The Toybox

by Charly Cox

Jersey’s mom stiffened.

  ‘I need you to think, Jersey,’ Alyssa said. ‘Was it a male or female voice?’

  Jersey closed her eyes, and when she opened them, tears formed in her lower lids. ‘I don’t know,’ she whispered. ‘Why can’t I remember?’

  Alyssa removed her hand from her pocket and placed it over Jersey’s. She chose her words carefully. ‘Sometimes, when a person experiences a traumatic event such as you and the others have had, they experience a form of amnesia. I’m not a medical expert, but I’ve been told it’s a way for the brain to protect itself. You’ll remember when you’re ready.’ She gave Jersey’s fingers a light squeeze. ‘And I’ll be here when you do.’

  Sobs shook Jersey’s body, and her chest heaved in and out as she sucked in great gulping breaths of air. ‘Wh—What if I never remember and he gets away because of it?’

  Alyssa didn’t have an answer for that, so she said the only thing she could. ‘We’re going to do everything we can to make sure we arrest every person involved – even if you can’t remember.’

  Before she could leave, Jersey stopped her. ‘Mrs. Wyatt? Could you please tell Holly, Sophie, and Leigh Ann I want to see them?’

  ‘Of course.’

  Next, they tried Becca Marshall. Alyssa knocked, and when Becca’s mother answered, she invited them in and, after explaining that Becca’s younger sister would be up later that evening, introduced them to Becca’s father and two brothers, one younger, one older. Each one of them looked as if they wanted to punch something. Alyssa understood the feeling, but she also knew that, although it might make them feel better now, in the long run, it would do nothing to help Becca. And in fact, a show of violence might actually hurt.

  To Alyssa’s surprise, Becca didn’t mind having her brothers in the room as she recounted what happened. ‘I was in the park, just kind of enjoying the sunshine when a girl walked up to me – she looked like she was in high school – and asked if she could use my phone. She said she’d left hers at school and needed to ask a friend who was still there if she could get it for her.’ One hand reached up to rub at her neck, her blank stare indicating she’d returned to that day. ‘I remember she looked familiar to me, but I couldn’t figure out from where I’d seen her. I handed her my phone, and when I did, she jabbed something into my neck, and then I woke in the cell. Meghan and Cheyenne were already there. Faye came next, then Rachel, then Jersey, then Katelyn.’

  Alyssa and Cord exchanged a glance. ‘Can you describe this girl who asked to borrow your phone?’ she asked.

  Becca blinked several times, as if she’d forgotten she was speaking to them. ‘I’m sorry. I can’t really remember,’ she whispered.

  ‘That’s okay. I’ll leave my number so if it comes to you, all you have to do is call, alright?’

  ‘Okay.’

  ‘Becca, you said Meghan was there when you arrived. Do you recall what she was wearing that day?’

  ‘A silk robe. That’s all any of us were ever allowed to wear. Our clothes were taken as soon as we arrived.’

  Keeping her expression neutral, Alyssa glanced over in time to see Cord’s hand tighten on the pen as he scribbled down notes.

  ‘Do you know what happened to your clothes?’

  ‘No, ma’am. I never saw mine again.’

  ‘Okay, we’re almost finished here, but first, I’d like to show you a couple of pictures and see if you recognize the people in them. Do you think you’re up for that?’

  Becca’s hand moved from her neck to burrow under the sheet covering her bruised and battered body. Her legs began trembling, causing the bed railings to rattle. One of her brothers jumped up and moved over to clasp her hand in his. The other members of her family wore masks of rage, frustration, and helplessness.

  ‘We’re right here with you.’ Becca’s brother’s voice was gruff and husky with emotion.

  The corners of Becca’s lips tipped up slightly as she tried to smile. Then she took a deep breath and turned to face Alyssa. ‘I can do this.’

  Once again, Alyssa was struck by the strength of these girls. Maybe, eventually, they would really be okay. From the front pocket of the notebook he was holding, Cord pulled out the photos of Yarmini and Salazar and handed them to her, and she turned them for Becca to see.

  Instead of the definite no she’d expected, Becca couldn’t say for sure if she’d seen Yarmini or not, claiming he seemed familiar, but she verified what the others said about Salazar. It was looking more and more like she was the mastermind. Then Becca, too, gave a description of one of her abusers.

  ‘And you didn’t see this man when you were brought upstairs?’

  ‘No, ma’am.’ She turned so that she couldn’t see her family. ‘I only saw him twice at the beginning.’ Her voice trembled as she held Alyssa’s gaze. ‘Detective Wyatt, thank you for finding us. Jersey told us you’d be looking, that you’d save us, but I don’t think any of us believed it would happen. So, thank you for not giving up.’

  Alyssa reached down and squeezed Becca’s hand, hoping the dim lighting in the room hid the shimmer in her eyes. ‘Thank you for being so courageous and strong. Now, you rest, and we’ll stop by and see you again.’

  Out in the corridor, Alyssa inhaled deeply, releasing a quivering breath, but before she could say what was on her mind, Cord beat her to it.

  ‘These are some pretty incredible girls. Courageous, heroic. Resilient.’

  ‘That they are.’

  * * *

  Faye and Cheyenne were still under heavy sedation, so Alyssa and Cord tried Katelyn next. Opening the door when they knocked, Mr. Phillipson, with his pale face, wrinkled clothing, and bloodshot eyes, invited them in.

  Hovering next to Katelyn’s bed stood Mary. Her face was devoid of make-up, and dark bags circled her eyes, making them appear bruised. One hand brushed over the top of her daughter’s head even as she glanced up to see who had entered the room. ‘The detectives are here to speak to you, sweetheart.’

  Katelyn’s eyes clouded over when she turned her head to Alyssa and Cord, and she reached up and covered her face with her hands, her chest heaving as great gulping sobs escaped.

  Cord hung back by the door while Alyssa moved forward, opening her mouth to speak, but finding the words stuck in her throat, and realizing she was too emotional to say a word.

  A minute passed before she could. ‘Katelyn, I’m Detective Wyatt. Do you remember me?’ She asked the same question she’d asked Rachel Otis.

  Katelyn nodded, and though her hands had moved from her face, her gaze remained fixed on the window to her right. ‘I couldn’t get it open.’ Her words came out quietly, strangled.

  ‘Couldn’t get what open, Katelyn?’

  Fat tears rolled down her cheeks, and her body quivered, along with her voice. ‘The window. I couldn’t get it open. It was too thick, and it was nailed shut, but I tried. I tried so hard, but the pyramid collapsed, and we couldn’t get out because I failed. And they were doing it for me, to protect me, even though it hurt them so bad, but I couldn’t protect them because I couldn’t get it open, and I failed, I failed, I—’ A moan escaped, growing louder and sharper in volume.

  Alyssa swayed slightly on her feet as she realized what Katelyn was saying. She’d known these girls were courageous, but this went beyond her imaginings. She turned back to look at Cord. He’d moved further into the room but had stayed back so as not to frighten Katelyn. He blinked rapidly before finally reaching up to wipe the tears away from his red-rimmed eyes.

  Mary’s comforting tone had finally soothed Katelyn’s panic, and so Alyssa focused her attention back where it belonged.

  ‘Katelyn, you didn’t fail anyone, sweetie. What you did – trying like that – was risky, but you did it anyway. That was so brave of you. All of you.’ As she spoke, Katelyn’s chest heaved less, and her tears slowed, though they still fell. And then finally, she turned to Alyssa.

  ‘But I couldn’t get it open.’

  Alyssa engulfed this
sprite of a girl’s hand in her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. Speaking softly, she said, ‘Maybe not, but you tried. For the others and for yourself. Even though it meant risking your own life. Can you see how brave that is?’

  ‘They wanted to protect me,’ she repeated.

  A sad but proud smile lifted the corners of Alyssa’s mouth. ‘Of course, they did. Just like you wanted to protect them. You didn’t fail. Now, are you ready to talk to us about what you remember?’

  ‘I didn’t fail?’ Katelyn whispered.

  ‘No, you were unbelievably brave,’ Alyssa promised.

  ‘Can my mom and dad stay here while I talk?’

  ‘Of course, they can.’

  Katelyn’s eyes found first her mother’s, then her father’s before returning her attention to Alyssa. ‘I was on my way home when a girl came up to me and told me she’d lost her phone. She wondered if I’d seen it. I turned to look where she pointed, and when I did, I felt something stick me in the neck. My vision got blurry, and then my legs started to shake—’

  Gasping for air, Katelyn’s hands flew to her throat, eyes wide as she concentrated on her mother who had settled herself on the bed. ‘You’re okay. You’re safe. We’re right here.’ Mary repeated the words over and over until her daughter’s breathing was back under control.

  ‘Katelyn, do you need a few minutes?’ Alyssa asked.

  The young girl shook her head. ‘The girl tossed my backpack into the tree. And then I woke in the cell with the others surrounding me.’ A fresh round of tears fell down her face. ‘They were already trying to protect me.’

  Pride for these girls filled Alyssa’s heart and gave her hope that, someday, they might actually be okay again. ‘Can you describe the girl who approached you?’

  Confusion clouded Katelyn’s eyes. ‘I think I’d seen her hanging out in the park before. She had shoulder-length hair and was taller than me. I’m four-eleven.’

  After several more minutes, Alyssa showed Katelyn the same pictures she had of Yarmini and Salazar, but unlike the others, she recognized neither.

  Alyssa thanked Katelyn and turned to go when Mary stopped them. ‘Detectives, do you mind if I speak to you for a moment out in the hall?’ At her daughter’s panicked look, she said, ‘I’ll be just a moment, sweetheart, and Dad will still be right here. Okay?’

  Hesitantly, Katelyn tipped her head forward in agreement.

  Out in the corridor, Mary gripped both Alyssa’s and Cord’s hands. ‘Jason and I can’t thank you enough for finding our girl. Kate said you saved her before they could—’ Her voice wobbled, and then releasing a steady breath, she said, ‘Stephanie’s mother is planning on bringing her by today. Despite how close they are, it worries me a little.’

  Remembering how Trevor had played such an important role in Isaac’s healing, Alyssa said, ‘I think it could be good for both of them.’

  Mary nodded and turned to go back in the room. Her hand gripping the doorknob, she whispered her plea, ‘Please, detectives, hurry and find the rest of the monsters who did this to my baby.’ And then she was gone.

  Quietly, Alyssa and Cord left the patient wing and headed to the waiting room where she spotted Holly, Sophie, and Leigh Ann exiting the elevators. As soon as her daughter spotted her, Holly rushed over.

  Alyssa caught her and wrapped her in a hug. ‘Jersey asked for the three of you just before we left her room. But before you go see her, I need to prepare you for what to expect. She and the others have been through quite an ordeal, so of course, she’s emotionally fragile. But it’s her physical state that might take you aback. She’s been badly beaten, and she doesn’t resemble the Jersey of a week ago. Don’t pretend it’s not there but try not to overreact. Right now, what she needs is for you all to be strong for her.’

  ‘Thanks, Mom.’

  When Holly leaned down for another hug, Alyssa said, ‘I love you,’ squeezing tighter when her daughter whispered the words back.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Sunday, May 26

  Leigh Ann shuffled behind Sophie and Holly, her shoes scratching along the floor and causing goosebumps to pop up all over Holly’s skin. Feet from Jersey’s room, and just when Holly thought her head would explode if she had to hear that sound another second, Leigh Ann stopped.

  Darting nervous glances at the door, she brushed both hands down the front of her capris, leaving a streak of moisture as if she’d forgotten to dry her hands. ‘Maybe you should just tell her I couldn’t come,’ she whispered so quietly Holly had to lean closer so she could hear over the noise and bustle of the nurses’ station.

  Sophie, however, wasn’t nearly as hushed, but still spoke low enough that Jersey wouldn’t be able to overhear through the heavy door. ‘I’m not lying to Jersey for you.’

  A tear trickled down Leigh Ann’s cheek, and she shifted her gaze to the side in order to avoid eye contact. ‘I’m sorry. I just don’t think I’m ready for this.’ Without another word, she swung around and headed back out the double doors.

  Neither Sophie nor Holly said anything for several minutes, and then finally Holly sucked in a gulp of air and linked her arm through her best friend’s. ‘Are you ready?’

  A myriad of emotions crossed Sophie’s face as she hovered on a mental ledge. ‘As ready as I’m going to be.’ Her gaze shifted up. ‘I’m scared.’ Her words were soaked in trepidation.

  ‘Me, too. Um, so do you want to go in alone first? I mean since she’s actually your family and all?’

  ‘What?’ Sophie jerked back as if she’d been electrocuted and gripped onto Holly’s wrist tight enough that Holly winced. ‘No way do I want to do this alone. First, you’re my family, too. Just because we don’t share a blood bond… Second, she likes you better. And third, I need you with me. I mean, what am I supposed to say to her? Besides, she asked for all of us, and Leigh Ann already bailed, so…’

  Holly gently pried her friend’s fingers from around her wrist and then removed the tiny seashell bracelet that had left its mark embedded in her skin. ‘You’re right. I just wanted to make sure.’ They faced the door and then, palms gripped tightly together, the two girls pushed it open.

  Aunt Natalia’s head snapped up when they entered, and to be honest, if it hadn’t been for Jersey’s mom hovering over the gaunt and battered figure in the bed, Holly would’ve thought they were in the wrong room.

  Sophie’s hand squeezed so tightly, Holly’s fingers tingled.

  Natalia offered them a watery smile then bent and kissed the top of Jersey’s head. ‘Look who’s here to see you. I’m going to leave you to talk, but I’ll be back as soon as they leave again, okay?’

  ‘Thanks, Mom.’

  Natalia gathered her purse, phone, and the book she had with her, and gave Jersey one more quick kiss before moving to the door where she hesitated again, afraid to let her daughter out of her sight. ‘I’ll be in the waiting room. Come find me when you leave,’ she told Holly and Sophie. And then she was gone.

  Careful to keep her expression neutral, Holly stepped closer to the bed, bringing Sophie with her. She tried not to flinch at the marks marring her friend’s once perfect features. And then without any warning, a dam opened, releasing all the emotion she’d held inside from the moment Jersey went missing to the moment she’d heard she’d been found alive. She yanked her hand from Sophie’s and grappled for a tissue. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… you don’t need…’

  Something flashed in Jersey’s eyes, but then she turned away and stared out the window. ‘It’s okay.’

  Sophie moved into her cousin’s line of vision. ‘I’m so sorry, Jersey. I should’ve been more understanding about what you were going through,’ she choked.

  ‘It’s nothing.’ Jersey’s voice was flat. ‘Trust me.’

  ‘Do you want to talk about what happened yet?’ Nerves jumbled into a tight ball in Holly’s stomach the second the question fell out, but she reminded herself they had to be strong for their friend, and so she steeled hers
elf for whatever came next.

  Despite her emotionless, monotone voice, it was clear by the way Jersey’s fingers curled into fists as she tightened her grip on the blanket, shifting it further up her body and securing it beneath her chin – as if the blanket alone could keep her safe as long as she was cocooned within its embrace – that her mind was replaying the horror she’d lived for the past week. ‘No, not really.’ She lifted her head from the pillow and peered behind them. ‘Where’s Leigh Ann? Didn’t she come?’ It was clear she was hurt that one of her best friends hadn’t come by to visit her.

  Holly fought to keep her eyes steady on Jersey’s. ‘She was… she said she’d be by later after you’d had a chance to rest more.’ Even to her own ears, the lie was weak.

  ‘Of course.’ Jersey pursed her lips and nodded before turning to her cousin. ‘Mom said Dad was doing his best to get back to the States as soon as he could. She’s lying, isn’t she? He’s with his bimbo and can’t be bothered to make sure his own daughter is okay, right?’ Hurt clouded her eyes, only to be replaced by anger seconds later.

  Sophie averted her eyes, taking a sudden interest in her torn cuticles. ‘Aunt Natalia knows you need to concentrate on healing, and she doesn’t want anything or anyone to get in the way of that.’

  ‘You know your non-answer was an answer, right?’ Jersey’s eyes drifted closed. ‘Could you just sit with me until I fall asleep? I’m so tired, and I don’t want to be alone.’

  ‘Of course.’

  Nearly an hour later, Jersey’s eyes flitted nervously behind her closed lids even as her chest lifted and fell in a steady rhythm. Quietly, so as not to disturb her, Holly and Sophie tiptoed to the door, turning back to check she was still asleep before they headed out into the corridor. When they were far enough away from Jersey’s room, Sophie stopped and leaned her head back against the wall, hand against her throat.

  ‘That was even worse than I thought it was going to be,’ she choked.

  The image of seeing Isaac that first time after his escape flashed into Holly’s mind. As if she were there all over again, she could feel the crippling fear of seeing his body covered in bruises. When would the people she loved stop being kidnapped? Trailing that thought was the sensation of being the common denominator, like she was bad luck to be around.