Chapter 45

The next two days seemed to last forever.  There were no more notes from the nurse and the police were coming up empty.  It seemed the woman had just disappeared into thin air....and taken the baby with her.

The mood of the house varied between morose and an almost desperate happiness as they tried to put on a good show for the kids, especially with Christmas fast approaching. As much as Tori tried, she just couldn’t seem to summon up any enthusiasm for the holiday. While it was understandable, she knew it wasn’t fair to the kids.

“Come on T-Mom, no time to sit.” Ava breezed into the living room, her hands full of grocery bags. “We’ve got to get the Christmas baking done.” She held up a hand to forestall any protest. “No excuses. Rosa’s got your recipes out, the grandmothers and Aunt Dot are going to help. We’ll have it done in no time.” She eyed her stepmother with an understanding gaze that belied her years. “Besides, you’ll be glad to have it done when Zachary gets home and you don’t have the time anymore.”

Appreciative of Ava’s faith and knowing she was beaten, Tori did the only thing she could do: gave in gracefully. She stood and led the way to the kitchen. Behind her back, Richie gave his eldest a grateful thumbs up.

“Oh angel, since you’re baking......”

“I know, I know.” She was only surprised he hadn’t asked sooner. They’d run out the day before.

“Cookies please!” The words came from every male throat in the house, from age three to eight-three.

The women shook their heads and rolled their eyes.

It turned out that an afternoon of tasks to keep her hands occupied and female companionship to keep her mind occupied was just the distraction Tori needed to help her get through the day.

The next morning the private investigator came by with a folder in his hand. He set it on the coffee table in front of him, but left closed while he looked first at Tori, then Richie. “Does the name Jasmine Yamoda mean anything to you?”

Richie frowned in thought. “No. Should it?”

“Her name came up in response to the message Matt posted on the fan club website.  Apparently she’s a very....devoted...fan from Japan. She’s told people she’s actually met you.” He glanced at Tori. “Both of you actually, as well as the rest of the band, and Dorothea.”

Tori’s eyes widened as a memory surfaced. “That crazy bitch? Did she take our son?” Jumping to her feet she started to pace the room. “I should have taken her out when she told me she was out to take Richie away from me.”

“Oh her!” Dorothea exclaimed. “I knew she was delusional, but I thought it was just a harmless fantasy.”

“Wait.” Richie was confused. “So you two do know her?”

“So do you.” His wife assured him.

“I do?”

“Mmmhmm. She was the one who gave you the idea of buying the condo in Philly....indirectly. She was also the cause of our first real major fight. It was after your dealings with her that you asked me to move in with you.”

“Aaah.” Richie nodded. “Now I remember.”

“I don’t.” Jon frowned.

“It was...what...five years ago? She showed up at the after parties in Japan and Australia.” Richie explained.

“And after the show in Philly on your birthday.” Dorothea added.

“Oh! I remember that!” David looked at his band mates. “That was the night Bela and Dot looked like they were going to tag team that chick. The night Bela went into tough guy bodyguard mode and only the fans she allowed got to get near Chuck.”

“Oh yeah.” Jon nodded. “I remember now.” He turned to Mike. “What did you find out?”

Having been engrossed in their stories, it took Mike a minute to gather his thoughts. “Um. Well, several people mentioned having been friends with her – at least online. Most of them had ended that when they realized that her talk of marrying Richie wasn’t just a fan’s wishful thinking.” He glanced at Richie and Jon, his lips twisting wryly. “Luckily for you, most of your fans may have fantasies with you as the central figure, but they realize that it’s not reality.”

“Thank God for small mercies.” Jon commented dryly.

“Anyway, we found a couple people who stayed in contact with her. She’s been hinting for the last six months that there were big changes coming in her life, that all her dreams were about to come true.”

Tori snorted. Richie reached out and tugged her down onto his lap. Holding her close, he rubbed her back with one hand.

“We got an address from them,” Mike continued, “but she’d moved. The girls promised to try and contact her and see if they can find out where she is. And now that we have her real name, it should be easier to find her.” He glanced at Richie. “She keeps saying in the notes that she’s waiting for you to join them. Like you would know where they are. Do you remember anything she said to you that would give you any clue to her hiding spot?”

Richie thought for a few minutes, but finally had to shake his head. “Nothing. I honestly don’t remember what we even talked about. She was just a fan I talked to for a few minutes.”

“Are we sure it’s her though?” Bill asked. “I mean, we don’t want to be going off on a wild goose chase.”

Mike nodded. “Pretty sure.” He pulled two photographs from the folder. “The fans sent some pictures they had of Jasmine.” Holding it up for them all to see, he raised a brow at Tori and Richie.

“That’s her.” Tori confirmed.

 “But is it the nurse?” John Sr. frowned. “I thought you said the nurse was blonde. That girl is dark.”

“We did a little photo shopping on this.” Mike explained. “Gave her blonde hair, rounded her eyes a little...and came up with this.” He held up the other picture.

Tori studied it for a long moment before nodding. “That’s her.”

“Are you sure?” Her mother asked.

“Trust me Mom. That is one face I will never forget.”

“Are you going to share this with the police?” Jon questioned his friend.

Mike hesitated, glancing at Tori and Richie. “What do you think?”

“Tell them.” Was Tori’s opinion. “The more people we have looking, the better.” She paused. “But when you find her, and get my baby back......the bitch is mine.”

“I understand how you feel sweetheart, but don’t do anything rash that’s going to get you into trouble.” Bill warned her.

“Do you really think there’s a jury in this country that would blame me for inflicting a little pain on the women who stole my baby?”

“Just don’t kill her.” Jon advised. “There’s too much media attention to the abduction to be able to dispose of the body quietly.”

While the rest of the gathered family laughed, Jon met his sister’s gaze and merely smiled slightly.

“Okay, so I’ll go fill in the cops and see where we’re at. I’ll keep you updated.” Mike gathered up the photos and his folder.

Richie slid Tori off his lap so that he could stand and walk the investigator to the door.  Reaching out, he shook his hand. “Thanks man, for everything.”

“No problem. We’re close Richie. We’ll find him.”

“So what now?” Karin asked after Tori had finished bringing her up to speed.

“Well, between the police and Mike’s people, they’re searching L.A. and the surrounding area for any sign of Jasmine.” Tori shook her head. “I still can’t believe it was her.”

“You didn’t recognize anything about her? She didn’t give any indication that she’d met you before?”

“I thought there was something vaguely familiar about her, but not enough to twig my memory. And she never gave anything away other than that she was obviously a fan of Richie’s. For a nutjob, she’s a smart one.”

“And how are you holding up?”

“You mean after Richie and I blew up at each other?” Tori asked dryly. “Or are you going to try and convince me that Shirley didn’t tell you all about that?”

“What would be the point? Of course he did. Tori, we’re all worried about you. Both of you. I can’t imagine what you must be going through.” Tears choked her to silence.

“I know. And we appreciate everyone’s support and concern. We’re.....okay. Better now actually, after the guilt squad forced a time out on us.” Tori sighed. “I didn’t mean to lock Richie out. I shouldn’t have done that.  I just wish people understood why I’m holding everything in so tightly.”

“Your emotions are strong and will overwhelm you if you let them loose. That won’t help anyone, least of all the two small children you have there that need you.”

“Thank you! Now will you explain it to your husband?” 

“I’ve tried. Not sure he totally gets it though. Is he giving you a hard time? Do I have to have another talk with him?”

“No. In fact he’s treating me like I’m made of glass and the wrong word will make me shatter. They all are –well, except Jon. It’s driving me nuts! And these people are related to me! You’d think they’d know how to deal with me by now!” Tori growled in frustration.

“What’s Jon doing?”

“He watches me, but basically leaves me alone. He and Shirley spend most of their time keeping Richie occupied....and playing with the kids. I don’t know if anything they’re writing is any good, but it keeps him busy and out of trouble.”

“Has there been any more....trouble?”

“Not that I’m aware of. And I think he’d think twice before picking up a bottle again. I made my opinion on the subject very clear.”

“I’d say you did. Did the wall get damaged?”

“No, just the glass – which I made Richie clean up by the way.”

“Have you heard from Tico?”

“Yeah. He calls every day. Says he’ll come if we need him, but figures we have a houseful right now – which is true.”

“Well, I’m sure it won’t be for much longer. They’ll find Zack and bring him home and life will calm down for a bit for you.”

“I hope you’re right.” The sound of a young baby crying made Tori’s chest tighten. “Sounds like Josh is hungry.”

“Yeah. I’d better go feed him. I’ll talk to you later.” Karin paused. “At the risk of quoting our other halves, keep the faith Tori. They’ll find him.”

“Thanks. I’m trying. Talk to you later.”

Chapter 44

Tori scanned the area surrounding the bar as she entered the room and slowly approached. When she reached them, she halted in front of her husband and searched his face. One sable brow rose in silent inquiry.

His response was a defiant lifting of his glass to take another swallow, ignoring the narrowing of her eyes.

When he set the glass down, Tori picked it up. One glance warned David to get out of the way. He’d barely obeyed the silent message before she turned and hurled the cut crystal against the wall where it smashed, shards and liquor raining down like the tears she refused to shed.

The sparks shooting through the dark shadows in her sapphire eyes had even Jon holding his breath as she turned back to her husband. One slender hand lifted to point an accusing finger at him. “No! You don’t get to fall apart on me now! I have two small children to care for and another to find. I don’t have time to deal with....this.”  Her wave encompassed the bar. “So if you’ve decided you’d rather drown your emotions and escape into a bottle than help me, then you might as well go on upstairs, pack a bag and get the hell out. If you’re not going to be a participating member of this family, we don’t need you.”

“At least I admit I’ve got feelings instead of bottling it all up inside and acting like it’s not affecting me!” Richie shot back. “For Christ sake Tori! Our child has been taken and you’re acting like it’s no big deal!  I knew you didn’t want another child, but Jesus!” At the horrified look on her face, he closed his eyes and bit his tongue.

“How dare you??!!” She was starting to shake and the glint in her eyes warned anyone close enough to see that all hell was about to break loose. “If it wasn’t for your psycho fan...”

“STOP IT! Both of you!” Helen stepped in to cut her daughter off before she got going.  The sound of breaking glass had brought the rest of the family to see what was happening – but they were prepared for what they found. “What is the matter with you two? You should be supporting each other not blaming each other! This is what she wants. She’s trying to come between you – and you’re letting her. Victoria, this is exactly what I was trying to warn you about.” She turned to Richie. “And you need to stop letting her have her way so easily all the time! Make her treat you as an equal. Stop letting her walk all over you, or worse – ignore you.”

Joan moved up to stand beside Helen. “You two need to talk this out. I would have thought that you two of all people would understand the importance of communication. Especially in the hard times. You’ve done so well. Don’t backtrack now.”

The two mothers looked at each other and nodded decisively.

“Okay, everyone leave the room – except you two.” Helen waved her hand at the crowd.

“You two will stay here until you’ve talked this out.” Joan explained. Following everyone, she hesitated at the door. “Remember how much you love each other and your family. Talk, but also remember to listen.”

The door closed quietly behind her, leaving Tori and Richie alone in the room.

“Why do I feel like a reprimanded child that’s been sent to my room for a time out?” Tori eyed the closed door ruefully.

Richie chuckled. “Do you want something to drink?”

Realizing that for the first time in two years she could without anyone else being affected, she smiled. “Do we have any wine?”

He snorted and pulled a bottle from the fridge. “Jon’s here, what do you think?” Pouring her a glass, he grabbed a Diet Coke for himself and motioned her towards the large couch in front of the T.V. “Let’s sit down.”

When she was settled, he handed her the wine and sat beside her. He raked a hand through his hair and sighed. “The guilt squad did have a point though.”

It was Tori’s turn to sigh. “I know.” She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the couch.

“I’m sorry. I never should have said you weren’t upset about Zachary being taken because you really didn’t want another baby. That was cruel and unfair, and I’m sorry.”

“And I’m sorry I haven’t shown my emotions – at least to you.”

“Why haven’t you?” That’s what bothered him the most. “Why did you lock me out?” Because she knows it was your fault.

She had to take a fortifying swallow before she could admit it. “Because I was afraid that once I opened that door....the flood would overwhelm me and I’d never get it under control again.” She grimaced. “And you know how I feel about losing control. And me falling apart isn’t going to help anyone.”

“And is that your only reason?” He raised the can to his lips but was afraid the lump in his throat wouldn’t allow him to swallow and lowered it again.

Tori frowned at him. “Of course. What other reason do you think?” She watched his index finger trace the pattern on the can and grew more concerned. She knew the signs. He was.....anxious.... about something. “Richie?”

Once again long fingers slid roughly through dark hair. He grimaced. “It’s my fault. Our baby was taken because of me.”

“No he wasn’t.”

But Richie wasn’t listening. “Because of what I am....what I do.”

“Richie stop it. It’s not your fault.” Tears filled her eyes.

“The people I care about the most – my family – are being made to suffer because of me.”

“Richie! It’s not your fault!”

“No? Whose fault it is then?”

The room was silent for a long moment. “Mine.”

Her voice was so soft he almost didn’t hear her. “What? How do you figure that?”

“I’m the one who left him alone with her. If I hadn’t done that....if I’d just waited for you to come to get us........he’d be here with us now.” The tears spilled over and she started to tremble. “You were right when you said I didn’t really want another baby....at first. But I swear it was only for a moment. I wanted that baby. I did! I do! But I’m being punished for wishing him away at first.” Silent tears turned into sobs. “And then I pushed you into having a vasectomy, so if worse comes to worst and we can’t find him, we...can’t.....even....have....another.....one!”

“Oh angel!” He set aside their drinks and took her into his arms, urging her onto his lap. Cradling her against his chest, he stroked her hair, lips pressing kisses to her hair and temple. The sobs wracking her body broke his heart and brought tears to his eyes. He held her close, rocking her gently while she let it all out. “Sssh baby. You didn’t push me into anything. I agreed to it. None of this is your fault. She’s a nurse. She convinced the hospital she was trustworthy. Why would you question that? She’s a psychotic bitch, but she’s clever. But we’ll find her and we’ll get him back.”

“Promise?” She sniffed and wiped her face on his already soaked shirt.

The fear and devastation in her normally strong, confident voice as she made a child’s plea to tell her everything would be alright did him in. “Angel look at me.” A knuckle under her chin lifted her face towards him. He had to find a way to erase – or at least ease – the guilt and sadness he saw there. He pressed a soft kiss to her trembling lips. “I promise.”

Neither one knew if it was a promise he could keep, but she needed to hear the words and they both needed to believe them.

“I feel so damn helpless!” Tori sniffled and laid her head back on his chest.

Richie snorted and squeezed her tighter. “Tell me about it.”

They sat quietly together, words no longer necessary.

The sounds of raised adult voices, barking dog and kids shrieking roused them awhile later.  

“Who do you suppose is terrorizing who?” Tori wondered, but didn’t move from her comfortable position.

“Normally I’d say the kids were doing the terrorizing, but with this group.....it’s definitely your brothers.”

“Should we go referee?”

“Naw, the mothers can handle it.” Richie assured her.

“Anthony! Put her down! You’re going to make her sick!” Carol’s voice could be heard above the din.

“See?”

“Good.” Tori sighed and snuggled even closer. “I don’t want to move just yet.”

“Me either.” Resting his cheek on the top of her head, he closed his eyes.

Chapter 43

The next morning brought the private investigator to the house to update them on what he’d found so far. Jon did the introductions.

Shaking Tori’s hand, Mike couldn’t help but smile. “So you’re Tori.”

“Nice to finally meet you Mike. I hope I can count on you to do as thorough a job for me as you did on me.” At her family’s confused look, she explained. “Jon had Mike check me out back when we first met.”

“He did? Why?” Jim bristled.

Tori waved off his anger. “Don’t worry about it. Richie punched him when he found out.”

“He did?” Michael eyed his brother-in-law with new appreciation.

Jon grimaced, rubbed his jaw....and changed the subject. “What have you found Mike?”

“Well, for starters, Janice Green didn’t exist five years ago.”

“What?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, that prior to her applying to UCLA’s nursing school, there is no record of her ever existing. No driver’s licence, no employment records, no school records, no record of her birth.”

“But...how can that be?  She would have had to show her transcript to get accepted wouldn’t she?” Dorothea frowned.

“From what I can tell, she forged it. The school named has never heard of her. And the rental agreements I found are old. She no longer lives there. Even her bank information only lists a post office box.”

Tori stood and wandered across the room to stand staring out at the backyard, deep in thought while the conversation whirled around her.

“And you’ve checked everywhere?” Jon wasn’t questioning Mike’s ability to do his job, he just wanted to hear that they weren’t missing something obvious.

“All fifty-two states and I’m starting internationally.” Mike hesitated, then shrugged, his gesture evidence enough of his opinion that their chances of finding anything down that route were slim, especially when they didn’t even have her real name to go on.

“So...what do we do now?” John asked the question everyone in the room was pondering.

“The police are tracking down anyone who had contact with her in and outside of the hospital. I have contacts combing the city. The good news is that California has basically been locked down. It will be very difficult for her to get out. I think she’s still in the L.A. area. Someone out there knows who this woman is. It’s only a matter of time until we find her.”

Tori turned and scanned the room, her gaze coming to rest on Matt. “Put it on Backstage.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Matt cautioned her. “Do you really want to involve the fans in this?”

“Since we can be sure that they already know about it, we might as well take advantage of it. It’s obvious that she’s a fan, and I’m betting not a casual one, which means she probably is or has been a member of the fan club.  Like Mike said, someone out there knows her.” Meeting the uncertain looks directed at her, she persisted. “They’ll help if we ask.”

“That’s actually not a bad idea.” Mike added.

“This chick may be a few bricks short of a load, but do you really think she’s crazy enough to talk about kidnapping a baby on a public forum?” Tony didn’t think so.

Neither did Matt. “No way. I would have heard about it. We monitor those boards pretty closely.”

“Of course she wouldn’t come right out and say it there.” Tori agreed. “But she may have said something in e-mails to people she met there, that hinted that her love for Richie went a little over the line of sanity into delusion.”

“A little?” Jim snorted.

“You think she might have confided in someone she met on the boards?” David frowned.

Tori shrugged. “It’s possible. A lot of friendships have formed from those boards.” Her lips twisted wryly. “Trust me. I know.”

“Been there, done that?” Richie guessed with a smile.

She nodded, then her expression sobered and she reached out to grip his forearm. “I want my son back. And I will use whatever means I have to, to make that happen.”

When she put it that way there was only one answer. “Post it. At this point, what can it hurt? And maybe we’ll get lucky.”

The rest of the morning was spent debating what the post should say. The biggest question was whether or not to include the picture of the nurse.

“It’s already out there.” Jim argued. “Even if they haven’t seen someone making crazy talk about Richie, they may recognize her face.”

“I’d leave it out for now.” Mike advised. “Let’s see what we can learn without it first. We can always add it later.”

They bowed to the wisdom of the professional.

It was after lunch and after the kids went down for their nap that a courier arrived with the next message from ‘Janice’.

Richie,

Your son and I are waiting for you, longing for you. Come join us. Make us the family that you deserve. All you have to do is take that first step. Don’t stay stuck in a loveless marriage. We can make your life complete.

J.

As the words sank in – words he’d read before, in the same handwriting, realization hit and Richie paled.

“Richie? Are you okay?” Dot noticed his reaction. “What is it?”

He closed his eyes and fought to swallow the bile that had risen into his mouth. Idiot!! How could you be so fucking stupid?! Thinking it was some dating service or promotion for a movie or something. Pfft!  Opening his eyes, his gaze fell on his wife. And how to I tell her that I might have been able to prevent our son being taken?

“Richie?” Tori didn’t know what scared her more, his reaction to the note or the fact that she couldn’t read the expression on his face.

Wiping a hand over his face, Richie sighed. “You’d better call the police. I’ll be right back.”

They watched in silence as he left the room in the direction of the garage.

“What’s that all about?” Joan asked Tori.

“I don’t know.”

He returned clutching several pieces of paper, sat down and blew out a breath. “When the note came yesterday, I thought the writing looked kind of familiar, but I couldn’t place it.”

They watched with a mixture of concern, curiosity and confusion as he spread the papers out and sat back.

“What are these?” Tori questioned as she read the short missives. “They look like fliers.”

“That’s what I thought they were too. I found them on my car when I was out running errands over the last few months.”

As the pages were passed around the room, Richie eyed his wife warily. “Angel.....I’m sorry.”

Tori nodded and patted his leg. “Obviously she’s been planning this for awhile, and she’s been clever about it.”

After the police came and went, Tori went upstairs to check on the kids. Richie also disappeared so Jon and David went looking and found him in the room Tori dubbed ‘the Man Cave’.  It had a large screen T.V. pool table, comfortable furniture, gas fireplace and a wet bar.

Richie was behind the bar surveying his stock, a glass on the counter top behind him. Turning with the bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand, he noticed he had company and pulled out two more glasses. He waved the bottle. “This do for you guys?”

“What are you doing Rich?”

“Having a drink. What’s it look like I’m doing?”

“You don’t want to do that man.” David argued.

“Now there you’re wrong Shirley. I definitely do.” He lifted the lid on the ice bucket and dropped two cubes into each glass.

“You don’t mean that.”

“Don’t I? Tell me Jon, what would you do in my position? What would you do if some whackjob fan took Romeo and all you could do was sit around, waiting and hoping and praying that someone somewhere somehow will find him?”

“I’d get rip roaring drunk.” Jon admitted.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” A twist of his wrist opened the bottle and he filled the glasses. Sliding two across the bar to his friends, he lifted the remaining one in toast. “To oblivion.”

“Come on man.” David cast about for a reason to stop his friend from taking that first step on the slippery slope. “How do you think Bela will react when she finds out?”

Richie snorted and brought the glass to his lips to take a healthy swallow. “In order to react, you have to have feelings. My wife’s ability to feel is on hold these days...or haven’t you noticed?”

His judgement in that area was about to be put to the test. Tori stood in the doorway.

Chapter 42

The next day started with the arrival of the support team Jon had called in: Bill and Helen, Carol and John, Joan, Matt, Jim, Michael.....and David. The wives had stayed at home with the kids, but would come if they were needed.

“Shirley! What are you doing here?” Tori hugged him. “You should be home with your family.”

“Karin sent me. I have instructions to do whatever you need me to do.” He kissed her cheek, leaned back and caught her gaze, his expression as serious as she’d ever seen it. “And I mean that Bela. Whatever you need.”

“Thanks.” She squeezed his hand.

Helen studied her daughter’s pale face, noting the dark circles under the sapphire eyes that matched the shadows in them . “Honey, I know you’re worried and upset, but you have to take care of yourself. You’re barely home from the hospital. You want to be strong and healthy when he comes home and needs you.”

“Yes Mom, I know.”

“That goes for you too.” Joan pointed a finger at her son.

“Yes Ma.”

“Nana! Gramma Helen! Grampa Bill! Gramma Caro! Grampa John!” Stevie ran into the lobby and looked around with wide eyes. “Whoa! Eveybody here!”

Bill scooped his grandson up in his arms. “Hey Peanut! How are you?”

“I good.”

They heard a screech, then Taffy came running through, Elmo in her mouth.

“What was that?” Jim asked.

“That was Lauren yelling at Taffy for taking her Elmo. Again. Watch, she’ll come after her.”

Sure enough, the toddler appeared searching for the puppy and her toy.

“Hi Sweetpea.” John picked her up. “Did the bad doggy take your Elmo?”

Lauren nodded and looked around, but couldn’t see her nemesis. Her bottom lip came out in a pout and started to quiver, making the family members around her go into distraction mode to keep her from erupting.

Tori shook her head at her daughter’s behaviour. “Let’s go sit down.”

Everyone had barely gotten settled with coffee or tea, when the gate buzzer rang. Richie went to answer it and met the messenger at the door. Taking the envelope, he returned to the living room.

“Who was it?” Tori asked.

“A messenger. He brought this.” He waved the envelope.

Sitting beside his wife, he slid a finger under the flap and opened it. A look inside revealed a single sheet of paper wrapped around a flash drive. He frowned. “Do we have any gloves?”

“I think Cathy has some rubber one she uses for cleaning sometimes.” Tori started to stand, but Dorothea waved her back to her seat.

“I’ll ask her.” She returned a few minutes later and handed him a pair. “They’re brand new.”

“Thanks.” Assured that he wouldn’t accidently destroy any potential evidence, Richie carefully removed the items and opened the sheet of paper setting aside the flash drive. He held the paper so that Tori could see it too as he read it out loud.

Richie,

Don’t worry, the baby’s fine. He didn’t want the formula and bottle at first, but he’s accepted it now and is eating like a little piglet. Come to us soon so we can be the family we were always meant to be.

J.

Richie blew out a breath and turned his attention to the flash drive. “Angel, where’s your laptop?”

“In the office.”

“I’ll get it.” Matt, who was closest to the hallway, offered.

When he returned with it, Richie inserted the flash drive and opened it. Seeing that it was a video, he set it to play on the T.V. so that they could all see it.

The video showed a sleeping Zachary, his mouth twitching in a sucking motion as babies often do, The Answer was playing in the background. After a few moments, a woman began to speak.

“He’s such a beautiful, precious little boy. I’m so blessed to have him in my life.” Her face came into view beside the baby’s. “All that’s missing is Daddy. Come home to us soon.”

As the screen went black, the silence in the room was deafening. Then the outbursts started.

“Whackjob!”

“She’s nuts!”

“Who the hell is she?”

Helen tried to put a positive spin on it. “At least you know she’s taking care of him.”

Tori sighed and looked at Richie. “You’d better call the police.”

Jon stood and started fiddling with the laptop.

“What are you doing?” Tori frowned.

“Making copies and sending one to Mike.” He glanced around the room. “A private investigator friend of mine who’s working the case.”

David frowned. “Does anyone else think she looks kinda familiar?”

“Yeah.” Jon agreed. “Obviously she’s a fan. I think we must have seen her at a few shows.”

“Maybe.” Richie acknowledged the possibility, but there was something about the handwriting on the note that teased his memory. He was almost positive he’d seen it before, but couldn’t for the life of him figure out where. Shaking his head, he picked up the phone to call the detective heading up the investigation. While he was explaining what they’d received, he watched Tori stand and leave the room.

She returned wearing her coat and carrying the kids’ jackets– and Taffy’s ball. “Come on Taffy, let’s go outside and get some fresh air.”

“Me too Mama?” Stevie gave his mother a three year old’s version of his father’s hopeful, puppy dog look.

Tori smiled. “Yes, you can come too. But put your coat on. It’s cool out today.”

Naturally, Lauren wasn’t about to be left behind, so in short order Tori, two kids and a dog exited out the patio door to toss the ball around the back yard.

Richie hung up the phone and watched his family playing in the sun. Feeling eyes on him, he looked around the room. Apparently, all eyes were on him. “What?”

“Is she talking yet?” Dorothea asked.

He shook his head. “Not really.”

“You should go talk to her Richard.”

“And say what Ma? ‘I’m sorry my job got our child kidnapped’?”

“That’s not what happened!”

“Isn’t it? You saw the video. One of my fans is a few fries short of a happy meal and has delusions of creating a family with me.....and took our child to try and make that happen.” He shrugged. “There’s nothing I can say to Tori to magically bring him home. And that’s the only thing that will make her feel better.”

No one could argue with that.

After lunch Tori took the kids upstairs to put them down for a nap. When she didn’t return right away, Helen went looking for her. A buzzing noise led her to the empty nursery where she found Tori sitting in the rocking chair with a breast pump -  she was determined to be ready to provide her son with everything he would need when he came home.

“Don’t lock everyone out Tori, they’re all here to help and support you.”

“I know that and I appreciate it. I’m not blocking anyone out.”

“You’re not opening up to anyone either. You’re barely talking.”

Tori snorted. “Gee Mom, I’m sorry if I’m not in a real chatty mood.”

“I know you’re hurting, but don’t take it out on me.”

“Sorry.” She switched the pump to the other side. “You heard all the conversation down there. What else is there to say?”

“Is that your attitude with Richie too?”

Tori sighed. “What are you getting at Mom?”

“Have you at least talked to your husband about how you feel?”

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how I feel. I’m sure everyone in this house has some idea.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. Have you and Richie talked about it?”

After a brief hesitation, Tori grudgingly answered. “No.”

“Why not?”

“What would be the point? We each know how the other feels. We both feel the same thing.”

“Tori...”

“Mom, me falling apart won’t help anyone! It won’t bring my son back and will only make Richie – and everyone else feel worse. I’ve got two young children that need me to be strong and available for them. I don’t have the luxury of indulging in my feelings!”

“And what about Richie’s feelings? Did you ever think that maybe he needs to talk to you? Ignore your feelings if you must, but don’t ignore his. That’s not fair to him. He’s hurting too Tori, don’t forget that.”

Chapter 41

Don’t panic. Stay calm. Maybe Richie came back and has him. Tori rang her call bell, then paced the room and repeatedly looked out the door and down the hallway. The empty hallway.

A couple minutes later, Richie found her hovering in the doorway. “Ready to go?”

“Did you take the baby?” The empty car seat in his hand was answer enough, but she had to hold on to the faint string of hope.

“No, I left him here with you.”

The string broke.

“Angel, what’s going on?”

“She took him.”

“Who took him? What are you talking about?” His heart knew, but his mind refused to process it.

“The nurse. She took my baby.” Striding to the bed she rang the call bell again. Repeatedly. Insistently.

“Let’s not panic. Maybe she took him to get weighed before we left or something.” He didn’t really believe it, but he was trying to give her some hope. Richie didn’t wait for someone to answer the call bell. He rushed down to the nursing station.

Within seconds the hospital went into lockdown. Her room was quickly overflowing with hospital security, administration and medical staff.  After a complete search of the hospital came up empty, the police joined the group.

Both Tori and Richie recounted their movements of the last fifteen minutes and described the nurse. Multiple times. The charge nurse knew immediately who they were talking about and left to check her records. She returned a few minutes later.

“Janice Green. She clocked out early. Sick. Human Resources is pulling her records.”

“See. She took him.” Tori’s hands clenched into fists. “I knew it!”

Richie reached out to cover one small fist with his much larger hand. Feeling how cold her skin was, he added his other hand and began to chafe hers lightly. “We’ll get him back angel.”

She appreciated his faith, and could only pray that he was right.

“We’d like to put out an Amber Alert,” an officer suggested, “but we need a photo of the baby to best do that. I don’t suppose anyone took any?”

“On my phone.” Richie pulled it out and forwarded the pictures he’d taken.

The officer in charge flipped his notebook closed. “Alright. I think we’ve got everything we need from you right for right now. You might as well go on home. We’ll check the security camera footage and track down this Nurse Green and we’ll be in contact with you.”

Tori didn’t want to leave the place where she’d last seen her baby, but she knew there was nothing she could do there. Nodding, she stood and let Richie help her out to the Hummer.

It was a quiet, tense ride home. Tori sat, grim and silent, staring out the window, grief, anger and frustrating radiating off her in waves. Richie kept shooting glances her way, but he knew there was nothing he could say to make everything better, and had no idea what to say to give her hope, so he didn’t say anything at all.

Arriving at the house Richie helped his wife inside and braced himself for what was to come.

“Hey. We were beginning to think they weren’t going to let you out today.” Dorothea met them in the foyer. Once glimpse of their faces told her something was wrong. Very wrong. “Where’s the baby?”

Richie gestured towards the living room. “Let’s go sit down. Where’s Jon?”

“In the living room with the kids. Tony’s here too.”

Stevie spied them as soon as they entered the room. “Mama! Daddy!”

When he reached her, Tori bent to scoop her son into her arms.

“Ow! Too tight Mama. Too tight!”

“Sorry Peanut.” Tori eased her grip, but didn’t let him go. She took a seat on the couch, keeping Stevie on her lap. “Hi Tony.”

Richie sat beside her with Lauren. “Hey man.”

“Hi. So where’s my newest nephew?” He looked back and forth between them. “What’s wrong?”

Richie sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “He’s missing.”

“WHAT??!!” The word came at them from three different directions.

“What do you mean he’s missing?” Jon added.

“I went to get the car. Tori needed to use the bathroom, so the nurse told her she’d stay with the baby until she or I got back. When Tori came out, both the nurse and the baby were gone.”

Dorothea frowned. “But how would she get him out of the hospital? I mean, they’re usually so careful anymore about the babies being moved....anywhere.”

“That’s what the hospital and the police are trying to figure out.”

“They at least know who the nurse is, right?” Tony asked. “So they can track her down?”

“They’re doing that now. They’re going to let us know what they find.”

“So, in the mean time?” Jon eyed his sister.

“We wait.” Frustration flared in her eyes.

“Have you eaten lunch?” Dorothea went into practical, caretaking mode.

Tori shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

“I’m sure you’re not, but you need to eat. I’ll go see what Rosa has left.”

She returned a few minutes later with sandwiches, Rosa following with coffee for Richie and tea for Tori.

“Thanks.” Richie took a bite.

“Daddy?”

“Yes?”

“Where Zachry?”

“He’ll be home soon.” Richie set his sandwich down. It tasted like sawdust.

Tori picked at hers. It took her half an hour to eat half a sandwich.

Jon watched her for a few minutes, exchanged a glance with Tony, rose and left the room.

Noticing that Lauren had fallen asleep and Stevie was nodding, Tori stood, reached for Lauren and urged Stevie up. “Come on. I think it’s nap time.”

“You should try and get some rest too angel.” Richie urged softly. He wasn’t surprised when he didn’t get a response.

When Jon returned, he looked around the room, frowning when he noted his sister’s absence.

“She went to put the kids down for a nap.” Dorothea informed him.

Nodding, he sat and raked a hand through his hair. He sent a sympathetic look towards his wingman. “How are you guys holding up?”

Richie sighed and shrugged. “I think we’re still in shock.” He looked towards the doorway his wife disappeared through. “She’s not talking much and I’m not pushing her at this point.”

“I’ve called in reinforcements. Not sure who all will be coming, but support’s on its way.”

“Thanks. I just wish I knew what to do. I feel so fucking helpless!”

Dorothea moved to sit beside him and squeeze his shoulder. “We just have to have faith that the police will find him and bring him home.”

“I’m trying Dot. If they don’t.....I don’t know what it will do to her.” Or me.

Late afternoon, the door flew open and Ava ran in, tears running down her face. Richie had called Heather earlier to let them know.  She hugged first Tori then Richie. “Have they found him?” At the negative response, more tears flowed. “Why?  Why would she take him?”

“We don’t know Bean.” Richie stroked the blonde head. “But we’re going to get him back.”

A couple hours later, the police came to update them. Tori sat beside her husband, their hands clasped tightly together.

“We checked the address she gave to the hospital, but it was bogus. She’s never lived there.” The officer was apologetic. “We’re circulating both her picture and your son’s to all media outlets state wide asking for the public’s help, and the Amber Alert has been issued. The FBI has been alerted as well and are standing by if we need them.”

“How did she get him out of the hospital?” Jon asked.

“The security camera shows her leaving wearing a large, loose coat. We think she was hiding him underneath it. Probably in one of those sling things. They found the baby’s bracelet in a needle disposal container.” He paused. “And she was flirting with the security guard on her way out, so he didn’t follow the hospital’s security procedures. Needless to say, he’s now looking for a new career path.”  

“Have you found out anything about her? Why she would take him? Was it a random choice or specific to us?” Tori asked.

“We’re checking out her background, but don’t have anything useful yet.” The officer stood to leave. “I promise you, we’re doing everything we can to find your son.”

Richie rose and shook his hand. “Thank you.”

“We’ll keep you updated.”

When they were alone again, Tony voiced what they were all thinking. “So, what now? Do we just sit around and wait to see if they come up with anything?”

Tori looked at Jon. “Do you have that private eye friend?”

“Yes. Do you want me to call him?”

“Yes.”

“What are you thinking angel?”

“That the police will do the best they can, but there are limits to what they can do. Plus, they may not tell us everything they know, and I want to know who this bitch is and why she took my baby.” Her voice wasn’t emotional, just strong and determined.

“I’ll call him right now.”

When Richie went up to bed – to lay down, but probably not to sleep – he found the bedroom empty, even though Tori had gone up a half hour before him. He wandered down the hall until he found her in Stevie’s room, sitting in the rocking chair she’d pulled up next to the bed, Lauren asleep in her lap.

“Angel, you need to get some sleep.” He kept his voice quiet so as not to startle her or wake Lauren.

Tori shook her head. “I’m not leaving them.” Not ever again.

Understanding her fear, he searched for a solution. “Why don’t we put them in our bed?” Scooping up Stevie, he helped her stand and lead the way down to their room.

With the children safe between them, they were able to rest their bodies even if they didn’t really sleep much.