Chapter 138
The Attack.
Chris’ POV:
As I lay there, my mind racing with pain and fear, I couldn’t help but think of Megan. Oh God, please don’t let them have hurt her too. Please let her be safe.
I thought back to the moments before the attack.
The thought of her being hurt, being in pain, was unbearable. I had to get to her, had to make sure she was safe.
I forced myself to move, to crawl, to get away from this place, so these people will not harm here.
As I dragged myself across the ground, I whispered her name, over and over, hoping that she would answer, hoping that she would be okay.
“Megan… Megan… please be okay…” I repeated as I saw the state and condition which I was.
I was seriously bringing consumed by pain and wish something will just happen.
All of a sudden, an ambulance came to pick me up.
I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I was loaded into the ambulance.
Finally, I was going to get the help I needed. The pain was still intense, but I knew that the hospital was just a short ride away.
As the paramedics worked on me, I couldn’t help but think of Megan. Was she safe? Was she hurt too? I had to know.
“Please,” I begged the paramedics, “you have to find out if Megan is okay. She was supposed to be with me in the courtroom today. You have to make sure she’s safe.” I told them.
The paramedics exchanged a glance, and one of them nodded.
“We’ll check on her, don’t worry. But first, we need to get you stable.” I was told.
I nodded, knowing that I had to prioritize my own health right now.
But my mind was still racing with worry for Megan. Please, let her be okay. Please.
In no time I was taken to the hospital and as I laid on the hospital bed, my body still recovering from the attack.
But even as I received treatment, I knew I wasn’t safe.
I did not feel safe for a minute.
The hospital was just a temporary reprieve, a brief moment of respite before I was sent back to the jail.
And sure enough, soon enough, the authorities came to take me away. I was shackled and handcuffed, my injuries still throbbing with pain.
As I was led away, I caught a glimpse of the hospital room fading into the distance. I knew I was being taken back to the jail, back to the darkness and the danger.
The jail hospital was no sanctuary. It was a place where inmates were left to suffer, where medical care was scarce, and compassion was nonexistent.
I steeled myself for what was to come, knowing that I had to be strong if I wanted to survive.
But my heart was heavy with worry for Megan, and my mind was filled with fear for what the future held.
I am still lost in thoughts when I was told that detective James was there.
Detective James’ expression was grim as he approached my hospital bed.
“I guess that and we’re on terrible way to make sure that you not going to be in jail!” Detective James said as soon as he saw me.
“I do not know what you are talking about!” I said, writhing in pain.
” However, we have received a tip that the attack on your transport was just the beginning.” He went on.
“There is a hit out on you, and we need to get you into protective custody as soon as possible.” He told.
“I guess it is game up for you all.” My face fell.
My heart sank at the news. I was already trapped in this hospital bed, vulnerable and helpless.
The thought of being targeted by unknown enemies was terrifying.
“What about Megan?” I asked, my voice shaking. “Is she safe?” I would hear myself ask.
Detective James’ face was grim. “She is well, Chris. But right now, our priority is getting you out of here alive.” He said seriously.
“But enough about that. Megan is safe. We got to her to the court before anything happened.” He explained.
I felt a wave of relief wash over me, my tension melting away.
“Thank God,” I breathed. “Thank you, detective.”
He nodded.
“Don’t thank me yet, Chris. We still have a long way to go to clear your name and get you out of this mess. But at least we’ve got Megan safe. That’s one less thing to worry about.” I said.
I nodded, feeling a small sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.
Detective James continued, “Now, Chris, like I said, we need to get you into protective custody.” He repeated.
“We’ve got a safe house set up for you, and we’ll be moving you there tonight, under cover of darkness. You’ll be safe there until we can sort out this mess and get your name cleared.” He revealed.
He glanced at his watch.
“We’ll be moving you out around midnight. Be ready.” He said.
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. I was glad to be getting out of the jail, but I knew that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
As I awaited, the transfer to protective custody, my mind is a jumble of emotions.
Fear, anxiety, hope, and uncertainty all swirl together in a toxic mix that threatens to consume me.
I can’t help but wonder if this new chapter in my life will bring me the safety and peace I so desperately crave, or if it will simply be a new iteration of the hell I’ve been living.
I think about all the stories I’ve heard, all the rumors and whispers of witnesses who were placed in protective custody only to be exploited, harassed, or even harmed by those who were supposed to be keeping them safe.
I think about the corruption, the abuse of power, and the countless ways in which the system can fail those who need it most.
And yet, despite all these fears, I hold onto a glimmer of hope. Hope that this time will be different, that I’ll be given a chance to start anew, to leave the past behind and forge a new path forward.
Hope that I’ll be able to find some measure of peace, some sense of security, in this new place.
But as the hours tick by, my anxiety grows. What lies ahead? Will I be truly safe, or will I be trading one set of troubles for another?
Will I be able to trust those who are supposed to be protecting me, or will I need to constantly be on guard?
The unknown is a heavy burden to carry, and I can’t help but feel like I’m walking into a new kind of prison, one that may be even more treacherous than the one I’m leaving behind.