Two Footsteps

by Belle Brooks

  It’s as black as the ace of spades when I manage to roll over and take an uncomfortable seated position. I can’t see anything. I’m trying to pull the zip on the bag to retrieve the torch, but I’m shaking so much it proves difficult at first, however I manage to take it into my grip.

  Light appears from the torch in my outstretched hand and the beam reveals walls. Cave walls. I gasp. “What?” A picture. It’s a picture of my family. All four of us and we’re smiling happily. My precious babies. My beautiful husband. My stomach knots as my eyes drop saddened.

  Slowly, I raise my head and study the image, even though I don’t want to, but I believe it’s important. Why else would a photo of my family be stuck to a wall inside a cave? He wanted me to come in here. This is a part of the game. I scrutinise the clothing we’re wearing and the palm trees behind us, trying to gauge where this was taken and when. Cruise’s wedding last spring. I run my finger over our smiling faces, tracing them gently before gulping back my tears and biting at my lower lip. I’ve not seen this photograph before. Not ever. I can’t stop staring at it, wondering where the hell it came from.

  As I shift the torch, I catch another image. This one is of me and it was taken when I was in high school. I’m sitting on a grandstand smiling and Matilda, a classmate, has her head rested on my shoulder. I remember this day, that grandstand, and this photograph … I have a copy in my home album. As I continue to shift the light over the walls I see photo after photo of me throughout my entire life, that is until I clutch my chest and crumble to the ground. An awful cry forces its way from my soul to the ears of God. Reid has his lips connected to that of another. His hands are planted on her arse. Her arms are around his neck. I know the dress she’s wearing because I was with her when she bought it. I know the hair clip protruding out of her thick red locks because she purchased it on the same day. I know her pin thin heels. I know her.

  “Linda. Why?” I cry shocked.

  Reid

  “Reid, you need to get your kids out of here. Is there somewhere they can go?” West says.

  I nod, before racing up the staircase to where John is sitting in the hall. I slide down the wall; my body plops beside John on the floor and I join him in a lean against the frame of Brax’s door. I sit for a moment listening to John talk about mindless and trivial things, and he doesn’t stop until he’s finished talking about the massive fish he caught last summer. Then he turns his head and looks at me with wet glassy eyes. I can feel his sadness and I can see his exhaustion.

  “John, something has happened.” His narrowed eyes, grow wide. “The kids need to leave the house. Can they stay at your place until I get their grandparents here?” I know my eyes are pleading with him, because the look he returns to me is sympathetic.

  “Of course, boy.” His hand reaches over, resting on top of mine. “Our poor Morgan.” His voice cracks as the words leave his lips. “You know I think of Morgan as our daughter, and you as our son … you know this, don’t you?” The moisture in his eyes builds as he searches me for an answer.

  “I do John, I really do.” He wraps his arm around my head bringing it into his chest. “We are always here for your family, you hear?”

  “Loud and clear.”

  “Okay, well let’s get these kids out of here.”

  I bang my hand against Brax’s door. “Brax, it’s Dad, I’m coming in.” Slowly, I press down the handle and allow the door to crack open, as I duck my head in first. Brax has my temper and the thought of an item being launched in my direction has me on edge. Nothing is thrown. I dart my eyes from corner to corner of his well-organised room, until they make contact with the side of Brax’s face, as he sits on his bed, staring mindlessly out the window, like he’s in a trance.

  “Brax, it’s going to be okay buddy, I promise.” He doesn’t move so I sit down at the end of his bed “Brax, buddy, I need you to pack some things. I need you to go next door to stay with John and Shirley for a while.” I await his reply, but he doesn’t respond. I watch him quietly as he scowls, and then he shifts to face me. He isn’t happy and I don’t blame him. First, he’s told his mother is missing and no one knows shit about where she is. Then, he’s told he needs to leave his home, his room, his safe place and stay next door for an amount of time nobody is sure of.

  “Fine.” That’s all I get as he shuffles from his bed and opens his cupboard door, pulling out his travel bag. He’s quick to put items into the bag, and remains silent the entire time … The only communication we have is his glares of hatred towards me, those narrowed and glazed eyes, shooting daggers my way. He blames me! Shit, I blame me.

  I drop my head as my stomach sinks. I’ve messed up, bad.

  Bracing myself, I make my way towards Aleeha’s room, taking a slow walk down the hallway. Her exaggerated sobs can be heard before I even reach her room. Walking through the open door, I see her wrapped tightly in Shirley’s arms. Shirley makes “Sssssh, Ssssssh, Sssssh,” noises over and over. The same noise Morgan makes when the kids are upset and she is comforting them. It must be a woman thing.

  “Lee-Lee, you need to go stay at Shirl’s, okay?”

  Aleeha tilts her chin and I’m left with the image of sad, and wet bloodshot eyes. “Daddy,” she cries, with her arms outstretched. I wrap her in my arms whilst carrying her to the doorway, keeping my grip firm around her.

  “Shirley. Can you put some clothes in Aleeha’s suitcase? It’s in the closet. The detective thinks it’s better that the kids stay away from the house for now. There’s been a call made to the house.”

  “I’ll do it now,” she says.

  “Don’t forget her Raggedy Ann doll. It’s still on her bed. I just saw it.”

  “I know the one. She brings it over when she sleeps there. Morgan always packs it.”

  I head to the staircase with Aleeha wrapped to me, each step making my blood boil. Who in this world would want to do this to us? This is the ultimate question. Who is it?

  Shirley is holding a photo frame containing our latest family portrait at the zoo. We’re happy in this photo and I shudder at the site of the frame, the one that normally takes pride and place on Aleeha’s duchess. John and Brax walk down the stairs behind Shirley and when they reach my side we exit the house together, walking across the grass separating our homes. John guides Brax inside and I follow with Aleeha nestled into my chest. Lowering her gently onto the couch, I kiss her tear-stained cheek, and pat Brax’s shoulder as he comes to sit beside his sister. He doesn’t say a word; he only puts his arm around Aleeha and holds her.

  “I need you to stay here. I’ll be back as soon as I can. All I ask is that you both stay here and listen to everything John and Shirley ask of you.” I know they think this is my fault. Who could blame them really? Morgan and I have been fighting so much lately. My throat goes dry and my heart begins to ache at the thought that if I wasn’t being such an arsehole Morgan would have called me to help her with that busted tyre. My gut drops. “I have to go,” I say, turning quickly … racing out the door.

  Shirley is standing on the porch and she stops me by putting her hands on either side of my face. Reaching forward she kisses my cheek. “We will take care of them. Go bring our girl home.”

  I nod, then turn on my heel and run back to the house and through the double front doors.

  “I need to make some calls,” I say, pacing.

  “Who are you calling?” West seems distracted when he says this.

  “My parents. Morgan’s parents. My brother. Linda, Morgan’s best friend … my boss, probably.”

  “Okay.” West doesn’t even look at me; instead his eyes are turned down at some papers he’s holding.

  I snatch my mobile phone from the counter where I sat this morning with a cup of coffee that chilled before it even reached my lips then pass through Morgan’s library until I reach the sliding doors leading out to the back patio.

  Where do I even start?

  The clock on my phone reads 13:00 hours. Still no Morgan. I
slide the door just far enough I can slip through the gap it creates and swiftly shut it behind me. I don’t hesitate to press the contact number for Linda. She better answer. She doesn’t. It rings out, and I hang up before the message bank plays. I really need to talk to Linda. Why isn’t she answering? Is she in danger too? Shaking my head, I tell myself she’s probably busy at work, but I know the police have tried calling her, because they’ve told me so. Hell, I have too when I was waiting for Morgan to come home. Why hasn’t Linda returned any calls?

  “Fuck,” I growl, as I make the next call to Morgan’s parents. It rings three times.

  “Hi Reid, honey. How’s my favourite son-in-law?” She always says this even though I’m her only son-in-law.

  “Is Ron there?”

  “Yes.” I can hear her smile through the line.

  “You both need to come to Rockhampton as soon as possible.”

  There’s no reply.

  “Kylee.”

  “We can come. What’s wrong?”

  “It’s Morgan …”

  “Morgan? Is she upset? Sick. Has my girl caught a tummy bug?”

  “She’s missing,” I whisper. I’m not sure why I whisper it, but I do.

  “Missing. She’s not missing. Where would she be missing to?”

  “We don’t know.”

  “Reid. Where’s Morgan?”

  “I don’t know. The police are here. She never came home last night. There’s been a crash … Kylee, please just come here, okay?”

  “Okay.” Her voice shakes. “We’re coming.” I hear her panic.

  “I need to ring Mum and Dad … they’re holidaying in Switzerland with Cruise and Natalie. I’m going to hang up now. I’ll see you soon.”

  “I’m getting Ron now. We’ll get straight in the car.”

  “Okay.”

  I hang up and immediately call my dad.

  Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.

  “Hello.” His voice is croaky. It’s easy to tell he’s still very asleep.

  “Dad.” One word. It’s all I say.

  “What time is it?” There’s a pause. “Just after five a.m. Son, are you forgetting about the time difference?”

  “Morgan’s been abducted. You need to come home. I need you.” I know I say this rushed, but it’s the only way I manage to get the words past my tongue.

  “Son. Slow down. Morgan has what?”

  “Dad. She’s been taken. Some psycho has taken her. Her car got smashed up and she never came home. This morning some man rang … or at least some robotic male voice. I don’t know what he wants. I have just over fifty grand in the safe in my office, if it’s money he wants, that’s all I’ve got on me. Dad, I need you and Mum to come home.”

  “Shit. Catherine. Catherine, wake up.”

  There’s moaning. “Woman, open your damn eyes. Morgan’s in trouble.”

  “Dad.’ I pause. “Dad, I have to go.” I’m yelling into the phone because I don’t believe he can hear me. “Dad.”

  The line goes dead.

  Fuck!

  I try Linda once more. It rings out. I hang up before it reaches the message bank. The door behind me slides open and when I turn my attention in its direction, Maloney is stepping out to join me.

  “Are you okay? Do you need help with contacting family?”

  “It’s done,” I growl. I’m not sure why I’m growling at Maloney because he’s simply offering help. I just am. I’m mad, confused, irritated, agitated … I’m so many emotions rolled into one and I’m not sure if I’m coming or going. All I keep thinking about is our two children I abandoned next door … At least they have John and Shirley, so it’s something.

  “This will be much easier for you when family support arrives.” Maloney sounds so genuine. “How long will they be?” he continues.

  “Morgan’s parents live seven hours away in Longreach. And they’re driving here. My parents and brother are overseas. They’ll have to arrange flights home. Linda, Morgan’s best friend, well, I can’t get hold of her and I’m not sure if this should be of concern to you or not. But I’m not sure anyone has heard from Linda since … well, I’m not even sure. Has she returned any of the police calls?”

  “I’ll have to check on that, Reid. I will.”

  “Okay.”

  “Come back inside.” Maloney straightens his arm and shifts it until it’s behind my back. “Come on, Mate.” He’s eyes are kind. His features soften.

  “Okay.”

  The door opens hard, like a strong gust has ripped its hold. My eyes dart to see what has caused this sudden opening, and just as they do, my balls leap right into the back of my throat.

  “What the fuck is going on Reid?” she screams, with disdain. Her fiery red hair matches her now fiery complexion. “Where is she Reid? Where?” Her voice raises well over the legal limits for a decibel reader in a residential area.

  Both West and Gleaton move towards me as I stare into Linda’s rage fuelled eyes.

  “Answer me Reid?” she yells.

  “Linda, I… just … can…” I stutter over my words. I really would have preferred a moment to have a discussion in private with Linda, but of course she has to come raging into a fucking room with all guns blazing, seeking blood. Why would I expect anything less? She’s a handful at the best of times.

  “Reid, who is this?” I hear West ask, but I don’t take my eyes off Linda. Instead, I’m trying to use my own expression to discretely tell her to calm the fuck down.

  “Reid.”

  I ignore West.

  Linda’s hand draws back and then a sharp sting travels through the nerves that control the right-hand side of my face. Why the hell did she just slap me? “I told you that if you ever hurt her I was going to kill you and kill you I will.” Linda moves desperately towards me, slapping and clawing at everywhere she can reach. Gleaton is quick to rip her off me, allowing me some space. Of course, Linda struggles against him and yells high pitch profanities in my direction.

  “What the fuck are you talking about?” I manage to choke out.

  “You know.”

  “I don’t. Stop your shit, Linda.” I’m mad.

  “You stop yours, you arsehole.”

  “Somebody tell me who this woman is.” West’s tone is commanding.

  “It’s Linda, Morgan’s best friend.” I try to rub the sting from my cheek away, but it remains. “Detective West meet Morgan’s best friend and work colleague. As you can see she’s beyond angry at me and I’ve no idea why.”

  “Settle down, Miss,” West commands and just as he does, Linda bursts into a waterfall of tears, slumping her full body weight from Gleaton’s arms. Slowly, she drags Gleaton to his knees as she falls against the wooden floor boards. Linda is an average curvaceous woman, with a temper of a wild lion.

  “Where’s Morgan?” She sobs, “I got the messages. I’m scared. Where is she?” I feel sorry for Linda as she melts down, I do, and even though I have no idea as to why she lashed out so violently and entered the way she did, I still walk over to her and sit beside her on the floor. I keep my knees bent in front of me and put my arm around her shoulder, hoping to offer some support.

  “Linda, we don’t know where Morgan is. They’re doing all they can to find her. You know I wouldn’t hurt Morgan for all the money in the world. I wouldn’t hurt her for all the stars in the sky.” Linda’s head bobs up and down, like one of those bobble head dolls people have in their cars.

  “I know Reid. But I’m confused. I have questions. Lots of questions,” she sobs harder. “It’s just such a shock.” She uses her palm to wipe at her face.

  “I’m dying here, Linda. I’ve got no idea. Do you know anything?” I stop and regather myself, softening my expression. “Did Morgan say anything to you?” Her head rises and I stare deep into her wet baby blue eyes. I’m pleading for answers.

  “Well, I know you’ve been acting like a real pig to her lately. Reid, you should be happy for Morgan. She really i
s enjoying being back at work. She did everything for you while you followed your career … everything. Why be such a jerk to her? Is it because of that one night with ––”

  “Say nothing.” My eyes are wide, my pulse is racing. I need to speak to Linda alone. I need her to shut her mouth right now and say nothing. “No!” I bark. My temper is being fuelled by my worry. I glare at Linda trying to tell her what I need to say without speaking the words. Her sunken eyes and flushed cheeks make me want to just up and vanish in this moment. Why did I let Linda kiss me? I can’t blame the amount of alcohol we consumed. I can’t blame the situation. I let her kiss me, and the guilt from keeping this from Morgan has been eating away at me. It has been for months. I kissed her best friend and Morgan could never forgive me for that. I drop my head onto my knees and think about how much of a jerk I’ve been of late, and how I wish I could do anything right now to take it all back. I’ll confess to Morgan if it will see her alive, well and home safely. Whatever it takes I’ll do.

  “Reid. Did you have anything to do with this?” Linda speaks softly.

  What the fuck? Is she really asking me this in front of the fucking police. “No,” I say, lifting my head. “I know I’ve been a jerk, okay, and if I could take it all back I would, I swear. I was waiting for Morgan to get home from work to tell her how sorry I was. I had her favourite red wine waiting for her. I cooked her favourite meal. I know I was acting an arse, but she’s my Morgan. Linda, you know she’s my world, she’s my universe. I fucked up okay. I was trying to deal with it. But, I’d never hurt Morgan.”

  Linda leans into me laying her head against my chest. Her snot filled nose, spills all over on my shirt as she releases what I believe to be her fear in my comfort. “She’s your Morgan. I’m sorry for what I did. I know it’s my fault you’re suffering from so much guilt. Maybe we should have just told her,” Linda whispers.

  Fuck. This is going to look bad. So fucking bad. I pull Linda up from the floor and practically carry her into the lounge room, placing her gently on the couch. I lean in and whisper, “Do not tell the police anything about what happened in Canberra, yet. I need time to speak to a lawyer and time to think. Linda, say nothing.”