James was right. The bar was packed with people. By the time we got there it was already 9:00 p.m., and the bar was full. James said some other piano player would be playing, so he wasn't expected until later. Dan had prime seats saved for us. I felt like a V.I.P. when I saw the "reserved" sign on our table.

Trevor Summers was singing Elton John's "The Bitch Is Back." And the place was hopping with activity and excitement. The small dance floor was full of mostly middle-aged Kansas locals having a great time. James was right. Trevor was very talented. He had a unique voice that was hoarse but strong. And he was playing guitar, too.

"What do you want to drink?" James asked me.

"How about some white wine?" I asked.

"Corona for me," Dan said.

James went off to the bar. I was sure it was no coincidence Dan was left to guard me. But I didn't mind. The night was long.

"It's good to see you again, Corrine," Dan said with a big smile on his face.

"Yes, you, too," I politely said.

But I still had a hard time being around Dan without thinking of the nice face punch he gave me so long ago.

"How have you been?" he asked.

"Great." I didn't know what was an appropriate response for a kidnap victim. "What about you? How's Sarah?"

"She's good, she's good."

It's "well," you dumbass.

"It's too bad she's not here," I said. "I'd love to get to know her better. I didn't talk to her much when I met her at Thanksgiving."

"I know. I wish she could be here, but I decided it was best for her to stay home. But we'll have to get together soon, just the four of us. We'll have you over."

"Oh, that sounds great. I'd love that."

I wondered if Sarah was allowed to go out as much as I was.

After a few songs the band took a break, and the crowd gave a loud applause. After the set was over, Trevor came over and shook the guys' hands and introduced himself to me.

"Man, your voice is awesome," Dan said. "You got a lot of talent."

"Thanks," Trevor said. "Hopefully I'll be able to play with James again soon. That is, if he doesn't bail out on me again."

That was news to me. So, James was supposed to play that night.

"Sorry, man," James said, embarrassed at being called out. "I just wanted to spend more time with my woman."

He put his arm around my shoulder. That really meant he didn't play because he had to babysit me. But I didn't care. Hell, I was there, which meant he wanted me to be there, with him at the bar. That meant a lot to me.

Without that, I wouldn't be able to escape.

Trevor said, "I'm tellin' you, man, you could be going on the road with me and playing all around the country instead of being stuck here in this hell hole."

James shrugged. "Nah, man. This is where I belong."

He looked at me and smiled. It had never occurred to me that I was keeping James from a bigger future. I just thought of him working in the business world. That's all he had. But maybe he could've been a famous musician. Instead of stuck taking care of me on a Kansas farm. But that wasn't my fault.

Trevor went back to play another set. As the night went on, I felt my anxiety build. I tried to avoid holding James's hand, afraid he'd feel my clammy hand. But I smiled at him whenever he made eye contact, rubbed his back in affirmation, and cuddled him. I was as casual as I could be. But I could feel time slipping by, and I didn't think we'd be staying longer than another hour or so. Luckily, Dan was there to keep James occupied.

Two drinks later, milking them as the night went on since I wasn't allowed to use the public restroom, James leaned into me and said, "You ready to go soon?"

Shit. I was running out of time. No!

"Aren't you having fun?" I asked, as casually as I could muster.

"Of course. Any time I'm with you." He kissed me on the lips.

"How much longer do you think they'll be playing?" I asked.

"Probably for another couple hours until they close."

"Can we stay for a little bit longer? Maybe another hour?"

"I don't know," James wavered. "I should get you home. I'm sure you have to go to the bathroom soon."

Oh my God. I was missing my opportunity. The best chance yet.

"Actually, I'm doing okay. I haven't drunk much. Please, can we stay a bit more? You were so right. Trevor is so good."

James leaned over to Dan and asked him something. They exchanged some words I couldn't hear over the loud music.

"All right," James said. "About another half hour, okay?"

"Thanks," I said and smiled.

But inside all I felt was panic. A half hour wasn't much at all. My time was slipping away.

Dan and James ordered one more round. That was a good sign James was relaxed. Joking around and comfortable.

His guard down.

A few minutes after the waitress left, James said to me, "I'm going to go to the bathroom."

He nodded at Dan, as if that was their secret code to one another. Tag, you're it, bro.

My heart raced. This could be the best opportunity I would have. The cocktail waitress seemed to move toward us so slowly.

"Here you go, guys," she said.

Right then the busboy came over to clear our cluttered table. My hands were clammy and cold, and my head was spinning. Dear God, get me through this. I tried to be casual as I reached for a napkin with my shaky hands, knocking over James's mostly empty beer.

Time slowed after that. The music stopped. Dan's lips were moving, but no sound was coming out. The busboy put his dish tub up to the table and began clearing the table. I grabbed the note I had tucked into the front of my pants, slid my glass off the table with the note underneath the glass, and dropped both into the tub. I grabbed the other couple of empty beer bottles and placed them on top. The busboy smiled at me, and I thanked him.

He unknowingly carried my future away in his dish tub.

I had no idea if the busboy would see my note or just throw it away as trash. But it was the best plan I could do with as little risk as possible. Now that it was done, I took a deep breath and tried to relax. It was over. I did it. Whether it worked or not, I knew this was a huge accomplishment. And if it didn't work this time, maybe it would work the next time. Or the next. As long as James continued to trust me, I could continue to try an escape.

James came back to the table right after the busboy left. I couldn't have asked for better timing on the busboy's part.

I leaned into James and said into his ear, "Thanks for everything." More of a goodbye than a thank you.

He looked at me quizzically. "You okay?"

"Oh, definitely. I just wanted to thank you for such a great night. And such a great life."

My stomach hurt even saying it, not wanting to admit I'd miss him. He kissed me, lingering before parting. He smiled his crooked smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"I had a wonderful time myself."

"I've really enjoyed hearing Trevor play tonight. Maybe you could play some of these songs for me tomorrow."

But I already was feeling a disconnect, knowing I might not be there tomorrow. And if I wasn't there, James wouldn't be, either. I batted back the tears, not wanting to imagine him in jail. But he deserved it. Boy, did he deserve it.



Ah! Do you think her plan worked? Read on to find out. Please vote for the chapters if you're enjoying them, and I'd love to read any of your feedback. Take care. :)