Page 5 of Caged
Sweat dripped down his neck as he tried to think what to do once he was out the door. He had no idea where he was. He'd caught glimpses of the area around the house, but not enough to know where to run, who he could turn to. Still, it was worth the risk. He'd run out the door and head for the first person or place he could get to. The first place that looked like there was someone home. Then he would pray that they would help him before Larry got hold of him and dragged him back.
He had to do this. Not just to save himself, but the boys too.
The sound of Larry's lawnmower caused Danny to jump, the sound such a shock that it was like a bomb exploding beside him. His breath caught, but he only hesitated a second. This was it. His one chance. Rushing to the front door, he sealed his fate and twisted the knob, shocked when the door easily opened.
He hadn't been outside in years, and the sunlight was strange to his eyes, but he couldn't let that stop him. He had to run. Ignoring the fear that filled him, he took off down the front steps, trying not to look behind him as he ran.
"Help me!" He nearly tripped as he ran over the grass, vaguely aware of Larry on the other side of the yard. "Help!"
"Stop!" Larry's voice bellowed behind him as the lawnmower cut off.
Danny didn't stop. He ran hard, seeing a man not far from him, cutting his own yard. Tears of fear ran down his cheeks as he headed straight for the stranger, hoping that this wasn't all in vain. "Help me, please!"
The man shut off his mower and stepped from behind it. "Easy, easy. What's wrong?" The man gripped Danny's arms, stopping him.
"Don't let him get me. He's held me hostage for years. There're two more boys in the house. Help me please." Danny looked back, seeing Larry walking toward them. "Don't let him… He'll kill me."
"It's okay. I won't let him touch you." The man kept hold of Danny but moved so he stood between Larry and the man.
"Forgive us. Danny has some medical issues and gets scared at times. I'll take him home and get him his medication. He'll be fine once he relaxes. Sadly, this happens from time to time." Larry smiled as if he was the friendliest person in the world.
"He says you've held him hostage." The man didn't seem intimidated by Larry. He also didn't sound as if he believed him.
"He's lying. Don't believe him. There are two more boys in the basement. He took them a couple of years ago. He doesn't let us leave the house." Danny was crying hysterically, the words coming out in gasps. "Please, don't let him take me."
"We'll let the police handle this. For now, you can come with me to my house. If this is a medication issue, the police will sort it out." The man moved toward what must have been his house, but he never turned his back completely on Larry.
"Let's not bother the police with this. I know what my son needs." Larry tried to convince the man.
"I'm not his son. I'm Danny Gilbert. I was kidnapped over ten years ago. He's held me since then."
Larry paled but continued to focus on the man who now gripped Danny's arm. "My son has issues. He makes up stories."
"As I said, we'll call the police and let them sort this out." The man walked with Danny up the front steps to his door. He glanced at Danny. "Is that okay with you?"
Danny nodded. "Yes, police, please." He shook so bad that it was impossible for the man not to notice. A small group of kids stood nearby, watching, and Danny wanted to tell them to run from Larry. "The other boys?"
"Let's get inside and call the police." The man opened his door.
Danny hesitated, for a second wondering if he was running from one evil to another. He didn't know this man. He had no idea if once he went into the house if he'd ever leave it.
"It's okay. I won't hurt you. Let's get you safe." The man's voice softened as he spoke, but his attention was never far from Larry who was looking more aggravated.
Deciding to take a risk, Danny stepped into the man's house and breathed a sigh as he released his arm and slammed the door in Larry's face.
"Thank you." Danny fell to his knees, crying. "Help the other boys!"
"Let me call the police." The man walked across the room to where his cell phone sat.
"But the boys."
"I can't go busting into his house." The man punched in a number and then spoke. "Yes, I have a man who ran to me for help. He says he was kidnapped ten years ago and just escaped. He also said there are two more boys in the home he ran from."
Danny stayed kneeling on the floor, tears falling freely. Was this it? Had he done it? Would he be safe now? What about the boys? He had to help them. What if Larry killed them? "I have to help the boys." He stood on shaky legs.
"Easy, the police are on the way. They'll be here in minutes." The man held the phone to his ear, still giving little bits of information to whoever was on the other line.
Danny stared out the man's front window. "That's Larry! That's his car." He pointed to the blue Toyota that was backing from his driveway. He was relieved to see he was alone in the car, but that didn't mean he didn't hurt the boys before he got in the vehicle. Had he had the time? Everything was happening so quickly.
