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| Harm, Mac, and Nicholas joined the girls in the living room. Maddie ran over to Mac to give her a hug. "We love you, Mommy." Mac kissed her forehead. "I know, baby. That's why it's important I tell you what happened. I think you're all old enough to hear it and you all have the right to know." "However," Harm added, "if you don't want to hear it, you're free to leave the room." They nodded, but remained seated. Maddie wanted to sit on Mac's lap and Nicholas took a seat next to Evelyn. The twins sat on the love seat where Harm squeezed in between them. Serena thought for a moment, then sat on the floor in front of Harm. Mac took a deep breath and began. "When I came to, I found myself in a dark basement. I found that my feet and hands were tied when I tried to stand up." Mac went on to explain how they beat her and wouldn't give her any food or water. Now came the part she was dreading. She glanced over at Harm, who gave her a reassuring nod. "The taller one held me down as the other one started to rip off my clothes. I tried to get away, but they were just too strong for me. Just as they were about to..." she trailed off. She couldn't even bring herself to say that word. "It's okay, honey," Harm said. "Take your time." Since Mac realized they knew what she was going to say, she continued. "There was some commotion from upstairs. A neighbor must have become suspicious about something and called the police. Thank God he did or don't think I'd be sitting here today." The children cried as Mac told them her story. They each went over to give her a hug, a kiss, and told her how much they loved her. Finally, it was Harm's turn. He hugged her tightly. "I don't know what I would have done if you were... were killed." Mac kissed him on the lips. "The same thing I would have done if you ever were." "What's that?" he asked. "Live for our children." Harm smiled. "I love you." ************ The next day, things were remotely back to normal. Mac still had her depressing moments, but they were far and few between. She was just finishing the laundry when the phone rang. She cursed when she realized she had left it in the kitchen. A very pale and shaken Serena entered the room. "Rena, what's wrong?" Mac asked worriedly. Serena silently handed her the phone. "Hello?" "Mac, it's Bud." Her heart caught in her throat. This had something to do with Harm! "What happened?" "Harm's being rushed to the hospital!" *** TO BE CONTINUED... |
