After the Files

After the lost ones read through their files Nick has a message for them because he knows that they will be upset about this lost family member who nearly (technically) died to protect them. Excerpt from chapter 13 with Joe as the narrator.

Still, there was a tension and sorrow emanating from all three of them that left them looking like the weight of the world was resting on their shoulders. They needed to know about Nick. Finally, I began to tell them about the person their files showed had been hurt each time one of them was taken. I told them what they needed to hear most of all, that he was alive and well.

At their disbelieving looks I turned my laptop around and showed them the email I had gotten before they arrived.

"After they have read their files, tell them that I am okay and that they have each talked to me at some point today. If they don't believe you, show them this and I will explain what happened to me after each of their abductions.

Cade, the buildings were blown up with me chained in the alley between. When you remember, the last time you knowingly saw me the debris was raining down as you were being drug away. What you didn't see, was the chimney that fell around me blocking the rest of the debris and leaving me safely inside. I was rescued, spent awhile in the hospital with Peter keeping me entertained, and recovered just fine.

Elizabeth, a few ribs were cracked with one broken and my ankle twisted from the impact of being clipped by the edge of the van and twisting as I was falling down. There was another of many trips to the hospital where Ryan kept me company while his own injuries healed, but I have lost nothing from those injuries. (It may surprise you when you get to know who Ryan is now).

Last, but certainly not least. Peter, that hook only went through my shoulder. I have quite the scar that has earned me the nick name of Sonny with certain people, but I healed fine and have retained full use of the connected arm (I can still throw a baseball just fine).

Although I see the three of you several times a week, sometimes almost daily, I still miss you. I see you, know who you are, and our history, but there is a recognition missing from your eyes when you look back. Don't worry about what happened then, please just focus on the future where you can come back with that recognition in your eyes again."

I could see the looks on their faces as they ran the message through its paces. It was obvious that they were about to discard it as untrue because none of them could remember talking to an identical version of Cade.

To prove the messages validity, I picked up a picture frame that was sitting amongst my belongings at the end of the table. Passing it to them I watched as they stared at a picture of three grown versions of Cade smiling for the camera.

Then to emphasize my point I passed them a file full of pictures. Each of the pictures was seemingly of a different person in the same pose, which confused them until I explained that all of them were Nicholas Neal. Since he had been targeted so many times growing up, he had learned to be a master of disguise to hide in plain sight, which is why they talked to him but didn't know it.

Sorry folks for being so late in posting, I have been remembering and forgetting to all day. I know this one is short, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.