All Chapters of Salt And Steel: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Lucy. Springfield, Massachusetts. An hour later. We're seated on the terrace. The night sky is dark and beautiful as Amanda, Mum, Grandma, and I sit together watching Grandma's pets run around on the lawn in front of us. All of them, playing. Her three corgis, Tin, Cot, and Sugar, roll around on the lawn, barking excitedly. "Come here, boy." I call out to Tin. One of the corgis immediately abandons the others and races toward me, barking as he leaps into my lap. Cot and Sugar continue playing. "I see that Tin has taken a liking to you." Grandma remarks affectionately. I turn to her and smile. "Yes, Grandma. It seems so." The security lights scattered around the garden illuminate everything, bathing the terrace in a calm, peaceful glow beneath the dark sky. "He never likes anyone. Very arrogant pup." Grandma remarks playfully. I kiss the dog and rub his soft fur. Peace slowly seeps into me here in Grandma's home. No more threats from Dad hanging over our heads. Though I kn

Lucy. Ashbourne Heights, Springfield, Massachusetts. Tuesday, 24th March. Next day. Late Evening. Crying hurts. Gosh, it hurts so much. It's like my lungs want to explode. And each time, I'm begging them, just hold on a little longer. Just breathe. It's been two days, and my eyes haven't left my phone. Haven't left the news. I'm still waiting to hear news about Chase. Still waiting for any of his men outside the house to stumble in and tell me he's been found. Or maybe for Cameo to send word to me that he's back. Anything is fine by me. As I lie on my bed, I remember that night the news broke of his abduction. I remember how panic detonated inside me and made me insane. I had blindly rushed to the front of the house, ignoring the calls from my sister, my mum, and my grandmother. I had walked down the driveway of Grandma's home wearing only my kitty fluffy slippers and my pajamas. Until I was knocking on the window of the SUV that always stood beneath the street lamp watching me

Lucy. The rest of the world fades as Chase stands in front of me. Unscathed. Alive. Well. Everything about him is as complete as I last saw him. Cameo stands beside me. He was the one who called me last night to tell me Chase was back. “Are you serious?” I asked him when he delivered the news over the phone. “Yes, Ms Roshid,” he said calmly. Even he couldn't hide the relief and excitement in his voice. “Just get what you need ready. I will be heading your way early in the morning with the driver so we can come pick you up.” Cameo said it quietly. “The others will need to remain so they can watch your grandma's house.” I didn't argue. I didn't need to argue. All I wanted was to see Chase again. To be certain he was alive and well. To tell him how much I loved him. I remember leaping into my sister's arms. Crying out with joy. I remember Grandma and Mum being alerted by our shouts of joy. And they joined in the celebration when we broke the news to them. And when morning came, I

Lucy. Old Souk, Jounieh. Later… Night. We walk through a beautiful, vibrant street of Old Souk, Jounieh. A coastal town near the waterfront, filled with beautiful classical architectural sites. “These old streets carry centuries of history that have wowed tourists for a long time,” Chase told me moments ago when we ate dinner at a quaint restaurant situated close to the waterfront. The lapping waves drifted toward us, creating a dreamy atmosphere. We were eating hummus topped with meat, warm pita bread, tabbouleh, and spicy kebabs at the time. The food mixed with the wine was exciting and sweet. Bursting across a thousand taste buds on my tongue, making everything jump to life. That was a few moments ago. And now we walk hand in hand along a cobblestoned street of Old Souk. That's what he called this place. Old Souk. The red roofed buildings are a wondrous, picturesque sight, even at this time of night. Chase is dressed in only black suit pants and a white shirt, sleeves rol

Lucy. Villa Rose, Jounieh, Lebanon. Later... Evening. Rain falls heavily, pelting against the rooftop like hard hail. But this isn't hail. This is rain. The sky is dark and gloomy, as though some terrible darkness has fallen upon us. It is only 5:30 pm, yet it already looks as though night has descended over the world. I stand by the sliding door leading to the terrace, my gaze locked on the pool. Watching the rain relentlessly strike the water's surface. My mind beats restlessly as worry consumes me. I haven't heard from Chase since he left the house. I don't know why, but I've felt this unbearable tightness in my chest all day. Every single time my thoughts drift to him, it only grows worse. "I hope you're okay, Chase." My voice comes out small as I pull the woolen shawl tighter around my shoulders. "Please... be okay." My phone suddenly rings in my hand. I glance down until the screen lights up. Mum. "Hi, Mum," I say as I answer. "Hi, honey." Mum's voice is warm and gen