Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) by Rachael Tonks Read Free Book Online Page B

everything; my family, my friends, my job. Don’t let her go without a fight! That’s all I’m saying.”
    I look to my right, catching Pete’s eye. “What you reckon, man?” I ask him seriously.
    “I’m up for it if you are. Only one problem though, your truck is fucked, isn’t it?” he quizzes.
    I hear the deep rumble of laughter from behind me. “No fucking way are we going in any god damn truck, you lunatics. The only way to travel is on a bike,” shouts Chuck.
    I look at Pete, confused.
    “You ride with us. No arguments,” he gruffs. I wasn’t really in a position to argue with him.
    “Count me out,” calls Ash. “I’ve had enough nightmare road trips to last me a lifetime!”
    “I don’t really think it’s your sort of thing anyway.” Chuck laughs, raising his eyebrows at Ash.
    Ash jumps down from his stool, mincing his way in a huff toward the bathroom.
    We let out a little laugh before Chuck calls over the three guys sitting in the corner, introducing us to them.
    Fuck, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Each one is over six-foot-tall, covered in tattoos and scars. As we are introduced to them, I see there’s a guy similar in age to Chuck. I would say in his late forties and the two others are a little younger. Maybe in their mid-thirties?
    We sit with them for hours drinking and discussing our plans for the road trip. I explain to Chuck exactly where we were when we got run off the road. We study the road map intently. He seems to understand exactly where I’m talking about and suggests places to check out in that area.
    I have to say, these guys are growing on me. They may look scary as fuck, but they’re committed to helping me find Ken.
    We plan to meet back outside Joey’s tomorrow morning.
    This is it.
    I’m keeping hope that we will find her!
    We have to find her.
    I can’t live my life without the girl who has stolen my heart.
     

 
     
     
    Kennedy
     
    I haven’t seen or spoken to anyone since yesterday evening when I was last brought food.
    The endless darkness in the room is hurting my eyes. I have one hell of a headache. I know this is Christopher’s way of trying to break me, but it won’t work. Keeping me isolated and half-starved is his way of trying to control me, both physically and mentally.
    I won’t let him.
    I’m stronger than that.
    I have to be for my baby.
    I have been trying to nap all day, but I am constantly disrupted by noises inside the house. I try and remain focused. I will find a way out.
    I lay here, remembering Cole’s touch and it sends a shudder down my spine. I would give anything to feel his breath on my skin or to be wrapped in his loving embrace again. The thoughts of Cole and our future keeps me going.
    The small amount of light that shines through the covered window begins to fade, alerting me to the approximate time of day. That sliver of light and the noises within the house are the only indicator I have of the time. I’m familiar with the times they pray as the chants echo through the old house.
    There has been no water or food all day, and the stench of the bucket in the corner is becoming unbearable.
    As the time passes, it’s obvious I won’t be fed again today. The sounds in the house begin to quiet as night draws in. All I can do is lie here and preserve as much energy as possible. My legs feel weak and my hands tremor. I need more food.
    With my body unable to keep going, I doze in and out of sleep until I hear the small finger tapping against the wall. It takes me longer than normal to get on my knees against the wall. My energy is low, my body almost lifeless.
    The sweet voice whispers, “Kennedy?”
    “I’m here, sweetie,” I answer.
    “I’m going to bed now. I just wanted to say goodnight.”
    “Good night, Hope. Sweet dreams, sweetheart,” I croak. My throat is sore from lack of use and fluids.
    “Are you okay, Kennedy? Your voice sounds funny,” she quips.
    “I’m just tired and hungry, Hope. Nothing for