoped she didn't have to use it. She used one before, and it felt so wrong, but it’s a risk worth taking.

Erica was signaling her to walk through the dark, narrow corridor; they’d have to pass by Kit’s room; he was sleeping at the end of the hall, right next to the staircase which led outside, to her freedom. They made their way down the corridor, clinging to the wall behind them, their bodies stretched tightly on tiptoes. Marlena shivered in her nervousness when she got a look of Kit; she saw him on the bed, his shoes were still to his feet, his face to the door.  He looked so harmless like that, peaceful; suddenly, he moaned in his sleep, they stopped their tracks. “....Oh...Marlena...yes...like that baby…you’re Mine” he mumbled, Marlena’s heart suddenly hurt, He was smiling in his sleep, not brightly, just a small smile, as if he somehow knew she was right there next to him. Erica and Marlena stared at each other for a few seconds, though she could say what either of them was thinking just then. They had to keep moving. Her chest shook with a sob she couldn’t let loose. She couldn't forget his words and his actions from earlier that evening; they shook her to her very core. 

Erica’s plan was simple, to get out of this premises and bring Marlena to safety. Signaling her to walk in front of her, Erica held her gun, walking behind Marlena as she kept looking at all side, ready for anything. They couldn't see much, the long staircase was dark, and the only light was coming through was from the underground corridor. 

In the darkness, Marlena could feel Erica’s hand searching her own. A tiny metal object was placed in her hand. A key. Marlena’s hand wandered the darkness, looking for a door, taking a deep breath, she tried to push the little key into the lock, tremble in her hands. She pushed the small object into the lock and rotated; it made a loud noise, they froze, Paralyzed with fear. 
Still quiet. 
Good. 
Inhaling deeply, she extended her arm to push the heavy door open; hot night air filled her lungs, and the night’s hum was like music to her ears. Finally, air, freedom.
The first phase of the plan was complete; they were out. Stepping through the door, Marlena noticed the full moon and big trees, her heart was pounding, and she was sweating, even though the temperature underground was much cooler than the heat outside. Erica walked right behind her, grabbing her arm she turned her quickly, “Listen, there’s a highway, north from here, about 1 mile away. You gotta get there; I saw a gas station on my way here”, Erica shoved her hand into the deep pocket of her blazer, taking out some small change, “Here, it's not much, but you might need it,” Marlena closed her sweaty palm around the metal coins, putting them into a small pocket on her dress.
“Aren't you coming with me?” she asked, some fear in her voice.
“No, I’ll stay behind. I can handle Kit. You have to go, Marlena”, Erica was agitated, she didn’t know how much longer do they have. The two hugged, Marlena squeezed Erica’s forearm, genuine gratitude in her hazel eyes, “I would never forget what you’ve done for me…” Suddenly, a loud thud broke the silent; their heads turned to see the shelter’s heavy door had slammed with a loud noise.
Still quiet. 
They both inhaled deeply, looking into each other’s eyes “Thank you, Erica..” Erica merely smiled, she was relieved she did the right thing. Suddenly, a loud growl echoed from the ground, followed by vigorous steps
“MARLENA!!!”
“Run!” 
With terror in her eyes, Marlena turned and started running through the tall trees, towards the darkness of the night. Low branches scratched her porcelain skin as she did. 

Erica was ready when he emerged from deep inside the bowels of the earth, his eyes wild with anger. Her gun pointed at the entrance, and she held it tightly in her hands, breathing steadily and evenly, trying to calm herself down. This situation wasn't easy on her, to hold up a gun against a person she used to trust, used to call a friend.  “Where is she, Erica?” Kit spat, stopping in his tracks, almost falling to the ground when he saw her. 
“Oh, she’s far, very far. You’ll never get the chance to hurt her again, Harington.”
He started to get closer to her, a big rifle in his hands “you fucking bitch...you helped her escape” he hissed as he began to encircle her, “Don’t fucking move! Not one step,” her voice was shrill, almost panicked. She might have shot him out of fear alone; she’d never seen him like that, it scared her. “How could you do it Kit? How could you rape her?” she wanted some answers, and she wanted to buy Marlena time to get away as far as possible.



The night was; still, the sound of the crickets rubbing their legs together furiously seemed to accompaniment her rushed steps. She was running for what felt like 5 minutes before she stopped, leaning against an old tree, her head arched to the back, trying to get some air. It was dark and humid; her long summer dress clung to her sweaty toned figure.”Keep going Marlena” she said to herself, “Not long and this whole nightmare will be over” she took a deep breath, turning around to keep running before she heard it. It was a gunshot.


Erica didn’t lower the gun, taking a moment to let the anxiety settle, to allow her vision to clear and the adrenaline  to kick in. “This is none of your business Jones, she was my fucking assignment...you’re just jealous, jealous that I never wanted you...jealous that I fucked her...I saw the way you were looking at me, Erica. I’m not blind. It killed you that I didn’t want you that way...you know what? She was the best fuck I’ve ever had. I fucked her ‘till she blacked out” he whispered, furious. Possessed, she took two steps closer to him and slapped him so hard her hand stung. Instantly he leaped forward, his hands clutching for her hip and his feet sweeping her ankles. She fell flat on her back; the gun flung behind her. She could no longer reach it. Erica scrambled backward with all her strength, refusing to get caught. “You’re going to pay for that,” he panted, raising to his feet, his rifle was aimed to her chest “Kit, no… don’t do this...we can get you help” she spoke quickly, her eyes wide with terror.
“Goodbye Erica” he snarled as he squeezed the trigger.



She ran, didn’t look back. Marlena ran with all the force her long legs could muster. Her lungs burned as her bare feet thudded heavily against the dust of the ground. It was the middle of the night, but the ground was warm. She wanted to scream for help, but wasn’t sure if she was far enough away to keep Kit from hearing her, so she just ran.





As he listened to the warm dirt crunching under his shoes, he stared out at the landscape of the forest. Not far beyond, lay the highway, he knew where she was going. She was out there, beneath one of those trees. There were hundreds of them, sprawling out before him on into the horizon, but it didn’t matter. No matter what happened this night, Kit would return and not empty-handed.  The heel of his shoes hit the ground with a hard crack. 
Marlena never turned back. Not once. She’d just run away from him. His ire rose. “'Marlena!!!  Come on Kitten...you know I’m gonna find you.” He picked up his pace. It was best to strike while his anger and his passion were hot.


“Come here, Kitten.” Her heart thudded loudly in her ears at the sound of his suddenly baritone voice. She already recognized what that tone meant. “I won’t hurt you, Kitten, not unless you make me. Now come here.” His voice was soft yet firm, and his words pressed upon her with grave seriousness. “You know what?” he yelled to the air as he stopped to listen, looking for steps on the ground, “I'll let you have that one, Kitten. I'll let you have it because it told me so much about you, how feisty you are. And I like you; I like your saucy little mouth. I don't want to hurt it. I'd rather fuck it.”
She could hear him, and she put on a burst of speed, ignoring the pain in her feet. “Marlena, don’t be stupid! There’s nowhere to go!” she knew it wasn't true, she couldn't be a passive victim any longer, she wouldn't allow him to hurt her again. Her leg muscles were screaming, and her lungs were straining for air. Marlena divorced herself from the discomfort, pretend she was in a race with the finish line only a hundred yards away. It felt like she was running forever. When she glanced back, she saw that Kit was falling further behind. 
“Here Kitty Kitty….” he growled, a sadistic smile on his face, “You can't escape me, baby…”

Marlena's chest heaved violently, her mouth dry and her eyes wide. There was a cramp in her side, her body complaining about the lack of a warm-up. Her feet hurt from slamming onto wood and stone again and again.
“Marlena! Get your pretty little ass back here!” she could hear the anger in his voice, he was a little far behind, still, she didn’t stop. Never. 
Suddenly, a bright neon light flickers in the distance.
The gas station.