The reporter seems satisfied with the answer, because he changes topic slightly. “Yes, let’s talk about free,” he says. “Ember, if you have been locked away for most of your life, what’s it like to be free? How are you adjusting?”
“It’s scary,” I say softly but then clear my throat before speaking loudly again. “I’ve read about a lot of this stuff—life—but to actually see it, hear it… it’s scary.”
“Ember is adjusting well. It’s going to be a slow process, and we’re trying to introduce her to modern society in baby steps,” Christopher adds. “My family, friends, and I plan to be with her every step of the way.”
“And what about you?” the reporter asks. “You’ve been gone for months. I’m sure there were points in captivity that you feared you may never be free again. How are you adjusting to being back?”
“It’s a process too,” Christopher admits. “I’m starting to get back to work, trying to get my normal routine back. But that man, Richard, really messed with me.” He looks at me and takes my hand in his. “My focus is primarily on Ember right now, however. I feel this need to protect her, even though mentally she’s by far the strongest person I’ve ever met.”
My heart feels as if it erupts in happiness. Strong? Christopher considers me strong?
He’s complimented me many times, but nothing is so rewarding as hearing the word strong. I’ve never been one to think that is a word to describe me, and yet Christopher believes it does.
The reporter nods as if he too agrees I’m strong and then asks, “Is it true Richard could still be alive and on the run? Do you believe he’s still out there?”
I think the reporter is asking me, but Christopher answers. “When Ember and I were leaving the burning town, we saw Richard run into the main house, which was engulfed in flames. We assumed he died but were later told they never found his body. So yes. He could still be alive, and he could still be out there.”
“Are you afraid of your ‘Papa Rich’?” the reporter asks me. “Are you afraid he may find you again and take you back? He’s a serial killer. Do you fear he may come to you and Christopher and finish the job?”
I notice that the reporter used the name Papa Rich rather than Richard, and I don’t know why. But regardless, I answer, “He can be a very dangerous man.”
Even admitting the words has me trembling. This is the most I’ve had to think of Richard and my past since arriving in New York, and I’m reaching my max. I hate hearing him be referred to as a serial killer, even though I suppose in definition he is.
He killed a lot of people.
Not once. Not twice. A lot.
So many screams and people begging for their lives. So many innocent lives gone forever.
I need air. I need a break. I need to stop being looked at like I’m a zoo animal.
“Ember, did Papa Rich ever abuse you?
“He was a very strict man.”
“Did he ever sexually abuse you?”
My face heats at the thought. How could someone think such a thing, and yet… Papa Rich did bad, bad things. “No.”
He looks at Christopher. “Richard forced you to marry Ember. Did he also force you to consummate the marriage?”
“I’m not comfortable answering this question,” Christopher says calmly. “Intimate details about Ember and me are private.”
The reporter is clearly not happy with the answer. “Were you expected to be married as a true husband and wife would be? Did Richard want children to come from the marriage?”
This isn’t right. We shouldn’t be talking about… sex. It’s sinful. It’s wrong.
“Can we take a moment?” Christopher asks, clearly picking up on my emotions and the tension in my body.
The reporter looks at the camera and says, “Cut.” He then looks at me. “We’ll take a little break. Let you get up and stretch your legs for a sec. You’re both doing great. Only a few more questions.”
The reporter is the first to stand, and I watch him take out a package of cigarettes and walk to a door with an exit sign shining in green light above it.
“You are doing great,” Christopher praises as he kisses me softly on the cheek. “I’m proud of you.”
“Do you really think the media will leave us alone after we do this interview?” I hate every part of this day, but if it means the people out front of the house will go away, I’ll do anything.
“Maybe not at first, but the big scoop will be covered. Eventually, a new story will hit that will pull them away from us. Jason’s right in pushing for us to do this. I hate having my business out on full display too, but if it means we can eventually get back to normal, then so be it.”