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“Because the heaviness of the clothes keeps me grounded in the present. It’s one of the first things I’m aware of. The feel of cold, wet clothes clinging to my body.”
“That actually makes sense. I was just hoping maybe we wouldn’t have to deal with the mess after you get out of the tub.”
“I know. Water goes fucking everywhere.” I reached the bathroom and slipped off my tennis shoes.
Jace flipped the lever on the drain. “Are you ready? We’re so fucking close.”
“I know. I can feel it in my bones. I’m not going to lie, though. This time, I’m fucking scared. We’ve been playing around with this method a lot over the last few days. I’ve never had hypnosis sessions this close together. But River’s been gone for three weeks, and I have to push myself.”
Jace set his notebook and pen on the counter and gripped my shoulders. “You’re coming back. Don’t you even dare to think otherwise.”
I didn’t miss the hint of fear clinging to his words.
“I’m going to find River.” I placed my hands on top of his, then grabbed him into a huge hug.
“We’ve got this, Holden. We’ve fucking got this,” he whispered.
I backed away, then inhaled deeply as I got into the tub. I settled in, stretching my legs out in front of me and placing my arms at my sides. Jace turned on the warm water, then began to guide me. I forced myself to relax as the water started to rise. Breathe in. Breathe out. Jace continued to talk, his soft voice lulling me into another place and time.
“Hannah?” I asked. “What are you doing here?”
She giggled. “Don’t be silly.” She playfully punched me in the arm.
I glanced around, recognizing the playroom instantly.
“Where are we?” I rose from the floor and sidestepped a yellow, then purple crayon.
Hannah frowned at me. “What’s wrong with you? Are you sick?” She hopped up and placed her hand against my forehead. “Holden?” She gently shook me, then she faded away.
Frowning, I waited to see the little boy again. Maybe this time, it wouldn’t fuck with me so badly.
A loud cry reached me, and I ran out of the room and into a long hallway that forked to the left and right.
“Hello?” I called. The only response was the sound of my voice echoing through the hall. A flicker of something caught my eye, and I spun around, catching a fleeting glimpse of the young girl crawling on the floor into another room. I ran over, but the door had disappeared.
Another scream ripped through my heart, but I didn’t see anyone. I was the only one around.
“There you are, Holden,” an older woman smiled warmly at me and took my little hand in hers. “I’ve been looking for you. Everyone is expecting you. We have to get you cleaned up and ready for the big party.”
Terror spiked inside my chest. “Party?”
She turned down the hall, and I was suddenly in a bedroom. I recognized it. I’d slept there before. “Yes, silly. The Christmas party!” She rubbed my head, messing up my dark hair. “I’ll get you a bath, and your new suit is pressed.” She clapped her hands together and laughed.
“Will there be presents?” I asked, giddy with excitement.
“So many. Boys and girls, teens, anyone that you desire.” She picked me up and placed me on the countertop.
“Anyone? Don’t you mean anything?”
The sweetness drained from her features as she narrowed her eyes at me. “I mean anyone. We’ve been over this.”
I willed myself to scream and kick her, punch her in the boobs and run like hell, but I couldn’t. I had to let it play out.
The lady began to flicker and fade, and I jumped off the counter. Hauling ass as fast as my little legs could carry me, I left the bedroom and turned left down the hall. Voices and laughter called me closer. A white door glowed in front of me. I placed my hand on the knob, then turned it.
Two women broke their kiss and smiled at each other. The brunette threw her head back and moaned. It was then that I realized a young man had his head buried between her legs. She jerked a chain in her right hand, and his face turned red as he clawed at the collar around his neck. “You’re not doing it right.” She scooted farther back on the table and spread her legs.
A dark-haired man in a black suit walked up and chided the guy. “If you can’t do it correctly and she doesn’t come, then you know what will happen.” He brought his hand up. A riding crop flicked, then landed on the guy’s back. A tortured scream ripped through the air.
