Chapter 18 – Sam
It was two days before Teegan smiled again. A month before Natalie and I made love again. Two months before I began to feel normal again. Rose had given me my mind. Initially, I considered dropping school, feeling it was her dream more than mine. It was a silly grieving thought that I was finally able to throw away. If anything, a degree would honor Rose. Besides, Natalie told me I was an idiot for even considering it.
Teegan, Natalie and I went exploring whenever the weather would allow. Nature has a way of softening a loss, giving it a more timeless perspective. The green growth coming back year after year let us all know that life goes on. We talked of Rose, which helped Natalie the most. The idea that her mother would be forgotten was Natalie’s greatest fear.
Teegan’s teeth continued coming in a most painful way. She didn’t feel it; I did. Somehow, she knew the pain was being transplanted to me. When my gums felt the worst, she would always cuddle close, her smile dulling the pain. Natalie thought it was cute, the child comforting the parent.
A few months later, winter was coming, and Natalie was pregnant. We had discounted Rose’s worries and embraced our joy. Natalie’s vision of the perfect life was a white picket fence and a happy family. Had you met her over a year ago, you would have thought a power partnership in a law firm was her dream. Now, she and I rubbed her tummy and prayed for the quiet life. We began looking for a permanent home, something we could claim as our domain.
I was out walking with Teegan. She had found a stick and decided it was perfect for hitting bushes and tree trunks. She now had a vocabulary of about ten words, ‘juice’ being her favorite. She would point to the refrigerator and say it over and over until we got her some apple juice. Honestly, I had no idea why she didn’t have constant diarrhea. Natalie and I had a devil of a time trying to get her to drink milk once in awhile.
Teegan was busy knocking the browning leaves off a bush when the thought struck me. I pulled my phone out of my pocket. I had to wrack my brain until I could remember the number. I had lost all my contacts in the rental truck a lifetime ago. After two wrong numbers, I found it.
“Hi mom,” I said when the familiar voice answered.
“Sammy!” my mom cried. I could hear tears in her voice.
“It’s been a while since I called,” I said, “Sorry.”
“I thought you might be dead,” my mom admitted, the sobbing mixing with the words. “The FBI searched the house, and the news said you had some disease. Then nothing. Nobody would tell me anything.”
“I’m fine, Mom,” I said, trying to calm her. “The feds had it all wrong. They were trying to find me for a different reason.”
“I’m sober,” my mom interjected with some force, “for 213 days now.”
“That’s great,” I responded slowly. The quick change in topic caught me by surprise.
“You can come and see me now,” she begged. “I won’t embarrass you anymore.” I pulled the phone away from my ear as my throat knotted and my eyes watered. Teegan felt the change in me and stopped torturing the bush. I was a shit of a son. Thoughts of Teegan and our next child, had me ignoring what I already had.
“Please don’t hang up,” I heard my mom beg when I didn’t respond. I regained some composure and pulled the phone back to me ear.
“I’m not hanging up,” I slobbered out. I cleared my throat and tried to regain the conversation. “Are you going to meetings?”
“Every week,” my mom said quickly, “twice when things get hard. I have a really good sponsor this time. She’s been sober for ten years. You know, I could always visit you if you can’t get away.” Her mind was trying to cram a one-hour conversation into a few seconds. There was so much she needed to say.
“Mom!” I said to get her to stop, “I love you too.” This time, I clearly heard the crying. I must have really crapped on her to make her think otherwise. I don’t know why I did what I did, maybe I was embarrassed about her drinking, maybe I didn’t want an obvious reminder of my failings.
“Mom?”
“Sammy,” my mom cried, “I missed you so much. You’re the only thing in this world worth anything to me. I thought I pushed you too far away.”
“I think we both did a bit a pushing,” I admitted.
“When can I see you?” Mom pushed. I smiled at the desperation in her voice. It was so good to know I was important to her. It felt better than I would have expected.
“I’m not sure,” I replied, “soon I hope. A lot has happened since we last spoke.” I was probably ten years old the last time I had a long conversation with my mother. The last conversation we had was an argument that convinced me to write her off. Now, I wanted nothing but to tell her everything. I wanted her to be proud. I wanted a mother again. I told her everything she would understand.
“So, are you marrying Natalie?” my mother asked when I explained I was to be a father. I almost laughed at the thought. It wouldn’t matter, the way we were hiding and the fact I thought of her as a wife already. “If she’s half of what you describe, she deserves your promise.” she continued when I didn’t respond.
“She does,” I admitted, “she deserves that and more. I already know her answer, but I’ll ask her as soon as I can get a ring.”
“Don’t take her for granted. She might say no,” my mother said, not understanding the bond that Teegan afforded us.
“We have more honesty than most couples,” I said, “but I promise I won’t ever take her love for granted.” Teegan took that moment to whack me with her stick. It wasn’t hard, just a pay-attention-to-me smack. I bent down and picked her up, and she started a rendition of “da da.”
“Is that Teegan?” my mom asked with a smile in her voice.
“Yep. I think she felt a little left out,” I replied.
“She sounds lovely. Put the phone to her ear.” I did and smiled as Teegan’s face became all serious. I had no idea what my mother was saying, but Teegan sure found it interesting. Suddenly, Teegan broke into a rendition of her second favorite word, ‘ball.’ I moved the phone back to my ear.
“I think she likes your voice,” I said, holding tight to my girl as she bounced excitedly in my arms.
“I have some vacation saved up,” mom said, “I can come see you and meet Natalie and Teegan.”
“It’s kind of rustic here,” I said, “we’re looking for a house, but right now we are living in a two room cabin.”
“Sammy, I want to see you,” Mom said with desperation. I only meant to warn her of the accommodations, not try to decline the visit.
“If you have pen, I’ll give you the address.” She was surprised I was in North Dakota. I grew up in warm, no hot, environments. It didn’t deter her at all.
“I’ll leave tomorrow, and I’ll be there the next day,” mom promised, “you don’t know how happy this will make me.”
“Any chance you won’t call me Sammy while you’re here?” I asked.
“Sorry,” Mom replied, “you’ll always be Sammy to me.” There was a loving humor in her voice. It warmed me to hear it. I had my mother back. We said our goodbyes, both of us trying not to hang up first. I eventually gave in when Teegan struggled to get out of my arms and continue our walk through the forest.
“She’s coming here?” Natalie asked, her eyes wide in terror.
“Yes,” I replied a little dumbfounded.
“In two days?” I nodded, wondering what the problem was.
“Well, we’ll have to clean,” Natalie said with her hands on her hips, “will start with the second bedroom. Do you think she’ll like me? We’ll need more groceries. We can move Teegan’s crib back out to the main room and free up a few drawers in the dresser.” I had never seen Natalie nervous before. For some reason, I found it enjoyable. A woman that was the epitome of confidence reduced to a rambling fool.
“She thinks we should be married,” I added. I had no idea why I wanted to add to the pressure. It was just fun to think I had the upper hand on sanity for once.
“If that was a proposal, It sucked,” Natalie said with a tinge of anger. I lost my smile. She was beyond nervous. There was a darkness about her. “you spring this crap on me at the last minute then you think it’s a good time to tease me.”
“My mother is not crap,” I said, louder than necessary. I stood firmly like I expected a fist fight.
“She’s a drunk,” Natalie screamed, “now I have to have her in my…” I saw her face redden as she covered her mouth. I could see her shame building as my anger dripped away from me. I closed my eyes and found Teegan in the ether of our minds. It had become easier over the months, this time, it was a tool. I packaged up my sorrow and wrapped it in a thick cloak of love and exploded it with such force; China would know if they could listen.
Natalie moved forward quickly and lifted Teegan into her crib. I was surprised at how Teegan laid down for a nap as if ordered. She had given up naps months ago. Natalie grabbed my hand and led me to the bedroom. The look in her eyes broached no disagreement.
What followed was the most erotic two hours of my life. I was practically taken by force. Never had I felt so thoroughly out of control of a situation in my life. Natalie was driven by an insatiable desire to remind me of her love in the most forcible way possible. Twice I tried to gain dominance. Twice I was thwarted by her uninhibited lust. Once, she even grabbed my hair to hold my head to the pillow while she devoured my lips. I decided that using my strength would ruin the mood. I was never one for immediate repeat performances, but she was so damn convincing. I was her toy, and I could find nothing to complain about.
“That’s better,” Natalie sighed. She had buried her head in the shoulder and wore a conquering smile.
“Much better,” I agreed, “was that makeup sex?”
“Oh no,” Natalie said, “that was me winning the argument after you cheated.” I raised my eyebrows at her. “You used our daughter to placate me. It was insulting so I showed you what for.”
“It felt like I won,” I laughed. Her hand dropped between my legs and grabbed some parts a little more firmly than recommended. “Then again, I was definitely in the wrong about something.”
“Don’t ever tease a pregnant woman,” Natalie said as she released my manhood.
“Or get in better shape before I do,” I joked. I ran my hand through her hair, caressing the back of her neck. I loved when she lay on me. I felt closer, and I liked how she seemed so comfortable there. I made one hell of a pillow.
“I needed more warning,” Natalie admitted, “My hormones are racing, and you hit me with your mother visiting.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m sorry I called her a drunk. I suddenly felt inadequate, and I was compensating.”
“She was a drunk,” I said softly, “she’s been sober for almost a year now. We had a long talk, and one thing led to another. I’m sorry I didn’t ask, but she seemed so motherly.”
“What was that feeling you flung at me?”
“An apology, I guess,” I said, shrugging my shoulders.
“Can you do it again?” Natalie asked, “Not now I mean, but another day.”
“Did you like it?”
“Oh yes,” Natalie said with a big smile, “it had horny boy toy written all over it. My insides just melted and all I could think of was dragging you in here. It was completely unfair.”
We heard a cadence of ‘Juice’ coming from the main room. Natalie laughed as she rose from the bed and began to dress. I followed suit, our short tryst now over. “At least, she waited for us to finish arguing,” I added.
“Arguing was a lot of fun,” Natalie said, then gave me a quick kiss before heading out. I couldn’t help but agree. I tried to catalog the feeling I sent. I could always produce the love. The sorrow would be difficult to fake. I would just have to practice at being a jerk every so often.
I was taking a walk the day my mother was to arrive. I was expecting her in a few hours and was nervous as hell. One phone call and I was a kid again, begging for her approval. It was a stupid set of emotions. Natalie was a woman well beyond any my family ever produced. I was the first Donaldson ever to tackle college. I had rescued a small child from a horrible fate and gave her love. How could a mother see anything wrong in that?
I kicked a loose stone into the woods. I was walking toward the bluff, the one that allowed an uninterrupted view of the Missouri River. It was awe inspiring in the morning with the sun rising farther south as winter neared. I needed the vision to get some perspective on the upcoming reunion. I know the desire to call my mother had something to do with the loss of Rose. I was feeling guilty for adopting Rose as a surrogate mother. Now I was trying to fill the void with a real mother.
I laughed at myself when the river came into view. Rose would have loved me reunited with my mother. She was such a rational person when it came to relationships or anything else. Rose would have seen it through my mother’s eyes as well as mine. She always looked past transient emotions and saw the deep things that the rest of us missed.
“I miss you, Rose,” I shouted to no one. I expected an echo that never came. I hoped it made it to wherever she ended up. If it was only in our memories, then I knew she heard. The water was moving with great force though I was too far away to see its strength. It had flowed well before Rose had been born and would do so well after her death. I wondered how much of it had flowed before, sucked up by the sun, and rained back down to flow again.
A year ago, I was a shit drug mule with a drunk for a mother. Now I stood before a majestic river, missing someone I knew was my better. It wasn’t long ago when I thought the rest of the world was just luckier. Now I knew it was in us all. Stinky gave me that. She led me to Rose, who had given birth to the most beautiful woman in all the world. If my mother found fault in that miracle, she had best keep it to herself. I was Sam, the father, the lover, the necessary cog in the life of two, soon three, wonderful people.
I took a deep breath and concluded it would be nice if my mother shared my happiness. I would be indifferent and think her a fool if she did not. A family of five would be better than four. I could happily live with four if necessary. I smiled at the thought of making it larger.
Black anguish filled my mind. It came suddenly, blocking out the joy of the view. My chest tightened as the feeling found my extremities, sending a flood of adrenaline through my body. Teegan, no Natalie, no both were stressed beyond limits. Fear flooded my mind, their fear. I turned and ran with speed that threatened to burst my heart.
I had walked too far. The apathy of the quiet months had filled me with thoughts of the future and made me ignore the present. Natalie was in distress; I could feel her acting through Teegan vigorously. I picked up my pace though I hadn’t run in years. My muscles were fighting, reporting pain to my brain which I immediately disregarded. Teegan’s fear was for Natalie, a mixture of apprehension and the pain she had felt for Rose. I went deep into myself as I ran, strengthening my link and using it to ignore the damage I was doing my body. My speed increased.
I knew I was too late before I arrived. I lost Natalie’s mind; her fear and anger just ceased. My baby girl was gone, moving quickly away. Natalie’s car tires had been slashed; it sat deeply on its rims. The front door of the cabin swung free, bent in such a way it would obviously not latch easily again. I moved slowly, fearing what I would find inside. I tried not think, just move.
The main room looked as if a hurricane had blown through. End tables overturned, lamps broken on the floor. The couch had shifted a good ten feet; it’s cushions all askew. I covered my mouth when I saw the blood on the carpet. I feared whose blood it was, but no body was present. I sped my search, looking in the bedrooms and bathrooms. I noted more blood splattered on the wall near the kitchen. So much blood. Natalie and Teegan were gone. My anger swelled, and I drove my fist into the wall, collapsing the drywall. The two, no three people I loved the most in the world had been taken. I felt my will collapsing as my link began to fade.
“Sammy!” I heard the call from outside. My head whipped toward the door. Pieces fell into place. I forced my body tall and moved forward with an evil intent.
“You told!” I shouted as I burst through the door. I saw an older woman than I remembered. She flinched backward as I came toward her. “How much did they pay you to screw me over? Not satisfied to ruin just me, are you? You have to destroy my family as a bonus.” I relished the fear I saw in her eyes. My fingers were digging grooves into my palms as my fists became like stone. I wasn’t sure I could stop. I wasn’t sure I wanted too.
“Your nose is bleeding,” my mother said, tears streaming as she backed away, “God Sammy! Your eyes are bleeding.” Pure force was keeping my upright. I had held the link too long.
“Why did you do it?” I sneered, moving closer.
“I didn’t do anything,” my mother pleaded, “I came to see you, no one knew I was coming. I didn’t say a word, just like you told me.” There was something honest in her eyes. It had been years since I had seen her sober eyes. I took another, slower step forward then dropped to my knees. Water flooded my eyes, or maybe blood. I closed my eyes and used what I had left to find my girls.
I could hear the blades of the helicopter, dulled by the distance. Teegan was reaching for, and through her eyes I saw, Natalie strapped unconscious to a chair. Her face a mess like mine must be. I forced my mind towards hers and felt her luscious steady heartbeat. I moved with anger toward the arms surrounding our girl. A woman, wearing a yellow suit that covered every inch of her body.
“Sammy,” I heard in the distance, “what’s happening? Oh God, please don’t die, baby.”
I forced my mind deeper, struggling to the depths of what was possible. The woman was nothing, but the man behind her controlled things. I drove into his mind as my head throbbed. I grabbed what I could, everything that mattered that I could get quickly.
I smiled and sent my love to Teegan, trying to assure her I wasn’t giving up. What flooded back was packaged heaven, so much more than I gave. I sucked in my breath and severed the link.
“They tapped your phone,” I slurred, looking at my mom’s image fading in and out. My head felt like it was full of cement. I tried to stand and found my limbs useless. I fell into something soft, and everything went black.
Chapter 19 – Sam
“None…No there’s no more. I dumped everything. I swear, there’s no more in the house.” The voice was pleading and invading my dreams. I had a vague memory of its tone, something familiar I could barely place. My eyes were sluggish and fought the light when I tried to open them.
A person, the voice, was pacing at the foot of my bed. A woman, my mother, was talking on the phone. I closed my eyes when she turned, desperately trying to understand the call.
“Sammy,” my mother called to me. My eyes shut too slowly. “I got to go, he’s awake,” she added before pocketing the phone. “Sammy, please wake up.” She moved to the side of the bed and sat down. I felt her warm hand against my face. Memories, pleasant ones, came back to me. I was so much younger the last time I felt that hand’s safe embrace.
“Hello,” I said, trying to smile. My voice was raspy, and my lips felt chapped.
“Thank God,” Mom sighed. She bent over me, hugging me close. It was strange how the past can swim back upstream and invade the present so quickly. I was ten again with a brief desire to never grow older.
“Who was on the phone?” I asked, trying to return to the now. Mom sat up with her sober smile. I had missed its strength. It was so…intentional.
“My sponsor, Pam” mom lost her smile and paused a moment, “I was thinking I needed a drink. She’s been calling me every couple of hours.” She bit her bottom lip, and her eyes went sad, “I’m still not good at it alone. Pam knows and made me pour out all your liquor.” My eyes must have looked confused. “It’s the stress,” mom added quickly, “I didn’t know when you’d wake up. Betty told me that it would be today, but the temptation was there. I’ll pay you…”
“Don’t worry about the booze,” I interrupted, “you look good.” Her smile returned, stronger this time. I received another hug that was as enjoyable as the first. “Betty was here?”
“She helped me get you into the house. I was going to call an ambulance, but she seemed to know what had happened.” Mom looked at me and tilted her head, “What did happen? I barely understood what Betty was telling me.”
It was hard to get started. I knew both my girls were okay for now. Fishing in the man’s brain on the helicopter had told me how important their safety was. I also knew I was expendable, now ignorable. The one blessing is they didn’t know how strong Teegan had become. They didn’t know I could find her anywhere. They had brought Natalie along to limit the number of new people that would bond with Teegan. Natalie would be her ‘governess’ for lack of a better word. At least, they would have each other until I could get them back. The morons thought me an idiot, a petty criminal. I bet they didn’t know where the Magna Carta was enacted.
I was on my third cup of coffee before my mom was satisfied with Teegan. I could tell she doubted some of what I said but trusted that I thought it was true. Most of her questions were about Natalie. The thought of a grandchild made her eyes sparkle.
“So the government took them,” Mom summarized.
“No,” I clarified, “it was a guy by the name of Douglas Corbett.”
“The billionaire guy, Corbett Industries?”
“That’s him,” I replied, “he bonded with Teegan after she was born and sees her and her progeny as a profit stream. He somehow feels it is best for all.”
“But you didn’t see them. How do you know it was him?”
“I fished in one of his men’s minds. The guy who orchestrated yesterday’s kidnapping,” I said, “it’s what made me pass out.”
“You can read minds?”
“Sort of. If I’m angry or determined enough,” I replied, “it usually just feelings, and only those of Natalie and Teegan.” I smiled at the memory of some of those feelings. “You can’t do it for a living. You saw the side effects.”
“So, we have to get them back,” Mom said, “Betty told me not to call the police, but I don’t think we have a choice.”
“We?” I said, I was having trouble holding down my smile. I liked sober mom.
“If you think I’ll let some rich asshole hurt my grandchild…well…I just won’t,” Mom said with more than a little fury.
“I don’t think he has intention of hurting Natalie,” I said calmly, “he needs Natalie to take care of Teegan. Though, I have no idea what will happen when he realizes Natalie is pregnant.” I wondered if he would see another child as a hindrance to his plans, someone Natalie would care for more than Teegan. Maybe leverage. I shook off the thought. “We are going to get them back.”
“So we call the police?”
“Nope,” I shook my head, “they would push us to the side and take Teegan.”
“But they would help us get Natalie back,” Mom said.
“I need them both,” I admitted, “we’ve adopted Teegan and no one is going to turn her into a science experiment.” I knew my mother thought of Teegan as just another kid. I couldn’t blame her, but it wouldn’t stop me from insisting I have it all. Mom sighed, resigned to my decision.
“How about some breakfast, or lunch,” Mom said, looking at the clock. It was nearing noon, and I was famished.
“I’ll take either,” I said. Mom’s face lit up, and she began to dig into the refrigerator. I was about to help and then thought better of it. I think I was part of her recovery. She wanted to be a mother again, no matter how old I was. Besides, I was still exhausted, and she looked like she was having fun.
“I have to go to Portland,” I told my mother as I was finishing the sandwich she made for me. She had sat and watched me eat, smiling the whole time. Nothing for herself, insisting she wasn’t hungry.
“Is that where they took Natalie?” Mom asked. I nodded, chewing the last bit of the ham and cheese. Her smile disappeared when she continued, “you can’t do this alone. They have helicopters, and God only knows how many men, Sammy. You have to call the police.”
“I can’t,” I said, taking a deep breath, “I’ll figure it out when I get there.”
“When we get there,” Mom said strongly. I shook my head.
“I need you to stay here for a day or so,” I said, reaching out for her hand, “call your sponsor, Pam isn’t it? Let her know I’m furious, but have no idea what to do. Let her talk you down from the stress, stop you from drinking.”
“What? I’m going with you,” Mom insisted, “what happens if you pass out again? I won’t let you go alone.”
“I need to surprise them,” I insisted, “they’re monitoring your phone. They have to think I’m here and out of options.” I said it softly, trying not to ruin what little re-bonding we had done. I had no idea what I was going to do when I got to Portland, but having my mother along wasn’t going to help. Having Corbett think I’m nowhere near would help.
A rumble of motors interrupted my mom’s next protest. The sound increased as more engines pulled to the front of the cabin. I moved quickly, thinking Corbett had returned to remove me from the equation. My mind was working quickly, trying to figure a way to get my mother to safety. I cursed as the third women in my life was now at risk. I moved the window curtain slightly, attempting to peek unseen. I smiled, things weren’t as grim as I had thought.
“We have guests,” I told my mother. She was white knuckling the table with the same fears I had been thinking. She relaxed when she saw my smile as I went to the door.
“Betty!” I said when I swung open the door “and you brought friends.” Betty kissed me cheek and waved to my mom. Mom was as relieved as I was.
“Good to see you up and about,” Betty commented moving to my side, “This is Todd Renault,” she said, introducing a rather large man with a serious demeanor. He had to be at least six-five with a set of Elvis sideburns that fit the leather jacket that must have cost two cows their hides. He held out his massive hand, and I shook it, noting it completely swallowed mine. “He started The Lifers about ten years ago and has been running it ever since.” I could hear the pride in Betty’s voice. The group meant a lot to her.
“Betty tells me you got a problem that needs fixing,” Todd said. There was a confidence in his voice that made me think there was little he couldn’t fix.
“It’s a nasty problem,” I admitted, “not likely to please the police, but I intend to correct it anyway.”
“You took care of our sister once,” Todd said, nodding toward Betty, “we’re here to return the favor.” I smiled, seeing the porch fill with four more vets with the same offer on their faces. I couldn’t help but smile.
“I could use the help,” I said, waving them all inside.
Betty quickly introduced my mother and me to the rest of the gang. Monty looked like one of those workout nuts and wore a smile that flashed charm. I was sure he thought himself God’s gift to women. Thomas and Harry still wore Army sanctioned haircuts. They possessed that starched military stature most people would find uncomfortable. I could see they were mission oriented and didn’t understand the word failure. Devlin was the only normal looking one of the bunch. He was about my size and had a relaxed look about him. I sensed he deferred to the others, but would follow them to Hell’s gate if necessary.
It took about an hour to bring everyone up to speed. There was some apprehension in their eyes, but they trusted Betty, so they trusted me. I was pleased to learn that Harry was ex-Special Forces. We devised the first part of a plan and would figure out the rest when we got to Portland.
Natalie and Teegan had a small army.
Chapter 20 – Natalie
The first thing I felt was the drool running down my chin. I adjusted my lips and lifted my head, trying to slow the flow. I blinked quickly, then slowed as my eyes began to adjust to the light. I saw a lamp I didn’t recognize. It was sleek and expensive, not something that belonged in a cabin.
Memories flooded back.
A man, short and stocky, sat in a chair opposite mine. Shirt and tie, but no jacket. My only thought was enemy. I tried to stand and found my hands well secured behind the chair. Panic seeped in, and I screamed as I attempted to kick at the calm figure in front of me. My calf knotted in pain. My feet were secured as well.
“I would like to untie you,” the man said calmly. My breathing increased as my awareness became clearer. It was a sparse office, missing all the trappings of one that is in use. No papers on the desk, zero plants and no pictures of family members.
“Where is Teegan?” I demanded, the memory of the invasion now fully returned. My voice came out raspy, forcing me to cough and clear my throat. I could feel a cord chafing my wrists as I struggled to free them.
“The child is fine,” the man stated, “it is our goal to return her to you.” I stopped struggling. It didn’t sound like a lie. I was sure it wasn’t everything, but it seemed like he believed what he said.
“You kidnapped her to give her back?” I said incredulously.
“To be accurate,” the man said, leaning forward, “you have been kidnapped. The child, who Mr. Donaldson and you kidnapped, has been returned to her rightful owner.”
“Children aren’t owned,” I spat. The mere thought of his disregard of her rights swelled my anger.
“Semantics,” the man said, shaking his head, “the fact of the matter is, she is safe with us, and we would prefer you to remain at her side.” My head was still trying to shake off the fog. I relaxed in the chair and let the situation unfold. I couldn’t fathom why they took me. I thought it in Teegan’s best interest for me to remain at her side. Sam needed me here as much as Teegan needed me near.
“Sam!” I said loudly. I wondered if they took him as well. I remembered the fight in the cabin when I tried to stall for his return. I was outnumbered so quickly though I did make them pay.
“Mr. Donaldson is no longer in the picture,” the man said and raised his hand at my shocked looked, “not dead, I assure you, just not involved anymore.” Sam didn’t know where we were. I didn’t know where we were. I closed my eyes and slowed my breathing. When I opened them again, the man was still sitting, waiting patiently with a blank expression. I hated the way he had greased his jet black hair. Almost as if it was folded, not parted, across the top of his head. Hitler had a better stylist.
“Untie me,” I demanded. The man chuckled. So he was human.
“It is my understanding you took out three trained men,” the man said, “and with the child in your arms. I would hate to see what you would do to me with both hands free.” His revelation took me by surprise. They had no idea that Teegan had lent me those skills. Knowledge was power.
“Please untie me,” I said calmly. I added a smile which he matched. He leaned forward and placed his hands on my knees. My first thought was to try and bite his nose off. I shelved the plan. The whereabouts of Teegan had to be ascertained first. I tried to relax further.
“You are still tense,” the man said, releasing my knees. “We’ll talk a moment longer, and if I am assured of your compliance, I’ll release you.” He leaned back in his chair.
“When you are released, you will remain on the grounds,” he said slowly, “it will be a condition of you seeing Esmeralda. Or Teegan of you prefer. Attempt to leave or contact the outside, and we’ll revoke your rights, send you out and you’ll never see her again.”
“I can leave?” I asked.
“And never return,” he said, nodding his head. He watched me as plans ran through my mind. I could find Sam and return. Contact the authorities as a last ditch maneuver. “We have the ability to move the child someplace you would never find her,” he continued, “The child doesn’t exist according to the government, so proving she was taken will be difficult. Sort of like a murder with no body.”
“I can see her if I stay?” I clarified. He nodded.
They had no idea how much Teegan and I loved Sam. Had they known, I wouldn’t be here. A smile crossed my face as I remembered the feelings that Sam could send to me through her. So much honesty. Nothing hidden in our feelings.
“I understand she is addictive,” the man said, misinterpreting my smile, “you, and everyone concerned would be better off if you stayed and cared for the child.” My smiled deepened. They wanted to limit Teegan’s exposure. Control me and lessen the chance of collusion. I relaxed in the chair. Time was to my advantage.
“If you let me care for her, I’ll agree,” I lied. For the first time in my life, honesty seemed worthless. The man looked at me for a moment, trying to judge my truthfulness. I gave the best drunken addicted smile I could.
“If I cut the ties,” the man clarified, “you’re not going to get violent?”
“No, and please call me Natalie,” I said calmly. He smiled and pulled a pair of wire cutters out of his pocket. He leaned forward and snipped near my left ankle and repeated it on the other. I let them stay where they were, giving him the confidence to rise and snip the plastic zip tie around my wrists. I pulled my wrists forward slowly to rub them.
“My name is Frank Sorenson,” he said, holding out his hand. I shook it weakly.
“You’re not Mr. Corbett?” I asked, my eyebrows rising on their own.
“No, though I suspect you will be meeting him in a day or two,” Frank said with a friendly smile, “would you like to freshen up before you see the child?”
“Yes, of course,” I replied, thinking a bathroom was exactly what I needed. I had no idea how long I had been out, but my bladder was telling me it was more than a few hours.
I spent a long time in the bathroom. I had dried blood on my face, a mascara disaster, and my hair had a lunatic thing going on. I straightened up as best I could, wishing I had my purse. I would need some clothes and toiletries if I was going to stay for any length of time. I wondered how long it would take for Sam to find us. I didn’t even know where here was.
“Well you look a lot better,” Frank said. His smile had that used-car salesperson feel about it.
“I’ll need some clothes and things,” I said, smoothing out my shirt. It had some blood stains on it that I didn’t think were mine. I was thankful it was flannel and not one of my white blouses.
“Of course,” Frank said, his hand leading the way down the hall, “Abigail, who you’ll meet a little later, will acquire whatever you need. You’ll find Mr. Corbett very generous.” I smiled, thinking I might try to find out how generous. The asshole could afford a new wardrobe.
I noticed that Frank was keeping his distance from me. I’ve never had anyone afraid of me outside of a courtroom. It was empowering. I almost raised my hand quickly, too see if I could make him flinch. I decided not too when I noticed a couple of larger fellows waiting at the end of the hall. These guys were a lot larger than Frank, and it didn’t look like they were hired for their business sense. Both wore skin tight black shirts tucked into black slacks. They didn’t lack for muscle.
“In case you made a different decision,” Frank said, answering my unasked question about the two men. I was more of a prisoner than it looked. I wondered if the offer to go was real, not that I would leave Teegan alone.
The hall opened into a large bright room, three stories of windows lined the far wall with a sleek modern spiral staircase leading upward on the right side. The room was designed for entertaining with plush couches and tables strewn about a large circle fireplace in the center. The colors were earthy, which blended well with the old growth pines that lay a stone’s throw outside of the windows. The left side housed a bar that would be the envy of any drinking establishment. Beyond the windows, a stone patio held seating for another twenty people with a large fire pit built from large irregular rock.
Frank smiled thinking I was impressed. I feigned indifference though I desperately wanted to shout to see if there was an echo. As much as I claimed that wealth didn’t hold much appeal, I was impressed. The top of the bar looked liked it was cut from one large pine and stained to bring the grain out. It must have been a monster of a tree. As we walked past, I ran my fingers along it, finding it smooth and quite beautiful.
“The tree that it was carved from came from this lot,” Frank said. I hated that he saw me admire it. I didn’t want to like him, the owner, or anything he owned. “Mr. Corbett hated to waste such a magnificent living thing. You’ll find parts of the tree throughout the house as molding, picture frames, and even a rocking chair.”
“It was probably more impressive before he killed it,” I said without warmth. Frank gave me a knowing chuckle. My offhanded insult was understood and ignored.
“The child is on the second floor,” Frank said, pointing through the double doors next to the bar.
“The child’s name is Teegan,” I said, “and why not the spiral stairs.” They looked intriguing, and I had a childish desire to climb them.
“Those stairs lead to the guest portions of the house,” Frank said as I followed, “Teegan is located in the private section. Close to Mr. Corbett’s room when he is in residence.” We walked through a huge kitchen, bypassing what looked like a small theater room, and began to climb a more normal staircase.
“Your room is next to Teegan’s,” Frank continued, “there will be attendants outside in the hall if you should need anything.” He stopped and turned around, “they can arrange for walks on the grounds. You’ll find the landscaping quite beautiful and soothing this time of year.”
“By attendants, you mean guards,” I said. He turned back and began climbing again. I followed.
“Trust will come in time,” Frank said, “and they are guarding the child.”
“Teegan,” I repeated. I hated how he tried to dehumanize my daughter.
“As you wish,” Franks said, “Teegan is the one I am charged to protect.” He stopped again and paused before turning toward me. I think he had been debating with himself about speaking. “I’m not your enemy, Ms. Williams. The welfare of Teegan, and, therefore, you, is my highest priority. The cooperation we seek requires your happiness. You will lack for nothing here.”
“Freedom?” I responded.
“Trips can be arranged,” Frank continued, turning back up the stairs, “Teegan will remain here and someone will take you anywhere you want to go. You’re a guest, a rather privileged guest.” A gilded cage was the only thing that came to mind. I smiled at him when he glanced back to see if I was following.
The idea that I would stay cooped up in this mansion was ludicrous. I had become used to Sam next to me in bed. The way he immersed me with love, straight from the source, was a drug I wasn’t willing to give up. I even loved his apprehension. He had no idea I could feel that as well. A gorgeous man who would never take me for granted. The father of my future child. Teegan’s father.
We stopped outside of a door to what I believed was Teegan’s room. Frank was about to open the door, then stopped. He let a loud sigh escape and turned to me.
“There are men on the grounds and in the house,” Frank said, “camera’s throughout,” he pointed to a corner in the hallway where I could see a darkened lens. “I know your defensive skills are exceptional, but we will not hesitate to use force to keep Teegan on the premises.” His eyes went all puppy dog, “please don’t put Teegan at risk.”
“You are the ones who put her at risk,” I corrected.
“May I remind you, she was in a cabin in the woods,” Frank said, then shook his head, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to say you weren’t doing the best you could.” The apology was misplaced but honest. I let it go though the need to defend Sam and me was strong.
“Am I to be watched in the bathroom as well?” I asked calmly.
“Teegan’s bathroom has cameras,” Frank said, pointing at the door across from the one we were about to enter, “the rest do not. Of course, that means that Teegan shouldn’t be in the other ones.” I nodded, not wanting to debate the difference between guest and prisoner.
“I will not leave without her,” I said, my voice one of resignation, “and you won’t let me leave with her.” I held out my hand, “I will obey the rules as long as I know she won’t be hurt.”
“That’s all we ask,” Frank said with a smile. He shook my hand and opened the door.
The room was a child’s dream. The walls were decorated with all kinds of imaginary animals and cartoon characters. There was a crib and a small bed shaped like a boat. Every toy from every catalog littered the many cubby holes that were set along the walls. It was if someone did a broad search on Amazon and hit the by all button. The carpeting was plush, colorful and added to the overly happy decor.
In the middle of the room, a woman sat in a yellow medical suit with skin tight latex gloves. The color fit but the suit itself looked liked it belonged in a contagious disease ward. In front of her stood Teegan, her back to me. Her diaper was sagging, obviously full of pee, wearing a bright green t-shirt. She turned toward the door, and an unbelievably powerful wave of joy hit me.
I dropped to my knee, basking in Teegan’s love, as she ran to me, her diaper bouncing oddly between her legs. ‘Mama’s here,’ I thought as I opened my arms.
“Mama!” Teegan yelled. My eyes filled as she folded into my arms. Her arms wrapped around my neck and I sucked in my breath.
A vision of the highway speeding in front of me. To my left, another motorcycle keeping pace. Behind me, other bikers followed. Love enveloped Teegan and me. It was unfettered by constraint or of any reservation. It was pure, demanding, and strong. A thought barreled through with clarity. ‘I’m coming,’ Sam said.
“Da,” Teegan sighed in my arms. She was feeding off my thoughts. Our love was bonding us together into a powerful family. I quickly wiped my eyes, trying to hide what was happening.
“See,” Frank said, “Teegan needs you, and it seems you are not unhappy about it.” I lifted my girl into my arms and stood. Teegan smiled happily leaning into me like I might leave again. It would have taken an army to prior her from my hands at that moment. Sam faded away, and reality returned.
“I’ll admit,” I said, my smile growing, “it’s good to hold her again.” I tickled Teegan’s belly to hear her wonderful laugh. It was such a glorious sound. Frank signaled to the chemical-suited nurse, waving her out of the room.
“We have staff prepared to spare you,” Frank continued, “whenever you tire or are in need of a break, just look up into one of the cameras,” he pointed to the ceiling where lens were watching, “and wave your hand. Someone will come and see to her.”
“I want her crib in my room,” I said, trying to find my limits.
“I’ll have another put in your room,” Frank said, his sly smile letting me know that there was little I couldn’t request inside of the house. “and yes, you may take her outside on the grounds or anywhere else in the house. Feel free to explore.”
“Except for the other bathrooms,” I clarified. Frank laughed and started to leave. “She needs to be changed,” I added, feeling Teegan’s heavy diaper.
“Her bathroom has everything she needs,” Frank said, holding the door for me. I didn’t like the situation, but I had to admit, Frank was not altogether as evil as I wanted to define him. He had idiotic loyalties but his passion to make Teegan happy was in line with my desires.