She drifted in and out of a half-conscious state, her entire body pounding with pain. Her surroundings were blurry, though she knew where she was and why. If only she could stand up, she would find help. She leaned against the cement block building, digging her heels in the dirt. Ali managed to stand, using the building for support. Inch by inch, she made her way to the front of the plaza. There were cars in the parking lot, though not many, but enough to let her know someone had to be in one of the shops. As she rounded the building, she saw the dollar store’s lights were on, the bright yellow shopping carts already outside for the day.
It took every single ounce of strength she could muster to put one foot in front of the other to reach the store. When she leaned against the glass automatic doors, they opened, sending her crashing to the floor.
Fluorescent lights flickered above her as someone pulled her inside and placed a blanket over her. There was a hand on her forehead, smoothing the salty strands of hair away from her face. A cool cloth blotted the wounds on her wrists.
“I called an ambulance. They’re on their way,” Tammy said, her voice gruff but soothing.
Ali opened her eyes, making sure she wasn’t hallucinating. “You’re Tammy, right?”
“I am. I’m gonna take care of you, okay? I don’t know who hurt you, but we’ll find out. Just relax, kid. I’m not leaving your side.”
*
Unsure how much time had passed when she awakened, Ali knew she was in the hospital. Memories of what had sent her there flashed before her eyes. Ali was mad, enraged by the insane people she’d been exposed to on the island.
“Hey,” said Tammy. “You’re finally awake.”
“Hi,” Ali said. Her throat was dry.
Tammy poured water into a cup, adjusting the straw for her. Ali drank as much as she could, then leaned back on the pillow. “Thanks. I can’t begin to explain the circumstances that led me to your place, but I’ll try.”
She spent the next hour telling Tammy what she’d been through the night before, what she’d seen on the beach, and where she’d been when she came to.
Tammy appeared stunned. “My gosh, all the gossip about that place is true!”
“I believe so,” Ali replied. There was no other explanation.
“The doctor did a toxicology screen, but didn’t say when the results would be in. If you were drugged again, it’ll show up. Your shoulder is dislocated. The orthopedic doc took care of it, but says you’ll need to ice it, and he’s given you a prescription. As soon as they have your paperwork completed, we can go.”
“I don’t have to stay in the hospital?” Surprised that the extent of her injuries wasn’t that bad, she was also relieved she could return to Val’s or her own place. She planned to find out who did this to her, and she was going to make them pay.
“Nope, though your wrists and ankles are a mess, nothing was broken, no ligaments torn.”
“How lucky am I?” Ali said sarcastically, offering a half smile to her friend.
“Very. Today’s supposed to be my day off, but Louise called in sick. I’m glad I was there.”
“I hope I didn’t cause trouble for you, with your job and all.”
“Not at all. I called our part-timer,” Tammy said. “He’s glad for the extra hours.”
“I’m glad I didn’t cause any more problems.” Changing the topic, Ali asked, “How’s Peaches and her kitties?”
“Growing and eating everything in sight. The little critters keep me on my toes,” Tammy told her. “Thanks to you,” she added.
Had it only been a few days since Ali had found the kittens, then rented a hotel where the owner drugged their guests? It sounded like something out of a horror movie. If she told her story to a stranger, would they even believe her? Probably not.
The doctor entered her room, a smile on his face. “Look at you, wide awake now,” he said as he removed a penlight from his pocket. “Just want to check a couple things; then we can let you out of here.” He shined the light in each of her eyes, returning the light to his pocket when he finished. “You have some external injuries time will take care of, but I want you to ice your shoulder, get your prescription filled, and rest. Keep your wounds clean. You can use an over-the-counter cream, but I’m going to give you an antibiotic, too, just to be on the safe side. I don’t want those wounds to become infected.”
She’d heard this before. “I’ll be fine,” she told the doctor.
“Then I’ll let the nurse finish up. She’s bringing a set of scrubs and slippers for you. Wasn’t much left of your nightgown when you arrived.”
Alison felt her cheeks redden. “Thanks.”
“Feel better, Alison,” the doctor said, handing her his card. “I have a private practice, if you feel you need a follow-up. Just call the office.” He stepped out into the hall, then poked his head back into the room. “Should I contact the police?”
“No! This is . . .” Unsure how to explain her injuries, she opted for: “Clumsiness, and too much to drink. I’ll call your office if I need to.”
The doctor nodded.
“Thank you,” Ali said, glad she didn’t have to stay the night. She hated hospitals. “For the clothes, and all,” she said before the doctor stepped out of the room.
“I can lend you some clothes, if you need them,” Tammy offered.
“I have plenty of clothes; they’re in the suitcase in my Jeep. But thanks. The scrubs will be okay for a while. Would you mind giving me a lift to the island?”
“I was planning on it, kid. We’re friends now, and friends help each other,” Tammy said.
A true Southern girl, Ali thought. “Sounds good,” she replied.
Ten minutes later, she was in Tammy’s Honda with the windows down, the midday heat even more miserable, since Tammy had no working air-conditioning. “Sorry about the air,” she said.
“It’s fine; I need fresh air,” Ali told her. She debated reporting her kidnapping to the local police. She guessed quite a few knew about the insanity taking place on the island. Maybe some of the police were even involved with the sick cult she’d witnessed. It was difficult for her to accept that there were people who took great pleasure in hurting a human being. She’d had her share of horrific experiences, but this . . . cult had to top the list. Why her? She hadn’t even moved into the cottage. For the umpteenth time, she questioned her decision. Enticed by the beach and the price of the cottage, she’d allowed her dream to override her common sense.
“I plan on getting a new car next year. Didn’t want to spend the money on a new air conditioner. I’m used to the heat,” Tammy said. “Been here my entire life. Heck, my parents didn’t have central air until I was a teenager. I have their place now, though I don’t use the air. Try to keep the electricity costs down.”
Ali smiled. It sounded like her new friend hadn’t lived a life of luxury. She certainly could relate to that. “It’s not a necessity.” Food and shelter had always been her main priorities.
When they reached Matlacha Pass, the bridge was open. A trawler at a very slow speed took a few minutes to cross. When the bridge closed, Tammy eased over the wooden slats, then accelerated, heading toward the gulf.