I shifted Sid’s weight to my other side. “I don’t believe we’ve ever met face to face.”

“Are you sure? You seem so familiar.” She paused, a hand to her cheek as she tried recalling my face in her memory.

“I’m pretty sure if you’d ever seen a face like mine before you’d remember it without a problem.” I was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

She laughed. “Oh, honey! I’ve probably seen stranger things than you in my lifetime! Honestly, no offense intended.”

“None taken. Ever know a family with the last name of Morrison?” I asked. If she had known Ryan’s and my parents, it could’ve been that she was seeing similarities between me and them.

“Yes,” she said slowly. “At least, I thought I knew them. Your parents, correct?”

I nodded.

“I thought so. You look so much like your father, I wonder if there’s any of your mother in you at all. I can only hope there isn’t.” She murmured. She looked away, but not before I saw a flash of pain in her eyes.

“Why would you say that?” Donovan asked, his head to one side.

His mother smiled sweetly, trying to mask the bitterness she was projecting. She looked me dead in the eye and said, “When you meet her, you will understand.”

My heart froze. Her words chimed inside my head, and in them rang truth. I could feel it in the marrow of my bones. It felt as if she had seen right through my skin and into my psyche. If I had been stripped naked, I could not have felt more vulnerable. I could only manage a weak nod.

“Let me tell you something. Your mother and father grew up in this neighborhood, just as I did. They ended up with some money through dubious circumstances, invested it and profited from it. Then they took it to the next level and started their own business. Your mother has tried to sever all ties to her roots. But like a rose bush,” she smiled faintly as she said this. “You can’t survive without your roots.”

She wasn’t talking about my mother anymore.

“Wait here.” She disappeared down the hall. Children scampered away, afraid of being caught eavesdropping.

Donovan stood up from the couch and put his arm around me, his lips gently brushing my ear. “I know you’ve got it in your head to nail the mystery behind the RTS. You do what you have to, but remember I’m here.”

I closed my eyes, not wanting him to see the doubt in them. I leaned against him and let him hold me. For once, it felt right.

Donovan’s mother came back into the room. “Here,” she said and extended a hand clutching a white envelope toward me. “When you find her, give this to your mother. Tell her Cathy knows the truth.”

I took it from her, noticing “Deirdre” scrawled across the front in loopy handwriting. “I don’t think this will be a problem.”

Cathy put a hand on my arm. “I know you’re looking for home, for answers. But if you don’t find what you’re looking for where you’re going, you are always welcome here. The more, the merrier.”

“Thanks,” I smiled back and turned toward the door.

Donovan followed.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I asked him, trying to keep my tone light.

“With you.” He was serious.

“I don’t think you should.”

“But what if you don’t come back?”

I looked into his face, and our entire life together flashed before me. I couldn’t remember a day where he hadn’t been there at my side. The possibility of being separated scared me as much as it did him. I tugged his sunglasses from his shirt and put them on my head.

“I’ll have to bring these back, now won’t I?” I kissed his cheek lightly and started out the door.

“Do you want me to take Sid?” He called after me.

“No,” I replied. “Something tells me he better stick with me for awhile.”

“If you think so,” he said.

Outside, I had to put Donovan’s sunglasses on before I could see straight. The bright sun was a stark contrast to the dingy halls I’d come from. Ryan appeared from around the corner.

“Ready?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I sighed.

“What do you want me to do with them?” Ryan jerked his thumb toward two unconscious men lying on the ground.

“Just leave them,” I shrugged.

************

“Holy... this is where we live?” Ryan squeaked, his jaw scraping the seat.

I had to admit, it was pretty impressive upon first sight. Our folks didn’t live in an ordinary house. Cathy had failed to mention that our parents lived in a suite built on the top floor of the skyscraper their business occupied. I counted thirty floors before we got too close to the building for me to finish. Even Sid’s eyes seemed to wide in amazement.

“Shall we go in?” Ryan asked.

The doors were automatic. A metal detector stood inside, just beyond the doors. Were our parents paranoid? Was there something that worried them? Maybe it was me.

“Where can I find the Morrisons?” I asked the receptionist in my best no nonsense voice.

“Top floor. Everyone knows that.” She replied, a disgusted look on her face. “Do you have an appointment?”

“No. This is a family matter.” I pulled my sunglasses off my face, revealing my discoloration in it’s totality. “And I don’t need your attitude. If you can’t answer a simple question without the bitchy tone, I will teach you how.”

All she could do was stare at my face.

“I take it we have an understanding?” I asked.

She nodded.

“Good.” I grinned and started toward the elevator.

Once behind closed doors, I handed Sid to Ryan. I needed to cover my face.

“What are you doing that for?” Ryan asked.

“After the warm welcome I got downstairs, I don‘t think anyone else is going to appreciate my true colors.”

When the elevator finally arrived at the topmost floor, we exited. Directly in front of us stood two large, hand carved doors. Ryan picked up one of two heavy brass knockers and dropped it. There was silence. He went to do it again, when I noticed a button on the left side of the doors. It was the doorbell. Apparently the knockers were for show.

Suddenly, a voice from inside called, “Cecil! Get the door!”

I stepped to the side. The sound of high heels traversing a large room echoed into the hall. There was a halt, and slowly one of the doors began to creak open. A women stuck her red auburn head into the hall and began to say something with lips coated in thick, red lipstick. She never finished.

She took one look at Ryan and cried out, embracing him as she stepped forward. I stepped out into view and followed her and Ryan into the entryway. When she turned around, she caught a glimpse of me in the corner of her eye.

“What are you doing here?” She hissed.

Mrs. Alexander was a short, round woman with warm blue eyes and an affinity for cooking. Her husband was tall and broad, with deeply tanned skin and the same smoky gray eyes as Jimmy. Jimmy’s arrival had caused quite a stir. He had three younger sisters and an older brother who were eager to learn about the sibling they’d never met.

“I cannot thank you enough!” Mrs. Alexander cried in her heavily accented English and kissed both my cheeks. Her husband gripped my hand as he fought back his tears.

“I’m no saint, really.” I muttered, but it didn’t stop Mrs. Alexander from kissing me again.

Once we had our fill of cannoli’s, lasagna and stuffed shells, I began slowly making my way to the door. Jimmy, Ryan and Donovan thumped each other on the back to say farewell. I gripped Sid close as Mrs. Alexander hugged me one more time.

Before I could get my other foot out the door, Jimmy grabbed my arm. “You will come back, right? I don‘t really want this to be good-bye forever.” He bit his lower lip and looked away, his eyes shut tight.

I swallowed hard, but the lump in my throat refused to move! I wrapped one arm around him and he squeezed me harder than he ever had before. Something warm dripped onto my shoulder and slid beneath my shirt. One tear had slid from Jimmy’s eyes and onto my shoulder.

“It will be okay,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “Really.”

I pulled away and ran to the truck before my face could betray me.

***********

Donovan slowed down as we entered the inner city. None of the buildings were visibly marked and no one on the streets looked willing to help point us in the right direction. It was just as well. Donovan may have slowed, but he wasn’t stopping for directions.

He was nervous and excited. I could see it in his hands and face. His brow was furrowed, worry lines creased into his forehead. He gripped the wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. When he did let go of the wheel, his hands trembled violently. When I closed my eyes, I could almost feel his heart racing alongside mine.

“I think that’s it right there!” Ryan leaned over the seat and pointed to a time ravaged building.

Parts of the sun bleached brick structure had slowly begun to crumble away. Dried, dead vines had pasted themselves along the front and sides. Above the hall entrance the numbers “1” and “9” were visible, the final “6” half scraped away.

“Well, what would it hurt?” Donovan murmured and pulled the truck into the vacant alley beside the building. “Are you coming with me?”

Donovan stared at me over his sunglasses. “Only if you want me to,” I whispered.

He nodded. “I do. Ryan, are you coming?”

“Uh.. no. I think I’ll stay here and keep that Sig handy. I think I actually saw people salivate over this truck as we pulled in.” Ryan was staring out the back window.

Donovan shrugged. “Have fun!”

We elicited quite a few looks of horror as we emerged from the alley. Apparently no one had ever seen a girl with black lips or a guy with a discolored face. One actually pointed and began whispering furiously to the woman standing beside him. I was half tempted to give Sid to Donovan and find out what the problem was, when Donovan rested a hand on my elbow.

“Let it go, Zel. This isn’t the time.”

I nodded and we headed into the building. A gray bearded an slept in the entryway, a shabby hat pulled low over his eyes. One hand clutched a brown paper bag. As I stepped over him, he belched, scratched his chest and promptly began snoring.

“What floor?” I asked, trying to hide my disgust.

“The fifth. Here’s the stairs. Let’s go.” Donovan’s voice was flat.

Once our eyes adjusted to the inadequate lighting of the stairwell, we began to carefully navigate the treacherous planks. Parts of the railing had broken and fallen away, leaving holes that threatened to swallow anyone who came too near. We finally reached the fifth, and topmost floor. There was only one door in the entire hall, as though the fifth floor was all on e apartment. Two bare bulbs hung from the ceiling, casting an eerie glow along the corridor.

Donovan drew in a sharp breath and let it out slowly. I could hear voices shouting from beyond the closed door. Two stressed voices rang out above the others. Cautiously, we advanced toward the door. Donovan froze, unable to move. I nudged him, but he didn’t flinch.

I knocked on the door, knowing if I didn’t, we’d be standing there for all eternity.

A short woman with a few strands of silver in her shoulder length brown hair carefully opened the door and peered out at us. Her face was young, with lines of wisdom etched into it. Her exhausted eyes lit up when they rested on Donovan’s face.

Wordlessly, she pulled him inside the door. I stepped inside and shut the door behind me. The woman made Donovan sit on an old brown couch as she carefully examined his face, her nose to his.

“Donovan!” She whispered excitedly and started to cry, half laughing.

When I heard her cry, I recognized the voice that had often invaded my sleep at night. It had been a mother searching for her lost son.

I looked up and realized five pairs of eyes staring into the living room where Donovan sat. After observing the room, I realized that this apartment really did take up the entire fifth floor. And with so many bodies, it was easy to understand why. I leaned against the wall, holding Sid closer.

Moving On

Once the Grisanti’s had thoroughly scrutinized their copy of Matt’s file, they were convinced he was their missing child. Though Elaine extolled me for bringing Grace and Matt home, it was clear the Grisanti’s still felt uneasy in my presence. Their discomfort could’ve resulted from doubts about my motives for returning their son. Or it could’ve been the sight of my uncovered face. How was I to know? The only person whose thoughts I could actually “read” was Ryan. I could only pick up on the general feelings of others.

While Elaine served coffee, I sat next to Donovan on the couch. Sid slept contentedly in my arms. Mr. Grisanti’s yes lingered over the copies of the “Missing” notices that had been in Matt’s file before he looked at me with his piercing gaze and spoke.

“I suppose you’re looking for the reward we posted?”

“Reward?” I glanced at Donovan. He shrugged so slightly I almost missed it. “We didn’t come here for monetary gain.”

“Money drives everyone. Why else would a couple of kids like you suddenly show up with our son? And proof, no less?” His question was directed at both of us, but it was me he continued to stare down.

Something rose up inside of me. Rage slowly simmered inside my chest. The familiar voice of revulsion stroked my ego, telling me to make him regret his remark. I closed my eyes and shook it away.

“If you had any idea what it was like to live the way we did, you would never say that.” Grace said confidently. “If Zelda had bought their beliefs hook, line and sinker.... well, we’d probably still be there.”

“Either way, you’d have to take it up with my boss. The only reason we even kept posting those bulletins was because our employer paid for it.” He grumbled.

“Really?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Elaine nodded. “That’s right. They even offered the rewards. The guy who started the company had his own children kidnapped when they were infants, so he helps out people with similar situations.”

“You both work for the same person?” It was the first time Donovan had opened his mouth since walking through the door.

“Yes,” both Elaine and the Grisanti’s nodded.

“Isn’t that interesting.”

Donovan sat back on the couch, stroking his chin in thought. He was trying to drive at something, but what? I looked sideways at him, but his look plainly told me to ask later. I shifted

Sid to me other knee and stretched my leg. It had begun to cramp.

“I think it’s time we moved on,” I whispered to Donovan.

“Before Jimmy and Ryan get themselves into anything serious.” He agreed.

We said good -bye and headed toward the front door. Donovan went outside, but before I even managed a toe over the threshold, Grace grabbed my arm.

“Please, Zelda. Can’t you stay?” She whispered earnestly.

I smiled and hugged her close with my free arm, the other arm cradling a half asleep Sid. “You know I can’t. But I’ll be back, I promise. ”

“You swear?” She asked.

“Every damn day!” I grinned.

“She playfully hit me in one arm. “That was lame, Zel.”

“Yeah, yeah. No one ever said I was a comedian. Look at it this way, you’ll always have Matt to talk to.”

“You’re right.” Grace’s dark cheeks grew darker.

I winked at her. “Take care, Grace. I’ll be around.”

“You too, Zel.”

I walked out the door without looking over my shoulder. This had been my whole purpose to begin with, right? Of course, I told myself. But why did I feel so empty inside?

I climbed into the passenger side of the truck and glimpsed in the back. There was no sign of Jimmy or Ryan.

“Where do you suppose those two went off to?” I asked Donovan.

He gave rolled his eyes at me. “Who knows.”

My sneakers thudded hard against the scorched city pavement. Overhead, the sky was black, with wisps of gray clouds. Rain streaked down the sides of my face, temporarily blinding me. My heart was quickly outpacing my feet.

I stopped for a moment to catch my breath and push my hair out of my face. Leaning against a crumbling building, I tried to recall how long I’d been running.

“Zelda,” the voice whispered.

“Not again!” I moaned.

I was so tired of running. Footsteps sounded behind me. I looked back while running forward, but failed to see anything.

“Whoa!”

I slid to a halt just before I ran off the side of a cliff. Below were hundreds of sharp iron spikes, waiting to impale someone. Something was sitting precariously in the vast sea of spikes, but I was unable to make out exactly what it was.

“Zelda.”

I turned around to face my nemesis.

“You!” I whispered.

“It’s too late.” He smiled darkly. “You’re too late.”

“For what?”

“Look down.”

I fixed my gaze on the object amidst the spiked valley. The longer I stared, the clearer it became.

It was a coffin. The lid flew open. In it lay Donovan, eyes closed, face expressionless.

“No!” I shrieked.

“It’s your turn.” He tried hard to push me, but I ducked.

I wasn’t fast enough in avoiding his second attempt. His fist caught the side of my head and I began to plummet over the side of the cliff, toward the coffin. I screamed the whole way down.

****************

Just as I felt the sharp tip of iron slide effortlessly through my paper skin, I sat up and caught my breath. Sweat had begun to trickle it’s way down my forehead and into my eyes. Grace grabbed my shoulder.

“Are you okay, Zelda?” Her deep eyes penetrated my own. Her concern wrapped itself around me like a warm blanket on a cold night. Relief coursed through my body as I heard Donovan curse at the map.

“Fine,” I whispered. “Everything’s fine.”

“You don’t look too convinced,” Matt replied.

“Ah, leave her be. Besides, if she was lying, I would know it.” Ryan tried to satisfy Matt, but he looked worried as well.

“We’re only about two streets away from our first destination. Are you ready Grace?” Jimmy turned to look at her from the front seat.

Grace drew in a deep breath before exhaling. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Then she broke into a grin. “Do you really think my parents are expecting to see me?”

“Probably not, but I think they’ll be happy just the same,” I smiled. I hope they are, I thought silently.

Ryan stared at me.

“Not a word to the contrary,” I wordlessly muttered to him. He nodded.

Jimmy pulled the truck to a stop. “Well, here we are. So who’s going in?”

“Obviously, Grace. But I think I should go with her to explain. They may be happy, but I bet they’ll be skeptical about the sudden return.” I sighed.

No one argued.

The yard was impeccably kept. A small pond sat comfortably in the center of the yard while a small flower bed ran alongside the house. A tidy picket fence separated it from it’s neighbors. The house itself was painted blue with white shutters. A car sat in the driveway, an indication that someone was at home. I let Grace ring the doorbell.

A tall, slim woman with skin the color of smooth milk chocolate answered the door. Her eyes were large and almond shaped, just like Grace’s eyes. Her dark hair was styled elegantly around her face and her emerald green dress swished gently as she moved. She smiled upon seeing Grace.

“Can I help you ladies with something?” Her voice was like rich amber.

Grace opened her mouth, but nothing came out. I grabbed her hand and squeezed. She squeezed back harder.

“About twelve years ago, you had a daughter. And she was kidnapped, correct?” I asked. I figured it was best to get straight to the point.

The woman suddenly looked troubled. “How did you? But.. I’m sorry, but I have to go,” she sputtered and began to shut the door.