Hello, my lovelies! Guess who is back with another chapter? Yeah baby, I have to say I am quite excited at how some of you are getting into this story. It makes me so thrilled that people are kind of devoting time to this story, even if it is not quite popular really! So thank you very much. Especially to 2; you are wonderful!

As for this chapter, there are not any trigger warnings to worry about except some mentions of scars and small abuse. Minor compared to what will come. Is everyone liking the Danny POV? Cause I am, even if I love Jamie more. Anyway, this chapter is the first domino to fall towards the first climax of the story. Things will start to speed up now and clues will fall on one another after this. The table has been set. I'm trying to research for Police work, casework and studies to help make this story feel a bit more realistic, so bear with my writing. However, if there is anything very wrong and upsetting please let me know guys, alright?

A respond to my only review:

BrokenSky49 - I want to personally thank you for your reviews and dedication every chapter! Thank you so much. Joe is somewhat alright (poor kid), but it's good someone else worries for him ahaha. I hope you also enjoy this new chapter!

Thanks again for any comments/reviews, favorites, follows or readers! You are all amazing!

Enjoy!


4. Find


December 18, 2006

Joe says the year is almost over, and that soon it's going to be 2007. He tried to explain what a year meant and why it would be 2006 and not just 12, since I was 12, and I understood some of it. But not all of it. Just don't tell that to Joe. He spent all night trying to explain it to me and he was rather tired in the morning, since Pa made him chop more wood.

I didn't think we needed this much wood.

Jamie's gotten quieter as he's gotten older, while Mama has gotten happier with this. I don't quite understand it but Jamie's beginning to act differently than Erin or I ever did. He's starting to follow Mama or Pa around more, rather than us kids. I know for a fact that Pa and Mama scare Jamie, and punish him more (Erin, Joe and I have never hurt our little brother, at least not on purpose or by force). But he still follows after them during the day, keeping silent and obeying what they have to tell him to do. I don't understand it when Jamie cries at night to Joe or I, or sleeps with Erin – shaking like a leaf – that he would still want to follow Mama and Pa. Erin's getting more and more upset with Jamie, saying that he loves Mama and Pa and he doesn't love us.

Even Joe is worried about Jamie. Not even Joe follows Mama and Pa around as much as Jamie, and Joe is much older than two years old.

Why do scars never fade? Why are there scars that leave marks on our skin, and no matter how much time has passed, they will never fade? Why do we get scars? Scars are terrifying; I would know, since I have a couple on my legs. Erin has one on her finger and even Mama has a scar that runs along her upper arm. They've all been there for years, and yet they never get lighter and they never go away.

Joe has scars. Joe has a lot of scars now.

After the diner incident a while back, Joe has many scars that cut and criss-cross, along his entire back. Sometimes when he thinks I'm sleeping by Erin or Jamie, he takes his shirt off to rub them, and I see his scars. I see every one of them in the small light that creeps through the upstairs doorway. He's tried to hide them from Erin, Jamie and I and luckily Erin and Jamie haven't seen them. They'd probably make Erin cry, because a lot of stuff like that makes her cry. Joe never wants to see Erin cry; or any of us really. But when Erin cries, everything falls apart. Everything goes wrong when Erin cries until she cannot cry anymore.

It's never any fun when Erin cries. Rather, it's never fun when anyone cries.

Especially not Mama, because then Pa gets angry. Mama shouldn't ever cry.

Don't cry Danny. You shouldn't ever cry Danny.

Lately, Joe's been tired. Even more tired than usual. There are some nights where he goes to bed without a story for Jamie (or Erin and I). But I didn't have the heart to awaken him, because he looked thinner than usual, and the skin around his eyes looked black. Almost like when Erin accidentally punched my eye and it turned black and blue, however my eye got all puffy and swollen, while Joe's seemed to be getting thinner. Pa's taking him out to cut wood, later and later into the night and sometimes even Mama heads out with them. On those nights, they don't return for a few days at a time. Mama usually leaves excited, but she always returns angrier than before.

Why?

Tonight is no exception. Joe, Pa and Mama returned after a day out and everyone's in a darker mood. Jamie had immediately waited silently by the door when they entered, just as we were expected to, and did not say a word when Pa or Mama stormed in angrily. He shook beside me, until Joe gently placed a hand on Jamie's shoulder, despite the exhaustion and almost terrified look in his eyes.

"Did you make dinner?" Pa snarled gruffly, as he shoved the wood in his hands in the corner of the living room by the fireplace. Mama stormed towards her and Pa's room, slamming the door shut behind her, while Joe gently put down his own stack of wood. Erin swallowed thickly and quickly I looked up at Pa. He loves us. He's just had a rough day; everyone must have one.

"Yes, Pa." I answered with a frown, that he didn't notice with his back turned to me. His eyes were set on the china laid out on the table, and the bowl of stew cooking on the stove. "We didn't eat a single bite after we made it; waiting until you guys were home." Pa's eyes narrowed when he turned back to look at Jamie, Erin and I. Instantly, Jamie ducked his head, eyes glued on the floor and Erin bit her lip.

"But you set the table?" I could feel my own lips involuntarily fallings into a thin line at Pa's heated gaze directed at us. Erin nodded quickly while Jamie remained silent.

"Yes. We thought that you guys would appreciate not having to set the table, since you guys would probably be tired after a long day of chopping wood." I explained softly, with arms behind our back. We were never supposed to look intimidating towards Pa or Mama – not towards those who love us.

Pa took a step in our direction, causing Jamie and Erin to take a quick step back. I, however, remained where I was. "You know… that is your Mama's china." Pa growled sharply, taking another step closer to us. My spine straightened.

"Yes, Pa."

By now, even Joe and Mama had entered the room and were staring at us with wide eyes. Joe stepped to intercept Pa and I, but Mama snatched his arm back, since she didn't want him to get hurt. Though, Joe only remained terrified. For me?

"You know that you are not supposed to touch your mama's china!" Pa roared, striking one hand out against my cheek. A stinging burn ran across my entire side of my left face, and I felt myself dropping to the ground. Erin jerked, hesitatingly reaching out to help me, but froze at Pa's threatening gaze. I glanced at my little sister, ignoring the fire in my cheek to shake my head. Jamie still hadn't lifted his head through the entire ordeal, but his little hand was gripping Erin's pants tightly. Joe struggled quietly against Mama and I could finally turn my gaze to face Pa.

"Yes, Pa."

Pa tsked, choosing to ignore me before yanking me off the floor by my shirt, and shoving me towards the basement staircase. My eyes widened. No, no. I'm so hungry! I want to eat, I want to eat! I squirmed in Pa's grip, twisting and turning to free myself from Pa, ready to get on my knees and beg for dinner.

But to no avail, Pa's grip tightened on my shirt before I was thrown harshly against the old staircase. Let me tell you this, there will come a day when I will be old enough to escape from Pa's grasp and strong enough to stand tall next to him.

There was a sliver of light as I looked up towards the door when Pa stood, staring me down with fiery eyes, and spit flinging from his thin lips when he spoke. I felt a hot burning within my chest and my arms. "Next time, don't touch what isn't yours." Then there was nothing but darkness surrounding me in the room I had grown up in all my life.

Don't cry Danny. Everything will be alright.

X.X.X.X

"Danny?"

I blinked blearily, from underneath the covers of our bed, at the quiet voice. It sounded so small and frightened, that I couldn't help but look over at the person. At the foot of the mattress were Erin and Jamie, kneeling and in Erin's hand was a bowl. My eyes widened and quickly I sat up, ushering them away from the sight of the basement door. Jamie curled in beside Erin and I, pushing the covers over us, while Erin held the bowl close to her chest.

"What are you two doing? Is dinner already over?" I asked in a whisper. Jamie nodded once, and Erin sighed.

"Yeah, we finished a couple hours ago and Mama and Pa are asleep now. Joe will be down soon." Erin explained. She shifted the bowl in her hand before holding it up to me. "We had to clean the kitchen and all the plates and pots while Mama and Pa slept."

"Until they are spotless." Jamie added. I blinked in confusion at my little brother, but looked to Erin. She shrugged.

"But while we cleaned the pots, we managed to get you some leftover stew." Erin smiled grimly. "It's all cold now and mucky. But I'm sure it still tastes good. Mama and Pa were asleep so we brought this for you. Joe said he'd wait up to clean your bowl so Mama and Pa won't know." Erin offered with a bit more cheer. I couldn't help but smile at my sister's attitude beside the usual nightly events that occurred tonight. Jamie only snuggled deeper under the covers.

"Not supposed to steal food." Jamie mumbled into the covers, but made no move to get up and report to Mama and Pa.

"It's not stealing Jamie" Erin sighed sadly, leaning down to stroke Jamie's hair. "We technically made the food, not Mama and Pa, so really we decided if Danny can eat or not." Erin explained, but Jamie didn't respond. Silently, I thanked her, already half way done with my cold stew. My stomach grumbled with pleasure at the food and my chest warmed.

"Get caught. Then we get punished." Jamie responded, finally lifting his head from the covers. Red, bleary eyes looked right at me, weighing heavily on my heart. Quickly I swallowed the rest of my stew in two spoonfuls. "But Danny deserves to eat."

With that, Jamie was nearly ready for bed and curled against my side. I swallowed a harsh lump in my throat and gently kissed his forehead. He was so innocent and so much younger than us; and he was changing so much.

"I'll take your bowl up. Just in case, Pa or Mama wakes up." Erin said, taking the bowl out of my hands and standing up, before I could protest. She was up the stairs and out the room, without making a single sound. No a creak in the floorboards or a rustle of a blanket.

Jamie remained at my sides, but his eyes stared up at me through the darkness, leaving me to settle against the mattress with him at my side. I smiled widely at my brother and spoke.

"Hey Jamie, do you want me to tell you a story?" I asked. Jamie blinked in confusion – his little plump bottom lip, pushed out in a small pout. I chuckled, grabbing at his cheek.

"Mama says stories are for little babies and I'm not one." Jamie sighed.

The hot, fiery feeling in my chest was beginning to come back at the mention of Mama. Quickly, I pushed it down with a deep breath. "Nah. No one is too old for stories. Sometimes I hear Mama telling Pa stories. "Jamie's eyes widened comically and I bit back a laugh, shifting to get comfortable. "Besides, this is one of Joe's stores. About a man named Frank…"


Meanwhile in Brooklyn, New York

Despite having never set foot in this building, Frank Reagan could feel a cold chill sending shivers down his spine. Indicating a gut wrenching feeling in his heart. Something didn't feel quite right about this apartment building.

The Lewis case suffered heavy blockages in its investigations, over a period of another year. Most of these unfortunate blockades were result of current Police investigations and cases, forcing a break from the "Cold" Lewis case. The other blockades were a result from a missing suspect.

When learning of the connection of the Prestigious Apple Academy, Frank immediately went to the school for an interview. However, upon arrival, Frank was disheartened to leave that Arnold Lockton had left the academy just a month after Jamison's kidnapping. Now, Frank wasn't a man to believe in coincidences and could find an answer for anything problem he investigated. There was only the matter of finding one Arnold Lockton, in all of New York, who had also disappeared from the radar over the last few months. Between current cases, work and working alone on the Lewis case, Frank was surprised he had gotten a lead only a year later.

A rather big lead, that is. As in, finding Arnold Lockston's location.

Which was where he currently stood, with his father – the Police Commissioner that is – at his side and warrant in hand. Honestly, Frank had no idea on what he would find today, or if it would even be useful to the Lewis case or the three other cases. But Frank knew in his heart, that this wouldn't be the end of the case. There was still much more to go through. It was never this easy.

"Ready, Francis?" Henry asked, with a small smirk of his own. Frank stared at the numbers of the door before him, memorizing them to heart. 121. The numbers just added up to four. Four missing children.

"As I'll ever be pop." Frank sighed heavily, bringing one fist down to knock on the door. "Though, I have no idea what to expect with this guy. Something tells me he's not our kidnapper."

"But your gut is telling you, he knows something." Henry inquired without hesitation. Frank nodded firmly, eyes set on the door. Henry gave his son's back a pat, and resumed his look of authority (slipping easily into that mask) when the door cracked open.

"Yes?"

"Are you Arnold Lockton?"

A hesitant. "Can I help you?" followed.

"Yes sir, you can." Frank responded. "We're with the NYPD, I'm detective Reagan and this is the Police Commissioner. We have a few questions in regards to the previous Lewis Child Abduction case, and possibly three other cases, where you were a caretaker."

A mop of curly black hair, push out of the crack of the doorway, and large frightened eyes were staring back at Frank. The man was thin – unnaturally thin. Frank could see the bones within his fingers, sticking against the skin, as if there wasn't enough skin on his body to cover his bones. Dull, brown eyes shifted between Frank and Henry and his fingers drummed nervously against his door.

"May we come inside?" Henry asked harshly. Arnold blinked rapidly, fingers drumming even harder against the door. He licked his lips and shuttered, giving Frank and Henry a look.

"Can't we just talk out here? I'm really quite busy with work and –"

"We know you no longer work at the Prestigious Apple Academy, Arnold." Henry interrupted sharply, causing Frank to sigh. "You suddenly resigned only a month after Jamison Lewis disappeared."

"Arnold, we are not here to arrest you." Frank assured, eyeing the shaking man before him. If it were possible, Arnold's eyes widened even more. "We want to ask you some questions in regards to Jamison Lewis, Daniel and Erin Maydam. You were the caretaker for all three children and as you know, the children have not been found yet. Alive, or dead."

Arnold flinched violently and swallowed. "Y-yes, yes. Come in. I don't believe I have much more to tell you other than what I previously told the officers earlier." Arnold opened the door completely, revealing a dark and musty apartment. All of the shades were drawn and not a single lamp was on. Arnold's frame appeared even smaller in the dark, than before.

"That's alright. We just want to clarify some questions and then we will be on our way." Frank murmured as he stepped into the dark apartment. Quickly, Arnold switched a nearby lamp on, shifting from one foot to another, as if he had a spasm, or a twitch.

"Was it true you were the primary caretaker for Daniel and Erin Maydam in late 2000, at the Prestigious Apple Academy?" Frank asked, pulling a notebook from his packet. Arnold twitched, itching at his hand and nodded rigorously.

"Y-Yes."

"And then you were the primary caretaker for the infant, Jamison Lewis in early 2005, correct?"

"Y-Yes."

"But then you quit, a month after his kidnapping. Why was that, Mr. Lockton?" Frank asked with a heavy frowned. Arnold blinked and scratched at his arm, clearly uncomfortable with the questioning. He swallowed and shifted on his feet.

"Ah, um. Is this really necessary?" He pleaded miserably. Henry growled, nose pointed at Arnold.

"Answer the question please. It's only protocol."

"Ah yes. I resigned from my position as c-caretaker." Arnold mumbled quietly. Frank nodded.

"And why was that?"

"W-Wouldn't you? Three kids go m-missing while you're a caretaker? And another as a s-student?" Arnold sighed heavily, hands twitching at his sides. "It felt like the w-world was against me. Like I shouldn't be a t-teacher. So I resigned, hoping no other kids would be a-abducted." By the end of Arnold's answer, his breathing was shallow and his pupils blown wide. Henry blinked.

"Mr. Lockton, do you have any reason to believe someone was using you to abduct children?" Henry asked suddenly.

At this, Arnold's head snapped up so fast, they could hear the cracks in his neck. "N-No! Of course not! Why would I?!" He shouted miserably. Frank stepped back in surprise and Henry's eye narrowed. "A-Are we done here?"

"Can we search your place?"

"F-For what?!" Arnold nearly screeched. Frank sighed once more, rubbing his temples while Henry walked around. "I don't have those kids h-here! I never abducted them! I – I never would – I never would!" Arnold was quite close to hysterical by now, and Frank was beginning to worry the man would hyperventilate.

"No one is saying you did, Arnold." Frank reminded the frightened man gently. "But you're hiding something. Officers can tell. But Arnold, if someone is threatening you, you need to tell us! If you know where these kids are, let us help! Let us bring them home, to their families, and we'll keep you and them safe."

Arnold took to pacing back and forth in his small area, hands gripping his matted curls tightly, chest heaving and eyes bulging. Over and over he muttered, "No, no, no."

"Arnold, is someone threatening you with those kids?" Henry asked quieter. Arnold's eyes ran across Henry's frame, red with unshed tears and his hands shook.

"No, no. You two need to leave now. You cannot stay here anym-more!" Arnold shouted, already yanking the door open with shaky hands. His throat tightened and his fingers twitched. "I-I've already said too much. I c-can't! I can't. Please leave!" He begged.

Frank and Henry jumped in surprise when Arnold began to shove the two out the door. Frank could feel his heart racing at the thought that they could be getting somewhere. No, I cannot stop now!

"Arnold, let us help you! We can protect you." Frank yelled over Arnold's mumbling. "Who is threatening you? Who has those kids? Who?!" He turned around to face the terrified man, who screeched in surprise and ran inside his apartment doorway.

"I've said too much! He'll kill me. That's why I left, don't you see!" Arnold shouted desperately with his hand on the door knob, trying to close the door. "He'll kill me! I left and he couldn't find me, but now that you're here he'll find me, just like they found the kid!" Frank's eyes widened.

"There's two of them?! Arnold, is there two kidnappers?"

Arnold sobbed, before slamming his shoulder against the door. Henry stumbled in shock; pushing Frank back and the door hear the sound of multiple clicks as the now closed door was locked from the inside.

"Go away. Go away." Arnold sobbed.

Frank slammed his fist against the door three times. "Arnold, Arnold please!Please help us, we'll protect you, but please help us!" Another muffled sob came from within the apartment and then there was only silence. Frank held his breath while Henry squared his shoulders at the door.

"Go away. Please Harold, go away."

Frank swallowed, hesitating to knock once again at the absolute devastation and broken sorrow in Arnold's plead. How could he be a cop, protecting the people, if he could not help a broken man? Henry stared in amazement at Frank's hesitation, feeling his own emotions run wild.

"Francis, you're letting him go? We have a warrant!" Henry cried. Frank swallowed, leaning his forehead against the door.

"To search the house pop. We cannot force him to confess if he doesn't want to. He's allowed to refuse us and at the moment we have no evidence to pinpoint him as the kidnapper." Frank spat bitterly. "He has alibis for each kidnapping, even my own…my own son. It's not him pop." Frank's shoulder's sagged and Henry swallowed.

"But he knows! God, Francis he knows where Jamison is at least!" Henry argued, feeling his own heart weigh in his chest. "And he won't tell us a damn thing! That boy could be dead!" Frank looked to his father with a grim face.

"No. Arnold has proved to me that Jamison is at least alive, and most likely the other kids." Frank replied, moving away from the door. "This guy wants to kill him, not the kids. He found them, but he didn't kill them. Let's go pop."

"Francis, you can't just…"

"I'm not walking away." Frank snarled, with a new fire set in his eyes. "We have new circumstances to work with and a suspect." Henry raised in eyebrow, trailing slowly after his son as they reached the elevator. He smiled at the new determination within Frank. "Harold. One of our kidnappers' name is Harold and he's working with a partner, and they both know Arnold. Very well."


February 16, 2007

"Mama," Erin asked quietly, shivering from the cold winter breeze. Mama looked over sweetly at her daughter, bundled up in her own soft coat. It felt even softer than our blankets. Jamie looked over at his mother and sister, twisting in my arms. The now apparently, three-year-old blinked silently, before looking behind me at Joe and Pa.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Does the whole world have this many trees?" Erin asked, as her eyes scanned the surrounding forest from out front porch. Joe scowled for some reason at Mama's side, ignoring her elbow to his side. Mama smiled with a soft chuckle.

"Yes sweetheart. The whole world has lots and lots of trees, for as far as you can see. Because nature is so beautiful and we mustn't hurt it any more than what we need. Like a home. Just one." Mama said gently. Erin frowned, still gazing at the trees.

"Is that why the town is so far away? To save room for nature?" She asked. I looked at Mama, curious with her answer too by now.

"Yes, exactly." Mama praised Erin, with a kiss to the forehead. Erin beamed at the contact and clung closer to Mama. Though, I'm sure she was trying to stay warm with Mama's coat too. "Our little town likes to preserve nature, that's why it is so small. And Mama and Pa fund many of the places in town, so no one will be rude and bother us." The smile on her face was unnerving and did not feel kind. Not like the smiles Jamie used to have.

Erin opened her mouth to speak but she was never given the chance when there was suddenly a loud rumbling and high pitched screech. Until, from within the trees came a giant, monstrous machine, barreling towards us. It sat on four wheels, larger than Pa's car, with smoke emitting out the front of the machine. Erin shrieked, clinging to Mama and even Joe jumped. Jamie buried himself in my arms and I took a step back.

"Mama! Mama, what is it?!" Erin shouted when the machine came to a sudden stop in front of the house. Jamie whimpered and Mama attempted to calm us all.

"What's going on?!"

What is it, Mama?"

"Mama, I'm scared!"

"Harold!"

"Margaret! Harold!"

"Arnold?"

I watched as a thin man, with hair so curly it bounced when he ran, jump from the machine. A furious fire was set in his eyes, despite the tremors in his body and I swallowed thickly. Joe's eyes brightened for a moment and Erin hid behind out equally furious Mama, just as Pa came out of the house.

"Margaret, Harold, you need to stop this!" The man shouted. "They're on to you – the cops! You need to let this kids go and stop this right now!"


Thoughts? Comments? Likes? Dislikes? Are people continuing to connect the pieces to the puzzle? What do you think will happen? Will Frank find them? Who knows. But let me know what you guys think in a review below! They keep me inspired to keep writing, thanks guys!

Just as a heads up and warning, some larger time skips will be up ahead and then very little time skips. This will get the story's pace where it needs to be. Just keep looking at the dates to understand the kids' ages and time period.

Until next time,

Peaceout!