Thanks to all of you who are still with me. Sorry this update didn't come out as soon as I hoped but life just keeps happening from work, sickness and just plain BS. Plus I wanted to make sure I was happy with this next chapter because I know you all are expected more and I want to keep you entertained. I also want to make my 'villian' believable and what Emily goes through realistic. It may be a little while until I get the next chapter up due to being on-call for work all next week(24/7) and I want to spend some time with my best friend's father who is very ill. Please read and review. I really appreciate every review and everyone who has shown interest in the story. Enjoy
Chapter Eight
Phillip checked on Claire throughout the rest of the day keeping her in a sedated state and having her listen to various CD's. At one point he brought Sally in the room so she could spend some time with her daughter. After he spent about a half hour explaining that Claire had returned home after having to finish her job but now she is able to join the family. Sally was persuaded that she was her daughter again. Because she believed him it was easy for her to accept. She sat next to her and gently stroked her head.
"Isn't she beautiful Sally? She will be awake by tomorrow so she can join the rest of the family," Phillip quietly said as he leaned against the wall with his arms folded.
Sally looked at the man who she was coming to believe as her husband as she asked, "Where has Claire been?"
"She was off working but she was able to come home and be with the family." He continued to repeat the story he had told her earlier.
"Will she live here, with us? Will everybody live here with us?" she inquired.
He smiled tenderly at her. "Yes, remember everyone lives here until it is safe for them to start their own lives. We've always wanted everyone to stay close as a family. Remember we have talked about this for such a long time."
She looked at him with a confused look on her face. "Are we in danger from something?"
Looking sadly at her for a moment before turning to look out the window, he took a long deep breath. "The world is a dangerous place and it is my duty as head of this family to protect everyone from harm. I did a poor job of doing that in the past but I will do anything to keep my family safe and together." He turned and looked at the two women giving them a sad smile.
"It that why Frank, Harry and Claire had to leave before? They look different than they did before they left."
"Well they had to take care of some stressful things before they came home. You know that stress can make you look different. Remember we talked about this when Harry and dad came home. And you know how hard Claire works. But they look better now, right?"
She nodded her head slowly trying to recall the discussion. As she softly stroked the head of the young woman she said, "I should cook dinner for the family. That's right isn't it?" She was still uncertain about what she was expected to do.
With a pleased look on his face he walked over toward her and laid a hand on her shoulder. "What are you going to cook for us?"
"Chicken and dumplings. The family likes that. Right?" She looked at Phillip for confirmation.
"That will be wonderful. I will come in a bit and make the salad."
Sally stood to leave after gently patting Claire's cheek. "I will go now and start dinner then."
He watched her leave the room pleased that everyone was starting to get used to being home. He turned to Claire sitting in the spot vacated by Sally. He checked her pulse and the IV line satisfied that she could be removed from it tomorrow. For today she would rest and listen to her CDs.
Emily was never able to gain full consciousness since she was taken by Phillip Monroe but her mind remained active and just right below consciousness. She only remembered fleeting moments and images. The most concrete thing she remembered was the face of a beautiful blonde woman. She had thoughts of having siblings, an uncle and grandfather living in the home of her mother and father. But that didn't seem right, her mother lived somewhere else and she didn't remember having siblings. She felt a close connection to the blonde woman from her visions.
"Your mother is cooking dinner. I will make sure she saves you some for tomorrow. You will be well rested by then. I'm going to help your mother with dinner. I will be back to check on you later." He gave her a soft kiss on her cheek before leaving the room.
When she was alone again she tried sort out what she thought she had heard in her foggy mind. She must be sick because these people were taking care of her. They said that she was their daughter but didn't her parents live…where did they live? She lived someplace else or …here with her family. The blonde, who was the blonde? She wanted to keep the image of the beautiful woman in her mind. It gave her a sense of comfort. She was her angel.
There were other images that swirled in her mind. She had a brother and two younger sisters. She called her brother PJ and her sisters were in college Bea and Tammy. Jennifer who was Jennifer? Was that her name? No her name was…the mother and father called her Claire. But that didn't feel right neither did Jennifer. Claire must be her name. The name Jennifer made caused her to feel love and peace.
All the mental strain was causing her to struggle to maintain any thoughts at all. As she fought trying not to succumb to the exhaustion she heard the soothing male voice in her head telling her about her life. Before she let the blackness overtake her she brought the image of the blonde angel Jennifer to her mind which made her feel safe enough to let everything else go before she slept.
Garcia had told JJ what she knew about the case. She told her of the extra people that were brought in to do an extensive search of the properties that were owned by the unsubs. Because of the wealth of each of the unsubs the search was daunting. They were able to narrow the search to two men but were only able to find one of them. And while he was being questioned that was when Emily was taken.
JJ listened intently to what she was being told not aware that Penelope had not given her all the small details of the case. She didn't want to overload her with too much information knowing her friend was still fragile and had not really accepted that Emily had indeed been kidnapped.
They sat on the couch for a long time in silence which began to worry Garcia because JJ just looked blankly into the room as she gently rocked back and forth hugging a pillow.
Then suddenly JJ turned to her friend and asked, "Do you think Emily will call when the case is over?"
Before Garcia could respond JJ dropped her head and began to cry again. Garcia took her in her arms and hugged tightly. "She's not going to call because she is lost. We have to find her Penelope. We have to."
"We will. You know the boys will not leave her. Rest for a while and then we will go to the office to get your girl back," Garcia coaxed trying to give her something to hang on to.
She was able to convince her to lie down for a little bit with the promise she would be told if there was a call about anything that had to do with Emily. Once she was sure that JJ was in her room resting Garcia pulled out her phone and texted Morgan to find out if there was any more information and to tell him how JJ was holding up.
When the response was a short but painful *Nothing New*, she informed him that they were going back to the office and work the case from their end once JJ was ready.
Phillip was pleased with how his family was interacting with each other. His daughters were setting the table for dinner and helping their mother prepare dinner. His son and brother were watching a football game on TV and his father was looking on. He just needed to get Claire well and he would have his family back complete and whole.
Sally came out of the kitchen to find Phillip to inform him that dinner will be ready soon if he wanted to make the salad. "The girls helped me make dinner. They were very helpful. Is Claire alright?"
He put his arm lightly around her waist and kissed her cheek. She leaned into his embrace. "Claire is doing fine. She should be all better by tomorrow. I know she will miss having your dinner. I told her we would save her some for tomorrow. Let's go make that salad. The game is almost over so we can have dinner soon."
The family gathered around the table for dinner. They held hands as Phillip said Grace before they sat down to eat.
Harry was the first to speak. "Is Claire going to join us for dinner?"
"You know your niece Harry. The trip took a lot out of her. She will be making an appearance tomorrow. Everything looks wonderful hon. Who won the game?" he asked cheerily happy about the ability to engage in dinner banter with his family.
Harry looked at the man as if trying to remember what his niece was like. He just had a quick look at her when she was brought home. She did look tired when Phillip brought her home.
"What are we going to do after dinner?" Bea asked.
"What would you like to do?" Phillip replied.
Tammy replied this time. "Can we go shopping? It's still early."
Phillip smiled because Tammy always liked to go shopping and would talk her two sisters into going with her. He wished he could allow them to go out like they did before but he knew it wasn't safe for them. Maybe if they moved to a new house they could go out again. He could not let anything happen to his family after everything he has done to get them back together.
"I think we should stay home tonight. I brought home some of the newest movies. How about we have a family movie night? We can make some popcorn and watch the movie in our PJs. How's that sound?"
Smiling brightly Bea responded, "That sounds like fun."
"What movies do you have?" Phillip Jr. asked.
Phillip relaxed sensing that he was not going to get much argument from his family. "Well, I got the new one with that good looking kid…"
The next morning the family had risen and met in the great room where they spent the majority of their time when they were not in the dining room or their bedrooms. Phillip had Sally start breakfast for the family while he went to check on Claire.
He was pleased that she was awake when he went in the room. Smiling brightly he asked, "How are you doing this morning? Mother is making breakfast for everyone."
She looked at the man who said that he was her father. She tried to speak but her throat was dry and scratchy. Trying to speak again she only managed a strained cough. Phillip brought over a cup of water to help soothe her throat. She gave him a small smile.
"I have to use the rest room please."
"Of course sweetheart. Let me take the IV out and then I will have your sister Tammy take you to the bathroom and help you freshen up before we have breakfast." He took the IV out and bandaged her arm. He went to the door and shouted for his daughter to join him.
Tammy quickly joined her father at the door. "Yes father."
"Tammy, help your sister to the bathroom to freshen up before breakfast. Her clothes are in the closet." Phillip checked her pulse under the guise of holding her hand. He was satisfied that she was doing okay health wise and left his two daughters to get ready for breakfast.
Tammy walked over to the end of the bed and looked at the woman. She smiled at her as she sat up in the bed. She tried to stand but was wobbly on his feet. Tammy quickly went over to her to help her stand.
"I will help you to the bathroom. Your name is Claire right? You are my older sister. That's what father said."
Emily just looked at her and said nothing as they walked to the bathroom across the hall. After a few minutes Emily came out of the bathroom. She was steadier on her feet after stretching her legs and splashing water on her face.
"I picked out clothes for you and laid them on your bed. Mother is making breakfast," Tammy said quietly still watching the movements of the woman who was supposed to be her sister.
"Thank you. Where are we? I don't remember living here. Have we always lived here?" she asked confused.
Tammy gave her a blank stare. She turned and looked down the hall that led to the great room and then back at her confused. "You need to ask father. Do you still need my help?"
"I think I can manage. Where do I go after I am finished?" Emily became somewhat frightened not knowing what she was supposed to do. She would be meeting people she was supposed to know but she couldn't remember meeting. She hoped that someone in the other room was named Jennifer. She felt that she knew someone named Jennifer, her blonde angel.
Tammy pointed down the hall. "We have our meals in the dining room which is next to the great room. I will tell father that you will be ready soon." She quietly left the room.
Alone once again, Emily walked around the room trying to find something familiar to her. She picked up a small figurine of a pink and gold carrousel horse. It seemed familiar but she was unsure if she heard about receiving it for her fifth birthday or if it just looked like other figurines that she had seen. After rolling it around in her hand for a minute she placed it back on the dresser. Not seeing anything else that caught her attention she walked over to the bed and changed her clothes.
After she was dressed and folded the clothes she had changed out of, Emily tentatively walked down the hallway following the sound of voices. Once she entered the room Phillip walked over toward her and led her in the room.
"Look who decided to join us for breakfast. Tammy you always could pick out the nicest clothes for your sisters."
At the compliment, Tammy gave him a soft smile. "Thank you, father."
"I told your grandpa Frank that you would be joining us soon." Walking her over to the other members of the family he had her say hello to everyone she hadn't met yet. He spoke to each person making sure that he said their names to ensure that she would associate the correct name with the person. He repeated the similar procedure with each family member specific to that person.
Sally walked into the great room and announced that breakfast was ready and on the table. The rest of the family rose and automatically walked to the dining room. They gathered around the table and Phillip placed Emily in front of the empty seat as he took his place at the head of the table.
She looked at the others around her and flinched in surprised when both her hands were grasped by Phillip Jr. and Uncle Harry so the family could say grace before eating. She followed the actions of the others as they sat to eat after the prayer was said.
After placing some food on her plate she looked again at everyone at the table trying to remember something about them. She had faint memories of the people as if she had heard about described in a magazine but it seemed as if it was like a fog with nothing coming clear in her mind.
Clearing her throat to get Phillip's attention, she cautiously asked, "Where are we? I don't remember where we are."
Everyone looked at her but it was Phillip Jr. who answered her. "We are in Texas."
Somehow that sounded familiar to her. She could remember being in Texas but she also remembered being someplace else as well.
"Have we always been here? I think I lived someplace else too. Do I have a job?"
Phillip was becoming worried that Claire was becoming too curious and felt that she needed more rest and medicine. He didn't want to think of having to let her go but he couldn't have her ruin what he had built with his family.
"Claire, we'll talk about all that after breakfast." He said it in such a way that there was no question that it was a choice.
Harry looked at her seemingly interested in the questions that she was asking. He was not sure if he believed all the things he has been told but he couldn't remember any reason why it wasn't true. He thought to himself that he would talk to the newest addition to the family.
After everyone quietly finished their breakfast Sally, Tammy and Bea cleared the table and cleaned the dishes. Phillip told Emily to go wait for him in her room so they could talk. After she left for her room he instructed everyone else to listen to their CDs wanting to counteract any damage that Claire may have done with her questions at breakfast.
When Phillip entered Claire's room she was staring out the window looking at a row of trees that formed a border along the back side of the property. She wondered what was on the other side of those trees.
"Claire." She turned to face the man. "You have always been an inquisitive child. I remember when you and your brother found a hurt squirrel you had to figure everything you could on how to take care of it. No matter what me and your mother said you were determined to find out everything you could about that squirrel." He walked over and sat on the bed gesturing for her to join him.
"Why do I feel that I don't belong here? I am having trouble remembering those that are supposed to be my family. I remember somebody who is not in the family. Was I sick? Is that why I had an IV and can't remember much?" Emily wondered.
Phillip smiled having some hope that he would be able to keep his Claire close. "Yes sweetheart, you have been ill. That's why I brought you home to be with your family. You were working so hard and were having difficulty dealing with your stress. So I brought you home so you can get better. I think you need more of your medication and that will make you feel better."
"I don't want another IV please."
He smiled at her and patted her hand. "You won't have to have another IV; I will just give you a pill which will probably make you sleepy. But you can take a nap before lunch. How about Barbeque for dinner? I think I will go pick some up for everyone."
Emily gave him an odd look as if she remembered something. "Will you get it from Smokie's Roadhouse? They have good brisket. At least that is what I believe someone told me once."
Phillip turned quickly and gave her a severe stare for a long moment afraid that she may have remembered. He handed her the pill and just shook his head as he stood. "Take your pill and get some rest. I will have your mother check on you. I will be back soon." He kissed her on the cheek and walked out of the room. She watched him leave before going to the bathroom.
Emily walked to the bathroom not realizing Phillip was watching her. She closed the door and turned on the water in preparation to take the pill. But something was telling her things weren't right but she didn't know what was wrong. She looked at the blue pill in her hand for several minutes. Finally she leaned over and plopped the pill in the toilet and went back to her room to lie down.
Phillip went into the bathroom after she went to her room and noticed the pill floating in the toilet bowl.
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