Oh my! I’ve Googled Haley… she is so sweet. God, I hope you find her soon. She reminds me of my little sister, Charlotte. Yes, I have a little sister. She’s two years old, and she’s a big part of my story.
Not long after I moved in with my father and Samantha, they announced that they were expecting a baby. I wasn’t thrilled, to say the least. I knew this would destroy my mother. And sure enough, it did. She completely spiralled, and I needed to be there for her. I wasn’t really wanted at my dad’s anyway – all they could talk about was the new baby.
I tried to bring my mother back, but she wouldn’t let me help her. That’s when I met Christian, and I turned into my mother. I started drinking, and turned into a pothead, just to avoid my reality, and because Christian and his friends were doing it. Why not me?
When Charlotte was born, I fell in love with her. How can you not fall in love with a newborn baby? I was still living at my mother’s so I didn’t get to see Charlotte much, but I did babysit her sometimes.
It was just an ordinary Saturday, in October of last year, a gorgeous Indian summer day. I was babysitting her for the weekend. Apparently, Samantha really needed some time away. She and my dad had gone to a fancy resort for some R&R.
I was staying at my dad’s, and of course, I’d snuck in Christian and his buddies. We’d partied the Friday night, but I was careful to not drink too much.
The next morning, I had to take Charlotte to her Mommy & Me art class. I was hungover and feeling like hell, but I did it.
And that’s when the worst happened. It’s mind boggling how a single moment can change the course of your life forever. I’m sorry… I can’t tell you the rest of my story just yet. Soon…
Calista
From:Annabelle Jenkins
To: Calista Summers
Subject: Hi
Hi Calista,
I know what you mean. I can feel the heaviness in your words, and I know the story you are telling is dark, and probably very scary. I saw your little sister’s face that day at the café. I brushed your hand just lightly and I was able to read you briefly. I saw Christian, and both your parents, and little Charlotte. I was confused at the time. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing you as a child or someone else – your little sister looks a lot like you.
We are making some progress on Haley’s case. We interviewed both her parents, and I have a strong feeling her disappearance has to do with one of them. They’re both innocent, but this kidnapping was not random, not committed by a stranger. I can’t really explain how I know this. I just do. There’s a whole story I need to get to the bottom of, a rocky marriage, broken trust and infidelity.
I will keep you up to date, I promise.
Your friend,
Anna
I was dyingto know Calista’s story, but I understood how hard it must have been for her to share it. I would be patient, and be a good friend.
17
Simone finally got her way.
Following an hour in the Wi-Fi lounge, we ended up going to the posh restaurant at the hotel for dinner. We’d wanted pub food, but she’d insisted on a nice healthy meal.
When the server handed us the menus, Simone reminded us that we are what we eat, that our minds are much more exceptional when they are healthy. She was really starting to get on my nerves, and on everyone else’s too, I’m sure.
Simone was not in the best of moods, and it had to do with me. She was upset at me, and I knew this because… well, the whole mind-reading thing. Sometimes I really wish I were normal.
I felt horrible. I felt like a complete disappointment, like the time my mother asked me to clear the table at my grandma’s house, and I dropped one of the plates. It shattered to pieces (it was part of a set). It was also an antique, one of her most prized possessions. I sobbed as my grandma said to me, “It’s no big deal, darling. It’s just a plate. The important thing is that you’re not hurt.” I couldn’t stop crying because I knew she was lying. Sometimes, being a mind reader really sucks.
Everyone was super uptight, despite the fact that the restaurant was very soothing; modern chairs and décor, and crisp white linens with sky blue accents. If it had been a joyful occasion, I would have been happy to be there. Simone suggested the beef bourguignon, and although I’m not a huge fan of beef, I ordered it. The meat felt rubbery, and I forced myself to scarf it down. We talked about the case – it was an unofficial dinner meeting. Simone wrote down notes over dessert.
I barely uttered three words. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. I had messed up enough for the day. Kendra was convinced that Haley was still out there, and we all agreed. Brianna didn’t have much to add, nor did Ace. Ace mentioned that the subconscious memories he was able to bring forth from Jenna hadn’t provided any additional useful information. He hadn’t had the chance to do a session with Mr. Henderson because… of me.
I was excited to share my findings, to prove that I wasn’t a complete waste, that she hadn’t made a mistake taking me on at RAMS. But I just couldn’t find the courage to speak up, and Leo beat me to the punch.
He talked about another man in Mrs. Henderson’s life. A mysterious, dark man. Apparently, he had seen him, too. But he had also seen something else… Apparently, this man used to live on the Hendersons’ property, in the guest house.
Damn, he’s good.
