Don't Forget Me

by Stacy Claflin

  “You first.”

  Tinsley’s voice brought Genevieve back to the moment. The game was already set up. She picked up her cards and sorted them.

  “Ready to lose?” Genevieve teased.

  Tinsley shook her head. “Go ahead and try.”

  They laughed as the game grew more intense and each one tried to keep the other from winning.

  In the end, Tinsley won, leaving Genevieve with two cards.

  “Did you let me win?”

  Genevieve showed her the one red and one blue card. “Nothing I could’ve done if I’d wanted to. You won fair and square.”

  Tinsley beamed.

  “Good job, kiddo. Want to help me with dinner?”

  “Yeah.” She gathered the cards and put them in the box.

  Genevieve put on some music, and they made a big batch of spaghetti. It would be easy to reheat for her parents. They weren’t likely to be back soon—if at all.

  The house had finally been returned to them, but it was a mess from the police inspections. Genevieve had offered to help clean it up, but they hadn’t wanted Tinsley to see it in such disarray.

  That was fine with Genevieve. She had every intention of helping them the next day while Tinsley was in school. And she kind of liked having the condo for just the two of them.

  After eating, Tinsley sat at the table with her homework while Genevieve cleaned up dinner. She sat, and exhaustion squeezed her. For being on sabbatical, she sure wasn’t getting much rest.

  She pulled out her phone and checked emails and social media, waiting for Tinsley to ask for help.

  “Done.”

  Genevieve glanced up at Tinsley, who smiled.

  “Already?” She slid her phone back into her pocket.

  “Yep.” The girl beamed.

  “I’m impressed.”

  “Time for another game?”

  Genevieve didn’t want to think, much less play another game. “Watch a quick show before bed?”

  Tinsley frowned. “I guess.”

  “Sorry, kiddo. I’m wiped out.”

  “It’s okay. Go for a walk?”

  Genevieve’s aching muscles protested, but going for a walk sounded better than needing to think. “Sure.”

  Tinsley grinned.

  They made their way outside and followed a bike trail down the hill behind the condos. It led to some thick trees—not quite woods, but enough for Genevieve to stop in her tracks.

  Tinsley stopped beside her. “You don’t like the woods, either.”

  Genevieve shook her head, trying to ignore her thundering heart. “No, I really don’t.”

  “Bad things happen in there.” Tinsley frowned.

  “That they do.” Genevieve put an arm around her. “We’ve both seen it.”

  “My mom wanted to kill Alex.”

  Genevieve flinched. She’d known Tinsley’s mom had been responsible for the abductions and murders of police cadets and officers, but she’d never heard the girl speak of it. “You helped Alex, though.”

  Tinsley nodded. “I didn’t want to hurt any of the men.”

  Genevieve’s heart shattered for Tinsley. “Of course you didn’t.”

  “Why did she like hurting them?” Tinsley stared at her with wide eyes.

  That was a loaded question if she ever heard one. “I think she thought it was helping your dad.”

  “A policeman killed him when he robbed that bank.”

  Genevieve nodded.

  “He shouldn’t have done that.”

  She shook her head.

  “Was my dad a bad guy?”

  Tears stung Genevieve’s eyes. Tinsley shouldn’t have to worry about all this stuff. “I think he made some bad choices. He probably thought it was the best he could do. I know he loved you.”

  Tinsley nodded. “They would both be in jail if they were still alive, right?”

  There was no denying that. Genevieve nodded. “They would.”

  “Am I bad?”

  “No! No, you’re not. You’re a wonderful girl, and I have no doubt you’ll make great decisions.”

  “But my parents…”

  “Were their own people. They made their choices, and you’ll make your own. Plenty of people go on to live their lives drastically different from their families.”

  “You’re my family now?”

  Genevieve’s throat nearly closed. She pulled Tinsley into a hug to give herself a moment to recover. “Yes, I’m your family. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Tinsley wrapped her arms around Genevieve. “I hope you’ll adopt me.”

  Everything spun around her. “I’d love to. I can look into making that happen, if you’d like.”

  Tinsley squeezed her harder.

  Hopefully, that was something she could make happen.

  Almost

  Maisie went down the sidewalk, her toy Hummer bumping over sticks and rocks.

  Tony stayed behind the car, watching her dad. Ryan continued working on the motorcycle, but never really went out of sight. He turned his back several times, but only momentarily.

  Maisie turned around in a neighbor’s yard and came back toward the house.

  Tony’s heart raced. He needed to get Maisie into his car. To the cabin. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could wait.

  His patience was starting to wear thin.

  It was already Tuesday night. He’d been working on this since Friday. Friday!

  Her school was impossible. He’d tried to get her to come with him, but those teachers had their eye on everything.

  This was really his only chance. When she barreled up and down the sidewalk while her parents were distracted. Church might work, since her parents let her play outside with the other kids while they talked inside. But again, there were a lot of watchful eyes.

  It was almost enough for him to consider finding a new kid.

  Almost.

  He was convinced Maisie was the one. With each kid he’d taken, it was always his hope that she would be the one he could let live. The one he could train to stay sweet and innocent. The one who wouldn’t be tainted and become like every other woman out there.

  Then he wouldn’t have to worry about Gayle or anyone else. He could go to work every day, then return home to Maisie. It would be the perfect life. Assuming she was the one.

  She had to be. This had been going on for years. Decades. He was getting older. Tired. Losing his edge. As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn’t keep this up forever.

  He glanced over at Ryan. Maisie’s dad had his back to the driveway again, and he was hunched over the bike.

  Perfect.

  It was time.

  Tony looked around to make sure no one else was in the area. He couldn’t see anyone.

  Maisie was now headed back down the other way. Toward his car.

  His heart raced as he crossed the street and headed for the sedan.

  “Hi, Tony!” Maisie waved.

  He waved back and glanced over at Ryan, who didn’t look up from his project.

  Tony headed for his car and opened the trunk, pretending he had no interest in Maisie. He listened to the toy motor as it went a little farther down, then headed back his way.

  “Whatcha doing?” Maisie stopped the Hummer.

  He glanced over, feigning a surprised look. “Oh, I forgot you were here. I still have your birthday present. How did you like the balloon?”

  She smiled widely. “I still have it. It doesn’t float, though.”

  “No?” He frowned. “We’ll have to fix that, won’t we? I can get you another one.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. Do you want to come with me? We could be back before your dad is done with his bike.”

  Maisie glanced toward the house. “I dunno…”

  “Your parents know me. We went out for lunch, remember?”

  She stuck a finger in her mouth and looked deep in thought. “Well, yeah. But I’m just supposed to stay here. On the sidewalk.”


  He nodded. “We wouldn’t want you to break the rules.”

  Maisie shook her head.

  “I still have your present, like I said. It’s in the backseat. Maybe you could open it. It’s been so long since your birthday. I’ve really been wanting you to open it.”

  She glanced into the backseat. “I like the wrapping.”

  “I picked it out just for you.”

  Maisie kept her attention on the gift inside.

  “You can open it now if you want. I just know you’re going to love it.”

  She glanced back and forth between the present and him. “What is it?”

  He tilted his head. “I can’t tell you that. It’s a surprise. Come on. What do you say?”

  Maisie bit her lower lip. “I guess my parents would say it’s okay.”

  “Of course they would.” He slammed the trunk. “They know me. And they’d want you to be happy, right? Opening a present would make you happy.”

  She nodded, clearly following the logic.

  His pulse pounded through his body, making his breath hitch. He managed to find his voice. “Let’s do this.”

  “Yeah.”

  He squeezed between her and the car, his skin on fire.

  It was happening. This was actually about to happen.

  The handle felt icy on his fingertips as he pulled. The door opened, releasing the vanilla aroma from the air freshener.

  Maisie’s eyes widened as she stared at the present.

  He waved her in. “It’s all yours.”

  She hesitated.

  A string of profanities raced through his mind. He kept the smile on his face though. “All you have to do is open it. Then it’s yours.”

  “Um…” She twisted a strand of hair.

  “Maisie!” Ryan called. “Where are you? Time to come in!”

  “I gotta go. Sorry!” She punched the gas pedal and raced the little Hummer toward her house.

  Tony swore under his breath and slammed the car door shut.

  He would get her the next day, one way or another.

  His patience was officially extinguished.

  Results

  Zoey stared out her window, bored of streaming shows and checking social media. More than anything, she wanted to go back to work. She couldn’t even work online, as her boss had given her the week off, paid. If Zoey couldn’t make it in the next week, then she would be allowed to work remotely.

  Given that her bleeding still hadn’t fully stopped, that was looking like it would be the way things played out.

  Knock, knock!

  Probably Macy. She’d been stopping by each day with baby Caden. They’d even spent the night when Alex had stayed at the dorm.

  “Come in!” Zoey called.

  The front door clicked as Macy fiddled with the keys and let herself in. “I come bearing food.”

  “You’re a lifesaver! I hope it isn’t chicken.”

  “Nope. That made me nauseous, too.” Macy came into the bedroom, set the baby car seat by the door, then handed a fast food bag to Zoey. “Still craving tacos?”

  “You know it.” She reached into the bag and pulled out the first item she found. Zoey dug in, ravenous and glad her appetite was finally returning.

  Macy’s eyes widened. “Have you eaten anything since I was here yesterday?”

  Zoey nodded, then swallowed her mouthful of food. “Alex made me eggs and toast this morning.”

  “Good.” Macy reached into the bag and pulled out a burrito. “How are you feeling?”

  “Tired of resting.”

  “I’ll trade you.” She yawned. “Caden was up half the night.”

  Zoey patted the other side of the bed. “Feel free to sleep.”

  “But I’m here to take care of you.”

  “And you just brought me food. I couldn’t ask for more right now. Sleep. I’m sure I can find something to watch or read.”

  “Are you sure?” Macy glanced at the bed, a longing in her eyes.

  “Totally.”

  “You don’t have to say that twice.” She tossed her wrapper in the trash and climbed under the covers.

  “Kind of reminds me of the sleepovers we used to have.”

  Macy smiled. “Yeah. Except that we had a lot less to worry about back then.”

  “Isn’t that the truth?” Zoey sighed. “Want to tell scary stories?”

  Macy laughed. “I never was any good at those.”

  “No, you really weren’t.”

  Macy shoved her. “Hey!”

  “What can I say? When you’re right, you’re right.”

  They teased each other for a few minutes before Macy’s eyes closed and she let out a little snore.

  Zoey flipped through the streaming choices, bored out of her mind. She’d already watched everything she had any interest in. She finally settled on rewatching Supernatural, starting at the beginning.

  By the time the third episode began, her bladder was screaming at her. Both Macy and Caden were still sleeping. She climbed out of bed and fixed the blankets around the baby before heading into the bathroom.

  She brought her phone in to send Alex a quick text. He liked reading what she had to say on his breaks. But before she had a chance to open their texting conversation, her phone rang.

  It was the doctor’s office.

  Zoey’s heart raced and she stared at the screen. She answered it just before it went to voicemail. “H-hello?”

  “Is this Zoey Carter?”

  She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

  “Hi, Zoey. This is Nurse Chu from Dr. Ross’s office. Your test results are in. The doctor said she would prefer you to come to the office for them, but since you’re on bed rest I can give them to you over the phone. It’s up to you.”

  “Why does she want me to come in?”

  “The results are complicated. You’re likely to have questions. She’s available to speak with you over the phone if you’d like.”

  “Complicated?” Zoey’s mind raced. “How can paternity results be complicated?”

  “Would you like the results over the phone?”

  “Yes, please.” It took all of her energy not to snap at the woman.

  “The babies have different fathers.”

  The bathroom closed in around her. “What?”

  “Yes, ma’am. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. The babies aren’t identical. Each baby came from a separate egg, and they were fertilized by different men’s sperm.”

  Zoey struggled to find her voice. “But that’s not possible. It was days apart. I was kidnapped. It felt like forever. It was days. I know that much. You have to be wrong.”

  “Kidnapped? I’m so sorry.” The nurse cleared her throat. “It’s still possible. Sometimes when this happens, a woman will release the eggs separately. Close, but separately.”

  “Can stress cause it?”

  “I really don’t know. It could be possible. Maybe. You’d have to ask Dr. Ross.”

  Zoey swallowed. “Can I find out which one was fathered by who?”

  “Baby A was fathered by the man who provided the sample when you were at the hospital.”

  “Oh.” The good news was that one of them was Alex’s finally hit her. They weren’t both Dave’s.

  “Would you like to speak with Dr. Ross? She’ll be able to answer your questions more fully than I can.”

  “Maybe.” Zoey’s mind spun out of control.

  “I can have her call you. Or would you prefer to call with specific questions?”

  “Um, I’m not sure.”

  “How about I have her call you at the end of the day if we haven’t heard back from you?”

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  They ended the call, and Zoey stumbled back into her bedroom.

  The twins had different fathers. One of the babies belonged to Alex. Baby A. That was fitting.

  She was still carrying the child of a psychopath. The other baby was Dave’s. Not that he would ever get out of priso
n to fight for custody.

  Not that he would ever find out about this, period.

  Or would he? Would it come up in the court case?

  Zoey climbed into bed, her breaths shallow. Her mind spinning, racing.

  At least there was a shred of good news. She would take anything she could get at this point. Now she needed to wait until Alex stopped by after the academy to tell him the news.

  Hopefully, he’d see it as good news.

  Then there was the matter of telling their families about the pregnancy. Would they keep Dave’s involvement a secret? Let everyone think both belonged to Alex? Legally, they would both be his. She would put his name on both certificates.

  But it might come into question later. They might all find out when she had to testify. The whole world would know then.

  Shock

  Alex parked next to Zoey’s car and yawned. It had been an especially brutal day at the academy. If Zoey hadn’t been on bedrest, he would’ve gone to the dorm and slept until the next morning. But he couldn’t do that to her, so he’d driven the fifty-plus miles, drinking mochas and energy drinks to stay awake.

  Now he needed to keep from falling asleep to take care of her. With any luck, she’d just want to sleep like she had the evening before.

  He headed to her apartment, saying hi to some other residents on the way. As he pulled out the key to Zoey’s, his phone buzzed with a text.

  Groaning, he checked it.

  An unknown number. Just what he needed. More of that garbage.

  He clicked to read the text.

  Unknown: He still wants to see you.

  “I’m not playing today.” Alex shoved his phone into his pocket and stuck the key into the deadbolt.

  His phone buzzed again.

  Unknown: Don’t ignore me.

  Dots danced. Another text came in.

  Unknown: Answer me before your booty call.

  A chill ran down Alex’s spine. Was he being watched? He looked around but didn’t see anyone.

  The phone buzzed again.

  Unknown: Flynn wants you to visit him.

  Alex: In prison?

  Unknown: Where else?

  Alex: A grocery store? My daughter’s school?

  Unknown: He can’t. Gotta be Walla Walla.