Page 162 of Heir

I searched for the bathroom. I found the sign for it in the back, in a small hallway. One glance over to where Blue was standing in front of the window told me he was still talking on the phone.

I texted him, telling him I was going to the bathroom, and headed that way.

The bathroom was small, with three stalls, flickering lights, and a smell I didn’t want to think about.

I quickly did my business, washed my hands, and used the paper towel to open the door.

They really should think about putting lights in the hallway. I could barely see where I was stepping.

I passed a side door that looked like it might lead to behind the restaurant.

I was almost to the mouth of the hallway when someone grabbed the back of my shirt and yanked me.

I struggled, opening my mouth to scream, but a huge hand covered it.

My legs flailed as a large, muscular man picked me up and carried me out to the side door. I had been right. It led out to the back of the restaurant, and near the dumpster was a white van, the sliding door wide open.

Another man stood by, and he motioned with his hand for the man to hurry.

A man I recognized.

Panic coursed through me as I met Uncle Frank’s green eyes.

His eyes were different from they had been at dinner. He looked unkempt and disorganized, his hair standing up in a messy array on top of his head. I didn’t know what had made him look like that, and I didn’t care. I didn’t want to be near him.

I swung my legs back and caught the man in the shin as I struggled harder.

He grunted and dropped me on the cold, hard ground.

I didn’t wait. I took off for the front of the restaurant.

Footsteps pounded behind me, and I pushed harder, my muscles straining. I was about to turn the corner when I was grabbed from behind.

“No!” I screamed, before a sweaty hand covered my mouth once more.

The man who grabbed me shook me hard enough that my teeth rattled, and I was carried back into the waiting van.

Tears streamed down my face.

Uncle Frank was in the driver’s seat, shooting a worried look at the front of the restaurant as the man carried me into the van.

He shut the door, and hopelessness slammed into me.

I knew better than to let them take me to a different location, but it didn’t look like I had a choice.

I bit the man’s hand, and he screamed, pulling away from me.

Uncle Frank turned back and backhanded me on my left cheek. My skin vibrated from the pain, and I blinked, trying to keep my bearings.

“Stupid bitch. Do you know how much money you cost me, whoring yourself out to the fucking bastard?”

I shook my head.

My brain felt numb. I watched silently as Uncle Frank threw a capped needle at the man.

One second I was sitting there, trying to make sense of my situation.

The next, there was a stinging pain in my neck, and darkness took hold.

---