Charming Memory

by E L Bossert

  “That’s not much to go on. Do you think we should post a reward for information? I’ll put up the money if you think it would help.”

  “At this point, I think that would bring trouble, people calling us with things just to see if they can get the money. Let’s hold off. I talked to our hero briefly. She has no idea how she ended up here. No accent I could detect. Maybe that makes it less likely she’s from the south or New England where they tend to have heavy accents. That doesn’t narrow it down much. The doctor said memory loss would not make her lose an accent.”

  “I’ll listen more carefully next time I talk to her.” Jamie was already looking for excuses to see Boo. Over the course of her career, Jamie had spent many weeks with accent coaches preparing for roles. “Maybe I’ll pick up on something. After all, I have imitated almost every regional accent at some point or another.”

  “We obtained some surveillance video from a couple of stores and from the city building. We found her walking in front of the city building about five minutes before the incident. Came from the north headed south. We have a better picture of her now and sent our people out to stores and restaurants to see if anyone recognizes her. Nothing yet. We are also checking for abandoned cars or if someone is supposed to be in a hotel room but hasn’t been. In other words, she had to come from somewhere and be here for some reason. Failing all that, sooner or later we’re bound to find a missing person report on her. She doesn’t look like a stray.”

  Jamie nodded, taking it all in. “I saw her today at the hospital. I don’t remember seeing her before Saturday. I think she has the kind of strong face I would remember if we had interacted. And she’s tall for a woman, so I think that would have made an impression. I’m really sure I would have remembered her voice if we had talked.” Jamie relived the pleasant sensation the low timbre of Boo’s voice caused in her body.

  “That makes me feel a little better she’s not a stalker or something.” Chief wanted to say, unless we have a new one, but instead added, “It’s my job to be suspicious. And to serve and protect.”

  Jamie smiled fondly at Chief. Their long history included a few intense, scary moments when Jamie was stalked by someone with delusions of being in love with her, or more to the point—one of her characters. Chief spent a couple of sleepless nights guarding the house until the creep was caught. The guy fit the description of psychopath to a T.

  “Will you please let me know if you find out anything or if there is anything I can do?” Jamie offered.

  “Will do. If you need anything, call or text me.” Chief made her way out to her car to return to the station and continue monitoring the progress of this mystery to be solved.

  JAMIE MADE AN EXCUSE to go to town the next day and stop by the hospital. Walking past the atrium cafe, Max suddenly yelled Boo and took off toward a woman dressed in gray sweatpants and a dark blue T-shirt, courtesy of the local fire department. Chief was seated across from Boo. Both were standing by the time Jamie caught up. Max was already in Boo’s arms for a hug.

  “Makes you feel a little second best, doesn’t it?” Chief put a protective arm around Jamie.

  “Not a bit.” Jamie leaned into Chief, gazing admiringly at Boo holding Max.

  As Max reached over to hug Chief, he kept his legs wrapped around Boo.

  Raising her eyebrows and nodding toward Max, Boo silently mouthed the question, Ice cream? Jamie nodded yes.

  “Hey, Max, want some ice cream? They brought chocolate today.”

  Max looked at his mother, who nodded her okay.

  “Yes! Can we bring Mom and Chief some, too?”

  Boo looked at the two, who both politely declined. Max and Boo headed toward the staff break room while Jamie walked down the hallway beside Chief.

  “Did I interrupt something?” Jamie asked.

  “No, we were just talking. I brought in a map of the US to see if anyplace prompted a memory. Nothing yet. Seems she has no clue why she is here in Crestwood or how she arrived here. We have started trying to match up missing person reports in other states and took her fingerprints to run through the databases.”

  “Max seems really attached to her. What do you think?”

  “Not sure,” Chief pondered for a moment, “I admit, she is charming as all get out, in a good way. Thoughtful, polite, impeccable manners. In fact, the nurses are calling her Boo Charming now. I can see it.”

  As they reached Boo’s room, Chief excused herself, promising to keep in touch with any new developments. Jamie involuntarily smiled at the sight of Boo and Max talking about the map of the US as they bonded effortlessly.

  “Chief said the map didn’t spark anything yet. How are you feeling?” Jamie pulled in a chair to join them.

  “The doctor said I am more likely to have older memories at first, from years ago. I remember being in a forest, near a mountain. I was looking for something but don’t remember what. I can’t bring up any names or where or when it was. Hopefully things will keep coming back to me. I feel...disconnected. I realize everyone else has a family and home to go to, and here I am, with no home, and no one I can remember.”

  “If there’s anything I can do to help, please tell me. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through, but I don’t want you to feel alone.” Jamie did the best she could in the moment, but felt inadequate in her effort to comfort the woman who had saved her son.

  Boo looked at Jamie with a genuine expression that wanted nothing.

  The intensity of the warm feeling spreading through her body startled Jamie. She suddenly realized, outside of her close friends and family, this was the most real she had felt with anyone in a long time.

  Chapter Four

  JAMIE AND MAX VISITED the hospital every day for the rest of the week. Boo physically looked better each day. The doctors had performed an MRI right after the incident and another a few days later. There was evidence of a minor brain bruise but no changes that looked troubling. This was good news for Boo’s prospects for full recovery. Boo still suffered headaches and was dizzy and light-headed at times. Otherwise, she ate well, regained her motor skills, and concentrated for longer periods of time.

  Boo interacted with Max effortlessly, occasionally looking up to politely ask Jamie something about her life.

  “Are you originally from Crestwood?”

  “Yes, I was born and raised here. I went away for a while, to New York City, but this has always been my home.”

  “What was in New York City?” Boo said the name of the city carefully, turning it over in her mind as if a memory connected to it might appear.

  “College.” The question was innocent, but out of habit Jamie censored her answer. “I guess I needed to experience the big city in order to appreciate coming back here. And when I adopted Max I wanted him to be here with family and people I trust.” Jamie stopped herself short, wondering if she was saying too much, but Boo didn’t seem to notice the habit of mistrust pervading her answer.

  “Do you have other kids?”

  “No, just Max. I’ve been thinking about adopting another child. I would like for him to have a sibling. I love having a sister. I sometimes feel like I would be depriving him, growing up without a sibling. Plus I love being a parent. I would love to have another child in our family.” Jamie had not shared her feelings with anyone outside her immediate family and closest friends, but the story tumbled out of her mouth in Boo’s presence.

  “I guess I don’t know if I have kids. I don’t know who is out there looking for me.” Boo wistfully smiled at Max, before asking Jamie, “Are you married?”

  “No, I’m not. Max and work keep me busy. And I’m surrounded by family.”

  “Sorry if that was too personal. I seem to be a little preoccupied with other people’s families while I wait for mine to show up.”

  Jamie reached out, squeezing Boo’s hand with hers. She could feel the worn callouses on her upper palms of Boo’s large hand. Although it was an innocent gesture of compassion, when Jamie remo
ved her hand from Boo’s, she could still feel the warmth of their touch.

  “I’m sure you have a family and it’s just a matter of time before we find them for you.” Jamie paused. “I’m sorry. That sounded so cliché. But I really do believe we will find them. Until then, Max and I are your family.” Jamie’s words were not a mere offer, but a declaration.

  “Chief came by earlier today and told me they found a waitress at a diner on the highway north of town who remembers me. She said I came in and ordered breakfast. Paid with cash. I said something about meeting someone in front of the library and asked directions. Then I took off walking. They assume someone dropped me off from the highway. They are hoping the person I was supposed to meet will come looking for me. Still no clue why I’m in Crestwood. I guess it’s not exactly on the way to anywhere.”

  True, Crestwood was not a destination town. The rural, small town feel was exactly what Jamie loved about her hometown. Almost everyone there had known her since she was a child, so Jamie was not subjected to gawking or autograph requests. Even the paparazzi left her alone since there was no one else in the area who interested them. A zero-zone in their words, meaning there was no money to be made from hanging out in Crestwood. Except for the twelve hours after Max’s near-death when a few of them showed up hoping for a tragic storyline. Like Sarah said, they were like vultures looking for fresh kill—sometimes too literally.

  “I hope someone turns up looking for you soon. How much longer will they keep you here in the hospital?”

  “I’m not sure. They don’t seem to know what to do with me.” Boo face betrayed her distraught feelings at the thought of being cast out. “One of the nurses offered to take me home with her, which is really kind, but I don’t want to be a burden on anyone. On the other hand, I don’t have any money or ID or even clothes besides what they’ve been nice enough to bring me. I have no clue how I’m going to pay the hospital bills. I guess if I’m lucky, I have health insurance.” Boo sighed her resignation.

  Jamie felt a tinge of jealousy at the thought someone else might take Boo home. She wanted to wink and tell Boo she rocked the donated clothes, but stifled the urge. Instead, she tried to put Boo’s mind at ease about the hospital bills.

  “I did some checking. The hospital will not be charging you for the treatment. They’ll write it off.”

  Jamie did not explain she had this knowledge because she already had a discussion with the hospital administrator. All charges would be written off on the community services ledger Jamie’s family underwrote in order to provide care for local people who otherwise could not afford it. All incidentals would be billed directly to Jamie, although the ice cream seemed to be a donation by the nursing staff.

  Jamie’s eyes turned to her son.

  “Max, I have an idea. Why don’t we ask Boo to come home with us when she’s finished here at the hospital?”

  “YES!” Max threw himself into Boo’s arms. He talked to her with all of the sincerity of a four-year-old, “You can come home with us. We have a big dog. Her name is Fred. You can meet Uncle Bryan, and Aunt Sarah, and Marco, and Gee. They have horses. And Grandma and Grandpa. They are in Florida right now, but they’ll be home soon. Right, Mom?”

  “I have to ask my doctors,” Boo looked at Max, although she was speaking to Jamie, “And your mom needs to think this through. It’s a big responsibility.”

  “I would not have offered if I didn’t think it was a good idea,” Jamie replied. “Selfishly, I want to know you are okay. We have a big house. We’ll follow the doctor’s orders and bring you back here for your appointments. And don’t worry, if there is news, Chief will find you.”

  Boo contemplated the offer on the table. “Thank you. We’ll talk to the doctors.”

  “YOU WHAT?” SARAH’S tone indicated that she wasn’t really asking a question.

  “I asked her to come home with me. It just seems right. She doesn’t recognize me. She’s not trying to hurt us. She’s doesn’t have anyone. It’s just temporary. I’m sure they will find out who she is or she’ll remember. Then she’ll be gone.” The last thought left Jamie inexplicably sad.

  “How do you know she doesn’t want to hurt you? How do you know this isn’t just an elaborate hoax and she’s playing everyone? She may...I don’t trust her.” Sarah was three years older than Jamie and had always played the role of protective big sister. When Max arrived, Sarah became even more protective.

  “Sarah, yes, there have been a few crazies. That’s part of the business. But this isn’t a movie of the week. This is someone who just needs someone else to care, for now. Stop trying to protect me from things I don’t need to be protected from.”

  “Well, that’s the problem. We don’t always realize we need protecting until it’s too late. And it’s not just you. You have to think about Max, too.” Sarah had to look out for her sister, especially when Jamie threw all caution to the wind. Sarah planned to call the Chief as soon as she got home. Maybe Chief could talk some sense into Jamie.

  “Okay, now that that is settled...I bring Boo home Monday morning.” As she said it, the word home resonated with Jamie in a new way.

  JAMIE SPENT THE WEEKEND preparing the guest room and researching memory loss, concussions, and brain injury care. When she arrived at the hospital Monday morning, the nurse took nearly thirty minutes giving instructions and handing her a book size collection of printouts.

  “I hope you understand what you’re doing, Jamie.” The doctor expressed her concern as they walked toward Boo’s room, “We still don’t know who she is or where she’s from.”

  “Did my sister call you?” Jamie rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, I got this. I once played the target of an amnesiac assassin. It was a great movie. I think we called it The Forgettable Killer.” Jamie and the doctor both laughed. “Yea, not one of my finer roles.”

  “Okay, you know this is not a movie. Just follow the instructions, and if you notice any changes in behavior or how she feels, bring her back immediately.”

  Jamie nodded her understanding of the doctor’s orders as they entered Boo’s room.

  “Wow, you clean up nicely!” Jamie surveyed Boo’s lean muscled body, which had been hiding under the ill-fitting donated clothes. It took considerable effort for Jamie to stop herself from staring at Boo lest her eyes betray a less-than-noble interest in her soon-to-be houseguest.

  Boo was dressed in khaki pants and a bright red T-shirt emblazoned with the words I do all my own stunts. Jamie and the doctor were amused by the choice of Jamie’s assistant, Shon, who had picked out the new outfit and delivered the clothes to the hospital the day before.

  “Remind me to thank...”—Boo closed her eyes to concentrate—“Shon, for the clothes. Like, really, remind me. I’ll forget between here and there.” Boo tried to remember things for longer periods of time, but did not always succeed.

  “Shon’s at the house with Max. You will meet them soon,” Jamie said.

  “Let’s sign you out.” The doctor held forth a piece of paper and a pen pointing to a blank box with an X.

  Boo looked at the box for a moment, then took the pen and signed Boo Charming.

  “I overheard the nurses say that’s my new name, although I’m not sure if it’s legal.”

  Jamie signed the next line, indicating Boo was released into her care.

  “You’re all mine now.” Jamie winked at Boo before feeling self-conscious. “Mine and Max’s,” she added, grabbing the bag with the rest of Boo’s donated clothes and meager belongings.

  Boo followed Jamie down a back stairway to a service entrance where the delivery trucks parked. The truck that had struck her ankle was parked at the loading dock, but Boo seemed to have no recognition of it.

  “I park back here because it’s more convenient for getting in and out of the hospital.” Jamie told the half-truth in response to an unasked question. The full answer was that parking at the loading dock was more convenient for avoiding any paparazzi who might be lurking abou
t. She also failed to mention the wing of the hospital they walked through was paid for in part by the Jordan Family Trust. Given that and her fame, hospital security had no problem letting her drive in and out the guarded entrance without question.

  It occurred to Jamie that this was the first time she and Boo would be alone together. Of course she met and spent time with a lot of strangers, and a lot of strange people. But those people were almost always in the context of her work. She had been on a few dates over the past couple of years, but only when friends she trusted set her up with someone. Each date had been, to put it mildly, a disaster. So, Jamie resigned herself to being Max’s mother and concentrating on family and work. She sometimes missed the romance of having a girlfriend.

  Boo interrupted Jamie’s thoughts. “I have to warn you the doctor said I might have some motion sickness. I’d hate to thank you for your kindness by throwing up in your car.”

  “I have a four-year-old, a niece, a teenage nephew, and a very large dog. If you think this car has not seen a little spit-up, vomit, bloody elbows, mud, and been peed on several times, well, you would be sorely mistaken,” Jamie laughed. “But thank you for your concern and I will try to take it slow so hopefully you won’t feel the need to throw up. Now, are you ready to go home, or do we need stop for something?”