-27-

Maddie sat on her bed and watched her friend picking at her breakfast. She had not shown a particular interest in her morning meal. She suspected it had something to do with the fact that their captor had taken Jaime from the room earlier that morning. Jaime had been relatively quiet since her return twenty minutes before.

"I'd ask if you are ok, but I'm sure I already know the answer." Jaime shook her head.

"I'm not. I am so worried about Jesse. I was really hoping I was going to get to see her earlier when he came for me. But, that never happened." Maddie set her sandwich down and leaned over and rubbed Jaime's back.

"I'm so sorry. Did he uhm, take you for other things?" suspecting that maybe he had chosen Jaime for some sexual needs. Jaime understood and shook her head.

"No, luckily I didn't have to put out. He took me out because he wants to have me help him grab another girl. I told him I wasn't crazy about the idea. And I wanted to see my sister."

"I guess he didn't like your hesitancy?" Jaime shook her head and rubbed the back of her neck.

"Nope. He slapped me in the head. He said some of us were going to be moving along soon and he needed to find replacements."

"Some of us?" Maddie repeated fearfully. Jaime nodded.

"Yeah. I think the idea that we are getting sold to people who are bigger pervs than him is becoming more a real possibility. I am not sure who or when. But he did say I shouldn't look forward to any more fun with Rhiannon. So, that would suggest that she is going for sure." Maddie looked down at her food and suddenly also felt a loss of appetite. The idea that she might be moving on to some other person was scary. The idea that she may be separated from her only friend was also concerning.

"Not sure I want to even think about any of this." Maddie said fretfully.

"I know what you mean." Jaime scooted herself nearer to Maddie and laid her head down on Maddie's lap. "I haven't seen Jesse in so long. I think he just enjoys knowing that it rips me up inside. The not knowing. Not being able to be sure she is still here." Maddie ran her fingers through Jaime's long hair.

"Do you know what you will do? I mean when he wants you to go help him again?"

"Not sure. If I say no, I am likely to have the crap beat out of me. I also still feel terrible that I helped bring you here. If I just hadn't taken your picture that night." Jaime was clearly dealing with her conscience. It made Maddie feel so bad. She never really blamed Jaime for her predicament. More of just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Don't worry about that. I don't blame you. It just happened. I have to wonder though...when any of this is going to happen. I know if we get relocated somewhere else, it will be harder for my parents to find me." Jaime placed her hand on Maddie's knee and sighed.

"I have to admit, I've been secretly hoping they would find us. When you said your mom was able to find a kidnapper before, it gave me some hope. You know, that maybe someone else besides the police were out looking." Maddie placed her hand on Jaime's.

"I have to believe in my heart that they are doing everything they can. That maybe they are out there somewhere close. I know my mom and dad have both worked with a famous detective in the past. I have faith that maybe he is helping out too. He did last year when my mom solved that case with the missing girl. He is very smart. It gives me something to hold on to. That they are all working hard to find us!" Jaime managed to nod. Her face took on a slight bit of hope.

"I hope so, too. It makes me feel more hopeful with you saying that. I just want to find Jesse and all of us get out of here before something very bad happens."


Reese looked over at Rhiannon. She sat on her bed quietly. She had just finished pleasing him. As she had done so many times before.

"I'm going to miss you, baby." Rhiannon looked up at him. A look of uncertainty splashed over her face.

"I'm going somewhere, daddy?" Fearful of the unknown future she held. Reese nodded.

"Yes, baby. It is time for you to have a new set of parents. Later on, you will be meeting your new mother and father." Rhiannon felt slight relief in knowing she wasn't going to meet a harsher fate. But was still worried about who the new people were.

"Have I displeased you, daddy? I can do better!" She spoke up in hopes that things could just stay the same. She was not very happy since she had been kidnapped. But, in some ways she knew that her present place was safe for her. As long as she kept giving him what he wanted, she was safe. Reese managed a slight smile and looked at her with sympathy.

"Baby, you have not displeased me. In fact, I must admit that I will very much miss you. And the times we spent together. But, daddy really needs a new variety of little girls to help him with his needs. I'm afraid that it's time for you to move along and please new people. As long as you do what they say, you will be fine." Rhiannon sighed and nodded, accepting her fate. She knew objecting to him in any way would not be a good idea.

"Ok, daddy. If you say so." Reese smiled and nodded. He sat up and prepared to leave her room.

"Alright. I will be by for you a bit later this afternoon and you can go take a bath. I will have some new clothes for you. I want you to look nice for your new parents." Rhiannon swallowed hard and nodded.

"Ok, daddy. I will be ready."


Chet sat pensively at the table in his motel room. He had been awakened early. First by a brief call from Fenton. Then later a text from Callie. Advising him that Emma Salinger had been found and they were stationed at the hospital in Winchester. With hopes of being able to interview the girl and gather valuable intel that could lead them all to Maddie and the others being held. He looked over to Aimee.

"The waiting is the hard part." He muttered and tossed his phone on the table. Aimee placed her hand on his.

"Try to relax, babe. Didn't Cal indicate that Emma was not yet conscious?" Chet nodded.

"Yeah. But when she wakes up, she could give us the break in the case we need. We could locate Maddie and this nightmare will be over!" Aimee knew Chet was as hopeful as Callie must be. Focused in on the belief that Emma Salinger could provide authorities with information relating to where she was held and by whom.

"I hope that is the case. I really do! But, didn't Fenton also say to be on your guard for our contact to be in touch? So, that we can hopefully make a deal for the other missing girl?" Chet nodded, conceding that this conversation had happened.

"Yes, Fenton said that he convinced the feds to keep the lid on Emma's recovery for now. That we should move forward if we are contacted and hopefully recover the Stevens girl. And I am of course all for that. But, if Emma wakes up and can give us some valuable info, we can hopefully wrap this all up and find everyone else safe and sound." Aimee nodded to him and offered a supportive smile.

"I hope you are right. I hope we can find Maddie and the others very soon!" Chet glanced down nervously at the pair of phones.

"Come on...come on!" he urged under his breath. Aimee took a deep breath. She ran her hand along his tensed arm. Looking at him.

"Hey. Look at me." Chet managed to break his focus on the phones and look over at her.

"Yeah. I know..." He nervously looked back down at the table for a moment, then looked back at Aimee.

"Have you ever heard the expression A Watched Pot Doesn't Boil?" Chet managed a half smile.

"Sounds like something my mom would say." Aimee smiled and nodded.

"Have you ever known your mom to be wrong?" Chet tilted his head thoughtfully.

"Come to think of it, no. She is usually right on target."

"There ya go! Let's go kill a little time." Chet perked an eyebrow at Aimee and glanced at the bed.

"I thought we weren't gonna do that again until Maddie was found." He half smiled. Aimee rolled her eyes.

"Well, as much as I might like a late morning delight, I was more meaning maybe we could go get some coffee. Which in this town means go to the gas station for a couple bottles of Starbucks." Chet shrugged.

"Well, that might work. But I can drink two of those in about five minutes. What then?"

"Well, you can maybe do what Walter would do when he is killing time." Aimee smiled with a shrug. Chet nodded.

"Maybe a little bowling wouldn't hurt."

"Great! But watch out. I am going to win this time!"


Ellen Salinger had been sitting in the hospital room for a couple hours. She looked down at her daughter. The many leads connected to her were constantly monitoring her vitals. The tears streaming down her cheek. Wishing she could have rolled back time. They didn't have to stop at that truck stop. Emma didn't have to slip outside to smoke. Ellen should have let her daughter make the choice and lived with it. At least then she wouldn't have had to sneak out to avoid detection from her parents. This didn't have to happen.

Ellen Salinger blamed herself.

Though she was grateful for the fact that her child was now safely away from the sick person who stole her, she now felt overwhelmed. Why wasn't her daughter snapping out of it? The doctors assured her that Emma had no brain injury. That aside from a beating and being dehydrated she suffered no apparent long-term effects. At least not physical ones.

Then of course there were the mental ones.

The rape.

Ellen clinched her fist tightly as she looked down at her unresponsive daughter. Realizing how scared her child must have been. Knowing how significant it was to have been violated that way. But, she supposed that it would be something they would deal with. She just hoped that God would grant her the opportunity. She closed her eyes and said a prayer for her daughter. It was one of many she had said that morning.

She had placed her hands on Emma's and asked the Lord to give her the strength. To give them both the strength to recover from this tragic event. Her prayers were almost audible.

A moment later the door to the room opened and Callie walked in. She stopped short upon seeing a woman with auburn hair seated next to Emma. Her head tilted down. Holding her child's hand between her two as she quietly prayed. Callie was about to turn and leave so as not to disturb the woman that she presumed was Emma's mother. However, the woman's head swiftly turned in her direction. She seemed caught by surprised. Perhaps embarrassed. Callie herself felt a degree of embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." Callie said quietly. "I can come back later." Ellen's eyes widened, then shook her head. She was fairly sure that this was the woman who had recovered Emma.

"No, no. Please, don't go. You must be..." She said, then blinked absentmindedly. "Forgive me. I was told your name. That is absolutely terrible of me to not remember the name of the person who saved your child." Callie looked down, feeling even more embarrassed. She shook her head.

"Oh, please don't say that. I am Callie Morton. I did find Emma. But, please, I didn't save anyone. I was just up in the mountains..."

"Looking for your own child." Ellen Salinger finished. She had been told a fair amount about Callie from Detective Hardy. How she had been instrumental in Emma's recovery. How she had her own daughter kidnapped by the same person.

Callie looked down, then slowly nodded.

"Yeah...I was looking for evidence or some sign of my daughter's whereabouts. I am so glad for you..." Now Ellen felt embarrassed.

"My name is Ellen Salinger. Please, forgive my manners." Callie managed a smile and shook her head.

"It's alright. Very nice to meet you, Ellen. I am so glad that we found Emma. I know how it feels." Ellen Salinger stood up and stepped towards Callie. She opened her arms. Callie embraced her and they hugged.

"You know, Callie. I've been told by so many people since it happened. They say I know how it feels. And the problem with saying that is that none of them had their child stolen. But, you saying it really means something. It is truly relatable for you. Because you are living it too!" Callie patted Ellen's back.

"Yeah, I know. I sure wish that it wasn't the case. But we both know. All too well." Ellen found herself facing another surge of tears as she held onto Callie.

"I owe you so much. You brought my baby back to me. I can't ever begin to repay you." Callie shook her head.

"It's ok. You don't owe me anything. I was just in the right place. We should just be grateful to God that he placed Frank and I up there last night."

"Oh, I am. He has answered my prayers. Now, hopefully He will help heal Emma and we can have a normal life again. And he can grant you your wish to find your daughter."

Callie looked down at Emma. She said a silent prayer for them both.

"Amen."


FBI Special Agent Ken Spalding was a man of about 45 and medium build. He had a dark complexion and was completely bald. That day had found him sitting across the table from Fenton and Frank Hardy in the Winchester Medical Center dining room.

"Tell me what I want to hear, Ken." Fenton looked at the agent expectantly. Agent Spalding tugged a bit at his shirt collar. Even though he was a seasoned agent of some power in the eastern seaboard bureau, he knew his longtime friend Fenton Hardy had his own skin in the game.

"We can go 72 hours before this has to go through the customary PR and local authorities. That is assuming no one in the hospital who knows the situation gets chatty with the media. Be it the local news or social media. After that, the perps will know that Emma Salinger was recovered alive." Fenton looked back at him with a furrowed brow.

"That's not a lot of time, Ken." Spalding nodded knowingly.

"True, Fenton. But if had not been you asking, the cat would already be out of the bag. Your stellar reputation has bought you about 72 hours of deferred publicity from the bureau so that you can carry on with your operation." Fenton rolled his eyes.

"Stellar? Ken, surely by now you know I don't need the over the top treatment." Spalding chuckled and nodded.

"Well, that was the term given to me by the powers that be. Those same powers strongly advise that the figure cannot be extended. So, you might do what you can to speed your end along. Because after that, it will be hard to say what will happen."

Frank Hardy rolled his eyes and leaned back with an aggravated look.

"I don't get it! Isn't it in your best interest to let dad play this out in the time needed? If it helps collar this nutcase, why can't we keep as much discretion with our operation that is needed? If three days pass and the press and local authorities start blasting the news, doesn't it stand to reason this guy will be doing something drastic?" Spalding sighed.

"Look, it's not the way I'd personally play it. But, the brass have the theory that if the press runs with this it could cause this guy to trip up. To make himself visible and be easier to catch. You can't relocate with a dozen or more kidnapped kids very easily. It would make him easier to spot." Fenton Hardy blinked several times. His blank expression easily betrayed the fact that he didn't agree with that theory.

"Ken, what if he cuts and runs? This guy has already murdered once. And if it hadn't been for Callie, it would be twice. That we know of! If he feels threatened and that the authorities are moving in, he may choose to either kill his stable and leave no witnesses. Or, if he leaves them, WHERE is he going to leave them? If he has them housed in some underground place, they would potentially never be found! If he has them stuffed into a house somewhere, what are the chances we find them before they die from lack of water and food? The brass on this are not thinking straight if they believe he will positively take his stable." Spalding shrugged.

"He'd be leaving a lot of money on the table if he just left them behind. Richardson believes he wouldn't leave that much money and effort spent to waste." Fenton Hardy sat back and raised his brows knowingly.

"Richardson made the call, huh? Now it makes sense." Fenton Hardy had crossed the paths of Senior Agent Foster Richardson a number of times over the years. If Fenton had to admit it, he would be the first to state that the two seldom saw eye to eye. Spalding grunted and nodded. He knew the discord between the two.

"Yeah. So, you know my hands are tied. I'm personally surprised he graced you with the 72 hours. But, I figure he was covering his tail for fear of reprisal from those even further up the food chain. Not extending you some professional courtesy would be bad form."

"Yeah." Fenton grunted. "I'm surprised too. But, at least I know that the time is firm. And we will have to make the most of it." Spalding looked down at his watch.

"Well, Fenton. I have to go. Remember, after 72 hours the first thing we will be doing is holding our circus at the location where Emma was found. After that, all bets are off." Fenton nodded wearily.

"Yes, don't remind me." He reached across the table and shook the agent's hand. "Keep me informed."

"Will do, Fenton. See you later, Frank." Frank looked up and nodded.

"Right." He said without much enthusiasm. After Spalding took his leave, Fenton. looked over at his son.

"Don't be too hard on Agent Spalding, son. He is just following instructions." He grunted. "Unfortunately, they are the instructions of a gentleman who has always had a bone to pick with me. But, that can't be helped. We will have to play the cards we have been dealt." Frank nodded reluctantly.

"True. You are taking it better than I am, dad." Fenton leaned back and tilted his head.

"Well son, when you get lemons..."

"Make lemonade." Frank finished, managing a faint smile. Fenton smiled and nodded. He looked down at his watch.

"Yes, indeed. Let's just hope that the three-day time frame that this Mr. Swanson gave Chet and Aimee is indeed accurate. This is the second day." Frank looked down at his coffee and shook his head.

"It's tight, dad. If they wait till tomorrow, assuming they contact him at all, he will have to do a pretty quick deal. And then..." Frank paused emphatically. "He would somehow have to persuade them to do another buy for Maddie. And that's assuming that they indicate to them they have her. They may want to sell Chet other girls." Fenton shook his head slowly. He seemed focused in his thought of the whole scenario.

"I'm not so sure about that, son. If they have a big fish buyer willing to throw his money around, why wouldn't you offer up your best girls? If they have Maddie, I have to assume they will show her in their catalog of available girls. She would command a higher price." He then frowned soberly. "But you are right. The time frame is not much to work with before all hell breaks loose." Frank took a deep breath and got up from his seat.

"Well, guess we will have to keep our fingers crossed. I think I will go find Cal. See how she is going with Emma. She said she was going to visit her room and check on her."

"Alright, son. I will be along shortly. I need to make a call."


"Was a good game, Walter." Aimee sat back in her chair in the dining area of the bowling alley. She gave Chet a smile and perked her brows. Chet shot her a sideways glance. He took an extended drink from his longneck beer.

"You would say that. Since you won and all." The pair had eaten lunch and played a couple games. They had been sitting at the table for the last half hour. Chet was getting pensive again. He wanted to get it all over with.

"Better try to relax, Walt." Aimee advised. He nodded.

"Yeah, I know. Just keep thinking about what happens if they don't call? Maybe they were just hustling us for a quick twenty grand."

"They proved they were real players by having the Stevens girl photos with our names. We need to be..." Her words were cut short when Chet's burner phone buzzed. He slowly swallowed his beer and set his bottle down. A glance toward Aimee who returned a firm nod. They both looked down at the phone. Chet grabbed the device and looked down at the screen. He read in silence then looked back at Aimee.

"It's on for tonight. 10:00PM at the same motel and room." He began tapping his reply. "I will of course confirm that and, uhm, we should be set." A few moments typing and he set the phone back on the table. Less than a minute later the phone buzzed again. He picked it up and looked down. He nodded and slid the phone into his pocket. "Ok. Confirmed." Aimee nodded then took a drink from her bottle.

"Alright then. Showtime tonight." Chet took a deep breath then looked about nervously.

"Ok. So, if all goes to plan we will get her tonight. Then, we, uhm, would need to get her to the hospital to be checked out. Contact her parents, of course..." Aimee placed her hand on his fidgeting hand shifting about nervously on the table.

"First things first. We need to make sure they bring someone. Then make sure it's her. It might be a bait and switch." Chet nodded slowly. He took his hand and grasped hers.

"Yeah, I know."

The pair spent the next few hours passing the time at the bowling alley. Chet did his best to not think about all that was to come. He knew that they would be tested with this first transaction. It would make or break their chance to do further business with the ring. And dictate their ability to get Maddie back.

Around 8:00PM Chet had received a call just after he and Aimee had left the alley. The two sat in the car in the parking lot while Chet spoke. Aimee had gathered from the what she could hear from Chet that he was likely speaking to Fenton. About ten minutes later Chet ended the call and set his phone down. Aimee noted the tense look on his face.

"What's up? Was that Fenton?" Chet exhaled slowly and nodded.

"Yeah. They are at the hospital in Winchester. Apparently Emma Salinger is in some kind of coma. Well, he didn't say coma. But, the doctors were apparently mystified as to why she is not responsive. They are all there hoping that she will come to. As we all know, it's very likely that Emma knows where Maddie and the kidnappers are hiding." Aimee nodded as she watched Chet's clear state of unease.

"Is that it? You seem stressed, baby." Chet bit his lower lip and gave a brief nod.

"Yeah. Apparently Fenton is being held to a 72-hour window of time before the press and local police are brought up to speed on Emma being found alive. If we don't make this first deal and then convince them to do another in very short order..."

"They may cut and run and we would be back to square one?" Aimee finished. Chet again nodded.

"Yeah. It would very likely throw a wrench into any deals we were hoping to do. They would likely relocate, but fast. It would be a media and law enforcement circus."

"Well, I can understand why you look so stressed. But, you have to hold it together. We need to go and do this thing tonight. And do so convincingly!"

"Yeah...I know." He took a deep breath then gave her a sideways glance. "Well, get the cash out from under the seat and tuck what we owe them in your bag. Then stash our regular phones in the area under the glove box. They didn't mess with looking at our car last time. They probably won't this time either." Aimee nodded and went about the task. Chet watched her pull out bundles of cash from a lock box. He then looked out into the darkness around the car. It was not exactly a great area to be counting large sums of cash. He instinctively felt for his pistol that was holstered snugly under his vest.

"Ok, done." Aimee said quietly. Chet felt for the car key and started the motor.

"Alright. Let's take a nice slow drive to Marlboro."


Reese directed Rhiannon towards Swanson's van. They were in the same location they had previous met to do transfers. With the exception of a small portable lantern that Horton held near the rear of the van, there was no other light. Swanson opened the door. Rhiannon, who was dressed in a new denim jumper and top looked reluctant.

"You need to get in Rhiannon." Reese said smoothly. The child looked hesitant. She didn't want to leave him. She gave him a searching look. Reese nodded calmly. Since this transfer would happen relatively soon, he did not sedate her. He wanted her to present well to their new buyers. "Go on, baby. I promise you that your new parents will love you just as I do. All you have to do is please them the same way that you did for me, and they will definitely love you." Rhiannon gave a sniffle. She nodded.

"Ok, daddy. I will miss you." She said as the tears welled up. She wrapped her arms around him. He sighed heavily and humored her embrace.

"Ok, baby. You need to go now. So, you aren't late." Swanson and Horton looked somewhat peevishly at him. No doubt feeling that he was being unnecessarily kind. They preferred to get the transfer done and avoid detection.

Rhiannon finally broke her embrace. Smiling at him and then reluctantly turned and stepped up into the back of the van.

"Just sit tight on that box, young lady." Swanson advised. "We won't be long before we are at the next location and you can go on your way." Without waiting for any reply, he closed the back of the van. He turned to Reese. "We will meet them at ten."

"Make sure you give them a good read. You know the routine with newbies." He reached into his jacket and took out a small plastic case. He handed it to Swanson. "Inject this in her before you go in to the room." Swanson looked down at the syringe in the case.

"Yeah. Almost forgot. Haven't had a new buyer in some time." Reese nodded.

"This stuff is slightly different than what I used when we started out. This will take about an hour or so to kick in. She will present well for them. But then loose her short-term memory."

"How long does it last?" Horton asked. Reese gave him a sickening smile.

"A while." Swanson looked about.

"Alright, let's get out of here." Reese nodded.

"Ok, let me know how it goes. We can do the cash drop in the usual manner. Hopefully they put up the money and everything will open up for a long relationship to come."

"Yeah. That's the idea. Will be in touch!" With that, Swanson and Horton returned to the van and quickly departed.


Chet and Aimee sat pensively in the parking lot of the Sands Motel. Chet looked down at the phone. 9:48PM.

"Shouldn't be long now." He muttered nervously.

"Yeah." Aimee watched as the reflection of the neon motel sign blinked off and on against the car window. They sat in silence.

9:58PM

BUZZ-BUZZ

Chet's burner phone went off. He scooped up the phone and looked down. He glanced over at Aimee.

"Same deal as before. Stand outside the room with our hands to the side. Let's go." Aimee nodded and the two slid out into the night air. They walked the short distance and stood outside of the same room they had met Swanson at before. They kept their hands to their side.

Two minutes later they saw the single figure of Horton approaching from the far end of the motel. He walked towards them with one hand in his pocket. No doubt it was holding a gun. He nodded and smirked.

"Nice night." Chet returned the nod.

"Yeah. Where is Swanson and our goods?" Horton grunted.

"First things first." He took a key out of his pocket and slid it into the door. He swung the door inward and gestured for the pair to enter. They walked inside the dark room. Horton flipped a light switch by the door and the glow of the off-white lightbulbs filled the room. Horton closed the door. He took out his gun and gestured to the pair. "Ok, hopefully you remember the drill." Chet blinked.

"Oh, yeah, the empty the pockets thing." He and Aimee removed the limited items they had. Keys, guns, phones and Aimee's small handbag. Horton opened the bag. A brief smile flashed as he emptied the bag and several bundles of cash dropped on to the table. He quickly flipped through the bills and did a count. Chet gave him a knowing look.

"Satisfied?" Horton nodded.

"That you brought the money, yes." He gestured again with his gun. "But, of course we need to make sure you aren't wired. So, if you both wouldn't mind..." Chet rolled his eyes. Aimee shot him a half smile.

"Oh, yeah. The get naked thing." Horton nodded.

"You got it, girl." This was to be expected. No doubt Horton was sent ahead to make sure they had the cash and were not wired. Chet and Aimee began undressing. Two minutes later they stood nude before Horton. He gave extra attention to Aimee glanced over her body slowly.

"Where would I put the wire if I had one?" Aimee asked him with an amused look. Horton's eyes dropped to below her waistline. She rolled her eyes again.

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure the microphone wouldn't work if it were shoved up my minnie." Horton smiled.

"Minnie? That what you call her?" Aimee perked her brows.

"Yep. And my minnie aint transmitting tonight. And it sure isn't receiving. So, can we get on with it?" As much as Horton wouldn't mind watching Brandy frolic around in the buff, he knew there wasn't time. He reached into his pocket and took out a phone. He tapped out a quick message on it and then placed it back in his pocket.

"Ok, your package is coming." Chet looked over at Aimee. Things were going to plan. He smiled at her.

"Music to our ears." He said with enthusiasm.

"Can we get dressed now?" Aimee asked. She did not think it appropriate for them to be naked when a young girl came in. But, before Horton could address her inquiry there was a tap on the door. Horton turned around and looked cautiously though a curtain he pulled back. He then swung the door open. The portly figure of Swanson entered the room, with a young girl holding his hand. Swanson closed the door.

Chet and Aimee got a look at the girl. She had long flowing golden hair in loose curls. She had wire framed glassed on and wore a clean denim jumped over a pink top. She looked cautiously at them. At this point, both Chet and Aimee were feeling quite awkward. Being nude in the presence of a girl who looked to be about 12 or so was unsettling.

Swanson looked at the pair and smirked.

"Good evening Walter. Hi, sweet cheeks." He said as he checked out Aimee. "I brought you a present. Meet Rhiannon." Chet, knowing that at this point he would be studied closely for his reactions did his best to appear relaxed. He looked over at Rhiannon.

"Hi, Rhiannon. I'm Walt. and this is Brandy." He said gesturing towards Aimee. The girl looked at Swanson.

"Is this my new mommy and daddy?" Swanson gave her a crooked smile. He placed his hand on the child's rear and gave her a playful spank.

"That they are little lady." He glanced over at Horton. "You count the cash?"

"Yeah." Swanson nodded.

"Good." He looked at Chet and Aimee. "Well, Walt, she is officially yours." Chet gulped hard. The youth was standing a few feet away and looking at him.

"Everything alright, Rhiannon?" Chet asked with a smile. The girl nodded, then looked up to him.

"Yes, daddy. It just looks a lot bigger than the one my last daddy had." Chet felt internally sick to his stomach. He noticed Horton and Swanson watching the interaction. He cleared his throat.

"Well, naturally it is." He looked over at Swanson. "Are we done?" Swanson nodded. It seemed clear to him that Walt and Brandy probably wanted some privacy with their new play thing.

"For sure. In fact, feel free to use the room. Horton and I must be going." Chet felt relieved.

"Yes, definitely. So, will you be sending me your client's catalog? I have a deadline to meet and need to do an export soon." Swanson held the bundle of cash and smiled as he shoved it into his jacket.

"Yeah. I can send you some pics and video... maybe even tonight." Chet nodded.

"Good! I will look forward to that." He glanced at Rhiannon. "And if they look as nice as this one, we will be doing some business very soon!" Swanson smirked and looked back at him.

"You won't be disappointed. I assure you of that." He glanced over at Horton. "Alright man, let's give these kids some privacy." Horton smiled and nodded.

"Yeah." He looked at the pair with their new playmate. "See ya Walt. Hope you can keep up with this one. Hey, Rhiannon?" The youth looked over at him. "Make sure you give daddy Walt a good first impression, girl."

Swanson and Horton finally exited the room. Chet looked over at Aimee with a relieved look on his face.

"About damn time." Before she could respond they saw Rhiannon walk over to the bed and pick up a pillow off the bed. She carried it back over and dropped it on the floor in front of Chet. She then quickly slipped out of her jumper and dropped to her knees.

"Can I get it big for you, daddy?" Chet immediately jumped back. Aimee had reached down to the floor and grabbed his clothes. She quickly tossed them to Chet. He gratefully accepted them and ran to the bathroom and slammed the door. Aimee looked down at the child with great sympathy. She looked shocked and confused. And more than a bit scared. Aimee quickly slid into her clothes and then bent down and picked up the child's clothes.

"Here, baby. Please put this back on." She looked down at the thin child with budding breasts and closed her eyes. She was reminded of a time when her own body had a similar, undeveloped look. Rhiannon took her clothes and shook her head.

"Did I do something wrong, mommy? Is daddy mad?" Aimee felt completely bowled over by the enormity of the situation.

"Uhm, honey, please put your clothes on, then I will try to explain." A moment later Chet came out of the bathroom, fully dressed. He stopped upon seeing Rhiannon had not yet dressed. He turned away from her.

"Aimee, get something on her, please."

Rhiannon placed her top and jumper back on. Though the look on her face was still full of anxiety. She feared that she had done something wrong.

"Ok, Chet. She's decent." Chet turned around and walked towards the front of the room. He motioned towards one of the chairs. He smiled kindly at Rhiannon.

"Hey Rhiannon. Why don't you take a seat there, ok?" The girl looked at him questioningly, but complied. She sat down and looked over at him.

"I'm sorry. Did I do anything wrong, daddy?" Chet shook his head and again smiled at her.

"No, of course not. And you don't have to call me daddy." She looked up at him.

"But, they told me that you were my new daddy and I had to make you happy and feel good. Mommy too!" Aimee smiled kindly at her as she sat next to Chet and they looked at her.

"Rhiannon, I am not your mommy. You already have a mom. Do you remember her?" The youth looked confused. She shook her head.

"I'm not sure." Chet looked at her with great sympathy.

"Well, baby. We are going to make sure that you get to see your real mommy and daddy again soon." She looked blankly at them. Her reactions seemed indifferent and she appeared confused. He looked over at Aimee.

"We need to get her some medical attention." Aimee nodded.

"Yeah, something is a bit off." She looked at Rhiannon. "How about we take you to a place where you can get checked out. A doctor. Would that be ok?" She gave them an indifferent look.

"If you say so, mommy." She then looked at Chet. "Daddy, are you sure you don't want to put your thing in my mouth? Or have me ride it? My other daddy liked that a lot and it always made him happy." Chet closed his eyes. The idea that this child seemed so very trained or groomed to be a sex slave made him feel disgusted. He also considered how this type of training may be taking place with Maddie!

"No baby. You don't ever have to do that again with any daddy. We are going to take you to the doctor. They can look you over to make sure your ok." Rhiannon nodded.

"Ok, daddy. Is that man who brought me here a doctor?" This seemed an odd question. Aimee shook her head.

"No, baby. Why do you ask?" Rhiannon shrugged.

"Before we came in, he gave me a shot. He said it will make me feel better." Chet and Aimee exchanged glances.

"You getting the idea that that is the reason she seems a bit disoriented?" Chet asked. Aimee nodded.

"That would be my guess. Let's not waste any more time!" She looked to Rhiannon. "Ok, baby. Let's go to our car outside."

"Ok, mommy." Aimee tried to not let the reference bother her.

Chet and Aimee escorted the child out to their car. Chet unlocked the door and opened it. He drew the driver's seat forward to allow Rhiannon the space to get in the back seat.

"Hop on back there, Rhiannon." Chet offered. She did and he slid into the driver's seat. Aimee got in and slammed her door, then looked over her shoulder.

"Buckle up, sweetie." She directed.

"Ok, mommy." Aimee and Chet exchanged glanced again.

"Grab my phone and text Fenton. Give him a brief run down and tell him we are on our way there." Aimee nodded.

Fifteen minutes later she set the phone down.

"He will meet us in the parking lot. He was happy to hear that the deal went down. But concerned for the obvious reasons that we are." Chet nodded.

"Yeah." Aimee looked back over her shoulder at Rhiannon.

"You alright, baby?" She asked. Rhiannon looked at her for a moment.

"Who are you?" She asked. Aimee looked concerned.

"Well, we are taking you to the doctor, like we said."

"You did?" Rhiannon's voice seemed to suggest she was quite confused and didn't recall what they had just discussed only 25 minutes prior.

"Yes. We told you we were taking you to the doctor." Rhiannon shook her head.

"I don't remember." Aimee smiled to her.

"Just try to relax, baby. We are going to get you some help." She looked at Chet. "What do you think was in that shot?" Chet shook his head,

"Something that is messing her mind up. Maybe the creep who is pulling all the strings in this sick puppet show doesn't want her to remember anything." Aimee looked thoughtful.

"It hadn't occurred to me till you just mentioned it. But, it makes complete sense. We are first time buyers with him. If we turn out to be anything other than what we represented we wouldn't have a useful witness who could tell us anything."

"Sick bastard." Chet muttered. "Making slaves out of these kids. If I get my hands on him..." His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel tighter. He was concerned for Maddie. He was concerned for Rhiannon. And any other poor kid that was being held by this sick bastard.

This all needed to stop!