Hidden Away (9 page)

Hearing Elisa's voice was about the best moment of the past few days, Morgan's life had come to a
stop thinking he would never see her again, he should have known she would fight her way out,
thank God her father had the foresight to train her for such situations, once they had traced the
phone to a disused airfield they were on the way, there was a convoy of cars heading out there and
an ambulance would meet them there, he prayed she stayed hidden until they could get to her all
he wanted was to wrap her in his arms and keep her safe his body craved her, his heart yearned for
her and that what kept him going for the half hour it took to get there.
They arrived at the airfield it was as she described a vast area and the police went straight into the
hanger to secure the man Elisa had escaped from Morgan stood at the doors looking around for
clues of the direction she would have taken, trees she said but in the darkness he couldn't see
anything there were shouts all round as everyone began searching, a police officer approached
him
“she did well in there the guy was massive she stuck him in the leg and fractured his skull he is not
very happy but we can't understand a word he is saying” Morgan was relieved to know he hadn't
gone after her and he set off running he heard some shouts and ran in that general direction an
officer greeted him
“trees over to the right and left sir we will take the left” Morgan ran in the opposite direction
calling her name twenty minutes later and he was beginning to think he was too late he shouted
for her frantically he could hear the others shouting too where the hell was she?. He was just
about to give up and retrace his steps when he heard a moan
“ Elisa is that you honey can you make some noise so I can find you” he heard it again to his left
treading carefully he ducked into the undergrowth and that was when he saw her curled up in a
ball eyes wide and trembling, he rushed towards her almost falling on top of her
“Elisa its ok we are here baby I'm going to lift you up now try and wrap your arms round my neck”
she did as she was told and he shivered at the coldness of her skin she must have been in the open
for a couple of hours by now, he hoisted her up shocked by her frail body she felt tiny he stepped
back out into the open and kissed her on her forehead and then her eyes closed again he could see
her face swollen up and bruised it took all his self-control not to lose his cool, he alerted the search
teams
“ I've got her she's here paramedic please now!” he walked back with her towards the cars not
realising how far he had come he looked down at her when he felt her body sag and saw she had
passed out he held her tight and jogged her to the ambulance that drove out to meet them.
The paramedics took her from him even though he didn't want to let go, they wrapped her in a foil
blanket placed her on a stretcher and immediately hooked her up to a drip
“Fluids sir she's dehydrated she will soon regain consciousness once her body temperature rises
and she rehydrates” he climbed into the back with her and they drove away leaving the police and
FBI to set themselves up for the arrival of the bastard who did all this.

I heard rustling in the trees near me and cowered hoping to hide, I knew I had been asleep and had
no idea for how long and whether this was an enemy or friend then I heard his voice, my lovers
voice I tried to shout but my throat wouldn't work it came out as a moan then I heard him again he
said my name he came for me, I moaned louder eyes searching in the dark then he was in front of
me and I wanted to cry out and I wanted to kiss him. He told me to wrap my arms round his neck
so I did then before I could drink him in he stood up with me as though I were a child I stared at
him trying to absorb the fact he was there then he kissed me and I knew it was real it was over I
was safe so I allowed myself to sleep again.

“Morgan!” I screamed his face was there in front of me
“Elisa I'm here you are safe it’s all over baby all over “I gasped for my breath I was back in the
hospital I felt like I had only just been discharged
“ You found me I can't believe you found me “ the tears came like a torrent the past week suddenly
swamping me with emotions, fear of dying, fear of the unknown and most of all fear of never
seeing this man again. Morgan sat beside me on the bed and lifted me gently into his arms and
rocked me until I ran out of tears
“How long have I been away?” Morgan dried my eyes and rested his head on mine
“Too long angel! You were missing for six days you have been in hospital for 12 hours” I stroked his
face studying every crease and line he looked so beautiful despite the unshaven look,
“Gino did they get him?” Morgan studied me carefully
“the feds hid at the hangar and waited for them, Gino and his son arrived at the same time as Luca
in his plane, as soon as they entered the building they were ambushed, Gino grabbed your uncle as
hostage but one of the feds got a clean shot and took him out he isn't dead just a shoulder injury”
he paused for my reaction I sagged against him it really was over this time
“Ricardo what about him” he noticed my shudder
“What did he do to you?” I looked down not wanting to remember and touched my face to feel
the swelling
“Did he do that to your face? Did he touch you anywhere else” his voice had a menacing tone
“He wanted to but Gino stopped him” I didn't add the fact that he would have had his moment
with me of that I was sure
“He is under arrest squealing like a pig selling his dad out and acting like a bystander” I sat up with
a start
“No Morgan he was not innocent he hit me then sexually assaulted me there is no way they can
let him out Morgan no way” I was becoming hysterical Morgan pulled me to him again
“The little fucker I will have him, he sexually assaulted you? Elisa did he rape you?” he was just
about holding it together
“No, no but he groped me and threatened me and knew all about Gino's plans is that not enough
to lock him up?, please Morgan you must make sure he doesn't get out he will come back for me”
the tears started again and I couldn't control the shaking he was stroking my hair and pressed the
button by the bed instantly a nurse was there
“She is hysterical please do something I think its shock” she rushed over to me and adjusted the
pain relief drip in my arm, I felt myself relax and the trembling stopped she wiped my face with a
cold flannel and frowned at Morgan on my bed
“I am not moving until she has calmed down” she nodded and left the room I sagged against him
allowing him to hold me closer
“ Elisa I need to report this to the police so they can charge him at least with something until a
proper investigation is completed, they are being extradited to America the FBI are handling it as
there is still your parents murder to charge someone with, all his business dealings and accounts
are being torn apart to tie this one up, with this assault charge too he won't be coming anywhere
near you ever again” I pressed my face into him and stayed there until I felt safe enough to let go
“ I will make the call, there is someone who wants to see you outside is it ok to send him in?” I
nodded wondering who it was Morgan opened the door and spoke to someone then let him in
“Uncle Luca!” he marched over to me and clasped my hands
“Elisa it is over they have Gino we can live again, Theresa and Carmella are on their way home I
wanted to see you before I join them oh child what a week you must have had, you were so brave
escaping like that, you are famous you know and now you can be yourself and take your
inheritance at last” I was thrilled to see him he had saved my life keeping me hidden
“Luca its lovely to see you I am so happy you can have your family back I promise to come over
and visit soon, I don't know what to do with the business will you carry on taking care of my share
for me I know nothing about restaurants and clubs but I do know you and trust you to look after it
for me just for now” he stroked my hair
“of course for as long as you need if you prefer to start a clean slate I have enough funds to buy
your half and put the money away for you to invest as you choose” I heard the words clean slate
“ I think that would be best I would love to start over and can't see myself ever returning to New
York for longer than a holiday at best, give me some time to think then draw up a contract and
valuations and we will talk,” I surprised myself at my rational thinking.
Luca said his goodbyes an hour later and promised to pass on my number to Carmella we hadn't
spoken for years and I had really missed her. Morgan shook his hand as he came through the door
to swap places and I noticed he had shaved,
“You look brighter angel” I nodded I felt much happier a few bruises and stitches but ready to get
out of this room
“When can I go?” he walked over to sit next to me
“Tomorrow once you have been checked over by the doctor, Tanner is on his way to get a
statement before he takes Vincenzi back to the States, do you think you are up to it?” I sat up a
little readying myself
“Yes the sooner they get him far away from me the better!” he agreed
“They will need a more formal signed statement at the station but he will record today's just so he
can direct the questioning the right way” after another sleep and some hot tea Agent Tanner
arrived, he pulled up a chair after shaking my hand
“Miss Marcelli I want you to talk me through everything that occurred from the start of your
abduction, can you do that for me “ I felt ready to get it all out before details were lost so I began
with telling them that the first three days were blank just vague recollections of food drink and
injections, Marcus was holding my hand calming me until my confession that I could have escaped
sooner but chose to remain despite risking death just so I could find out who was behind it all
“for Fucks sake what the hell were you thinking? I was going crazy what are you on a death wish or
something” Tanner ignored him and urged me to continue, there was more cussing when I related
my first encounters with Gino and his son
“ Jesus I want to wring his neck dirty bastard how dare he touch you like that” by the end of the
story he had sat back down and had my hand in his again I gave him an apologetic look, Tanner
stood to leave and shook my hand again
“Miss Marcelli if you ever fancy a change of career you would make an excellent FBI agent you
have more balls than most of the men on my team I wouldn’t hesitate in using you for undercover
work” Morgan was about to say something very rude but I interjected
“Thanks Tanner but I think I am ready for the quiet life now” he smiled
“Your father trained you well he would be extremely proud of you” with that he left and I broke
down once more.
Next morning by ten o’clock I was dressed and ready Morgan was just making sure the exit was
clear of reporters, it was a strange feeling being myself at last, Elisa was alive and I could say
goodbye to Jenna, I wanted to say I was going home but I didn’t have one I had a hotel room, for a
moment I felt lost that was until Morgan marched in beaming.
“ready Elisa it’s time to go, Graham is waiting with the car there are a few reporters but I have a
cap and shades to hide your bruises” I took my hair out of its pony tail put on the cap and glasses
they were a decent size so not much of my face was visible, I wasn’t looking forward to walking
through hotel reception looking like this.
“I’m ready lets go” flashes were going left right and centre people shouting questions but Morgan
fended them off with polite one word answers and bundled me into the car, no doubt the hotel
would be full of them that wasn’t a happy thought. I was feeling tired already my lack of food
intake over the past week had taken their toll my joggers were hanging on my hips, on the plus
side my abs looked amazing after my daily workouts in my cell and the size of my waist made my
boobs look even bigger. We pulled up at my old apartment building I sat up sharp
“What are we doing here?” Morgan said nothing just smiled and led me up the stairs and knocked
on Tony’s door, to my surprise he was in and he lifted me up with his one arm in a bone crushing
hug my bruises throbbed and I winced Morgan told him off
“Hey careful with her she is black and blue” Tony put me down straight away
“Oops sorry cupcake! I am so happy to see you we are glad to have Lara Croft home again, go and
settle in and we will catch up tomorrow I am dying to hear your whole life story Elisa not the fake
one!” I laughed with him
“Settle in where?” Tony smiled and Morgan dragged me away up the stairs to my old door, surely it
couldn’t be ready in such a short time? Morgan dangled a new set of keys to my new front door
and suddenly I was like a little girl I loved this flat even though I hadn’t been here very long.
I pushed open the door and the smell of new paint and rich wood hit me, the living area had been
fitted with a solid wooden floor the windows all replaced with replica sash windows that let in so
much more light than the old leaded light ones, I had a new wall mounted fireplace with a cosy rug
in front, a wall mounted plasma TV, a brand new leather reclining sofa sat in the middle of the
floor with a new dining table set in the corner near the kitchen which was now all open plan with a
breakfast bar and stool separating it from the rest of the room, the whole place looked huge and
airy all in cream with some beautiful paintings hung around the walls I walked up to one to see
who the artist was
“They are Olivia’s do you like them? If not I can swap them for something else” I put my finger on
his mouth
“I love them they are fab, she is very talented” I walked through to the main bedroom it had
matching flooring and similar colour pallet but with accents of deep red in the furnishings echoed
in more of Olivia's paintings, the bedding was opulent and matched perfectly, I had a new walk in
dressing area, all my clothes had been hung up and a few of Morgan's this gave me butterflies was
he planning on staying a lot? My new bathroom was spectacular the builders had sacrificed the
tiny box room to double its size and I now had a new free standing double end bath and huge glass
shower with room for about 10 people!
“You are very quiet Elisa have I got it all wrong” my excitement burst out
“Oh Morgan I love it every bit I would have designed it in the same way had I thought of it, it’s
gorgeous and I love it. It feels so strange because at the hospital it made me sad that I couldn’t say
I am going home as I didn’t have one but now I do and I am just so happy” my feelings were
overwhelming and I transferred them into the longest kiss in history that left us both reeling after
“wow I will have to surprise you more often” I beamed with joy
“This is enough it is perfect” he picked me up gently and carried me back to the living area
perching me on one of my new leather bar stools
“Right Elisa food time you need fattening up I am scared too touch you in case you snap!” I
frowned
“yes I agree get cooking Drake” he set about whipping us both up scrambled eggs bacon and toast
and every crumb was cleared it was the most delicious thing I had tasted but after my second milky
coffee my stomach started to protest
“Oh dear think I may have over done it” I needed to lie down before the food made an unwelcome
return Morgan frowned
“you look green angel here let’s get you comfortable” he lifted me off the stool and placed me on
the sofa wrapping a fur throw round my legs he sat behind me so I was lay between his legs and
we watched some trashy TV together “my parents want to see you soon, now they are all up to
speed they have so many questions for you and my mother’s maternal instincts have gotten out of
control I think she wants to adopt you!” it was nice to hear that they weren’t offended by my lies it
felt like a huge weight had lifted just by being able to use my name again.
I could feel Morgan fidgeting behind me and realised I must have drifted off; he probably had a
dead leg
“Sorry did I nod off? Are you really uncomfortable?” he wriggled out from behind me
“Angel I just need the bathroom that’s all you were asleep for two hours honey
” crikey well at
least the food stayed down that’s a good thing
.
While he was in the bathroom I started to worry about tonight we hadn’t known each other all
that long but we were definitely in love of that there was no doubt, but where were we headed he
had his apartment and I had mine, I guess part of me hoped he would keep me at the hotel
permanently although I loved this place I wondered if it was his way of putting some distance there
maybe we had moved too fast, my worry must have shown in my face as Morgan came straight
over to me
“Elisa what’s the matter you look so sad” I patted the sofa and made room for him next to me
“ I was just being silly probably overthinking as usual, I know I saw a few of your things in my
wardrobes but how often will you stay here will you just visit when you are not working or try and
come during the week too” he opened his mouth then grabbed me with both hands pulling me
into him
“baby I was planning on being here full time I want this to be our home, I should have asked but
after having you were ripped from me I swore there would be no nights apart ever again you are
part of me now where I go you go I really hope that’s what you want too” my arms wrapped round
him holding on for dear life
“oh yes please that is exactly what I want, I missed you so much the thought of being apart is
unbearable, I would love you to live here full time” we sat there clinging to each other and for
once that was enough for both of us, just being close and knowing nothing would break us again.