by Leaona Luxx
“One. One. MALONE.” He turns to me, I feel sick. “Andi’s gone. They’re not sure if she’s missing or kidnapped. I need to get home.”
“Of course, let’s go. Gary, we have an emergency. I’ll call you back from the road,” One yells to the foreman.
He has me in the truck and on the road in five minutes or less, I can’t tell. I hear a phone ringing, I look at mine, but I hear One in the distance answering his. I feel as though my head’s in a fog, I’m dazed. This can’t be happening, she can’t be gone.
I dial my mom’s number, but it rings busy. Torrie’s goes to voicemail. I stare out the window, trying to figure out what to do. I hit Ava’s number, and it just rings. I can still hear One talking, but I can’t make out what he’s saying. We come to a stop, and One is jerking my door open.
“Brannon, come on, son. Let’s get you home.” Taking me by the arm, he pulls me from the truck.
A roaring engine with swells of air assault my senses, I still can’t make out what’s going on. “One, where are we going?”
“Home. Lea sent a plane, it’ll take forty-five minutes or less.” One guides me up the steps.
“Lea has a plane?” What in the hell am I asking?
“She does. I married up, I told you. It’s gonna be okay. Lea’s arranged for Joyce to get home the same way. She, Thayer and Hardy are with Torrie,” he tells me as we buckle in. “She’s a mess, Brannon. No one can get her to calm down.”
“Is she answering questions for the police?” I snap at him, stressed and afraid.
He nods his head. “She’s answering non-stop, Lea told me. She can’t stop crying, she’s blaming herself.” I sit there like stone. “Brannon, I know you’re worried, but be careful with Torrie. She never meant for this to happen.”
“I should’ve been there. This never would’ve happened if I had been there.” Dropping my head in frustration. “Why did this happen? How could it have happened?”
One wheels around, pinning me with his glare. “What in the hell are you saying? You don’t mean any of that shit you’re spewing over there. The girl has begged your forgiveness for all that’s happened, and you’re going to set over there and throw her to the wolves. By god, you don’t deserve her.
“Who the fuck do you think you are? She can have any man she wants, but you happen to be the lucky bastard who won her. Taking a fucking check and leaving her to figure the shit out on her own. Did you think she could carry a baby under all the stress you left her in? If you fuck this up, don’t come crying to me when you lose her again.”
Damn. One unloaded on me with everything in his arsenal. “You’re right. I don’t deserve her. I bet she’s going mad.”
“Damn right she is.” One just kicked my ass like my dad would have. I sit quietly, thinking of Andi and Torrie, worry weighing on me.
“I haven’t heard from anyone.” I check my phone. Time feels as though it’s crawling, I don’t even know how long it’s been.
“Lea continues to text me, she won’t leave Torrie. Honestly, she and Thayer need to be home,” One replies as he texts. “Still no word. We’ll be landing soon.”
One was right, we’re on the ground ten minutes later. We were in a car and on the road with a police escort in less than five. I feel sick again, Andi’s face has been in front of me this entire time. I realize now that I’m shaking.
The road up to the farm is covered with emergency personnel, lights are flashing everywhere. One pats me on the back as we hit the dirt road. He comes to a stop as my door swings open, and I’m on the ground running to the house before he gets out.
I nearly take the door from its hinges as I enter the house. There stand uniformed police officers of all kinds, Hardy, Thayer and Lea. One makes it to Lea’s side as I scan the room. No Torrie.
“What’s going on? I need an update. Now!” I bellow.
A State Trooper steps forward along with my old buddy, Rick, a town officer. Rick speaks first. “Hey, man.” He hauls me in for a hug. “Torrie said she had your permission to pick Andi up from school, is that right?”
What the fuck? “Yes, of course.”
“She took Andi for ice cream and then to Jewels of the Ocean to pick up a gift. When she turned around, she says Andi was missing,” Rick tells me.
“What are you getting at?” I damn well better get this story.
The State Trooper steps in. “Do you think, Ms. Harrington would harm your daughter?” I’m taken aback as my face flames in anger.
“The clerk at the jewelry store corroborated Torrie’s story, but they still need to ask,” Rick explains.
I glance around the room again. “Where’s Torrie?” I demand.
“She’s being questioned by the States again,” Hardy says with irritation.
“Where? I want to see her, now!” I yell. My mom walks through the door.
“Brannon, what’s going on?” She hugs me.
“They’re asking if Torrie could harm Andi or at least that’s the way I’m taking it,” I spit.
“That’s the way I’m taking it also. No. There’s no way. Torrie treats Andi like her own. Maybe you should check with Ava, Andi’s biological mother. Because I’m telling you right now, Torrie would take a bullet for Andi. Dear God, people, Andi calls Torrie ‘momma’ and her mother ‘Ava’.” Mom looks at them in dismay.
“Where’s Torrie?” I demand this time.
“She’s down at the courthouse. They’re holding her until she answers all of their questions,” Rick tells me.
“I’m going. We’ll drive,” One says, holding Lea’s hand.
“No. Take Lea home,” I beg.
“I’ll be fine a little longer. Besides she may need my checkbook for bail or an attorney,” Lea offers on her way past me.
“Alright. Mom, stay here and wait for Andi. Hardy?” He nods as Thayer takes a seat. They’ll stay with my mom. “Thank you.”
I kiss Mom and I’m out the door before One gets the car turned around. He stops and I slide in behind him. “Thank you. I’ll never be able to repay you.”
“No need. I’m glad you got your head straight before you went in there.” One glances in the rearview mirror at me. Lea looks at him.
“I’d appreciate you not reminding me what an asshole I am.” Shaking my head.
“You were upset, it’s to be expected. I hope you don’t hold it against me for the way I talked to you.” He smirks.
“Reminded me of my dad, I needed it.” He nods at my acknowledgment.
“How could Andi vanish so fast? Have they found Ava yet?” I wonder out loud.
“They’ve issued an APB for Ava, no one has seen her. No clue, the clerk said she could barely help Torrie because she kept watching Andi.” Lea shrugs. “Torrie’s a mess. She looks bad, she keeps vomiting. She went to every store on Main Street, screaming for Andi. The clerk told the police, Torrie had them call within minutes. She didn’t hesitate, went straight into action.”
I wipe tears from my face. “This will break Torrie, she’ll never recover, y’all. She’ll never forgive herself.”
“She sat in a ball in the middle of the living room floor until they took her downtown. She only moved to go throw up. She’s bad,” Lea says.
Parking in front of the courthouse, we hurry through the front door. All hell breaks loose when we ask to see her, only allowing legal counsel to visit with Torrie. Lea finds an attorney with her checkbook, and One finds the mayor.
Torrie walks out to us within the hour, apologies fill the room. Torrie won’t look at me. Lea wraps her arms around Torrie, walking her in the restroom. One and I claim her things while we wait for the girls. It’s as if the police were trying to charge her with something.
One asks me to join him outside, continuing to text as we exit the courthouse. When the door opens again, Lea and Torrie walk out. Aksel, One and Lea’s oldest son, pulls up. Torrie walks past me. I’m looking at everyone’s faces, trying to get a clue to what’s going on.
“H
ey, hang on a minute. What the fuck is going on?” I yell.
Torrie glances at me, her face tear-stained and pained. “What do you need to know? Lea said they’ve told you everything.”
“They did. How are you?” Asking as I take a step toward her, she steps back. “What is it, Torrie?”
“I’m sorry. Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen, I swear I didn’t. I love Andi, I love her!” she screams.
“I know, baby. I know you would never do anything to hurt, Andi.” I begin speaking to her in a calm, quiet tone.
“No, you don’t, you don’t believe me. Maybe it’s what I get for being so jealous of Ava,” she rasps out, her voice is hoarse.
“Torrie, stop it. No one believes you did this on purpose. You were hurt, you never meant those things. I know you didn’t.”
“I didn’t. I love her, Brannon. I’m sorry. You need to go home, be there for when they find her.” She turns toward Aksel’s car.
“Where are you going?” I question her. “You need to come to the farm with me. Torrie, it’s our home.”
She shakes her head. “Ava will turn up soon, if I’m there, she’ll raise hell. Besides, she’s Andi mom. Her real mom, I’m just a poor substitute.” She opens the door to the car, I slam it shut.
“I need you with me, please. We’ll deal with Ava when the time comes.” I beg her.
“I love you.” She lays her hand on my cheek. “Fine, just until Ava shows up.”
“I love you,” I reply as she leans in to kiss me.
“I’m around if y’all need me, just call,” Aksel says as he pulls away.
“No what, folks?” One asks.
“I don’t want to go back to the farm, can we maybe look around?” I ask everyone.
“Sounds good. Let’s go into town and have Torrie walk us through what happened. Maybe we can pick up on something.” One adds.
“I can do that; it’ll make me feel like I’m helping at least,” Torrie says to us, the first lift in her spirit.
“So, what are we looking for?” I ask as we get in the SUV and start toward town.
“Someone had to see something,” Lea says.
One adds, “Cameras. How many businesses in town have cameras?”
Lea picks up her phone. “Hardy, is Rick still there?” She pauses. “What about the store cameras?” I lean forward so I can hear more. “Yes, but other businesses could have cameras, giving a better angle on the outside.” They’ve thought of this, surely. “Great. They’re going now. They had only pulled the jewelry store and the other stores close by. We’ll be right there.”
“I just need to be doing something. Andi’s been gone for seven hours. Why in the hell can’t they find her?” I shout through my tears.
“Let’s go on into town, you can help look in storefronts for cameras,” Lea suggests.
“I agree, we can begin to look as I explain what I happened,” Torrie adds.
Main Street is quiet for now but soon it’ll be covered. One asks Lea to sit still; she’s seven months pregnant and must be exhausted.
“I’m not going anywhere, babe.” He leans in to kiss her.
“Okay, so take a side and look for cameras in the windows.” We begin walking the sidewalks as the police show up and begin helping.
“We’ve got something. Over here, y’all.” someone yells.
One spots Rick immediately. “Hey, Rick. Anything?”
“Yes. Southern Antiques has a camera in the window, pointing at the storefront at an angle. We’re hoping it’s caught something,” He tells us. “Gloria’s on her way.”
Walking over to the window, it does look like it could possibly catch something. I cross my fingers. “Why does it face out?”
“She sits things on the sidewalk in the summer, helps combat crime,” Rick says.
“Let’s hope so,” One adds.
I pace as Torrie holds my hand, taking every worried step with me. “Hey. You okay? I mean, I know you’re not. I’m so sorry, Brannon.” Torrie’s voice is almost gone, and she’s still crying.
“Stop, please I need you to be strong. We’ll get through this,” I beg as my voice cracks.
“Stop worrying about me. Have you heard from Ava?” Torrie redirects me from her.
“Not since this afternoon,” I huff. It’s bullshit.
“You talked to her?” she questions.
“Yeah, just after I talked to you. To make sure she wasn’t planning on getting Andi,” I explain as I watch Gloria, the antique store owner, arriving.
“So, she knew I was getting Andi?” Where’s Torrie going with this?
“Yes…wait. Do you think Ava had something to do with this?” I’m shocked.
“I don’t know.” She sighs.
“Isn’t it bad enough Andi’s missing? Why do you and Ava have to constantly bicker?” I spit at her.
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to upset you,” she says on a whimper.
“No, you’re just accusing my daughter’s mother of kidnapping her. What the hell, Torrie?” My voice raises causing people to turn to look.
“I told you from minute one, I’m responsible, no one else.” Torrie folds her arms across her chest, tears welling in her eyes again. Shit!
“I’m sorry. I’m just worried and aggravated,” I offer her a half-assed apology.
“No, of course. You should be focused on Andi. I’m going to walk over and check on Lea, you need to see what you can do. I’ll be here,” Torrie tells me.
“Alright. We’ll find her, Torrie, this isn’t your fault.” What the fuck am I trying to say? “I love you.”
“I know, no worries.” Pausing, she adds, “I love you, forever.” She walks away from me.
“Brannon,” One calls.
“Yeah?” I jog over to where they stand.
“You know this woman?” The antique store’s camera shows a blonde holding Andi’s hand. “No. Why would Andi go with her? She’s looking back at the jewelry store.”
“She’s looking for Torrie, I would say,” Rick adds.
“Yeah, probably.” We watch the camera as they walk out of sight. That’s it? “There’s no car or truck? Nothing?” I yell, frustrated.
“Hang on. They might drive by…” There it is. “A red car. It’s old,” Rick says.
“That’s definitely the blonde, too,” One adds.
“Let’s get this tape enhanced so we can get a make and model,” Rick tells the officer with him.
“No need.” Bile rises in my throat as I watch the car drive away. “It’s Ava. Ava took Andi. Fuck.” I storm from the store. “FUCK!” I scream as I throw my water bottle down the street. “Ava took her because of Torrie. I fucking asked her if she wanted to get her, but she said no. She told me no. She fucking set Torrie up.”
“Brannon, calm down. At least we know Andi’s okay. We just need to find them now.” One talks to me calmly, I’m sure trying to help me.
“Brannon, I’ve added parental kidnapping to the Amber Alert, it’s the law.” Rick shrugs.
“Damn right. I have full legal custody, do what you have to.” I feel like I’m gonna explode. “What the fuck? There’s no reason to hurt everyone.”
“It’s Ava, who knows. Let’s get you back to the farm. I know Joyce is waiting to hear something.” One pats me on the back.
“Yeah, I need to tell Torrie. You know, I was so angry with her not ten minutes ago for suggesting that Ava took Andi. She was right.” I walk toward Torrie and Lea.
“Baby, please tell me something good,” she says as she walks toward me.
“You were right, Ava has her. She knew damn well you were getting Andi. I can’t wait to hear her excuse.” I’m fuming I’m so mad.
“It was never about being right about Ava, just how to find Andi. Have they found them?” she asks.
“Not yet, but I bet money they’ll turn up now. Let’s go home?” I plead.
“Brannon, I think it’s best you sort this out with Ava and And
i first.” She takes a deep breath. “Please, Brannon, please know I want to be there with you.”
“But…” I wait. She says nothing. “Torrie, don’t. Please, this wasn’t your fault.”
“It was. She was in my care.” She sighs. “Listen, it’s late. Find Andi, I’ll be a phone call away.”
“Don’t blame yourself, please.” I shake my head because I know she won’t believe it. I pray she knows this isn’t changing a thing. “I love you.”
She gasps, and I hear her whimper. “I love you. I love Andi and Joyce. I love you.”
Torrie hails a cab, and I kiss her before she jumps in and drives away from me. I’m exhausted, emotionally and physically. I may choke the shit outta Ava when I get my hands on her. One drives us to the farm to wait on Ava. I ask him to go on home when he drops me off. He’s not hearing it.
“No. We’re okay for a little longer,” he says as he helps Lea to a chair by Thayer. One is an amazing friend.
“Thank you.” Leaving my head against the back of the seat, I sit there thinking. Torrie’s blaming herself, I hope she has the good sense to hold on to us. She’s right about one thing, I need to get Ava figured out. Ava’s gone too far this time, only to hurt Torrie. She doesn’t care she’s hurt me and Andi also.
The farm is lit up like a city still, Ava needs to show her ass up. One and Lea follow me into the house, Hardy and Thayer are still here also. “Hey, Mom. Ava has Andi.” The cloud still hangs over the room but at least it’s stopped raining. A picture on the fireplace mantel draws my attention. I walk over to look closer like I have blinders on. The day at the aquarium. Torrie, Andi and I took it with her phone. Torrie surprised me with it, such a good day.
All this time, she’s always taken the backseat willingly. Even now, when her heart is ripped out at the hands of my daughter’s mother, she thinks of my family first. A girl who, up until recently, never really had one of her own. She’s been beaten up, walked on, and pushed to the side, but still, she stands beside me.
It’s time for Ava to get the point, Torrie’s here to stay. Ava can longer do these types of things or she’ll never get to see Andi. I have to think of the example she’s setting for our daughter. It stops today, I’ve had enough. A sound at the door makes me yank my head around, it’s Andi.