She pulled him tighter and rested her head on his chest. “Be careful today. I’ll check in as often as I can. I hope you know I love you and couldn’t survive this without you.”
Ryan kissed the top of her head. “I do. I feel the same. Call as soon as the interview ends. I love you.”
Grace nodded and watched him go, hoping she’d have good news the next time they spoke.
* * *
Grace was quiet as Alec drove them to the local network studio for her interview. Returning to the studio dredged up unwelcomed feelings of interviews she’d done during Johnny’s ordeal as a baby. Nothing but Alec’s request that she come along for moral support could have enticed her to set foot in that building. She was just glad she’d be behind the camera instead of in front of it.
“I’m nervous,” Alec said, startling Grace out of her thoughts. “I’m usually excited about these interviews.”
“This isn’t a typical interview,” Grace said quietly. “There’s much more riding on it than book sales.”
Alec squeezed her hand. “Book sales mean nothing to me now. I’m doing it for the national exposure to bring results in finding Johnny. I hope you believe that. I’m glad Wes called this morning. It’s a relief knowing Johnny is alive and still in Richmond.”
“I believe you, and I hope it stays that way long enough for Wes to catch Mara. She could get spooked and take off to Portland or wherever.”
“Something is keeping her here. That gives us the advantage.”
Grace nodded and looked out the window wondering how long it would be before they discovered where Mara was hiding.
* * *
Grace sat by herself, facing the set where they would film Alec’s segment, while she waited for taping to start. When she and Alec arrived at the studio, the producer offered her hopes that the broadcast would lead to the speedy capture of Mara and the recovery of Johnny. After Grace thanked her, the producer explained that the first broadcast would play live on the local affiliates and would be followed by typed replays each half hour. She was confident that the national broadcast and cable networks would pick it up and replay it during their morning shows.
Grace’s heart raced as Alec and the anchor doing the interview took their seats facing each other. As the makeup artist touched up Alec’s face, Grace could see her friend’s hands shaking. She flashed Alec a smile and mouthed that she would do just fine. Grace shouldn’t have worried. The instant the camera’s rolled, Alec became her poised and confident self.
The interviewer was a young man named Ethan James. He’d interviewed Alec before, so she felt comfortable with him. He was trying to get name recognition in a cut-throat business so he could be aggressive, but fair. He introduced Alec and welcomed her.
Ethan: “Tell us about your book which releases tomorrow. This is a drastic departure from your children’s books isn’t it?”
Alec: “Before we get to that, I want to thank you for agreeing to have me here on such short notice.”
Ethan: “We’re privileged to have you.”
Alec: “Thank you. To answer your question, Baby John Doe is a very different project for me, and one I’ve worked on for years. Having personal involvement with the subject matter makes it all that much more important to me, especially now.”
Ethan: “Can you please tell us about it?”
Alec: “Of course.”
Alec gave the summery of “Baby John Doe” that the copywriter had given her. It felt strange for Grace to hear Alec discussing her life right in front of her as if she was just some character from a novel.
Ethan: “Many of us remember this story playing out in the news, although I was still in high school at the time. Why have you waited so long to publish the book?”
Alec: “Partly because I didn’t become a writer for several years after these events, and also to have time to do the research and gather all the facts. Some of the criminal trials went on for years.”
Ethan: “Are those the only reasons?”
Alec froze, and Grace could see her figuring out how to answer.
Alec: “Yes, those are the only reasons, other than the fact that I was recovering from a rock-climbing accident.”
Ethan: “Yes, most of us are familiar with your accident, but for those who aren’t, can you tell us what happened?
Alec: “Of course, Ethan. My husband and I were on a rock-climbing trip in Alaska for our tenth anniversary. My equipment malfunctioned and I fell nearly thirty feet.” She paused for dramatic effect. “I fractured my spine along with other serious injuries. I was fortunate to have survived, let alone be able to walk. That might not have happened without Grace’s support and encouragement. Learning to walk again was painful and challenging, and I gave up. It was Johnny who convinced me I could do it, and Grace who gave me the courage to see it through. Johnny was also the one who encouraged me to become a writer.”
Ethan: “We’re grateful he did. It’s a heart-warming story. So, this is what prompted you to write the book?”
Alec: “In part, but I had many reasons. One of the biggest is to help women see that they don’t have to have superpowers to overcome their challenges. It’s my deep conviction that ordinary women, which I consider myself to be, have the capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable trials. Grace’s story is proof of that conviction.”
Ethan: “Admirable. I have another question that might be more difficult to answer. Isn’t it a bit of a coincidence that your book hits the shelves tomorrow, a week after Johnny’s abduction?”
Alec: “I’m not sure what you mean, but yes, it is a terrible coincidence. I would have preferred the book to come out under much more favorable circumstances.”
Ethan: “What I mean, Mrs. Emerson, is that many find it curious that your book goes on sale exactly when the subjects of the story are all over the news.”
Alec: “What are you implying. Ethan?”
Ethan: “I’m not implying anything. I’m stating it outright. Did you manufacture this news story to coincide with the release of your book? I’ve been in this business long enough to know that coincidences are rare. This feels more like an expertly manufactured publicity stunt.”
Alec’s poise and composure disappeared as she sat forward and stared at Ethan with her mouth hanging open.
Ethan: “I take your reaction as confirmation.”
Alec: “My reaction is shock that you’d have the audacity to suggest such a thing. Are you assuming that I paid off the FBI and local law enforcement to put on a show for the country? You’re accusing me of a federal crime.”
Ethan: “I’m saying law enforcement has nothing to do with this because they know it’s a publicity stunt.”
Grace jumped out of her chair and was about to run on to the set when someone grabbed her arms from behind and stopped her. She turned to find the producer grinning at her. Grace tried to break free, but she held her tighter. Alec slowly stood and balled her fists.
Alec: “How dare you accuse me of such a thing. Johnny and Grace are family. I would never exploit their tragedy. Not for money, fame or any reason. You think I’m some heartless PR mastermind?”
Alec turned to the camera and pointed at Ethan, who sat grinning like the cat who caught the rat.
Alec: “Ignore this self-absorbed weasel. Johnathan Walker’s abduction is real. He’s been kidnapped by the woman named Mara who also kidnapped him on the day he was born. I’m not here to sell books. I’m here to plead with all of you to please help us find Johnny and bring Mara to justice. The number and web address for the tip-line is scrolling across the screen. Please, help us.”
Alec tore off her microphone and stomped off the set. She pushed the producer aside and took Grace’s hand. They heard the crew applauding as they left the studio.
When they reached the parking lot, Grace tugged on Alec’s hand to get her to stop and swung her around to face her.
“That’s it? You’re just going to leave? You need to go back in there and stand u
p to that little prick,” Grace said.
Alec put her hands on her hips and locked her eyes on Grace. “That would be playing into his hands. He was baiting me and trying to manufacture a scandal. The point of this interview was to get the public to help fund Johnny, not pump up the latest news cycle or Ethan’s career. I said what I came to say.”
“But what if people believe him? This could destroy all our efforts.”
“Reasonable people will believe the truth. Going back in there would only backfire,” Alec said, before marching to the car.
Grace watched her go and knew she should follow, but she was tempted to go defend her friend and salvage the situation. They needed any help they could get to rescue her boy, but the interview had been a catastrophe. When Alec waved her to the car, Grace decided to trust her and hope the aftermath wouldn’t be as big of a disaster as she feared.
* * *
“Oh, my God,” Wes whispered when the news segment ended. He and his team had watched Alec’s interview in the conference room with the Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Jamal Wilson. “That was a train wreck. Could anyone possibly believe Johnny’s abduction is a hoax?”
“People are so cynical these days that they’ll believe any conspiracy theory that comes along,” Wilson said. “Facts are worthless. Elliott, get the techs on this to see if it’s viral yet.”
“Yes, sir,” Elliott said and rushed out of the conference room.
“I’ll notify Michaels myself and get him down here. I told him we’d cover things so he could come in later today. He was here until two-thirty this morning.”
“He’s taking this personally since he was on the case when Mara got away with kidnapping Johnny the first time. I’m letting him and the Walkers down. We have piles of evidence, but I still can’t get my hands on Mara. Now this,” Wes said and pointed at the screen.
“Don’t blame yourself, boss,” Prince said. “People with half a brain will see the interview for the grab at sensationalism it is.”
“Keep following up with the hospitals and medical offices. We’ll keep a close eye on the tip-lines. If they drop off, we may have to manipulate that media to our advantage even though I hate to justify this with a response,” Wilson said.
“I agree, sir,” Wes said. “We have enough to keep us busy until we wait for the fallout.”
Wilson left to contact Michaels, and Wes sent the rest of his team back to their assignments before replaying the interview. Seeing that smug upstart Ethan made Wes sick. The only satisfaction he derived was from Alec calling him a self-absorbed weasel. That guy had better hope he never comes face to face with me, Wes thought. I’ll do more than call him names.
* * *
Johnny felt worse when he woke up the next morning. The knot on his head had doubled in size and throbbed like someone was using it for a drum. He sat on the edge of the bed and gave himself time to get his balance before daring to go to the bathroom. Even though his head was killing him, he wasn’t as dizzy, so he took that as a good sign.
He went to the living room after using the bathroom, hoping Mara was gone, but she was sitting at the small table in the corner of the kitchen. She got up and helped him to his chair.
“What are you doing out of bed? I was just getting ready to check on you and bring breakfast. How are you feeling?”
“Like my head’s going to explode. Do you have any more of those pain pills?” Johnny asked, while Mara checked his pupils and bump.
“Enough for today and tomorrow, but we’ll have to manage with ibuprofen and acetaminophen after that, but your pain should have lessened by then.” She slid two muffins and a bowl of fruit across the table. “I’ll get you some juice and milk. You didn’t eat much, and you need to drink as much water as you can.”
Johnny watched her pouring the orange juice that he didn’t want. He’d never liked OJ, but Mara wouldn’t know that and hadn’t bothered to ask.
He looked around the room. “Is there a TV or internet here?”
“Yes, to both, but no cable. The antenna works well enough. The internet is a little slow but usable. It works well enough for you to do homework when you feel better.”
Johnny grunted and took a bite of the muffin which he almost spit out after tasting it. “What is that?”
Mara set the juice and milk in front of him. “A gluten-free bran muffin. It was all they had left at the gas station store last night. I found out where a grocery store is near here. Once you’re situated, I’ll go shopping. You need to eat that so you can take your pills.”
The muffin tasted like sawdust, but Johnny choked it down and gulped the OJ to follow. At least he liked milk and fruit.
Mara went to her room and came back, pushing a small TV on a cart. She plugged the TV in where Johnny could see it and adjusted the antenna until there was a clear picture. She flipped through the channels until she found a national news show. Johnny shook his head and went back to eating his fruit.
The anchors covered international and national stories before going to a commercial. When the show came back on, they announced that they had breaking news, and Johnny wondered what the president had done this time. He whipped around to face the TV when he heard the headline.
“Is the abduction of Johnathan Walker fact or fiction? The following is an interview from a local affiliate with author Alec Emerson recorded earlier today.”
Johnny was dumbfounded as he watched the replay. As upset as he’d been with Alec for hiding the truth about his past, he couldn’t imagine anyone thinking her capable of making up the story of a kidnapping to sell books. Seeing how the interviewer treated her made him furious. Even worse, hearing the anchors discussing his disappearance like it was a joke devastated him.
Mother or not, Johnny was ready to get away from Mara and was hoping the FBI would find them before he had to escape on his own. If they thought the whole thing was a hoax, they might stop looking for him. Tears welled up in his eyes at the thought.
He flinched when Mara started laughing. Johnny wanted to punch her.
“Did you hear that? They’re saying the whole thing was a hoax. They’ll stop looking for us. It’s incredible.” When Johnny didn’t answer, she turned to face him. “Are you crying? Why? Alec and the Walkers are getting what they deserve. You should be glad.”
She’d caught Johnny off guard. He lowered his head and stared at the melon floating in his bowl while he tried to get control of himself.
“I just feel sorry for her. She’s not a bad person, and she’s telling the truth. You did kidnap me,” he said, just loud enough for Mara to hear.
She sprang out of her chair and lunged at him with her arm raised but stopped herself from striking. She studied him for a moment and said, “Yeah, she’s a decent person, but I didn’t kidnap you. You came willingly. You need to toughen up and stop acting like a helpless victim. I’m your real family, and I’m going to take you home where you belong. Forget these people. They’re nothing to you.”
Johnny kept his eyes lowered. “Sure, Mara, you’re right. It’s just my headache. I’m sorry.”
Mara patted his shoulder. “I forgive you but think before you open your mouth next time.”
She returned to watching the news like nothing had happened. Johnny went back to his room without Mara bothering to notice. He crumpled onto the bed and cried into his pillow to muffle the sound of his sobs. He was getting desperate to escape, no matter what he had to risk to do it.
* * *
Grace and Alec ranted to each other about the interview during the drive home, but it had done little to alleviate their anger or frustration. Wondering if Alec could have done anything differently was pointless. Ethan had gone into that interview with an agenda and blindsided Alec. Ryan was outraged when Grace called to tell him what had happened and he offered to come home, but Grace told him that as much as she’d love to be with him, it wouldn’t make any difference.
“Stay where you are and do some good there. I’ll call in an hour
.”
“I love you. The truth will come out and we’ll weather this. It’s just a setback,” Ryan said.
“Love you, too,” Grace said and ended the call.
“Are you still going to talk to your contacts after what’s happened?” Alec asked.
“Yes. Ryan’s right. The truth will come out soon enough. I’m moving forward despite the interview. What choice do I have? Come with me?”
“You need to keep your distance from me right now. I’m going home to lie low until this blows over.” Grace was about to protest, but Alec’s phone rang over the car’s Bluetooth. “That’s my agent. This will be good.” Alec pressed the button on her steering wheel to answer. “Hey, Marissa. What took you so long?”
As Grace climbed out of the car, she heard Marissa say, “What in the hell was that?”
Chapter Sixteen
Wes dreaded delivering his latest update to the SAC that afternoon. Alec’s interview had gone viral, and it seemed like half the country believed that Johnny’s abduction had been an elaborate hoax. They still had their supporters, but the tips-lines had gone silent, and the evidence from the hospital and Portland had gotten them nowhere. Wes was at a loss for where to turn next.
Michaels was on the phone when Wes got to his office, but he waved him in and ended the call as quickly as he could.
“That was the director,” Michaels said. “He called after having a lovely chat with the Attorney General. They agreed the interview makes them look complicit in a publicity stunt. They want to know what we’re doing to fix the situation. Half the American public believes we were patsies to a massive fraudulent PR scheme. So, thoughts on damage control?”
Wes shook his head. “In light of other recent scandals the Bureau is facing right now, the only option I see is to hold a press conference. My recommendation is that it be you and Grace. Since the director is a political appointee and you’re a career agent, the public might have more faith in you. Having Grace along might regenerate trust and influence emotions. I’m at a loss beyond that.”
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