Wrongfully Yours

CHAPTER 12

“Is something wrong, my darling? You are not the clumsy type; did you see something you didn't like? Why did you drop your purse when you walked in?

“Get away from me, Jackson; Bruce is watching you.

“You fear this man so much, then why are you married to him?

“If you do not leave here this instant, I will scream.

Bruce was watching Snow from a distance. He was talking with Jackson’s boss, so they stepped aside to discuss. That was when Jackson seized the opportunity to talk to Snow. She put up a fake smile when Bruce looked at her and surprisingly, he reciprocated.

“Run away with me, Snow; let me take you far away from here.

“Don't be stupid, Jackson; Bruce has eyes everywhere. I tried to run away days ago and he caught me. I was locked up in the basement for days without food or water.

“And yet your skin still radiates like the sun. I can help you escape this terrible man.

“And what makes you think I will want to run away with you?

“Because you love me.

“I do not love you, Jackson; my heart belongs to someone else.

“I know for sure it is not Bruce, so it must be someone else, and let me guess, it is someone from inside this house because you don't have the freedom to go into town.

“You better keep your voice down before someone hears you.

“So tell me who the lucky man is.

“And why would I tell you that?

“Because I am trying to help you, I am your friend now.

“Well, I won't tell you.

“Your makeup artist did an excellent job trying to cover your face, but I can still see the red circles. Bruce is a monster and I can help you run away from him without being caught.

“He has my travel documents, Jackson; I cannot access them.

“And who says you need your passport to travel out?

Bruce made eye contact with Snow again and she moved away from where Jackson was. Jackson stood for a while before he moved close to her; this time, he wasn't standing by her side; he was behind her and they were conversing.

“Stop following me around; you will get me into trouble, Jackson.

“I have a friend offshore; they are moving barrels of oil to Norway. I can get you on the ship.

Snow was quiet for a moment; she was processing the possibility of her running away. She stood still and fixed her gaze on the TV. She wasn't watching the news, but she used it as a distraction to think. After about a minute of silence, Jackson decided to engage her again.

“This might be your only chance to escape Bruce, Snow; please think about it carefully.

“Give me details.

“I’m glad you are finally interested. The ship's cargo leaves by midnight tomorrow; they are transporting crude oil to Norway; it is illegal shipping and they won't waste any minute waiting for you to avoid being caught by the authorities.

“What!! Are you crazy? How do you expect me to get on that ship? Do you want me to end up in jail?

“You do not have to be afraid, Snow; they’ve been moving crude oil without being caught for decades; you are going to be safe; we are only using that as a means of transportation for you; whatever they are transporting is none of your business.

“Let’s say I get to Norway. I do not have a passport. How can I leave there because I cannot possibly stay in Norway?

“Do not worry; I will be in Norway waiting for you to arrive. As soon as you arrive, I will process a passport and visa with a different name for you. You’ll change your identity, and Bruce will never be able to find you. So in less than 5 days, we would be on our way to Istanbul, Turkey.

“When were you able to plan all of these? It looks well structured and I'm sure you spent days planning this.

“I started planning from the day Bruce introduced you as his wife; it wasn't easy to get a space for you on the cargo; it cost me thousands of dollars. How much money do you have in your account?

“Two hundred and fifty million dollars.

”That is good; that would be enough to set you up in Turkey. I will text you the details tomorrow evening.

“Bruce seized my phone; just tell me where to meet you and I'll be there by 10 p.m.

“Are you sure you can make it by 10 p.m.? Not a minute late, please.

“I promise.

“Alright, meet me at the warehouse located at 2014 Oakdale Ave. I'll be waiting on the second floor of the building. The security man will ask for a code to grant you a pass. Give him this code: 48690. He’ll bring you directly to where I am. Do not be a minute late. Snow.

“Thank you so much, Jackson; I won't forget the code.

“Say it out; let me hear.

“2014 Oakdale Ave. 48690.

“Smart girl, do not carry anything along, not even your phone so they won't suspect anything.

“I have a problem. Bruce increased the number of security men who move around with me; they are from a top-ranked security firm in Russia. How can I possibly escape them?

"I have that one sorted out too. Just wear your workout outfit and tell them you are going for a jog; they will surely follow you, but there shouldn't be more than four men. I will send ten of my well-trained fighters to intercept them. Once they engage in hand combat, run as fast as your legs can carry you. I'll give you a key before I leave. The blue car will be parked by the roadside, close to the traffic light. Drive straight to the location I gave you. You will be safe.

“Wow!!! That is a genius plan.

“I can't give you the key now; Bruce is staring at us.

“Give it to the lady standing behind Bruce; her name is Marose; she will surely give it to me.

“Are you sure you can trust her?

“Yes, she is on my side.

Snow sipped from her glass of champagne and pretended like she wasn't communicating with anyone when Bruce turned and looked at her again. Mario came out of the kitchen to make an announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the table is set.

They all made their way to the dining area and Jackson sat directly opposite Snow. Bruce was beside her and he gave her a peck on the cheek. Snow gave him a warm smile because, very soon, he would be out of her life for good; she would finally escape him.