Page 13

Harley

I woke up curled around Oakley as my phone rang. Reaching out, I grabbed it and blinked as I saw it was three a.m. What the hell?

I clicked answer, and Leila spoke.

“Harley, sorry, I know it’s early. I’ve found Aspen and Archer, but Oakley’s parents are already on their way to move them. The Fergusons have been driving for two days.”

“Where are they?” I asked, referring to Aspen and Archer.

“In an asylum in Bellingham, Washington State,” Leila replied.

“Can you send me the details? Oakley and I are moving.” I cut the call after thanking her.

Oakley was yawning as she looked at me.

“Babe, get dressed. We need to catch a flight.”

“Harley, it’s three in the morning,” Oakley murmured and rolled over.

“Leila found Aspen, but your parents are trying to get there first,” I explained as I punched in the number to call the standby pilot.

“What?” Oakley cried, sitting bolt upright.

“Get ready. Don’t worry about luggage, we’ll buy whatever we need there.”

“Where, Harley?”

“Washington State. They’re in Bellingham, and your parents have a couple of days head start on us. Babe, move. I’m calling for Mom’s plane now.”

Oakley was up and moving before I finished speaking.

The captain answered, and I gave him instructions. He said he’d file a flight plan and call the crew. Luckily, Mom paid them good money because emergencies often cropped up. As Oakley dressed, I made a couple more phone calls and got ready too.

Oakley and I crept downstairs and headed out to the garage where my bike was. We roared off without a backwards glance.

On arrival at the hanger, Steven was there looking sleepy. Ten minutes later, Matthias, second in charge of security at the Hall, arrived with a team. And just after him, Doc Gibbons arrived. Half an hour later, we were in the air.

“What information do we have?” Oakley asked, as the cabin crew brought us coffees.

“Aspen and Archer were committed three years ago under false names. They’re down as Angela and Aidan Cannon. Aspen was admitted for bipolar and severe depression. Archer for behavioural difficulties. Archer’s autism diagnosis was ignored. Edmond is guardian for them both. Oakley, Edmond’s locked them up in a private hospital, which is little better than an insane asylum.”

“Shit,” Oakley breathed as her blood drained from her face.

“Babe, I’m going to be completely honest. I’d never lie to you. This place has terrible reviews. Abuse seems to run rampant there, and it’s been under government administration twice. It was shut down and then re-opened under a new name, and the cycle continued. I’ve no idea what condition we’ll find them in. Steven is here in case of legal trouble, and Matthias will be providing security,” I said.

“Oakley, I have the file and required documents. From the information Leila has provided, this place is well used to taking underhanded bribes. The fact Aspen and Archer are registered under false names is worrying. Matthias is contacting the local police and reporting what has happened. We’re going to ask them for backup,” Steven said with a yawn.

“We will get Aspen and Archer. Somehow, we’ll make them safe again,” I swore, and Oakley nodded.

Oakley

I was on tenterhooks as we climbed into the SUVs that had been sent to meet us. It was closing on nine a.m. when we neared the grim hospital just outside of Bellingham. The towering edifice looked terrifying. The windows were barred, and the building was a grey monstrosity. That structure appeared Victorian and dated. Overgrown grounds suggested not many enjoyed the outside.

As we approached, the dreadful feeling in my gut intensified. Aspen and Archer had been locked up here, desperate, for three years? If they weren’t insane, they would be now.

We spilt from the SUVs, with Steven walking alongside me and Harley. A black and white police car sat outside, and Steven walked over and showed them a file. He pointed to the building several times, and the two uniforms nodded.

“Come on. The cops are aware of everything, and I’ve shown them all the documentation, including Aspen’s and Archer’s medical reports, before they disappeared. There was no sign of any mental distress or illness, and Archer had received a glowing report,” Steven said.

Angrily, I stormed towards the building, intent on rescuing my cousins. Harley marched at my side, determined I didn’t confront this alone. The receptionist looked up as we entered, and alarm crossed her face at seeing the police.

“Can I help you?”

“Angela and Aidan Cannon are being held here. They are kept against their will, and you’ll release them into my custody now,” I said.

“Um, I don’t know anything about that,” she replied. “I’ll call for the manager.”

“Do that,” I ordered.

Agitated, I paced back and forth for a few minutes until the manager entered. I took an instant dislike to him.

Mr Davies, as his name badge stated, appeared a simpering and dishonest person. His gaze raked us and landed on me. There was recognition in his eyes. “Can I help?”

Angrily, I repeated my request, and Mr Davies shook his head. “That won’t be happening. Angela suffers from bipolar with extreme violent mood swings. We cannot, in conscience, release Angela back into the community.”

“So, I guess it would come as a surprise to know that Angela and Aidan Cannon are not who you claim. They are actually Aspen and Archer Ferguson. They’ve been imprisoned here under a false identity. Plus, I have the actual guardianship of them both,” I stated. The insidious man shook his head.

“Mr and Mrs Ferguson have that, and not you. I’m well aware you’re their missing daughter, and you are also unbalanced. Mr Feguson has given permission to take you into care should you arrive here,” Mr Davies replied and rubbed his hands together.

“So, you’re not surprised that Angela and Aiden aren’t their real names?” Harley demanded astutely.

“Well, I have no knowledge of that!” Mr Davies backtracked as he saw the police officers.

“That’s enough,” Steven said and handed Mr Davies the papers. The fool declared them fake, and finally, the police took Mr Davies into custody.

Once he was arrested, the receptionist informed us what room Aspen and Archer were in. A sullen nurse led us through locked doors with security tightly around us. Further law enforcement had been called alongside adult services, and the place would soon be swarming.

We were led to a day area where I spotted Aspen sat listlessly in a chair. By her feet was Archer.

“Oh my God,” I exclaimed and rushed forward.

Aspen continued to stare out of the window.

Horrified, I dropped down on my knees and brushed Aspen’s hair from her face.

“Aspen, it’s me, Oakley!” I cried.

Archer looked up and frowned.

“Aspen!”

“Oakley?” Aspen murmured, a light coming into her eyes.

“I’m here, and I’m getting you both out of this place,” I soothed, rubbing Aspen’s hand.

“Am I drugged again?” Aspen asked.

“No, I’m here, and I’ve paperwork to release you. The police are here, and there’ll be an investigation. Come on,” I explained, rising and urging Aspen to stand up.

Aspen remained sitting, and she looked at me with no emotion.

“Aspen, I’m here to take you home,” I said tearfully.

“Home?”

“Yes! What’s wrong with her?” I cried to Doc Gibbons as he approached.

“Oakley, I suspect they’ve been drugging Aspen to keep her calm. Hey, you, I want their files,” Doc Gibbons demanded of the sour-faced nurse.

“Who are you to demand anything?” the nurse retorted.

“Bitch, I’m their legal guardian, and they’re held here against their will,” I snapped. “This is not Angela and Aidan Cannon. This is Aspen and Archer Ferguson, who were placed here and given false identities. Now get Doctor Gibbons those fucking files!” I yelled.

The woman frowned and approached a wall-mounted phone. Moments later, another doctor appeared who began an argument that Steven instantly shut down.

The police backed Doc Gibbons up and accompanied the other doctor to get their files. In the meantime, Harley and I urged Aspen and Archer back to their room. I was grateful for small mercies—that they’d been held together.

Archer kept sending me curious looks and then glancing away. He’d not held eye contact before his incarceration, but now he seemed even scared of looking at people.

“Archer, it’s Auntie Oakley,” I said softly.

Archer continued staring at his feet.

My heart was breaking. So much emotional damage.

“Auntie Oaks?” Archer asked, suddenly surprising me. He rocked back and forward slightly. “What grows as strong as Aspens? Mighty Oaks,” he murmured.

“Aspens and Oaks grow together,” I replied with tears in my voice.

“And Archers hunt between them,” Archer responded.

“Archer, I’m here to take you home.”

“That is gone. They took us away. We live here now,” Archer stated.

“No. Auntie Oaks has been searching everywhere for you. Honey, I’m going to bring you home with me,” I said as Doc Gibbons began examining Aspen.

Aspen sat there and let him check her over.

“Outside?” Archer asked.

“Yes, out there, we’ll make sure you have a playground again,” I replied. I doubted Archer had played much here.

“Who’s that?” Archer demanded, pointing but not looking at Harley.

“This is my husband Harley. He plays baseball. You like baseball, remember? You’re going to come and live with us in a big house.”

Archer avoided my gaze. “And Mommy?”

“Yes, all of us will be together.”

“They hurt Mommy,” Archer murmured.

“Nobody will harm Mommy or you again,” I promised.

“Toys?” Archer asked, rocking.

“Yes, darling, we’ll find your toys. And get your routine in place. Do you remember breakfasts?”

“Monday is omelettes, Tuesday is toast and jelly, Wednesday is cereal. On Thursday, we have pancakes with bananas and strawberries, and on Friday, we have waffles. Saturday is scrambled eggs, and on Sunday, its Mommy's and Aunt Oak’s special breakfast,” Archer recited.

“Good boy,” I praised.

“Should I repeat lunches?”

“Would you like to tell Harley?”

“No,” Archer stated empathically.

“Okay, tell me,” I said, desperate to keep Archer talking. He was interacting wonderfully at the moment.

Hell, I was grateful that Archer remembered me. But Archer’s mannerisms were even more pronounced, and this incarceration had severely affected him.

“Auntie Oak, I liked my routine with you and Mommy. These people made us change,” Archer announced. “I don’t like it here. Porridge is not breakfast on any day.”

“No, Archer, it’s not. Today is Monday. How about… when we leave, we’ll stop and get Monday’s lunch,” I said.

“Not lunchtime yet,” Archer declared.

“By the time we leave, it will be. Do you have clothes?” I asked.

“Yes, I must dress at nine fifteen sharp. Is it time?” Archer questioned.

It had gone that, but Archer couldn’t see a clock. “Yes. How about we wait outside, and you get dressed?”

“Mommy dresses at nine-thirty,” Archer stated.

“That’s fine. Do you need help getting your clothes?”

“Today’s Monday. I wear jeans and my spiderman tee-shirt,” Archer replied. “And my blue underpants and socks. Then I put my sneakers on and wear my spiderman jumper if it is cold. After I brush my teeth, I wait for Mommy.”

“Okay, Archer, you’re such a big boy,” I said, putting as much warmth and approval in my voice as possible.

“You all leave now. Go and let me and Mommy get ready,” Archer urged.

In turmoil, I motioned everyone from the room, and we left them inside. I spun to Doc Gibbons.

“Aspen has been heavily sedated, and they’re using drugs to control her. It’s possible to take Aspen off them, but I’m concerned about how she’ll react to the sudden withdrawal,” Doc Gibbons spoke.

“Any signs of physical abuse?” Harley questioned.

“No. But I’ll need to examine Aspen’s medical record thoroughly. Law enforcement need to be involved here and conduct an investigation. The uniforms are calling a detective. From what I’ve seen, Aspen’s records are patchy, to say the least.”

“When can we get out of here?” I asked.

“Now. Steven has liaised with the police, and a kidnapping and false imprisonment charge has been levelled against your parents. Should they arrive here, they’ll be arrested. The manager is also being taken in for questioning. I’ll sign off on Aspen’s and Archer’s release into my care, and we can get them home,” Doc Gibbons said.

“Harley, I don’t have one,” I gasped suddenly.

Harley reached out and held me. “Reading Hall is home for now until we get our place in Chicago, and we’ll find somewhere in RC, too. The question is, will Archer be able to cope?”

“Do you mean that?” I asked as my throat clogged.

“What?”

“That you want them to stay with us?”

“Oakley, don’t be stupid,” Harley said, and I scowled, tears drying up instantly.

Matthias let out a low chuckle and stepped back. “Never call a woman stupid,” he murmured.

“Pardon?” I snapped, temper rising.

“Where are they gonna live? Am I going to throw them on the street? As Aspen’s been locked up for three years and drugged against her will, she’ll need support. Do you really believe I’d take Aspen’s only family away from her? In this state?” Harley demanded a little irately.

“Um, no,” I replied, feeling slightly foolish.

“Exactly. Aspen and Archer will require a lot of love and care. Damn, I wish I hadn’t signed that contract. Talk about bad timing,” Harley remarked, somewhat annoyed, and I had a flash of insight.

“Stop beating yourself up. The Cubs is your dream. I’d never let you sacrifice that,” I said, stepping into Harley’s embrace.

“Oakley, I knew Archer was autistic. I should have considered that. Moving Archer from Reading Hall to a home in Chicago to a home in RC is going to be rough,” Harley explained.

“Archer doesn’t like change. But he used to move between Aspen’s home and my parents often. Not that they looked after him. I did. But Archer was familiar with going between homes. We need to listen to what Archer tells us. He gets feelings about buildings; the house may be perfect for us but not him, which will cause Archer huge distress.”

“So don’t buy a place until Archer has seen it?”

“Basically, yes. Although Aspen might want to move into her own home straight away. I can’t imagine what’s she suffered here,” I whispered.

Harley leaned his forehead against mine. “No, I can’t either, but we’ll make sure Aspen’s not alone,” he promised.

◆◆◆

Aspen willingly followed me out of her cell—room—and sat in a chair. Harley had made a phone call and rather vindictively given Dylan Hawthorne permission to hunt my parents down. They had not arrived, or we’d have seen them. Considering the police presence, it was highly possible they’d noticed the activity and fled.

Aspen looked at Harley blankly.

“Aspen, I’m Harley, Oakley’s husband. We’ve come to take you home,” Harley said gently.

“There isn’t one. I don’t think my rental would have held on this long,” Aspen replied in a dull voice.

“Aspen, you’re coming to live with us while we get you off the shit they’ve pumped into you. And then we’ll find a home big enough for everyone,” I promised.

“We are free? Oakley, this isn’t a dream?” Aspen begged, her thin hands clutching me.

“No. It’s not, I’m really here,” I swore.

“Get Archer to safety,” Aspen pleaded.

“We’re getting both of you somewhere safe. Come on, honey, let’s blow this joint. Archer, would you like to hold mine or Mommy’s hand?”

Archer looked between us and headed for Aspen. She rose to her feet and wobbled a little before grabbing Harley for balance. Harley wrapped an arm around her waist and helped Aspen walk.

Nurses stared as we walked down the hallway. A doctor boldly interfered.

“What’s going on here?” he demanded. “Miss Cannon is highly volatile.”

“As she should be,” Harley hissed, “when locked up against her will and imprisoned. Aspen’s been drugged and is terrified. You and your colleagues have medicated a woman unnecessarily.”

“Who the hell is Aspen? Miss Cannon was aggressive and kept trying to escape!”

“Yeah, because my parents had illegally confined her. They gave you a false identity, and I bet when Aspen told you her and Archer’s names and pleading for help, you ignored it! How many times did Aspen inform you that I was hers and Archer’s legal guardian? How often did she beg you to call my number? What type of brainless idiot doesn’t check?” I yelled.

The doctor looked shocked.

“That’s right. Aspen informed you that her name was Aspen Ferguson. She wasn’t lying. My parents kidnapped them, gave them a false identity, and paid Mr Davies to drug and keep them quiet so they could steal their fortune. You aided and abetted in a crime. How many more patients are in the same situation? Did you even check any of their stories out?” I continued shouting.

The doctors and nurses looked horrified.

“We were told Miss Cannon was having delusions,” a nurse stammered.

“Did Aspen fucking sound delusional at first?” I hissed.

A whimper made me look down, and guilt swept me. Archer held his hands over his ears, eyes focused on a wall and rocking wildly. I dropped to my knees in front of him.

“Archer, I’m sorry. Auntie Oak didn’t mean to shout,” I said, lowering my voice and forcing calmness into it.

“Auntie Oak, I want to go. We need to get lunch soon,” Archer replied.

“Did Archer have any toys?” I asked, biting my temper back.

“Not many. I’ll fetch them. They were locked up, so Angela… Aspen couldn’t harm anybody or herself.”

A growl left my lips, and Archer jumped. It was a struggle, but I held my anger in.

“Come on,” I ordered, walking again. I wanted to smash their faces in, but that wouldn’t help anyone. “Archer, how would you like to go on a plane?” I asked.

Archer glanced at me blankly. “Why?”

“To get home faster, we need to take one. We could drive. However, the trip will be lengthy, sweetheart.” “How long?”

“Over three days,” Harley said.

“Don’t talk to me. I don’t know you. Strangers shouldn’t speak to kids,” Archer stated, and Harley looked a little shocked.

“This is your Uncle Harley, he is Auntie Oak’s husband,” I informed Archer.

Archer glanced at Harley again. Archer would have to be told several times before he accepted Harley as family.

“You need a haircut. And a shave. I don’t like face hair. It scratches my skin,” Archer said.

Harley laughed. “You’re probably right. I do need a trim. If I don’t speak to you, how we will become friends?”

Archer pondered it for a while as we walked to the entrance. “That is a good question. You may talk to me, but only when Mommy and Auntie Oak is around. If they’re not, then you are a stranger, and we don’t speak to strangers.”

“Agreed,” Harley responded with a warm smile.

We stepped outside, and Aspen flinched back against Harley and peered over her shoulder. It was as if she expected men and women to swoop on her.

Then Aspen looked at me with tears in her eyes. “Oakley, I didn’t break. They never got the plans,” she mumbled.

I hugged her tightly. “I don’t care if they did, honey. The assholes never received mine.”

“Where is home, Oakley? I don’t want to return to Illinois,” Aspen whispered as she saw the security team surrounding us. “What is this?”

“This is Matthias. He runs security for Reading Hall. These are guards, they came to protect us. Reading Hall is a private stately house that belongs to Harley’s mom. I’ll explain on the way. We’re heading to Rapid City in South Dakota, that’s home.”

“We have to find Archer a diner. He’ll need to eat Monday lunch. We must establish his routines again, Oakley. That place fucked with him and sedated him when Archer melted down. Three years of hell,” Aspen whispered.

“Everything is going to be fine. You’re safe now,” I promised, and Aspen nodded.

“Okay.”

“Ham on wholemeal bread with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato. Three small tomatoes on the side with two pickles. I have cheese and onion chips and a banana for lunch,” Archer said. He looked up at us. “It’s Monday, and you said I could go back to my routine.”

“Archer, you can do whatever you damn well wish,” Harley replied.

“Don’t cuss. Only crude people cuss. Mommy says so,” Archer retorted.

“Ah fuck. I’m in serious trouble!” Harley complained, and I laughed.