3.22 The Search Begins

Shaking, the phone fell from Kyle's hand as he dropped to the floor crying. Rushing to his side Elliot pulled him close. Mumbling against Elliot's shoulder "he has her. Oh god he has her."

Rocking him in his arms stroking his multi-colored hair Elliot felt his heart constrict. His daughter was in the hands of a mad man. An evil crazy dangerous man. He felt his control slipping as his body was accosted with cold shivers of dread. How were they ever going to stand up to him now? Whatever he asked they would have to comply with for the sake of their daughter. An image of his beautiful little girl flashed in his mind.

He didn't know how long they sat on the floor numb to everything but their shared pain when the phone startled them both. Kyle stared at his phone as if it would attack him. It was Elliot who mustered up the strength to answer it. "Hello" he almost didn't recognize the panic stricken high pitched voice on the other end. "Heath?" he asked in dismay.

He heard him take a deep breath before speaking again "my daughter. He had my daughter." Heath repeated that several times before Elliot's eyes widened in understanding and his mouth formed an 'oh' as the reality sank in.

"He has Kimberly," he finally said aloud as his head began to spin "how?"

"I don't know how," Heath shouted through the phone "what difference does it make? That mad man has my little girl. I...I..." he choked unable to go on.

Elliot listened to the strangled heart wrenching sobs of his nephew. What could he say? Nothing could assuage the pain of losing one's daughter. He knew what Heath was going through, sympathized with him. He could only imagine what was going through the younger man's mind given it was the second time someone had taken his daughter. He could hear the despair n the sound of his sobs. "Heath I'm sorry," he offered, what else could he say?"

***

After talking with the police Don came into the bedroom to find Heath curled up on the bed crying into the phone. He didn't have to ask who he called. It made sense it would be his Uncle's, the other parents involved in this nightmare. Taking the phone from his hands he lifted it to his ear. Listening to Elliot trying to comfort someone in the background. He waited hoping Elliot would come back to the phone. "Elliot" he shouted after waiting several minutes trying to get his attention.

After a moment "hello, Don?"

"Have the police been there  yet?" Don asked

"They just arrived" Elliot said sounding distracted "look can I call you back?"

"Do that," Don told him knowing there would be little to no sleep for anyone until the girls were
home.

***

She didn't know how long they had been in the car or where they were going. Kimberly knew it was long enough for her parents to have been told. She could feel their pain if she concentrated hard enough. She sent a message to her daddy just enough to calm him. To give him hope. She tried to do the same for Gwen but the girl was too terrified to receive her.

Kim sat up wiping her eyes dry. She observed the bald man in the front seat as he drove along the road. The man didn't have to do anything to instill fear in her. All he had to do was look at her and she wanted to cringe in fright. It was worse then being in the presence of Silver. She knew Silver was a monster, what did that make this man? Something had to done. Gwennie needed her. Sitting forward she demanded "let Gwen out..."

She jerked backwards as the man growled in displeasure. "Please she's so scared" she entreated him. The mans knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel with vicious strength. She knew he was angry...angry at her. "Please" she tried again only to have her request cut off as she was thrown forward then backwards by the seat belt as he brought the car to a screeching halt. She felt blood trickle down her chin from the bite in her lower lip.

He turned around and glared at her. She tried to sink into the seat as his face neared hers. "Shut up" he bellowed mere inches from her face. "She stays where she's at," he turned from her throwing the car into gear. Tire spinning as he picked up speed spraying loose rocks and dirt behind them.

She braced herself best she could as the car careened around corners going too fast. Maybe with luck they'd wind up in a car crash she thought. That might be better then whatever he had in store for them. She knew from the images she was picking up from her dad's this was a very bad man.

***

Disconnecting the phone Don looked at Heath curled into the fetal position on the bed. There was nothing more he wanted to do at that moment then to pull him close and hold him. Sighing someone had to keep it together and check on their other daughter. He could here her starting to fuss in her crib. Walking to the door he turned back to where Heath lay sunk into himself. "Babe I have to check on Lillianna. I'll be right back." He wondered if his words even registered with him, he lay motionless.

Closing the door behind him Don went to check on Lillianna. "Hey princess did you think we forgot about you?" he asked picking her up.

"I hungey" she whined sucking her thumb.

"You must be if you've resorted to eating your thumb," Don frowned as he tried to extract her thumb from her mouth. He disliked that habit and had no idea how to discourage it. Once he had her diaper changed he sat her in her high chair. He looked up to find Heath wandering into the kitchen, a vacant look in his eyes. 

Heath blinked a couple of times before asking "you hungry?"

Don was about to shake his head when he realized that Heath was attempting to act normal, to gain some control in a situation fast becoming chaotic. "Sure babe I'm hungry."

Nodding Heath turned towards the fridge staring at the contents "what do you want?" he asked looking to him for guidance.

"How about something light" Don suggested thinking Heath probably shouldn't be using the stove in his state of mind.

"Salad, right" he mumbled tossing ingredients on the counter. Don watched him for a moment refraining from telling him some of the items shouldn't be in a salad. Like the cocktail sauce from their shrimp dinner from the night before or the anchovies...Swallowing Don turned his head deciding that the would eat whatever Heath threw together if it helped him through this.

As they sat down to eat Don stared at his plate. On most occasions Heath was a great cook but to night wasn't one of those nights. Don struggled to eat the salad of mismatched ingredients. He could feel Heath's eyes watching him as he asked "how is it?"

Trying not to gag he swallowed a large barely chewed mouthful before saying "it's um interesting."

Frowning Heath looked down at his plate moving items around with his fork before taking a huge bite into his mouth. His eyes bulged, watering from the chili pepper that had found it's way into the mix. Gasping he grabbed the water glass only to knock it over in his haste "that's .... that's .... horrible." Snatching the plates he dashed to the kitchen "don't eat that slop."

Don followed him with the salad bowel earning himself a scowl "I'm sorry" he offered.

Crossing his arms Heath demanded "why didn't you tell me it was inedible."

Don shrugged his shoulders knowing at this point there wasn't anything he could say. Instead he pulled Heath close and held him. He felt the tension in Heath's shoulders and back "we'll get her back" he whispered in Heath's ear.

"When?" he agonized "one, two, ten years from now? We've already lost so much tie with her. I don't want to lose anymore."

"I know baby I know" Don kissed his forehead "I feel the same way."

***

Kyle pulled himself together long enough to stare mutely at the officers in front of him. "How could this have happened?" he shouted at no one and everyone at once.

"We apologize sir but" the man stirred uncomfortably under his gaze "we had an internal surveillance problem that hampered our abilities to  properly screen people."

"What are you doing to get our daughter back?" he demanded unwilling to be mollified.

"We're doing everything we can" was the slightly insulted response.

"Kyle please" Elliot tugged on his husbands arm "they're here to help." Turning to the officers "my husband is upset. We know you're doing everything you can."

The officers nodded somewhat pacified "we've set up roadblocks along all major highways and blocked off all minor roads leading in or out of Dragon Valley. If he's still here we'll find him."

That two little word 'if' held so many possibilities both good and bad. Elliot felt Kyle squeeze his hand. "What should we do if Kyle's father contacts us?"

"If it is Mr. Lawrence please let us know right away." The officer said closing his note book as if closing the discussion.

Elliot's eyes narrowed. He didn't like being dismissed so casually. There was something off about the man. He turned to Kyle wondering if he caught it. Kyle's eyes were glossed over, staring unseeing. Elliot turned back to the man who had already moved to the door. Followed like a whipped dog by his silent partner. "If you don't think it was Kyle's father who do you think abducted our daughter?"

The man gave him an icy stare "it could be any number of people. Pedophiles, opportunists, your family has money or it could be extremists who don't think gay men should have children."

On the surface what the officer said made sense but there was something more. Something lurking under the surface. If Elliot was a betting man he'd lay good money down that he was speaking to the surveillance problem in the police department. Before leaving the man held out a card "call me if you hear anything from the kidnappers."

"Yeah I'll be sure to do that" Elliot said taking the card. Closing the door he turned to Kyle still sitting listlessly on the couch. "Come one baby let's get you to bed" he went to help his husband. If felt surreal being the one in charge when he was used to leaning on Kyle for strength. "We'll get her back. I promise baby we'll get her back."

***

The car slowed down coming to a stop. The bald man got out opened the back door and grabbed Kimberly's arm wrenching it as she caught on the seat belt. "I want you to call your dad."

Nodding she fumbled with the unfamiliar phone. Straining to keep from crying out from the pain shooting up her shoulder from being dragged from the car. "Daddy" she cried hearing Heath's voice on the line "daddy I'm scared" she said as the man knocked her to the ground as he took the phone from her.

"Listen and listen good" the man spoke in deep grumbling monotones "if you want to see your daughter again. Have Kyle sign over custody of the girl to me. Once I have the papers I'll tell you where you can find your daughter. No papers no daughter." He took a deep breath glaring down at the girl.

She stared up into his eyes wondering how someone became like that. She felt sorry for her Uncle Kyle for having this man for a dad. It must have been so scary growing up with him. She tore her eyes away from him wondering if she could get away. As he continued to yell at her daddy she got slowly to her feet. When his back was turned she took off running.

Her arm screamed in pain. She clutched it tight against her side. She continued to run picturing the awful bald man was right behind her. She didn't want to leave Gwen behind but if she didn't try to get away they'd both be lost forever. That man wouldn't let her go home she was sure of that. Thinking he was about to grab her she veered off into the thick bushes growing along the side of the road. She felt the thorns and twigs tear at her clothes and skin. She kept going. Gasping for breath she fell to her knees. She could hear the man yelling for her, demanding she show herself. She covered her ears attempting to blot out his voice.

***

Heath heard the gruff voice of Kyle's father as he took the phone from Kimberly "where's my daughter?" he shouted catching the attention of Don as he came out of the bathroom. He held the phone out so they could both listen as the man made his demands. They stared at each other in mutual concern and fear when the man started yelling at Kimberly to come back. Then silence as the phone went dead. They clung to each other unsure whether their little girl was alive or dead or captured again.

"I'm getting dressed" Don said after they had stood listening to the phone long past it's usefulness. 

"I'm going to look for her."

"I'm going with you" Heath told him his tone matter of fact don't mess with me.

"Someone has to stay here and watch Lillianna," Don said shaking his head.

"I'm going" Heath repeated not to be persuaded otherwise.

"What about Lillianna?" Don asked hoping to get Heath to make sense and see reason.

"We'll take her to Grandma's" Heath told him "I can't sit back and do nothing. Not this time. Not when I'm here."

"Alright," Don said giving in "make the call then we'll go."

Less then twenty minutes later they were on the road. "Where do you plan on looking first?" Heath asked as Don drove.

"There's a road that leads up to an old camp ground. I think if I were Lawrence that's where I'd hideout. It offers shelter and a place to hide."

Staring out the window Heath hoped this wasn't a wild goose chase. A part of him wanted to beg Kyle to sign the papers giving Mr Lawrence custody of Gwen. The more reasonable side knew he could never do that himself and he couldn't ask another parent to give their child away. If they could find Kimberly then that horrible man had no more leverage except he still had Gwen. If they could find his hide out they could prevent him from taking Gwen with him.

A million other ideas invaded his mind all disturbing and dark. Except one. A tiny flicker in the back of his mind. He had felt it before when he had been trapped in the basement with Dana. It was Kimberly reaching out to him. It was comforting as well as frightening. He couldn't tell if she was with her abductor or alone in the woods lost.

"Do you think we should call my Uncles?" Heath asked glaring over at Don driving.

"Yeah we better" he agreed "they'd never forgive us if we don't."

***

She heard the car start and drive away. She sat still in the brier bush she landed in. Her arm throbbed she was in so much pain. She knew she had to to get up. She had to find help. She moved cautiously suspecting it was a trap. That the bald man was waiting just beyond the tall bushes to grab her.

Holding her arm she took a deep breath as she took a step beyond the briers and dove to the ground as a car drove past. Peering through the tall blades of grass she watched as the brake lights flashed. The car stopped and turned around. She almost screamed in panic as the car shone it's lights on her. She couldn't hide. The man would take her and she'd never see her dads again. She squeezed her eyes shut not wanting to see the sneering self-satisfied look the bald man would have.

***

Heath glanced out the window. The call to Elliot had been worse then he expected. They had to find the girls no matter what it took. Mr Lawrence couldn't take Gwen from his Uncles. "Stop" he shouted.

Don jumped looking at Heath as if he had lost his mind "what? Did you see something?"

Neck craning to look behind them Heath was about to jump out the door if Don didn't stop soon. "I saw something back there."

"It was just an animal of some kind," Don told him not wanting Heath to get his hopes up "we're still six miles from the camp ground."

"It's not an animal," Heath glared at him "just turn around."

Sighing Don gave in. He didn't think it would be anything but if it calmed Heath down what could it hurt? As he crept along the road he couldn't believe his eyes. Heath was out of the car before he could stop and running towards her.

"Kimberly" Heath cried startling the little girl as her head shot up from the grass she had been lying in.

"Daddy" she cried lifting her arm up to shield her eyes from the headlights. Heath gathered her into his arms causing her to wince in pain as he jostled her arm.

"Kimberly are you hurt?" he asked carrying her to the car.

"Is she alright?" Don asked. He had hung back afraid to get in the way. If it had been up to him he would have continued on to the camp ground. If he had, how long would Kimberly have been lying along the road hurt? He brushed away tears as he watched in silence ashamed of himself.

Heath examined her arm noting the ugly red marks where fingers had dug into her skin. He ran his fingers along the imprints and bruising. She winced when he asked her to move it. It didn't appear to be broken. He smiled reassuringly at her. "It's not broken" he kissed her forehead "you'll be ok." He moved to get out only to have her cling to him not letting him go.

"No daddy don't go" she grabbed a fistful of shirt preventing him from going.

"It's alright baby. I'm not going anywhere." He spoke softly to her. He could see the fear in her eyes. He looked up met Don's eyes and knew Don was blaming himself for not wanting to stop. Moving Kimberly into his lap Heath grabbed Don's hand "it's ok Don. I might have done the same in our shoes. The important thing is she's here. She's safe."

Nodding Don wiped at his eyes "I should call Elliot and tell them to meet us here. Then you can take the car back."

"What? No I'm coming with you" Heath protested.

"Someone has to take care of our daughter" Don pointed out "she's not coming with us."

Deflated Heath nodded "you're right."