Page 51 of Psychotic Nightmares

Stay calm, stay calm.

What would Julian do right now?

I remove Peasjacket after removing the gun and putting it in the back of the waistband of my borrowed shorts. I wrap it around her shoulders. She slowly,ever so slowly, puts her arms through the sleeves.At least that will keep her a little warm. What next?

“Can you stand, sweetheart? We need to get you into the car and get you somewhere safe.” I ask, stroking some hair from her face, I use my friendship bracelet to keep it up in a loose pony.Assure her she’s safe, treasure.“I know it’s hard to trust me but I’ve been in your position myself.” I move so I’m sat crossed legged in front of her. “And I assure you, I can take you somewhere where you won’t see any more uncles and you can get help.”

She finally shows a little emotion in her eyes, and her lips lift for a split second.Thank you. Julian.

“Hey.” We hear someone whisper-shout. “What are you doing to her?” The young boy comes running up to us. He looks vaguely familiar with his red hair and freckles. He can’t be no older than fourteen or fifteen.

Wait, no it can’t be. Can it?

“Stay away from her.” He stands protectively in front of my daughter and stares straight into my eyes. His expression goes from confused to recognition. “Natalie.”

“Oh my God.” I choke. “Gustin?” He nods. “You remember me.” Holy shit, Gustin is still here. He collapses into my waiting arms, Dante is quick to stand behind me so I don’t fall.

“You were the only one who treated us nicely.” He half sobs into my shoulder. “We were told you died. I grieved for you Nat.” Anya pulls at the boystop and he turns to face her. Letting me go, he kneels beside Anya. “Anya, this lady is….”

I shake my head to stop him from saying anything, he knows all about Anya, I used to make up stories about my little girl with her broken heart birthmark. He would listen intently, asking question after question, and we both made a promise that we would find her one day. “She is our big sister.” He keeps my secret and I give him a grateful smile.

“Nat, Pa tells us all the time he will take her baby away from her.” He keeps one arm around me then looks back at my daughter. “Anya, if you go with Natalie, you can keep your baby.” She looks up at him, her eyes lighting up. “And I promise, when I can. I will come and see you.” He takes her hand. “I promise.” Hechokes back a sob. “I want you safe. I want you away from Pa. If you go with them, Pa won't be able to sneak into your room again.”

I look up at Dante, who has tears in his eyes watching the whole interaction. Yet his fingers fist with anger. I reach up and clasp his hand in mine, pulling a little untilhe is kneeling beside me. “Gustin,” he clears his throat while placing his arm over my shoulders. I lean into him.. “Why don’t you come with us?”

He shakes his head. “Who will look after the others?”

“How many are there?” I ask.

“There’s two more boys.” He whispers “They are just six. Twins.” He still holds Anya’s hand. Rubbing his thumb across her knuckles.

“We can get them out too.” Dante promises. “If you can just show me where they are.” He shakes his head. “Are they here?” He shakes his head again.

“They don’t just sell the girls now. Ma goes with them.” He whispers.

Vomit rises and before I know it I’m throwing up. I thought Ma always kept her precious sons safe. The boys were alwayssafe.Dante rubs my back, looking a little pale himself. He must be thinking of Nico.

“Let’s get you two to safety first. Then we come back for the others.” I manage to saybetween dry heaves. My stomach nowcompletely empty. “Gustin, she trusts you. Can you carry her to the car?”

He nods and slowly picks up my daughter. Dante unlocks the car and goes to open the door for them when I hear a sinister laugh. A laugh that has given me nightmares for most of my life. Looking around I see Pa standing by the front door in just his boxers, the moonlight reflects off the knife in his hand. The only hand he has. I should run to the car and leave, but something takes over. Something primal, something maternal. This bastard laid his hands on my baby girl. He raped her, his own daughter. I march over to him and my fist connects with his nose. I put every bit of anger into that punch, every bit of fear. Twenty one years worth of built up rage knocks him to the floor.

“Natalie.” Gustin shouts at the same time Dante yells, “Gattina.” Both voices are tinged with fear. But all I see is red. Is this how Julian felt when he saw how Howard hurt me?

I can imagine Julian saying how proud he is of me for finally getting vengeful.

I wish he was here to see this.

“Stay with her.” I yell back. “Make sure Anya is safe. This prick is mine to deal with.”

“Finally learned how to stick up for yourself huh, angel?” Pa mocks.

“Don’t call me that. Don’tevercall me that.” I scream.

He reaches for the knife and stands. I pull the gun from the waistband and point it at his head with a trembling hand.

“Oh lookie here. My angel has a big boy weapon.” He chuckles. “Go on then, shoot me if you can.” He smiles a wide smile, his rotted teeth dim between his chapped lips. “Or do you not have the guts anymore?”

I pull the trigger and…