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"No. No. No. That wasn't Aria," Jackie cries. “It can’t be, Caleb.”
It's common knowledge about the kidnappings in the Chicago area. It doesn't take rocket science to piece all the pieces together. Even the dumbest person would figure it all out.
"There's more.” I take another deep breath. “Aria was raped and abused throughout her time in captivity. Multiple times."
Jackie sobs. Rick snaps out of his thoughts and tries to comfort his wife, but she's inconsolable. It's only understandable. No one wants to hear this about their only daughter.
"We've been back to the hospital for a check-up and they're happy with how everything is healing. However, Aria has had a big decision to make. One she hasn't taken lightly. One she's afraid of how you're both going to take."
"Just tell us, son. It can’t get any worse." Rick sounds defeated.
"Aria is now fourteen weeks pregnant. She decided earlier this week that she's keeping the baby."
Rick throws his glass flying across the dining room and Chris stands up to try and settle him. I stay with Jackie and hold her shaking hands until she calms down.
"My baby girl. This is some joke, right?”
I shake my head. “I wish it was, Jackie. I’ve had a week to come to terms with it, and it’s still eating me up inside. I…” I shake my head.
“We just thought she was out of range to talk or communicate with us. That was normal for her. She was always so busy helping in different countries. I need to see her, Caleb."
“This is the hard part. I know you want to see her, but she's not ready, Jackie. She's a mess. Right now, she's taking one step forward and two back. I want you to see her. I think she needs to know you won't treat her differently, but you know how stubborn she is. She has asked for time. "
Jackie shakes her head. "I'll give her today, because I need to be strong for my baby, but I'm coming by tomorrow. I need to be there for my baby girl, Caleb. She must know deep down that I won’t treat her any differently. I love her no matter what."
“The doctor said she just needs time and patience. We must be strong for her. I know it’s hard. I’ve struggled all week. I want to take her away from it all, wrap her in cotton wool, and just make everything okay. But it isn’t that easy. Each day I learn a little more, and I have to say, for everything she’s been through, she’s doing well.”
Jackie uses her scarf to wipe her eyes. She looks devastated. It would have probably been easier for me to walk in here and tell them Aria was dead.
"I have to ask you to keep away from the press. Please, can you keep the baby news to yourself? Our company is helping the police track this bastard down, but we're trying to keep any information away from places he'll see it. The less he knows, the better."
"I need to tell her brother, but I won't say anything to anyone else."
"Is Spencer home?" I look around the room, but apart from Jackie and Rick, the house seems quiet.
"He's in New Zealand until the end of the month. I'll get him home."
I nod. "I hate to leave so soon, but I really need to go. I've left Aria with Clay. She only feels safe with me and Clay, or he would have been here with me."
"Look after my girl, Caleb. I trust you to keep her safe."
"You have my word, Jackie." I stand up and wrap my arms around her. "I'll call you later to see how you are. Will Rick be okay?"
"I'll sort him out. Just you worry about catching that monster." She cries again. “Those girls that are dead, was that him?”
I nod. She closes her eyes and holds her breath for a few seconds. I see the relief wash over her as she realizes that I could’ve been here telling her a very different story.
“We’ll catch him,” I reassure her.
I squeeze her shoulder and find Rick sitting on the stairs with his head in his hands. Chris is sitting on the step in front of him.
"We really need to go, Rick. Are you going to be okay?" I ask him, bending down on my knees.
"What? Yeah. What are you doing to find him?"
"We have a full police force working around the clock. We've worked with Aria to get a description circulated. We're following leads, searching the area, and we won't rest until she gets justice."
I try my hardest to ensure Rick is reassured that we're doing everything possible, but he wouldn’t be a father if he didn’t have questions and concerns.
