[Alex Mercer 01.0] Girl in Trouble

by Stacy Claflin

  Macy took Zoey’s hand and squeezed. She gave her a sad smile. “How are you holding up?”

  A mixture of relief and overwhelming sadness rushed through Zoey. She’d really missed her childhood best friend. “Not well. It’s like reliving what happened to you, only…” She struggled to find the right word.

  “Worse?” Macy offered.

  “Different. I was equally scared, but it’s…” Worse. It was infinitely worse having her daughter missing. But she couldn’t say that to Macy.

  “I get it.” She squeezed Zoey’s hand again.

  An officer with a tight bun lined everyone up in the order they were to speak. “Just wait quietly until I call you forward.”

  Kellen stood behind Zoey, but kept his distance.

  Fleshman and Anderson went around the curtain, and a moment later, the noise from the audience quieted to a hush. The captain thanked everyone for being there and introduced himself and Anderson before going over some of the more important details of the case. He spoke of his own children, and said he couldn’t bear to think of what the family was enduring. Anderson spoke about what the viewers could to do to help and then shared a little more about the case, particularly about the importance of the next day—the last half of the first forty-eight hours.

  The lady cop directed Ari’s teacher and coach onto the stage, where they shared about her being an excellent student and team player who always encouraged the other kids when they were down. They both broke down while speaking, which nearly sent Zoey over the edge.

  Kellen stepped a little closer and put a hand on her shoulder. Macy went onto the stage as the teacher and coach returned.

  Pushing back tears, Zoey inched closer to the curtain. Through a small crack next to the wall, she could see Macy standing at a podium in front of a packed crowd. She leaned closer to the mic and it squealed, sending a high pitched noise into the air. Gasps ran through the crowd.

  Macy backed away from the mic a little. “Sorry. My nerves have gotten the best of me. The kidnapping of my niece brings back a lot of memories, as you can imagine.” She cleared her throat. “Not only am I worried for her safety, but a lot of long-forgotten memories have been surfacing in the last twenty-four hours. Though I’ve healed, I’ll never forget the fear I endured every day of my ordeal, wondering what that man would do to me—if that day would be my last.” Her voice trembled. “Many times, I really thought it would be.”

  Zoey’s heart shattered. Not only for what Macy went through, but for what Ariana must be going through right now.

  “I’d like to take a moment to speak to the abductor,” Macy continued. “You don’t have to keep holding Ariana. Please do the right thing and return her to her family. Even if she isn’t acting like it, that little girl is terrified out of her mind. She just wants to be home with her family—where she should be. Look deep within yourself and find another way to fill the hole in your life. This isn’t it. Make a change in your life now. Start by releasing that sweet girl. Thank you.”

  As Macy walked away from the podium, reporters shouted questions from their seats. If she heard them, she didn’t act like it.

  The female officer turned to Zoey. “You’re up.”

  Her throat closed up. Terror struck her. What was she supposed to say? Wasn’t there something she wasn’t supposed to say? What if she accidentally said that?

  Kellen placed both hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “Come on. You’ve got this.”

  She struggled to breathe. He wrapped one arm around her back and guided her around the curtain as Macy came through. Her friend smiled at her through tears. Zoey couldn’t even nod in response. She was going to suffocate right there on stage.

  Reporters shouted louder questions as she and Kellen made their way to the podium. Bright lights from cameras flashed from every part of the auditorium. Her heart thundered in her chest, feeling like it would explode and kill her right there. She fought to breathe.

  Kellen continued guiding her to the podium, leaving his arm around her. He kissed her cheek and whispered, “We’ll get through this together. You’re going to do great.”

  She shook her head. “I think I’m having a panic attack.”

  He swore and then pulled the mic closer to him. “I’m Kellen McKay, Zoey’s fiancé. She’s so distraught over Ariana’s disappearance, she can’t talk at the moment. I speak for the both of us when I tell you how worried we are for Ari’s safety. We’ve hardly gotten any rest, nor will we until she’s back home, safe and sound…”

  Zoey finally managed a few shallow breaths as Kellen spoke about Ari’s love for Halloween, telling them about the party she’d put on the other night. She still felt like her heart would kill her, but at least she was able to breathe. She managed a few normal breaths.

  Kellen turned to her. “Are you ready to speak?”

  She would regret it for life if she didn’t. Zoey nodded and reached for the mic. Kellen brought it in front of her. She finally managed a full, deep breath and glanced across the crowd. Her heart rate returned to normal.

  “Many of you have asked why I gave up Ariana for adoption, and I want to address that first. At no point have I ever given up on her, nor will I ever. I was young when she was born, and it only seemed fair for her to be raised by my parents who were at a more stable point in their lives and could offer her many things I couldn’t.” She took a deep breath. “While I finished high school, I lived one bedroom away from her and I was always very involved in her life. I never stopped, even after going to college and starting my own career. I hope that satisfies your curiosity.”

  Kellen whispered in her ear. “Don’t forget to speak to the abductor.”

  Right. Her notes. What had she written?

  She took another deep breath and focused on the crowd and the many cameras. Which one would send the video that Ariana’s kidnapper would watch? She thought about him watching. Hopefully, he was choking as he waited.

  “I’d like to take a moment to address the person who took Ariana. I can’t even begin to imagine why you did this, but think about Ariana. This isn’t fair to her. She doesn’t want to be with you. She loves her family and she deserves to be with us. We all miss her as much a she misses us. You’re tearing us apart.” Tears blurred her vision and her voice wavered. “We’re not going to be able to rest until she’s back with us, where she belongs. She has not two but four parents who want her back. Friends that are worried about her. Think about what you’re doing to them. You aren’t just hurting her and us, it’s the other kids, too. You can do something right—you can return her. Please.”

  The tears finally spilled from her eyes, and she couldn’t speak another word.

  Kellen pulled the mic closer to him. “Thank you so much for your time and help.” He guided Zoey offstage.

  Vigil

  Alex turned off the television and rubbed Clementine between the ears. He purred but didn’t move. The conference had been good, and it was definitely better that he hadn’t spoken. People in the audience would’ve yelled or thrown things. Zoey, Macy, and the teachers were clearly the best choices—they actually spent more than a couple days a year with Ariana. Even Kellen made more sense than Alex.

  His phone buzzed. Clementine jumped, ran across the room, and licked his tail. Macy’s number showed on the screen.

  Could they have already gotten a good lead?

  Alex answered the call. “Hey. You did great.”

  “Thanks. There’s going to be a candlelight vigil at the big park by Ari’s school.”

  “Yeah?” His stomach twisted.

  “You should come.”

  “It’s better if I don’t.” He gritted his teeth.

  “No, it’s not. You need to show your support.”

  “You’ve seen the comments. Everyone hates me.”

  “Show them they’re wrong, Alex. Let them see that you care.”

  “If someone says something to me, I can’t guarantee I won’t punch their lights out.”


  Macy sighed. “Like I said, prove them wrong with your actions. Just being there will speak volumes. If you’re peaceful and say something about how much you love Ari, people will see what I do.”

  Clementine made eye contact with Alex. It was like they were both pushing him to go.

  He took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s say I go. What if people start saying the things they’ve been posting?”

  “Then you tell them it’s not true. All you want is Ari’s safe return. That you love her very much.”

  Alex clenched a fist. “I’d be better off looking into the older kidnappings.”

  “Come to the vigil. For Ari.” His sister knew how to hit where it hurt.

  “What good will it do? Really?”

  “It’ll be good for you, Alex. It’s all about everyone banding together for your daughter. It certainly wouldn’t hurt your reputation.”

  Clementine pranced over and rubbed against Alex’s legs, purring. He rubbed the cat’s back.

  “What do you say?” Macy asked.

  “Fine, I’ll go.”

  “You will? I’ll be right over.”

  What had he just gotten himself into? “Maybe I should drive myself. That way if I have to leave early—”

  “Nonsense. We’ll go together. Everything will be just fine. You’ll see.”

  “But I—”

  “Nobody’s going to do anything stupid in the middle of a candlelight vigil for a lost little girl.”

  Alex frowned. For someone who’d been through as much as Macy, she sure had an unrealistic view of the world. Or maybe it was because of all she’d been through that she needed to believe people were better than they were.

  “I’ll be there in ten minutes. Can you start a pot of coffee? It’s going to be cold out there, and I don’t know about you, but I want something warm to drink.”

  “Yeah, sure. See you then.” He ended the call and rose before he could talk himself out of going. Clementine scampered away.

  Alex went downstairs to the kitchen and got the coffee maker going. All was quiet in the house aside from the clacking of Dad’s computer. He was probably updating his blog on the press conference. Alex headed back to his room to throw on some extra clothes. Macy was right about one thing—it would be freezing out there. It felt like it could snow.

  Mom came out of her room. “You’re going to the vigil?”

  “I take it you talked to Macy.”

  She threw her arms around him. “I know this is hard on you, but it’ll do you good.”

  He nodded, though he doubted she was right.

  Fifteen minutes later, all four of them climbed into Macy’s car, clinging to their mugs of hot coffee. Dad sat in the back next to Alex. “This brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

  Alex nodded. “Yeah. I remember going to our neighborhood park when Macy was gone.”

  They rode the rest of the way in silence. Alex’s stomach twisted in knots. He didn’t want to think back to Macy’s kidnapping any more than he wanted to think about Ari’s. Ten years later, his sister’s disappearance still gave him nightmares.

  The car slowed as they neared the park. Alex’s breath hitched. A crowd gathered in a big, open field where kids often kicked balls, chased each other, and threw Frisbees. Macy drove around the parking lot three times.

  Dad cleared his throat. “You guys get out. I’ll park down the road.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Alex said.

  “I’d feel better if you went with them. It’s dark out.”

  Dad, the gentleman. It would be pointless to argue with him.

  They all stepped out into the frigid night and Dad climbed into the driver’s seat. “I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes.” He drove away.

  “I see Zoey and her parents,” Macy said. “Let’s join them.”

  Just who Alex wanted to see. Golden Boy was probably there, too, to make it even better. Alex walked silently with his mom and Macy. Staying quiet with them was good practice for the comments sure to be headed his way by all the online trolls now gathered in the park.

  Alex should have had a couple beers rather than coffee before leaving. He didn’t need to be jittery, he needed to be relaxed. Too late to worry about that now, though.

  Valerie and Kenji were handing out skinny white candles with circular paper at the bottom. Valerie hugged both Macy and his mom, but ignored Alex. Kenji handed him a candle and gave him a sad nod. Alex nodded and braced himself. That would probably be the kindest greeting he received all evening.

  His palms grew clammy and he felt too warm, despite the chilly air. He breathed heavily, white vapor exiting from his mouth each time like a puff of smoke. Great. Now he wanted a cigarette.

  “Can I help hand those out?” his mom asked.

  “Yes, please.” Valerie gestured toward a box underneath a tree. “Grab a handful.”

  “I’ll help, too.” Macy turned to Alex. “Come on.”

  He shook his head. “I’m going to have to pass.”

  She pleaded with her eyes.

  Alex crossed his arms. “You got me here. I draw the line at passing out candles.”

  Macy nodded and then caught up with their mom. Guilt stabbed at Alex, but he wasn’t going to give in. He would make an appearance, but that was it. It wasn’t like a bunch of people standing in a freezing park, holding candles was going to magically free Ariana. He was only here for his family.

  He stood under a tree and watched everyone. Would Flynn make an appearance? Alex would love nothing more than to question him. Press him for answers. He’d be under a lot more pressure with so many people around.

  People gathered in a circle. Reluctantly, Alex left his spot against the tree and joined his sister and Luke, who had just arrived. Alex started to shake his hand, but Luke embraced him instead. “We’ll find her. We will.”

  Alex returned the embrace. “Thanks.”

  A song started at the other end of the circle. It seemed vaguely familiar, reminding him of something he’d heard when his grandparents had taken him to church as a kid. Alex moved his mouth, pretending to sing. He hummed quietly to make it more convincing.

  He couldn’t wait to get back home and get back to his research—to do something that could actually help find Ari.

  After a few songs, Valerie moved the to the middle of the circle and spoke about Ariana, sharing a few stories.

  It sounded like a funeral.

  Alex swallowed and forced himself to remain where he was. He wanted to run and quit participating. It wasn’t a funeral. Ariana was alive, and they would find her.

  Macy tapped his shoulders. “Do you want to say anything?”

  He shook his head.

  She nodded and turned back to the center, where one of Ariana’s coaches shared about how she’d been a team player and leader.

  Exactly the traits of a survivor. Alex took a deep breath and released it quietly. He glanced around, recognizing people from his childhood—neighbors, teachers, old friends, and other familiar faces. It was almost comforting, except for the fact he couldn’t be sure who hated him and who didn’t.

  A few more from the community spoke, but no more family members did. People broke away from the circle and started to leave. Alex breathed a sigh of relief, glad for it to be over and eager to get back to his computer.

  Macy and Luke spoke with some others near them.

  “I’ll meet you at the car,” Alex said.

  “Dad has the keys.”

  Right. “Okay. I’ll find him.” Alex stepped away from the crowd and scanned the faces. Everyone seemed to blend together. Between the dim park lighting and the visible breaths, it was hard to make out any faces.

  Someone bumped into Alex. He ignored them and stepped aside. Someone else bumped into him—this time it was more like a slam. Another person rammed into him.

  Alex clenched his fist and turned to a group of three guys a little younger than him. “What’s your problem?”

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  “How could you be so stupid?”

  “What kind of jerk lets his kid get kidnapped?”

  A fist grazed the side of Alex’s face. He stumbled back and stared at them, not sure which one had struck him. He blew out his candle, dropped it, and ran at the three men.

  Fingers wrapped around his arms and pulled him back.

  “Come on, Alex,” Luke said.

  He struggled to get away. Luke tightened his grip.

  More people joined the three hecklers.

  “Let him go!”

  “The cops won’t give him what he deserves, we’re gonna do it!”

  “Selfish texting prick!”

  Alex fought to get out of Luke’s hold. “Let me go.”

  “We need to get back to the house.”

  Macy stepped between him and the growing crowd of jerks. “He didn’t do anything wrong! Leave him alone.”

  “Oh, you need your sister to fight your battles now, loser?”

  Alex broke free of Luke’s grasp and ran at the men, fists swinging. He punched the nearest nose and kicked a shin. A fist hit him in the side, another in the back of his head.

  “The cops need to leave Kellen alone and go after you.”

  The people shouted names at him, all the voices blending together.

  Four hands grabbed Alex and dragged him away.

  “Ignore them,” Luke said.

  “We need to get home,” Macy added.

  Alex pulled free of them. “I need to show them they can’t mess with me that easily!”

  “You can’t take all of them on.” Luke looked at him like he was crazy.

  “Watch me.”

  “You want the crap beaten out of you?” Macy asked.

  “I. Can. Take. Them!” Alex spun around and turned toward the haters.

  “Hey, look at this!” a girl shouted. “A picture of Alex shoving someone into a van.”

  Terror squeezed Alex. “Liar!”

  “No, look.” She spun around in a slow circle, showing people her phone’s screen.