Skye and Ryan exited Lincoln's car. He had parked along the side road that the enlightenment building was on. Lincoln, Jemma and Thomas had hats pulled on. Skye Stopped at the driver's side and spoke to Lincoln.
"Remember to try not to let anyone see you closely. Avoid looking at anyone who stares or acts curious about you."
"Alright Skye. You said this a couple times already." He looked at her. She'd had a beanie hat, her hair tied into a ponytail, and had a pair of glasses on – non- prescription ones Jemma had picked up for her. She wore black jeans and black high tops, with a grey hoodie pulled tightly around so her hair was hidden. He grinned at her. "You look different."
"Well that's the idea." Skye sighed. "Come on Ry, let's go. Their service is starting in a half hour and I want to mosey around first. We'll be back soon. Remember to text both of us what street you are parked on each time you move and move every fifteen minutes."
"Yes Ma'am." He saluted her, and Thomas laughed.
She gave them all one last dirty look and headed onto the sidewalk walking to the building with Ryan. He also had attempted to disguise himself, wearing one of Donnie's baseball caps, and he had Jemma cut his hair very short, so his curls were gone. He wore a baseball jersey that Lincoln had loaned him, which was slightly too big over a pair of sweatpants and scuffed Nike's. Skye wanted them to be able to blend in with the crowd and the neighborhood.
They headed to the door where people were lingering around, talking and greeting each other. Skye moved inside quickly not making eye contact with anyone and pulled Ryan with her. They walked through the foyer and entered one of the open doors to the main room. The ducked inside and stood there.
"Shit." Ryan spoke. "This place is huge. They gawked at the stage and large number of chairs.
"There have to be three hundred chairs."
"Yeah. Look at the stage."
The stage was equipped like a concert. Huge speakers were on each side with drums and other musical instruments set up on the right, and a couple podiums on the left. They stood off to the side as people started entering the large room and sitting down.
"What now?" Ryan asked.
"Now we watch. See if you recognize anyone from the pictures I hacked or anyone you know."
"I feel vulnerable here."
"Yeah. Let's go back out to the foyer." She led him out of the room and to a door she had noticed before. She opened it and grinned. "Come on. There's a balcony."
Meanwhile, out in the car the others were busy taking decreet pictures of the people walking to and into the building. What they didn't notice was a woman lingering in a doorway further up the street watching them.
Skye and Ryan sat in the balcony in the first row. It gave them a good view of the people walking in. Skye got out her phone and pretended to be texting while checking everyone out. Ryan put a frown on his face to imply he didn't really want to be there and simply stared at the doorway watching the people enter. The place got full rather quickly and about twenty other people joined them in the balcony, but no one sat right next to them in the front.
Soon the lights were dimmed as spotlight was shown onto the stage and a man walked out. Skye kept her phone up and snapped a few pics. She was surprised the see the same man in the purple suit she had seen at Lincoln when she and Donnie has stumbled onto the place when they saw the Hamilton's at the Lincoln Park Center. A moment later behind the first man walked out another man, younger than the first, this one in a sleek pale blue suit. He walked up to the first podium and spoke into the microphone.
"Welcome on and all. Welcome and I hope you are prepared to gain insight and understanding as we delve into enlightenment. May the words we speak to you and help you reach your destiny." Everyone clapped and cheered. The man continued. "And tonight, we have the man who can help you achieve your greatest potential, here with us tonight. Help me welcome, founder and leader of all Unity Spiritual Centers, my father, Zebadiah Killgrave." He stepped back and the other man stepped forward as the crowd jumped to their feet and cheered. Skye and Ryan stood as well, and Skye clapped exuberantly. After all they were trying to blend in. Ryan played the role of the curious but not sure he wanted to be there, looking around and staying somber. After a few more minutes, the crowd quieted and sat down. Skey was recording the whole thing with Jemma's phone in her pocket. She snapped a few pictures discreetly with her own phone and the crowd settled in and the man began to speak.
Skye mostly tuned him out knowing she was recording the words and could listen later. Instead, she looked around and watched people seeing if she recognized anyone or pictures she had hacked into. She noticed a tall man in an expensive suit in the front row and when he turned to glance at whoever he was with saw it was Ian Quinn. Next to him was a woman that Skye also recognized from pictures as Quinn's wife, Laura. The rows behind him were filled with people dressed far more eloquently than anyone around Skye and Ryan in the balcony. She also took notice that in the back part on the floor separated by an aisle were people dressed more or less like she was. Ah- the haves and have nots she thought to herself. Weird even – it looked like the two groups were separated on purpose.
She continued looking, this time at the back rows, and her breathe caught in hitch. "No way."
Ryan looked at her and shrugged. "What's up?" he whispered.
"That's Donnie's mom. He said she was in rehab."
"Maybe she is. Maybe they allow them to come here. You know there's a rehab center the end of the block, right?"
"Yeah. You see anyone you recognize?"
"Yeah. On the left, second row. Garrett and Malick."
"Wow. So they really come here. I mean we saw their pictures. But wow."
"Yeah or should I say Uncle Damian."
"That's really messed up Ry."
"Tell me about it."
Skye stared at them and then here eyes focused on the couple beside them. Something about them was familiar. Just then the band started playing and the woman turned let herself out of the row. She walked down the aisle and Skye gasped. "Mrs. Hamilton."
Ryan looked at Skye whose face was white like she'd seen a ghost. "Ry get her pic. You gotta..."
"Calm down. People over there are looking at us. I got this. Wait here." He whispered and then got up and moved to the steps walking down.
Skye leaned forward and looked again at the row making out Mr. Hamilton standing there next to John Garrett. She trembled slightly as she felt the memories start to overwhelm her. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. The Hamilton's, the hospital records- everything about her time with them and what had happened, all the files had been missing. And yet there they were, right there acting like nothing had happened. Have they been hiding here in Kingston this whole time? Her mind was racing. She looked at her phone, Lincoln had moved the car again and he also texted they had gotten pics of people and now were focusing on getting license plates of the expensive cars. She texted back a thumbs up.
After the two songs the band stopped, and Zebadiah moved to the podium. He talked about their programs and included the soup kitchen, homeless shelter, and their many rehab centers as well as the daycare center. He then spoke of job opportunities and invited people to come back to the office this week to get help finding a job and said they had many opportunities with the fine business owners of the Center. While he was talking, Ryan slipped back in next to her.
"You get it?"
He nodded. "And some of Malick and Garrett too and whoever was in their row and the row behind them."
"No one saw you right?"
"Nope. I was careful. Maybe we should go Skye?" It's getting late."
"Yeah." They rose just as Zebadiah was inviting new folks and those who wanted more one-on- one enlightenment to stay. The lights came back up as they started to move out of the row. "Should we stay? See what this is all about?"
"I don't think so Skye. Look."
She looked to the stage where she saw Malick and Garrett heading onto the stage joining the two men already there. A few women also joined them as most of the crowd walked out but about fifteen people from the back area started moving toward the stage. "Yeah. They'll recognize us up that close."
"Let's just get to the car and we can regroup and figure out our next move. Lincoln's latest text said he parked one near an alley at the back of the building off of Walnut Street."
Skye nodded and the exited with the crowd, walking down the porch to the walkway and then turned left onto the pavement. They got in the car and Lincoln grinned at her. "You get any intel agent?"
"Yes. Look let's just wait here. A few minutes and let everyone clear out. Does that ally there go to the back of the building? Like right up to it?"
"What are you concocting now Skye." Ryan raised his eyebrows at her.
"I want to see what they do with those few who stayed behind. What Garret and Malick are doing with them. If I can get in the back, I can sneak in and see. Maybe video it."
"See what Skye? They said they were going to help them more. Talk to them."
"Really Ry? You bought that? It's Malick and Garrett. It's something shady for sure."
"Wait. Garrett and Malick from high school?" Lincoln exclaimed.
"Yeah. And Donnie's mom was there. I think she was one of the people who stayed."
"Donnie's mom?" Jemma shook her head. "He told us she's supposed to be in a rehab facility upstate. Well that's it -it is all connected then."
Skye nodded. "That's not all. My old foster parent's from Lincoln Park were there tonight."
"Are you sure?" Thomas was as shocked as everyone else. "The ones no one can find?"
"That's them. The ones not in any of my files, not in the hospital files, not in any St Agnes files, the same foster parents the police can't find. Right here. Right here in Kingston."
"We should have followed them." Thomas added. Gotten their address. That would be the biggest connection. That might have given the cops a real reason to investigate this place."
"Yeah but they would have recognized me. And we couldn't really stay discrete if we'd have tried to keep up with them."
"Yeah they left pretty fast." Ryan chimed in.
"Which is why I want to get in there now and see what they are really up to. Look, juts lay low here. There's not anyone around anymore. I'm just gonna quickly check it out. I can get in fast and get out fast." She opened the door.
"Not alone." Lincoln opened his door.
"I should go alone. I'm small and quick and..."
"You let me come with or we leave now." Lincoln stared at her. "It's the only way we stay."
She nodded. "Come one. Before we miss whatever they are doing. Oh here's your phone Jems. I recorded the whole thing – sound only. Send it to Fitz and Callie along with all the license plates you got."
Ryan got out his phone. "Download all these pics too. Got Skye's ex fosters, and Garrett and Malick here and bunch of the people they were sitting with. Skye, you two be careful. If you're not back in twenty minutes or send a text or call – I'm gonna call Bobbi and Hunter. I mean it."
"Okay. Okay. I get it. Come on." Skye motioned to Lincoln and they both got our and ran to the alley a few feet away.
Getting inside was easy. Skye picked the simple lock and they ended up in a rather large hallway with what looked like a bunch of storage rooms and closets on each side. They slowly and carefully made their way down the hallway.
The women who earlier had been watching the occupants of the car, stood hidden by the shadows in the alley. She watched as the two teens broke into the building she had been surveying for the last week, shaking her head. What the hell were these teenagers up to. She glanced down the alley seeing the car still there and sighed. These kids were either crazy or just looking for trouble. She followed them inside carefully.
Skye and Lincoln continued moving quietly down the hallway completely unaware they were being followed. They came to a set of steps and made their way up with Lincoln slowly opening the door, seeing no one, he motioned Skye to follow. The walked just a few steps before hearing voices. They moved closer and heard the voices get louder coming to a door with a window.
Lincoln shook his head emphatically. Skye gave him a dirty look. She motioned with her hands and in the blink of an eye she was by the door looking in. Fortunately for her and much to Lincoln's peace of mind, everyone in the room had their backs turned Skye counted four people, and one was sitting on an exam table. The other three had on green medical scrubs. Skye frowned as she looked around the room for clues. A moment later the woman standing in front of the patient, moved away and Skye nearly let out a huge gasp, catching herself just in time. The patient looked up and Skye bent down just as she looked at the door. Skye moved to the wall and then stood up and motioned Lincoln to follow her stopping in front of the next doorway which had no window. She whispered, "What is Raina doing here?"
Lincoln's eyes grew huge as he looked back at her. "We need to go."
For once Skye nodded in agreement. Just then, they heard footsteps approaching. Skye tried the doorknob behind her which turned and stepped into the room grabbing Lincoln. They stood by the door as the footsteps grew closer. The footsteps stopped and Skye was sure they'd been caught. But instead of coming into the room the two people spoke. Skye willed her heartbeat to slow down, following Melinda's instructions she'd taught her so many times now. The first voice she did not recognize.
"You can't just show up here. You know they won't be happy. It's bad enough we have Fury poking around in everything."
"I don't care. I need more money and I need the injections."
Skye stopped breathing.
"We gave you enough injections for months. And money. It's been only a few weeks David."
"Well I like nice things. And I need more and more of the stuff to get through the days. Just give me what I came for and I'll be on my way."
"Fine. Follow me."
The two walked away and as their footsteps faded, Lincoln breathed a sigh of relief. Until he saw Skye. She was white as a ghost and her breaths were now coming in gasps. She crumpled to the ground.
"Skye." He whispered. "Hey it's okay, they're gone."
"It's him," she managed to sputter.
"Who? Skye come on. You're scaring me now. We have to get out of here. It's very late and Bobbi and Hunter probably have found us out, and it's dangerous here. This isn't cool anymore, we could be in danger."
Skye nodded and grasped his hands. "Give me sec. I just need a second." She took some deep breaths and closed her eyes squeezing his hands tightly. After a couple minutes, she opened her eyes nodding at him and stood up. "Let's get out of here."
She pressed her ear against the door trying to listen for any sound, and hearing none she slowly opened the door enough for them to sneak through. They stood for a moment checking the hallway and then started back to the door and steps they had entered from. As they got near the room that Skye had seen Raina in, it all of a sudden opened and one of the people in scrubs walked out. Spotting them he paused.
"You two lost?"
"Yeah. Got turned around somehow." Lincoln kept it together.
"Happens. You with the group from tonight?"
"Yeah. We were looking for a bathroom and my girlfriend here turned left, I said it was right you know, but she wouldn't listen. Ended up here trying to circle back."
The man smiled sympathetically. "Just go through that door turn left at the T and then right and you'll be where you need to be."
"Awe man thanks so much. Come on babe. This time I'm leading the way." He grabbed Skye's arm and moved through the doors watching as the man walked the opposite way. As the man disappeared into one of the rooms, he and Skye ducked back into the hall and to the door leading down the steps running down the hallway to the door they'd let themselves in and ran breathlessly to the car, jumping in. Lincoln turned on the car and pulled out driving them away quickly. They never noticed the woman on the motorcycle following them.
Lincoln drove for about five miles putting distance between them and the place and then pilled over into a strip mall parking spot. "Okay Skye spill. You acted like you saw a ghost in there." Lincoln looked at Skye who had been completely quiet since jumping into the car.
Ryan spoke up worried. "What the hell happened? Skye, you okay?"
"Raina was there. I don't know – they were doing – they – she was on a medical table and they were injecting her with – with something. She looked happy."
"Raina?" Thomas exclaimed. "What the hell."
"Shit. Do you think she was there tonight Skye? Do you think she saw us? At the service?" Ryan said fearfully.
"No. She wasn't. She'd have confronted us. It's how she is. I don't think she was at the service." Skye's breaths were becoming more normal, and she finally opened her eyes, pulling herself up from her slouching position. She glanced back at Ryan. "Even if she was there, she didn't see us, and we didn't see her. We're safe. She didn't see me in the hall either."
"And the other two?" Lincoln pressed her.
She looked over at him. "Huh?"
"In the hallway. The two talking. When we hid? You know the voice you obviously recognized."
"Yeah. Um – I don't – I can't – let's focus on Raina. What the hell she was doing there and what they were doing to her., yeah?"
Lincoln shook his head. "Yeah we need to brainstorm that sometime. But you recognized one of those voices and you nearly had a panic attack Skye. You need to explain that. Before I drive anywhere."
Thomas leaned toward the front of the car. "It's okay Skye. We're all in this together. You can tell us anything. You need to be straight with us."
Skye stared at her shoes. "It was a voice I will never forget. One I never thought I'd hear again." She pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around her knees. "His name is David Hamilton. I lived with the Hamilton's as a foster kid in Lincoln Park. A couple years ago. It's when me and Donnie met. We were fosters together. David was their kid, their 19 – year- old kid. Sara was another foster who lived there." Skye started rocking back and forth and then the tears started.
"Hey – hey it's okay Skye, you're okay. We can talk about this later. You juts need to calm down – and – and breathe. Please. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push." Lincoln squeezed her shoulder.
"Lincoln how about you get us back to the Coulson's. Maybe Skye will be able to tell us later." Thomas turned to Skye, "Okay Skye. It's okay. You don't have to – we get it. I get it." Thomas spoke to her softly.
She nodded and spoke brokenly. "I will - I want to,' was barely a whisper. "It's – it's important. I will." She looked at Thomas and nodded. She then out her hand on Lincoln's and gave him a slight smile.
Lincoln pulled out of the lot and again no one saw the motorcycle pull out after them. He drove back to the block he had picked the others up on. The rest of the car ride was pretty silent except for the sound of Jemma texting back and forth with Callie and Leo.
"It's almost nine o'clock. We're a little later than we wanted to be." Ryan said as Lincoln brought the car to a stop.
"Well we better get moving then." Jemma said matter of factly. "Hopefully Bobbi and Hunter didn't get wise to our bad teen shenanigans."
"Skye you know you can talk to me, right? About anything." Lincoln spoke up smiling softly at Skye.
She nodded at him. "I will – I need a little time, is all. I'll call you later after we get settled back in the house. Make sure Bobbi and Hunter are none the wiser."
"Okay. You guys be careful. And for crying out loud – no one fall. Be super careful."
"We'll be fine Lincoln. None of us have the weight and muscles like a fine specimen like you."
Thomas looked at everyone as they all stared at him. "Wait. Did I say that out loud?" He gulped and started blushing.
"It's okay Thomas. He is a fine specimen." Skye giggled.
"Sure you all just love me for my looks." He grinned at them and flexed his muscles.
"Okay, okay I think we all can agree that Skye's boyfriend is very cute. But we need to get moving here people." Ryan motioned with his hands.
Skye joined Thomas in blushing before quickly leaning down and giving Lincoln a soft kiss on his lips. "Thanks babe." She pulled up and then made a beeline for the next street.
His smile lit up as he watched Skye and the rest run down the street. He pulled the car out of the parking spot and pushed the button his CD player and started laughing loudly as an Elton John song blasted through his speakers. The woman watched him drive away as she typed the license number onto her phone.
Skye was the last one up to the balcony and through the patio door to the bonus room. They all moved to Skye's room, plopped on the floor or Skye's bed, catching their breathe. Donnie came barreling in the door a few seconds later. Skye had sent him a text saying they were back.
"Hunter's suspicious, he's on his way up. Why do you guys have your jackets and shoes on." He whispered.
They started removing shoes and jackets quickly. As Skye shoving was them all behind her between the bed and desk there was a knock on the door and Hunter asked to come in.
"Sure." Skye said as she tried to sound natural.
Hunter entered first followed by Bobbi who spoke. "We heard some thumping and other weird noises and wanted to make sure you guys were okay."
"We're fine." Skye gave a big smile
"You look a bit sweaty and red there Skye." Hunter answered.
"Well of course she does. We all do as a matter of fact." Jemma pulled herself up from the floor, "Skye was just showing us all some Tai Chi moves as we followed along. And then, we started goofing around pretend fighting."
"Sparring." Thomas added from his place on the floor.
"Yeah and so of course Skye was winning cause Miss May teaches her more and she's way ahead of the rest of us."
"Yes. Way ahead of the rest of us." Jemma confirmed.
Bobbi smiled. "Melinda's a good teacher."
"And I could use the extra practice. Since I was away at that place for a while." Thomas smiled at Bobbi.
"Well okay. So when do you guys think you might be thinking about bedtime?" Hunter asked.
"Oh um, later." Skye answered.
"Much later. We're gonna watch some movies next. And uh, then maybe play a couple board games?" Donnie added.
"Yay! I love board games." Jemma smiled sweetly at Donnie.
"Anyway, I'm hungry Skye. More snacks?" Ryan asked her.
"Sure. Let's head downstairs. Melinda got a ton of ice cream and Phil loaded up on candy and soda."
"Well just don't overdo it guys. I don't deal with sick well."
"You mean at all luv. For a police officer you sure are squeamish about barf."
Bobbi and Hunter left the room and Skye turned to Jemma. "That was fantastic. They really bought that whole thing."
"Yes. Apparently since hanging around you Skye, I have become a much better liar."
Skye laughed and high fived her. "You make a fine spy Jemma. Glad to have you on the team."
The kids raided the kitchen and then moved back up to Skye's room to watch a movie. Which they actually did watch, putting on a newer action flick no one had seen yet. After watching that movie and easting snacks, they put in another movie for background noise but discussed in more detail everything they had seen at the enlightenment center. They gave Skye the space she needed by not pushing her to talk about David Hamilton, letting her choose when to talk about it. Skye texted Lincoln and asked him to come by the next day and said they'd talk but she wasn't making any promises about anything.
Eventually, after talking they did play a few board games, Bobbi checked on them a few more times, and around one in the morning they made their way to bed. Thomas headed to his room downstairs, Skye and Jemma stayed in Skye's room with Jemma on the trundle and Ryan bunked on Donnie's spare bed in his room.
The next morning Vic and Izzy came over around ten bringing breakfast. Bobbi and Hunter were great on the security end for watching the kids, but they lacked cooking skills. And Vic figured the kids would have eaten a ton of junk food the night before and decided a proper breakfast was in order. The kids slowly wondered into the kitchen as Izzy and Vic bustled about making everyone a good breakfast. Bobbi and Hunter had already gone home, claiming exhaustion as Izzy laughed at them.
Skye was the first one up and walked in a plopped down at the counter. "Please tell me there's coffee."
Izzy laughed and poured a cup placing it as well a bowls of sugar and creamer in front of her. "Here you go sweetie. I make it strong."
"Bless you."
"So any requests for breakfast?"
"Anything is fine. So you guys are the second shift huh?"
"We are. I think Bobbi and Hunter are going home and going straight to bed."
"Wussies."
Izzy laughed. "Yup."
Next to enter the kitchen was Thomas with severe bed head. He too was grateful for the coffee placed in front of him. Slowly, the kids all woke and entered until they were all sitting around the kitchen table eating a hearty breakfast consisting of home fries, bacon and eggs with blueberry and banana muffins.
Skye and Ryan were finishing up the dishes when Skye turned to Vic. "Hey is it okay if Lincoln comes by later for little while."
"Oh, I don't know Skye. Would Mel allow it?"
"Yeah, as long as we didn't have plans and my chores and school stuff is done. It's not like we are gonna be alone either. Maybe just hang out a little and talk or watch a movie with everyone maybe."
"Okay so are your chores and schoolwork done?"
"Well, I'm all caught up with my schoolwork, and I do need to clean up my room yet from last night, and do laundry, just a load of towels and then I will be do with my chores for the week."
"Okay. You can invite him over."
"Yeah about that. I kinda already did. Sorry."
"And if I would have said no?"
"He would have to live with the disappointment of not being in my fine company I suppose."
Vic laughed. "I see why Melinda took a quick liking to you. Sure text him and tell him to come around two for a late lunch."
"Thanks." Skye flashed Vic a bright smile. "And I'd just like to apologize again for using your computer without permission. I really am sorry."
"It's okay Skye. Thank you for owning up to it. It's done and it's in the past now."
Skye nodded. As she walked away the realization hit at just how much apologizing she was going to be doing when she told Melinda and Phil what she, what they all had been up to.
Lincoln did arrive for lunch which was sub sandwiches from a little Italian Shop close by that Izzy loved. After eating, everyone, including Vic and Izzy watched 'Mission Impossible: Fallout'. After that, Donnie talked Izzy into playing Call of Duty with him, Thomas and Jemma worked on schoolwork, while Izzy asked Ryan to join her on the porch for a talk. He was opening up to her more and more and actually was beginning to enjoy how she listened and never judged him. Skye took the opportunity of everyone being busy to invite Lincoln to the back yard to kick around a soccer ball. And to talk.
Skye passed the ball to him again and grinned as he praised it. "Seriously Skye, you should consider taking up soccer."
"I think martial arts is all I can handle in the physical department."
"For now. Seriously you have some raw skills there Skye. And Ryan said you run pretty fast. Says you kept up with him just fine and he's being training in cross country for a couple years."
"Melinda makes me run Lincoln. I never said I liked it. Physical stuff was never something I was any good at."
"Is that because you think that or cause you were told that by others?"
She stopped and stared at him. She sighed. "Maybe both. I don't know. Melinda says I am one of her fastest learners and I don't know if she means it or is just being nice."
"Melinda May doesn't say stuff she doesn't mean Skye. You should know that by now."
"I like it. You know – it's -it's just – it's freeing. The Tai Chi is good and is really helping me with focus and with control. The fighting skills are making me less afraid – not just physically but mentally." She paused and then sat down on the grass motioning for Lincoln to join her. Once he did, she turned to face him and continued talking. "It's empowering for my whole self. Like I feel free."
He nodded. "Yeah I get that."
"You know when I first called Melinda and showed up at her place to learn, it was all about being able to defend myself – hell even to beat up a few people. But as it went on – it became more about digging in deeper within myself. Pushing myself to do what I'd been told all my life that I couldn't do. To be strong, To be unafraid. To be physical. To be good at something. To push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. To stand up. To not let people drag me down. To face things. To face myself."
Lincoln stayed quiet but reached out to hold Skye's hand and laced his fingers through hers, squeezing gently.
Skye continued. "There are a lot of things in my past that are awful Lincoln. Some worse than others. I don't know if I can ever explain them all to you or go into detail with them. But I'm gonna tell you why David Hamilton freaked me out so badly. And I'm hoping you don't run after I do."
"Hey I would never..."
"Shush. Don't make promises okay. Please just listen. It's hard to talk about so I just want to say it and then after you can talk, okay? I mean after what I did with the mirror you didn't run so it's promising anyway." She gave him a small grin, then took a deep breath. "I lived with the Hamilton's when I was twelve right before I turned thirteen in Lincoln Park. With Donnie and Sara – also both foster kids. They were decent enough people, just asking that we all did our chores, passed our classes, and didn't get into any trouble. They mostly stayed out of our lives. Hell even gave us spending money for things or allowed us to earn money by doing stuff like yardwork and such. The real issue was David, their nineteen- year- old son who lived there. He was mostly always high or drunk or both when he was around which wasn't that often. He was – he was a nasty person." She paused and then looked away from him. She swallowed hard and then spoke quieter. "He raped me."
Lincoln's eyes got huge, and he was about to speak. Skye shook her head and continued. "Twice. Then I got a lock for my door and I stayed away whenever he was around. His parents went out a lot so I made sure I was in the park, or at the library, or anywhere else when I knew they wouldn't be home."
"Oh Skye. I am so sorry. Why didn't you tell his parents? Or your caseworker?"
"That's not how it works, Lincoln. No one believes the foster kids. I had no proof. Just my word that it happened. I was afraid and just wanted to forget it. And the Hamilton's couldn't see David for what he was. In their eyes he was great. What I didn't think about, which was stupid cause I should have, was that David would do the same to Sara if he couldn't have access to me."
"Hey that's not..."
"Please just let me finish. It's hard to – just – I didn't think about it. She was only a kid. Barely eleven. I never – I just didn't think he'd go that far. I was out, I was at the library working on a computer – teaching myself how to code better and trying to look up information like I always did. It was one of those nights when the Hamilton's went out – some card group or bowling or something. So I usually stayed at the library till it closed and then took the bus home. I'd usually get there a few minutes before they'd get home. But that night, I walked in the house and heard screaming. I ran up the steps to Sara's rom and he was..." Skye stopped and put her head in her hands as tears started falling. "He was- he was raping her. She was screaming and begging him to stop. Donnie was in the room holding his arm and his face was bloodied. He'd – he was - he had tried to stop him. David was oblivious to me at first. I screamed for him to get off her and grabbed at him while he laughed and said I was next. I grabbed the desk chair and hit him over the back, and he stopped and screamed at me and said I was dead while he pulled up his pants – said that he was going to kill me after he had his way. He got off Sara and then – he casually reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife and – and he..." She stopped and took a few deep breaths and squeezed his hand.
After a small pause she continued. This time speaking very fast and in a monotone. "He stabbed her. Then he looked at me and his face was – it was – He looked demonic – I ran out the door with my phone in my hand and I called 911. He tackled me and held me to the ground and my phone flew out of my hand but for some reason my phone stayed connected. The whole incident was recorded. He tried to rip my clothes off, but I fought back, and Donnie came out and was pulling on him, and I was screaming and Donnie was screaming. Finally, David just threw Donnie into the wall in the hallway- I think he got knocked out, and he pulled my arms over my head and had his knee on my chest holding me down. I heard sirens and that's the last thing I remember hearing and then I saw the glint of his knife in his hand and then I felt searing pain. I blacked out and the next thing I remember was waking up in a hospital bed with all kinds of tubes connected to me. I was told I had been in surgery and had been stabbed three times. I asked about Donnie and Sara and I was told Donnie was in another hospital and would be going to another foster home. They didn't know about Sara or what had happened to her."
Lincoln remained quiet and allowed Skye to catch her breathe. After a few minutes he rached over to her and wrapped his arms around her comforting her as she dissolved into tears. After she stopped shaking and the tears lessened, he spoke softly. "Those are the hospital records that are missing. Yours and Donnie's."
Skye nodded. "And nothing on Sara either. I asked my caseworker about her and she wouldn't answer me, so I assumed she died. But now I am not sure about that. I'm not sure about anything."
"I'm so sorry Skye."
"You ready to run yet?"
"I'm not going anywhere."
"There's not much more to say. I never had to testify, and I never heard about what they did to him. Then later I tried to find out what happened to them and Donnie and Sara and there was nothing. No hospital records, nothing at St Agnes. Nothing of public record. I checked about the Hamilton's and David and it's like the fell off the face of earth. Absolutely nothing. Till tonight. When I saw the Hamilton's at the service and when I heard that voice in the hallway."
"You're positive it was his?"
"I'll never forget his voice, Lincoln. I'm positive. But he should be in jail or something. It was less then two years ago. What he did to us – he should have been in jail."
"More secrets. And definitely sounds like an awful lot of manipulation and an inside coverup. Similar to Joey and Lanie and what Ward did to her."
"Yeah. What the hell is going on Lincoln? And who was the guy talking to David and promising him money?"
"I don't know Skye. We're just really lucky they didn't see us or find us. I've been thinking, and now all this you told me – I think you need to tell the Coulson's and Izzy and Bobbi everything. I think we should give them the license numbers and pictures and you need to tell them about David Hamilton. About seeing Raina and the Hamilton's and about all those pictures you hacked into and the info about the buildings and who owns them. Let them take it from here."
"I just wish we had more to give them. Maybe I could hack into the hospital again or try to hack into the Enlightenment Center records. Or maybe we could take a trip to Lincoln Park and check that Center and even check the Hamilton's old house. Ask around – ask the neighbors and stuff. Surely somebody knows something."
"Skye. It's getting too dangerous. You're gonna get hurt. Or someone else will. Thomas, Ryan, Donnie. We need to let the adults handle this now."
"I don't know. What if they don't see it like we do. Like we don't really have any hard evidence. Just a lot of speculation and conspiracies. And they could think it's all coincidental and not connected. But I know it's all connected. I just don't have all the pieces yet."
"Skye. Just the fact that a guy is hanging around this town, one who disappeared after he did what he did to you guys, and his parents disappeared as well, then were seen at this weird cult like place and all records of what happened to you guys are nowhere to be found is enough evidence that something is way off here. They will see that. And all the other stuff you gathered – all the pics, and what we got tonight, the info on the Ward's and the Malick's – it's far more than a coincidence. They will see that. And they have the means and ways to figure it all out."
"They haven't yet."
"Skye. It's being covered up. Like in the inside somewhere."
"Well they had a tip about some of this stuff and even investigated the purple man and the center a while back. Bobbi said so. And nothing."
"But now they have what we have. What you discovered."
"Yeah – illegally."
"Well, now they can investigate legally."
"You don't understand. Melinda's gonna be so mad. I kind of made a promise."
"You knew all along while doing this that she'd be mad."
"Yeah. But I figured all I'd have to tell them is that I hacked a couple things. Now they'll know we snuck out if I tell them about David. Unless I say I hacked into a security feed or something."
"Further down the rabbit hole? Honestly Skye I think now, maybe tonight or at least by tomorrow we all need to come clean. Tell them all everything. Cause as bad as it will be, it'll be worse if we do more on our own or hide it longer. You know that."
Skye nodded. The she said softly. "They could be really, really mad. They might not want me to stay here anymore."
"Hey. No – no. That won't happen. They aren't like that Skye. They love you. They aren't going to send you away. They will probably ground you till you're 21 or something. Maybe give you a ton of lectures and be all kinds of upset and yeah probably very angry. But they will be angry cause they care about you and Donnie. Cause they will be scared. And yeah disappointed."
"See that's the thing I am gonna hate. The most." Skye looked at her sneakers as a few tears fell.
Lincoln moved next to here and pulled her in for a hug. "Yeah. That's always the worst look. That parental disappointment, My mom's so gonna give me that one too. The whole lecture. I taught you better Lincoln. I trusted you. You are the oldest – you should have stopped them."
Skye giggled. "You are in so much trouble young man. How can I ever trust you again? Sneaking around, lying, breaking into buildings. "
"Shit. We did do that didn't we?"
"Um yeah. So the security footage thing is sounding better and better right?"
"Skye."
"Hey look. I'll just tell them I snuck in. Alone. I heard his voice and snuck out as fast as I could."
"Nope. We're in this together." He pulled her closer.
"You know – I'm not all together yet. From what he did. And other stuff in my past. I'm not sure – I don't know if I'm – this is so hard to say. I don't know if I can – if I'm ready for a – ready for..."
"Hey I get it. I'm not sure what I'm ready for yet either. All I know is I really like you, Skye. You are amazing. You're smart and strong and all kinds of interesting. I do know this though, and that is I want to know you better and spend time with you. How about we just take it day by day?"
"I can do that. I did lay some heavy stuff on you though today. I wouldn't blame you if you ran for the hills."
"And I told you, I'm not going anywhere."
She looked at him and then leaned down and kissed him on the cheek then switched positions sitting next to him as she lowered her head onto his shoulder and closed her eyes, resting in silence, as her wrapped both arms around her.
Meanwhile, while Skye and Lincoln had their conversation, Vic was working on her laptop and drinking coffee when Izzy came into the kitchen.
"Something's up."
"Yeah like what?" Vic focused her attention on Izzy."
"I don't know yet. Ryan was quieter than usual and wouldn't look me in the eye. Jemma's watching Thomas and Donnie play video games, and Skye and Lincoln are having some kind of major talk in the backyard."
"Okay. None of that sounds all that nefarious to me babe. I think the detective in you needs a break."
"Very funny. Ry's been opening up to me. He's been at ease and comfortable. Today he chose every word very carefully, said as little as possible and would not look at me. And he was in a hurry to get away."
"Could just a step backwards and tomorrow he'll move forward again. That's not that unusual for a teen who's been traumatized."
"Okay. But combined with everyone else's attempts to appear as normal as possible at breakfast – kind of overselling that everything was okay, and Jemma is not fond of video games so why is she watching so long, and something pretty heavy seems to be going down with those two in the backyard."
"Young love Izzy. Did you forget how that works?"
"Just glance out there."
Vic got up, thinking appeasing Izzy was the best thing to do, and walked to the window and looked out. Skye and Lincoln seemed to be in a pretty intense conversation, and wait was she crying. "She seems a bit upset at something."
"Yeah. They've been talking like that for a long time. Not laughing, not kissy face, or more – just talking. Intense talking. Jemma is also not looking me in the eye either and she seems off. Donnie and Thomas are trying way to hard to appear normal that it makes them appear not normal. And earlier – didn't you feel it in the air? Tension?"
"Okay maybe there's something going on. But they are teens so it could be anything. And they've all been through a lot the last few weeks. Maybe it's just an off day for everyone."
"Yeah, maybe. All I know is I don't like it and I have a bad feeling something is just not right."
Later on, after Lincoln left, the kids gathered in Skye's room and she told everyone what she told Lincoln about David and the Hamilton's just in less detail. They all hugged her and Donnie, and they all promised to keep it to themselves. Skye told them that Lincoln thought it best to tell the adults everything. They all discussed it and did not come to a consensus. Jemma and Ryan thought it best to bring in the adults, tell them everything and leave it in their capable hands. They needed to come clean and let the adults in on their bad teen shenanigans, as Jemma once again put it.
Donnie and Thomas thought they should wait to say anything and that they should keep digging for information. Thomas wanted to know how so many people were in on his kidnapping and stay at The Four Winds. Donnie wanted more info on his mom and her connection to the Center. Ryan wondered what Raina was doing there and what they were doing to her, what his parent's connections were as well as his concern over Skye and why she was involved. Skye of course was most interested in who was talking to David, and where all those missing files got to, and how the Hamilton's had fallen off the face of the earth and then reappeared. Jemma was positive drugs were involved and that it was very sinister indeed. The discussion lasted a few hours. No consensus was reached and arguing was starting to get intense.
Soon they were called downstairs for dinner. Izzy had made burgers on the grill and Vic had air fried some frozen French fries as well as making a salad. Everyone was quiet around the dinner table, not even any small talk was occurring, and Vic looked at Izzy and nodded, indicating that yeah, they were all acting a bit weird. Vic tried to get Skye to talk by mentioning Lincoln. She just shrugged the attempt off, as she quickly ate her food. The boys volunteered to do the dishes as Jemma and Skye retreated back to Skye's room.
Jemma sat on the bed with Skye. Skye turned to her. "I'm scared Jems."
"So am I. They'll probably be very angry. At least at first, they will. Then they'll look at the information we give them and listen to us, especially to you, and I think they won't be so angry at us anymore but will turn that anger to what is going on."
"Melinda's not gonna trust me anymore."
"Sure she will. But it'll take some time. Auntie Vic is going to be quite upset at me. And Izzy will be too. I'm supposed to be the one who stay out of trouble. And who talks everyone else out of trouble. I follow the rules and frankly, I usually like to."
"Till you met me. Sorry I got you in trouble Jems. I should just take all the blame and leave all you guys out of it. I even got Donnie in trouble now and he's only twelve, he's just a kid."
"Um Skye, we're all just kids. The oldest is Lincoln at 16 and the rest of us a year or two younger."
"Lincoln wants us to tell them as soon as possible. That means tonight. In a couple hours when Melinda and Phil get home. I don't know – I hate to spring it on them after their mini vacation, you know. Hey, what did Leo and Callie say?"
"Both think we should talk to the adults. But Leo said I should make sure you know that he will back whatever decision you make. Said it's mostly about you, started with you, and that he would respect your choice."
"What should I do Jemma?"
"I've made my opinion known. But you have to decide what is best for you to do. You know none of us will talk if that's what you truly want."
"No it has to be the group. It's not just about me. It never was. It's about me and Donnie, and Ryan and Thomas, and Will and all of us. It's about being able to walk into school being unafraid and it's about being allowed to be who we are, without people hurting us."
Jemma smiled. "You are a hero, Skye. To all of us. You stood up for yourself and reminded all of us to do the same. But I think it's time for the adults to stand up for us more now and take on all these conspiracies and be the heroes. Cause when all is said and done – we are just kids."
"Yeah. I know. I've known all along what needs to be done." She pulled Jemma into a hug. "Thanks." After moment she pulled back and added, "so you wanna help me get all this information and pics and everything in some kind of order?"
"I am great at organization Skye." She grinned.
Skye grinned back at her.