VINDICTIVE

Episode 17

My breath hitched at the sound of his voice. “Liam?”

The figure nodded and released my hands.

“Julie where have you been? I've been looking all over for you. What in the hell are you flinging a knife around for? You could seriously hurt somebody!”

I blinked in confusion. “Wa- Are you serious right now?! Do you have any idea what I've been through?!” After all the terror i've been through the held back rage has come bubbling up.

“You abandoned me! And I've been walking this whole damn ship searching for you! I've nearly died multiple times!” Using my good hand I shoved him back. “Im hurt, I'm scared and I want to go home. I just watched a woman have her throat slit and I'm wearing her damn shoes. Just, just, just-“

Backing up, Liam held his hands up in defence. Staggering and unable to get a word in. “Where the HELL have you been?!” I screamed. My voice rang through the empty hall. My blazing eyes burned into his both demanding and daring him to speak in his defence. “I-i didn't-“

“What? You didn't what? Abandon me? Did I just slip your mind?!”

He backed up farther. “I didn't abandon you!” He protested. I fought the urge to slap him.

“Yes you did! Morgan said he saw you leave me!”

“Who the hell is Morgan?!” He shouted.

Afraid to branch on that subject I repeated my main question. “Where have you been?!”

His brows furrowed. For a moment we both said nothing. This is the first time weve screamed at eachother like this. The first time I've ever felt this hurt and angry. Burning tears streamed down my cheeks, one after another. The flood gates are wide open. My shaking hands dropped the knife, the cold metal clambering on the floor. “I was so- so scared liam. You were gone and I didnt know what to do or where you were I-“ He said nothing, merely watching in silence.

“Don't you ever do that again. Don't you ever leave me”

I sobbed. Rubbing at my tears. Soon his arms snaked around me. Holding tight. “I promise” he whispered. So quietly I almost missed it. With warm fingers tracing in my hair he gave me the most gentle, tender kiss I've ever experienced. Melting my fury.

Once again, he's managed to put out my fires and melt my heart. Taking a step forward he pressed me against the wall moaning into my mouth. My arms pulled him close, desperate to never part again. I kissed him back in earnest allowing his tongue entry. Twisting and twirling together. My mind grew dizzier and dizzier, wanting and needing to forget everything Ive seen and experienced. He's so warm and real and safe. I know he'll protect me from now on. He's everything.

To my disappointment, he pulled back. A sly smile across his face.

“Better?” I nodded slowly as my mind drew back to me. “Good. Now. Let's go grab our stuff and get out of here. I tell you, If I never set foot on a ship again it'll be too soon” Without hesitation, I took his offered hand and hurried alongside him. Eager to stay by his side from bow on.

We walked quickly in silence for what felt like forever. I'll never understand how it is that he always knows exactly where he's going on this ship.

“W-where is everybody?” I asked.

For a second I thought he didnt hear me and took a breath to ask again. “They're all safe in the ballroom. Everyone was gathered together by the staff when the PA system went out.” Explains why there were no emergency announcements.

“So, the PA system is out?”

He threw a hand up in frustration.

“Everythings out jules“

With a sharp tug, he pulled me around a corner.

“The PA, the navigation, the radio. Hell even cell phones aren't working.”

My blood ran cold. With all systems of communication cut off.. what are we supposed to do?

“Does anyone even know what's happening? Like, was there any distress signal sent out at all?!”

Finally our room came into sight down the hall.

“Nothing as far as I know. And everyones too damn hammered for the staff to coordinate them. They're all drunk and terrified. A very dangerous combination”

With a faint beep on the doors lock he shoved me in, locking it behind us. “Because everyones so crazy, they've all been locked in the ballroom. I was one of the very few who got out before that.”

Once in the bedroom, he brought up one of our bags. Grabbing some fresh clothes. He handed me a pair of dress pants and a red blouse.

“It's not the most tactical for a survival situation but it's the best you've got. I assume you don't want to be running around in that tent”

Eagerly I grabbed the clothes from him. “Thanks”

I reached back, fumbling with the laced up ribbons up my back. Grunting in frustration at Laura's impossible knot tying. “Damn it. Liam can you?”

With a groan he abandoned his shuffling through things and rushed over to help, struggling with the knot himself. “The hell did she tie this so tight for?!”

In an attempt to untie it he used his teeth. His words mumbled incoherently. “Did you get it?”

“No. I'm gonna just have to cut it off. Wait here I'll go find something” I nodded, waiting as he ran from the room. I continued to try my own hand at the blasted knot.

My concentration became disturbed by a loud thump from the living room. “Liam?” I called. Only silence answered. “Liam..? Answer me” My heart raced as I stared at the door, expecting it to burst open any moment. “Liam, I'm serious you better answer me..”

In a panic I glanced around the room for some sort of weapon. Just needing some form of a sharp object I grabbed one of my high heels.

Snapping the heel from its sole

With one careful step in front of the other, I began to approach the door. “Please please please please..”

I whispered. Praying to god it isn't what I think.

Slowly the door creaked open, stopping my heart.