Ezra made it up to the room in a matter of moments. He stooped down to check on Andrew, who was slowly regaining consciousness.
"I'm, I'm so sorry sir. He caught me completely off guard." Andrew mumbled.
Ezra silenced him. "It's alright. I'm glad you're ok." He whispered quietly. He took the key card resting on Andrews lap and opened the door as quietly as possible. Inside, he saw a large wrought iron candle holder on the floor sideways beside a large pool of blood. But no one was lying on the ground. He did a sweep of the suite and was terribly disappointed to find no one there. Sean had escaped before Ezra could wrap his hands around his throat and show him what if feels like to be treated like a punching bag.
"Well sir, she definitely injured him. She is one strong woman. One I wouldn't piss off if I were you." Andrew said, rubbing the back of his head.
"I don't intend to ever do that." Ezra said, putting his arm around his most trusted employee and friend. "And yes, she is strong. She is an incredible woman." He said.
He walked downstairs and got into the back of the car where Billie waited, terrified.
"Is he dead? Did I, did you?" She stammered.
"No. He is not dead. Not that I am aware of. Not yet." Ezra said. Billie looked at him, puzzled.
"Paul, take us to the hospital. We need to her Billie checked out." Ezra said.
"No! No. They will call my family. Or Sean." She said.
"No, I won't let them." Ezra said. "We need to file a police report."
"No! Please. No. No!" Billie became frantic. Ezra could see the terror in her eyes. She was shaking.
"Ok. Ok. We won't. It's ok." He said, pulling her into his arms. She began to sob. He looked down at the small, unassuming powerhouse on his arms. Afraid and so broken. His heart swelled with an unfamiliar feeling. He felt protective. He felt purpose.
"Take us to the plane, Andrew. We are going home." Ezra said. Andrew and Paul nodded.
*******************************************
"She's here? Thank god!" Gabe said as he, Abby and Paula walked into Ezra's large house.
"She's sleeping. She's been sleeping for almost an entire day. I called my father's private physician to come and care for her. She is medicated." Ezra said.
"Can we see her?" Paula asked.
"Yes. But I will warn you, she doesn't look quite herself. Her nose and cheekbone are broken. Both of her eyes are black and swollen." Ezra said, choking back tears.
Gabe gulped hard and Paula looked down. "Alright. Thank you for the warning." Paula said quietly.
They walked into the bedroom Ezra had prepared for her. There were dozens of roses and fluffy blankets and pillows, it looked like a princesses bedroom.
Paula sat down next to Billie and rubbed her shoulder. She stirred, wiping her eyes and wincing.
"Paula!" Billie said as she threw her arms around her.
"Yes my love, I'm here. I heard what you did to that fucker. I'm so proud of you." Paula said.
"I didn't do it enough though, he got away." Billie said sadly, obviously disappointed in herself.
"Listen to me, you saved your own life. You fought back. The outcome doesn't matter. You got away. And you're safe here." She said. Gabe approached the bed and put his hand over his mouth when he saw Billie's face.
"I'm glad you are ok. We, I, we were so worried about you." He said.
"Thank you for beating his ass. Thank you for everything." Billie said, hugging him. Gabe felt tears well in his eyes and he stood up, pulling himself together.
"I gotta go." He said.
"Ok. Where are you going?" She asked.
"The sheriff and I have some work to do. I'm going to find him. Not just for you but for my mom. And other women like the two of you." He said, he smiled sadly and walked out.
He passed Ezra on his way to the door.
"Her face man, I'm going to fucking kill this guy, man." Gabe said, pacing.
"I know you want to. I did too when I first saw her. But we can't let it ruin our lives, as well. We have to protect her and find him. Lock him up. So that he can't ever hurt another woman again." Ezra said, putting his hand on Gabe's shoulder. Gabe nodded.
"Thanks for taking care of her. I'll keep in touch." He said as he left. Ezra watched him drive off and took a deep breath, clenching his jaw. No, Gabe, he thought. I will be the one that will have the pleasure of killing him.