Take On Me

by Stacy Claflin

  He rubbed her back. “You aren’t alone now. I’m here, and so is Aunt Zoey and Aunt Macy. We’re all here for you.”

  Ayla swallowed. “I think my mom might’ve been there. Maybe. I don’t know. It’s so fuzzy!”

  “You don't have to recall every detail. Just keep talking about what you do remember. What about seeing anything before you had the blindfold on, or recognizing any voices?”

  “I don’t know. The ropes hurt.”

  Anger build in his chest, and he struggled to keep his tone gentle. “Someone tied you up?”

  She nodded. “But I got loose.”

  “Is that how you got away?”

  Ayla shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  He took in everything she said, which granted wasn’t much but it was more than she’d remembered before. “Why don’t you try to get some more rest?”

  She clung to him. “Don’t go!”

  Alex squeezed her. “I’ll stay here, but you need to lie down.”

  “No! What if I have another bad dream?”

  “Then I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Ayla tightened her grip around him, making it hard to breathe.

  He pulled her arms loose. “I know the bad dream was real, but it’s not real anymore. You’re safe with us. I promise to be here. My bed is just over there. Zoey’s here, too.”

  “I’m not going anywhere either, sweetie,” Zoey said.

  “And I can stay if you need me to,” Macy added.

  Alex helped Ayla to settle under the covers, then he tucked her in. “Do you want me to find the doll you brought?”

  She shrugged.

  He looked around the bed and finally found it in the suitcase. Alex handed her the doll and readjusted the covers. “Zoey and I will be in our bed over there.”

  Ayla grabbed his arm and squeezed. “Stay right here!”

  “Okay, I’ll sit with you for a little bit.”

  Macy and Zoey put the sleeping babies in their cribs then left, probably to check on Caden.

  Ayla didn’t loosen her grip on Alex’s arm, but she did close her eyes. Just when Alex thought she was starting to drift off, her eyes opened. “Where do you think my mom is?”

  “I’m sure she’s trying to find a way to you.”

  “Do you think I’ll remember her?”

  He patted her hand. “Of course you will. She’s your mom.”

  “Why can’t I remember anything right now?”

  Alex frowned. “Because your mind thought you’d be better off not remembering what happened to you. That way you’d feel safe.”

  “But why can’t I remember anything at all? Except you, I mean. Why can’t I remember the rest of my life?”

  Alex drew in a deep breath. “The mind is a mysterious thing that even the smartest doctors and scientists don’t fully understand. But one thing I do know is they keep discovering how much more amazing it is than we ever thought possible. It’s flexible and always growing, always changing.”

  “What does that mean for me?”

  “It means once your mind believes you’re safe, it’ll release your memories.”

  She snuggled closer. “You really think so?”

  “I do.” He moved the doll back into her arms. “And maybe this doll will help you remember something.”

  “Did I have it when you stayed at our house?”

  Alex tried to recall. “I wish I knew. All I remember is that you had a lot of toys. I’m not sure I could remember a specific one.”

  Ayla sighed.

  “Just give it time and don’t put pressure on yourself to remember.”

  “Why not?”

  “I think it’ll make it harder for your memories to return.”

  She sighed again.

  He kissed her forehead. “Get some sleep. Maybe you’ll dream about some happy times you had. Those are really what you want to know, anyway.”

  “I guess.” Ayla let go of his arm then rolled onto her side.

  He rubbed her back until she breathed heavily from sleep.

  Hopefully, she wouldn’t have any more nightmares tonight. Or would that be the only way she would actually bring back her memories?

  Shelter

  “Peppermint mocha, Officer Mercer?” The barista smiled at Alex.

  He held back a yawn and nodded. “Make it as strong as humanly possible today, Rachel.”

  “You’ve got it.” She smiled brighter than anyone had any right to this early in the morning then got started on his drink. “Long night with the twins?”

  “Something like that.”

  Rachel added the syrup to the coffee and glanced up at the TV screen which had the morning news. “Crazy about that girl, right? No memories, and her family’s missing.”

  Alex just nodded. So far, they’d managed to keep the fact that Ayla was staying with them out of the news—and he intended to keep it that way.

  “Here’s your super-strong peppermint mocha.” She set it on the counter and quoted him the normal price.

  He paid it, then gave her an extra tip.

  “Wow, thanks!”

  “Have a good day.” He sipped the drink as he headed back to his car.

  By the time he got to his desk, he’d already finished the mocha but wasn’t any more awake than he’d been before. Nick was in his office, busy at his computer. Alex tossed his cup into the garbage, poured some black coffee in his favorite mug, then knocked on the captain’s door.

  Nick waved him in. “How’s it going with Ayla?”

  Alex sat and sipped the coffee. “She woke up a lot last night.”

  “Nightmares?”

  “Yep. A bunch of them.”

  Nick glanced at his computer screen and typed for a moment before turning back to Alex. “Does she remember anything yet?”

  “Nothing she can make sense of. She says it’s mostly quick flashes, and she was blindfolded most of the time. Oh, she does think she might’ve been brought to the house in the trunk of a car.”

  “Really?” Nick leaned forward. “That’s something.”

  Alex tried to remember what Ayla had said. Given how many times she’d woken the night before, they all ran together in his mind. He should’ve written them down. Another one of his rookie mistakes. He made a mental note for next time before answering Nick. “She thinks her mom might’ve been with her, but she wasn’t sure.”

  Nick typed again. “That’s more than we had before.”

  “I suppose.” Alex finished off his second coffee of the morning. “How’s it going with Parker?”

  His friend’s face clouded over. “He’s really up and down, which I suppose is normal. I need to see about getting an emergency session with the counselor. We’re going to need it. If I’d been smart, I’d have scheduled it before talking to Parker.”

  “It happened so fast. Don’t be too hard on yourself. How are you doing?”

  Nick took a deep breath. “Just trying to be strong for him.”

  “But you just found out—”

  “I don’t want to talk about that.”

  Alex nodded. “Understood. Well, should you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

  Nick turned back to his computer. “When you get the chance, call over to Hoffman in Spokane. Maybe between the two of you, you can make some progress on Ayla’s case.”

  “I don’t have more than I told you.”

  “Sometimes it’s the little things that help solve a case.”

  “I’ll give him a call.” Alex went back to his desk, stared at the pile of paperwork awaiting him, then called Hoffman.

  “Mercer,” he answered. “Do you have big news?”

  “Not really.” He filled the sergeant in on the nightmares and partial memories. “Tell me you have more than I do.”

  “Actually, yes. Detective Hwang found a small shelter in the woods. Someone stayed there recently. We found some hairs that are a potential match for the mother—same color and length. They’re with
Forensics now.”

  “That’s promising. What kind of shelter was it?”

  “Very rudimentary. Just some branches pushed up against two trees. Leaves piled up like a bed. There’s a fire pit just outside, and it was warm when Hwang and the others found it.”

  Alex sat up straight. “Really? Do you have the K9s out there, looking for them?”

  “Yes, but they didn’t find anyone.”

  “Let me know as soon as you get the results on the hair.”

  “Will do,” Hoffman said. “And contact me as soon as the girl remembers anything, no matter how insignificant.”

  “Even if it’s only flashes she can’t make sense of?”

  “Yes. I don’t care how small.”

  Alex took a deep breath. “Okay. Send over pictures of the shelter when you can.”

  “Sure.”

  They ended the call, and Alex mulled over the news. Was Robin still with the abductor? Or had she gotten away also? How had she and Ayla gotten separated? He knew how much Robin adored her daughter, so it had to have been against her will. And what about Brock? Where was he in all of this? Had he been abducted, too? Killed? Or was he the assailant?

  Alex shuddered at the thought before pushing it aside. He knew Brock, and though they hadn’t been close, his cousin’s husband was a family man. He’d taken good care of his wife and daughter when Alex had stayed there, and he’d opened his home to Alex when he’d needed it most.

  Guilt stung for thinking he might be involved, but it was a natural question. One Alex, as an officer, had to ask. He couldn’t avoid certain questions because of familial ties. But that was also why Alex couldn’t officially be on the case. He was only involved to keep the Spokane department up to date on Ayla.

  Alex got to work on the pile of papers. Before long, his phone alerted him of a text.

  Zoey: Ayla won’t stop crying!

  His heart sank.

  Alex: Because I’m at work?

  Zoey: I don’t know! I can’t understand her. She’s inconsolable!

  Alex: Tell her I’m going to call and talk to her.

  Zoey: She’s not listening to me.

  Alex: Give me a minute. I’m going to call you.

  He went outside to the employee’s parking lot and called her.

  Zoey answered, but he couldn’t understand what she said over the sobbing.

  “Put the phone to her ear!” He hoped she could hear him.

  The crying grew louder.

  Alex took that to mean the phone was up to Ayla’s ear. “Ayla! This is Uncle Alex! What’s wrong?”

  She continued on, and Alex kept talking to her, trying desperately to calm her down.

  At long last, the sobs turned into gasps and sniffles. “Uncle Alex?”

  “Yes. Are you okay?” Obviously, she wasn’t, but he had to get her talking before she lost control again. “What happened?”

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m at work. Remember I explained that this morning? I’m a police officer, and I have to be at the station to help catch all the bad guys.”

  “You can’t be here?” She sniffled.

  “Not right now. Aunt Zoey is going to take good care of you. I promise.”

  “When will you be back?”

  “Around dinnertime.”

  Ayla breathed hard into the phone. “Why so long?”

  “That’s how long my shift lasts. Ariana will be home this afternoon. Maybe you two can do some more puzzles.”

  “You’ll be back for dinner?”

  “Yes, definitely. And you’ll be okay.”

  “What about my mom?”

  Alex froze. Did she know about the shelter? No, that was impossible. “What about her?”

  “Is she okay?”

  “I’m sure she is.” He debated mentioning the shelter. The news could potentially help her feel better.

  “How do you know?”

  “The police in Spokane think they found a place she was staying.”

  “In the woods?” Ayla sounded hopeful.

  “Yeah, and there was a warm fire pit. She had to have been there recently. It sounds like she’s trying to find you.”

  “She is?”

  “I’ve known your mom all my life. She’s definitely trying to find you.”

  “She’ll be sad I don’t know her anymore.”

  “You will,” Alex said. “Just give it time.”

  They spoke for a few more minutes before Zoey got back on the phone. “I don’t know how you did it, but thank you.”

  “Luckily, I had some good news about Robin. It sounds like she’s moving around the woods, trying to get out. Trying to find Ayla.”

  “Good. I hope they find her soon. What should I do if Ayla gets worked up again?”

  “Can you take her to see Macy?” he asked. “She’s so much more equipped to deal with this than we are.”

  “Now you want her help?”

  “It’s not that I don’t want her help. I just think that it’s best for Ayla to stay with us. I’m the only one she remembers.”

  “Okay. I’m going to call her and see what her schedule is. Hopefully, she can fit us in today.”

  “She’s only working part-time,” Alex pointed out. “She’ll probably be able to stop by.”

  “Thanks, Alex.”

  “No, thank you. I know it’s a lot to take on. Maybe I should talk to Nick about taking some time off so I can be there for her and give you a break.”

  “Now that she’s calmed down, let’s just see how the rest of the day goes. Macy might be able to help.”

  “Let me know,” Alex said. “And if she needs to talk to me again, just text me. I’ll call as soon as I can.”

  Hopefully, that would be enough.

  Freak

  Ayla stared at the one-story building and held her breath.

  Aunt Zoey opened her car door. “Are you coming?”

  She clung to the seatbelt. “What’s it like in there?”

  “That’s where Aunt Macy works. Remember, she helps kids? Everyone in there is nice.”

  Fear pulsated through her. “Why can’t she come to our house again?”

  Aunt Zoey rested a hand on her arm and gave her a friendly smile. “Because she’s working today, and she’s seeing us on her lunch break. Come on, sweetie. She’s waiting for us.”

  Ayla’s body tensed. “I want to go back home. I won’t cry anymore. Really.”

  “It’s not scary. I’ll show you.”

  “I don’t want to go anymore.” Ayla squeezed the seatbelt until her knuckles turned white and hurt.

  Aunt Zoey pulled some of her long dark hair behind her shoulders. “Did you know that after I went through a hard time, she helped me?”

  “You?” Ayla studied her. “But you aren’t a kid.”

  “No, but she still helped me. She’s really good like that. And I know it’s scary—I was nervous, too. But you’re really brave.”

  Ayla frowned. “I don’t feel brave.”

  “You are. Will you come with me?” Aunt Zoey held out a hand.

  She took a deep breath and nodded.

  Aunt Zoey smiled again. “I’m so happy to hear it. You won’t regret it.”

  Ayla’s hand shook as she unlatched the seatbelt. She wanted to stay in the car until they got back home, but maybe Aunt Macy could help her remember something. Anything would be better than nothing. She turned to Aunt Zoey. “Did she help you remember stuff?”

  “No, I didn’t forget anything. But she helped me work through my abduction.”

  “Okay.” Ayla opened the door. The ground looked like hot lava, but she stood on it anyway. It didn’t burn her up or suck her down. It was just cement.

  Aunt Zoey gave her a comforting smile, then they walked toward the building. It seemed to get bigger and the windows looked like teeth that would eat them up. Ayla stepped closer to her aunt but didn’t take her hand like she would’ve if Uncle Alex had been there instead.

  Her aunt
opened the door and motioned for Ayla to go in. She hesitated then did the brave thing and stepped inside. It wasn’t so bad. There were a bunch of chairs and couches, plus cheery posters of various animals.

  While Aunt Zoey spoke with a woman at the desk, Ayla wandered around. A little girl building a tower of blocks smiled at her before smacking the tower. Ayla jumped in surprise at the motion and hurried over to a bookshelf. Other kids and parents took up most of the seats. Some kids were on phones or tablets while others played with toys or drew.

  Ayla gave them as much space as she could and walked near the walls. There were all kinds of books, from picture books for little kids to novels. She recognized some of them but had no idea if she’d read them or not. She also wondered if kids came often enough that they’d be able to read a full book while waiting. There was also a table of games and puzzles.

  Ayla grabbed a book about a mermaid academy and sat as far away from the little girl as possible. She’d just knocked over another tower and was laughing about it. Ayla started reading the book and got lost in it by the time Aunt Zoey sat next to her.

  “It’ll just be a few more minutes. Aunt Macy is finishing up with another client.”

  Ayla nodded and went back to the book as that girl destroyed another tower.

  A few minutes later, Aunt Zoey leaned closer to Ayla. “I’m going to use the bathroom. Are you going to be okay waiting here?”

  “Yeah.” She didn’t look up from the book, too curious about the storyline. Would the mermaid who’d lived on land for so long go with her parents, who were trying to force her to move back to the ocean?

  Aunt Zoey squeezed her shoulder. “If Macy comes to get you, go with her. I’ll join you when I’m done.”

  Ayla nodded, wanting to read through as much of the story as she could before the appointment. Her aunt got up, and Ayla read quickly. When someone sat next to her, she didn't look up, assuming it was Aunt Zoey. She pulled out her phone and played a video, making it really hard to concentrate on the story.

  Annoyed, Ayla looked up. But it wasn’t Aunt Zoey. It was some other lady and she was watching a daytime news show. Ayla was about to sit by the wall to read when something on the woman’s screen caught her attention.

  It was the house that Uncle Alex had showed her pictures of—the place where she had been held against her will. Maybe the place where she had escaped and run out of the woods. Then a picture of Ayla with her parents showed up on the screen, and the news hosts discussed whether her parents were still alive. Then one guy said something that sent a chill down Ayla’s back, made her freeze in place.