Nowhere to Run

In fear for her life, Janet darts towards the safety of the woods. She knows running from the law is probably the dumbest thing she can do, but Janet realizes she'll go down for a murder she didn't commit if she stays.

Janet can tell by the neighbor's snide comments and their blood-chilling stares during her humiliating walk across the yard that she's already tried and convicted before her trial begins. With Bill's blood covering her hands and clothes, she can't blame them for believing what they do. She'd probably jump to the same conclusion in their shoes. I'm guilty in everyone's eyes, even the law, Janet thinks, making her way through the dense brush.

The cops are no better, making educated assumptions about why she committed such a heinous crime. With their minds made up, Janet doubts they'll try too hard to find an alternate theory. Why should they waste time and resources on a solved case? It's happened before, and Janet is sure it'll happen again.

The police aren't the only reason Janet decided to run. She figures once Bill's buddies hear about his death, they'll be looking for her too. Make good on their threat to tie up loose ends. With the mob's expansive reach, a prison cell won't be near enough to keep her safe. The only thing she can hope for is to grab Tommy and get as far away from Arkansas as she can.

First things first, Janet has to find a safe place to hide so she can figure out a plan. Fortunately, she knows the perfect spot. A small lean-to nestled deep in the woods.

The numerous sturdy trees surrounding it and the thick, hardy vines covering its walls make it difficult to see during the day and nearly impossible to find at night, which makes it a perfect spot.

She and Tommy found it on one of their many hiking excursions late last spring.

Janet told Timmy it wasn't safe to go inside. The young, adventurous boy couldn't see the danger, just the fun of exploring new terrain. At first, the tiny lean-to was a fun place to explore. The dilapidated eyesore soon became a godsend, a place for her and Timmy to escape.

Janet glances over her shoulder for the millionth time. Not seeing anyone nearby, Janet ducks behind a tree, hoping to catch her breath. My coach would be ashamed of me, she thinks, gasping for much-needed air. Janet was on the track team all through high school, but that was years ago.

Janet hears voices echoing in the valley. She figures they made it to the bottom of the hill. I can't let them find me, she thinks. Frightened, Janet takes off again. Her chest burns and her legs ache. Every inch of her frail body was begging her to give in. Janet pictures her baby's body lying dead in her in-law's yard. I have to do this for my son, Janet thinks, willing herself on.

The search team becomes louder. Canines bark in the distance as flashlights brighten the woods. Yelping, she picks up her pace.

Janet then sees the small structure sitting at the bottom of the hill. I'm almost there, Janet thinks, shoving tree limbs and other shrubbery aside. The faster she runs, the further her safe haven seems to get. My mind is playing tricks on me, Janet thinks, dodging a pile of trash.

After running for what seems like forever, Janet finally makes her way to the abandoned cabin nestled deep in the woods. She figures the combination of greenery is the only thing keeping the hut upright. Looking behind her, Janet carefully climbs what's left of the stairs. It, like the porch, is nothing more than a few mere slivers of decayed wood. The roof has collapsed, leaving enough room for birds and other tree-dwelling rodents to make the place their home.

Throwing the door open, Janet plops down on the hardwood floor. Dust scatters around her. Her chest burns and her legs ache. Random thoughts run through her mind.

Janet first remembers how happy she was on her wedding day. How she believed she'd finally had her happily ever after like the fairy tales, she loved so much as a kid. She then recalls how her marital bliss became a nightmare when Bill started working for the mob. Everything between them changed. It was like a demon had complete control over his body and soul. That the sweet, kind man she'd married was gone.

Bill became violent, aggressive, and demanding. He became a lot rougher in bed. He would often force himself on her, despite her tearful pleas to stop.

Bill's drinking increased from a twelve-pack to a twenty-four-pack a night. She'd even suspected he'd been hanging out with the town whores, but kept the thought to herself. Often telling herself, better them than me.

Janet wanted to leave before the situation became worse. She started packing her and Timmy's things, telling herself she hadn't signed up to become his sexual victim or punching bag. Bill's new buddies heard about her plans and threatened to feed her to their pigs. Claiming that she knows too much, making her a loose end. So, Janet stuck it out, hoping things would change.

At first, Bill would apologize to her, saying he'll never do it again. He'd treat her like a princess, bringing home expensive gifts every night. A few days later, Bill would snap, and the vicious cycle started again. The beatings soon became more frequent and more severe.

Janet recalls the numerous times she would've died if it wasn't for her son's help. Timmy became an expert at first aid before he was four.

Janet places her hand on her rumbling stomach to quiet the noise. I can't remember the last time I ate. Janet hasn't had an appetite since her miscarriage a few weeks back.

Janet suddenly remembers the other precious babies God mercifully saved from this horrid fate. I thought it was a curse, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise. God knows Timmy would be better off not having to deal with what he has. Janet feels so guilty for making him live through this hell but isn't sure what else she can do. Janet couldn't run and knew that asking outsiders for help would only get them killed. So she tries to buffer Timmy from the abuse the best she can, hiding in the cabin until Bill passes out.

Janet then pictures Bill lying face down on their carpeted floor, blood gushing from his massive wound. She then recalls her failed attempt at saving his life. Then a brief moment of happiness when she realized he had passed. Janet then remembers her guilt over celebrating his death, mentally shaming herself for feeling that way. Janet was dealing with her mixed emotions when the cops rushed in and dragged her away. They didn't even give me time to explain. Janet sobs in the cold, damp darkness. She glances down at her blood-covered clothes and hands. They wouldn't have believed me anyway, she thinks.

Another horrible thought creeps into her head. I guess I proved the neighbors right. They've always acted like she was beneath them, that she was poor white trash because, unlike them, she wasn't born into money. They let me know where I stood every chance they got.

She then pictures her son crying on their steps. Poor Timmy got the worst of it all, not being allowed to play with the neighborhood kids, saying he'd be a bad influence on them.

Janet wipes the tears from her blood-streaked face. Things will be different from here on out once I get you away from your grandparents. The officer offered to call her inlaws, claiming it'd keep him out of the system if a family member would be willing to take temporary guardianship over him. Being a kid of the system, Janet didn't want Timmy to have to face the same fate.

Janet is working on a plan when a stream of lights brightens the dark, dreary hut. She then hears voices right outside the door. They know I'm here. She suddenly recalls a Cops episode on TV, how the officers barged in and shot the man dead. Fear surges through every cell in her body as the scene plays out in her mind. That could happen to me. Janet nervously glances around, hoping to find a way to escape, but soon discovers she has nowhere to run.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, I beg you to please get help before it's too late.

You can call

1800-779 safe (7233)

Or Visit

https://www.thehotline.org/

People are there 24/7, seven days a week.

Please, don't become another domestic violence statistic. Get the help you need today.