Chapter 29
'I don't know how you all think I can help.' Catherine answered nervously.
Jarod moved closer to his mother-in-law.
'Lyle does not believe that you weren't his mother.' Jarod said matter-of-factly.
Michael Vaughn stepped forward as well.
'We need for you to go in and pretend that you really are. Talk to him. He may tell you where Bobby is.'
Catherine began to shake her head.
'Who is Bobby?'
'He's a child Mr. Parker had with his second wife. She died.'
Catherine rolled her eyes!
'You mean she was murdered, don't you?'
Jarod took a deep breath.
'Yes and no. She died giving birth to Bobby, but the Centre...look, this is too long a story to get into now.'
Catherine folded her arms and moved closer to Jarod.
'When I wanted you to show me just the tiniest little bit of understanding, over Mallory and Brian, you turned your back on me. When I asked you to help me get out of this hospital so I could spare my family anymore pain, you refused. Now you want me to help you? I'm sorry Jarod, but the answer is no.'
Jarod's jaw tightened.
'How did I know that that would be your answer. You haven't done one thing for anyone else since you abandoned your children!'
Major Charles stepped forward.
'You're being very unfair, Jarod. Lyle is a criminal, plain and simple. And I don't see how Cathy here, pretending to be his real mother, would help any of us...much less little Bobby. I'm sorry, but I have to agree with my wife on this one.'
Emily moaned when her father said those last words. She still couldn't believe what he had told her. This whole Thanksgiving was turning out to be one big nightmare!
'Of course you do.' Jarod answered calmly. 'I think the both of you have caused enough trouble around here. I called you to let you know what happened to Mallory. Your wife, Dad, was too busy trying to find an exit out of here, than ask about her daughter's condition. And while you told the truth, finally, I think everyone needs time to adjust to this....without the two of you hanging around.'
Brian watched everyone. Emily and Ethan were glaring at Cathy! Why did everyone hate her so much?! If only they would give her a chance!
Catherine Parker shook her head.
'Jarod, don't you see how dangerous this whole thing is?! Let it go! There's nothing you can do for little Bobby! Just take care of your own family and leave Lyle alone! You're exposing my daughter and grandchildren to danger!'
Ethan stepped forward.
'I think you'd both better do what Jarod asked. Go! You're not wanted or needed here. I needed both of you a long, long time ago.'
Fresh tears filled Catherine's eyes at those words. Major Charles looked down. He then looked over at Emily. She reminded him so much of how Margaret had looked at that age. Back when they were in love and looking forward to raising a family.
'Emily, honey, do you feel the same way?'
Emily sniffed and swiped at tears.
'Daddy, how you could've hurt Mom like that...of course I feel the same way! You're causing more tension around here, with your defense of 'step-mommy dearest' here! I'm sure Jarod will call you if there is any news.'
Major Charles just nodded. He put an arm around Catherine and they turned to leave. Brian stood in front of them. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but didn't. He knew that his place was here. He wanted to know that his mother would be alright.
'We'll call you later, honey, okay?' Catherine said, reaching out to touch his face. Brian nodded. Then, Major Charles and Catherine headed towards the elevators. Sidney moved closer to Vaughn.
'I'm not surprised that she didn't come through. Look, we'll continue to search for Bobby on our own. We don't even know if Catherine would've been successful.' she noted.
But Jarod shook his head with disgust.
'But all Mallory is going to know is that her mother didn't even want to try.' he said. Ethan rested a hand on his older brother's shoulder.
'I don't think that Mallory has any high expectations from our mother anymore. I wouldn't worry about it.' Ethan said.
****
CHRISTMAS EVE
Mallory had bounced back from her shooting with an ease that was almost shameful. She figured it was the promise of Christmas, and the fact that Brian had agreed to live with them...trouble free.
That and this Christmas promised to be a much better one that the previous years. Jarod and her were hosting the Christmas dinner again. Ethan and Emily were coming in again. Sydney and Michelle were coming, as well as Sidney Bristow and Michael Vaughn, Broots and Debbie.
Mallory forced herself not to think of Bobby, where ever that poor baby was. It just broke her heart when she did. Lyle was in a federal prison. She prayed someone shanked him!
She was putting up decorations around the house, while Abigail sat on the floor under the tree. Jarod was in the kitchen making the Christmas dinner.
Brian, who Jarod and her had managed to get into another highschool, came running down the stairs. He looked out of the window, then walked over towards her and Abigail.
'Hey!' he cried out. He reached down and picked up Abigail. There was a train that swirled around the tracks and the baby had picked up one of the train cars.
Mallory looked over at them.
'Thanks, Brian. I know I should've been more careful, but I'm just semi-nervous about hosting everything. Thank God for your father's cooking.'
Brian nodded, then set Abigail down on the couch. He looked out of the window again.
'Who are you looking for?' she asked.
'Oh, Debbie is coming over to help me with my math.' he said, his voice distant.
Mallory frowned.
'On Christmas Eve? And I didn't know you were having any trouble in math. You should get your father to help you.'
'Uh, well, I know he's busy with his teaching...'
Mallory set down the decorations and walked over to him. She gently put her hands on his shoulders.
'Honey, it's no problem. Your father and I want to be here for you. I'm just so happy that you decided to give us another chance.'
Brian looked down.
'It was my fault that you got shot, I figured I owed you a chance.'
Mallory slowly let go of him.
'Brian it was not your fault. Lyle would've shot me anyway, I can assure you of that. I am sorry that you feel that you have to stay here out of some misplaced guilt.'
Brian looked up at her.
'We could invite Cathy and Dad...they could still get here...'
'No!' Mallory said sharply. She then lightened her tone and changed the subject.
'I'm going to go see how your father is doing. Keep any eye on your sister, will you?'
Brian just nodded and Mallory turned away quickly, so that she would not have to look at the disappointment in her son's eyes. She walked into the kitchen.
Jarod had the small TV on, as he used a rolling pin. He was wearing an apron that said, 'kiss the cook'. Mallory smiled.
Jarod looked up from his task.
'How goes the decorating?'
Mallory shrugged and moved closer to see what he was doing. She frowned.
'Is that dessert?'
'No, it's the rolls.'
'Jarod, you're making homemade rolls? You should've just bought some from the store! I'll go and get some...'
'I won't have our company eating dough from a can! Beside, this Christmas is going to be one of healing. I want everything to be perfect.'
Mallory smiled again and reached up to wipe some flour off of Jarod's nose. Jarod glanced over at her, as he continued rolling dough.
'What is it? You have that look.'
Mallory sat on a stool and sighed.
'Brian brought up inviting our parents. It was all I could do not to puke out the word no!'
Jarod said nothing, but continued to listen to his wife vent.
'Brian as much as told me that he's here because he thinks he 'owes us'. He feels responsible for the shooting.'
Jarod shrugged.
'So?'
Mallory's eyes widened.
'Jarod!'
'Mallory, I'll take him anyway we can get him. All we need is time to get him to see that he really belongs with us. After what happened in the hospital, I won't send him back to our parents.'
Mallory nodded. Jarod had told her, once she was better, what her mother had pulled....and what she had refused to do. Strangely enough, her mother's refusal to help with Bobby, hadn't upset her hardly at all. For if the woman had done it, and Bobby had been found, then she knew she would have to deal with her feelings for her mother. And she wasn't ready for that. Not now.
Then again, Bobby could've been found. Mallory tried not to think about the electric toy car she had hidden away in her and Jarod's bedroom closet. She had purchased it, with the hope that he would be found before Christmas. That hope was slipping away as the hours ticked by.
Before anything else could be said, the front door slammed. Jarod stopped what he was doing and looked at Mallory.
'Did Brian leave?' he asked.
Mallory shook her head.
'He said that Debbie was coming over to help him with his math.'
Jarod just stared at her.
'Why would he need help in math? Mallory, his grades were bad because he didn't want to live here and wasn't bothering with homework. It's not like he doesn't know how to do the work.'
'Well...Jarod I don't know what to tell you. He says he needs help. Maybe we need to trust him.'
Jarod set down the rolling pin and walked out of the kitchen. Abigail was laying on the couch with her feet in the air. Mallory was a little surprised to see that the two weren't out here with Abigail. She reached for her daughter and picked her up. Jarod looked at his wife.
'So, they're up in his room?'
Mallory knew what he was thinking! And she didn't like it!
'Jarod, Brian is fifteen and Debbie is twelve! Nothing is going on up there!'
'We'll just see.' Jarod said calmly. Mallory hurried after him, carrying Abigail.
'Jarod! Jarod, you are being silly! Oh my God!'
Jarod stopped and turned back to her.
'I'm not going to kick in the door or anything. I just want to say hello to Debbie, and make sure that there is indeed, tutoring going on.'
Mallory stood there with her mouth open, as Jarod began to walk up the stairs. She looked at her daughter, who was already staring at her.
'Daddy is being silly, honey. Your brother wouldn't do anything like that...'
Mallory then hurried after Jarod. By the time she caught up with him, Jarod was picking up a backpack that was on the floor outside of Brian's closed door. Mallory hurried to catch up with him.
'Who's is that?' she whispered.
'I think it's Debbie's.' Jarod said grimly. 'I'm not even going to ask what it's doing out here on the floor.'
Jarod then rested his head against the door to listen. All he heard was loud music. Mallory and Abigail's eyes, focused in on Jarod's hand on the doorknob, as he slowly turned it, then opened the door carefully.
Brian and Debbie, were immersed in a heavy necking session on his bed! Debbie's top was off, but her bra was still on. Brian's shirt was off. Jarod pushed the door hard, so it hit the wall! Brian and Debbie jumped up!
But before Jarod could say a word, Mallory shoved Abigail into Jarod's arms! Jarod rested a hand over his daughter's eyes. She tried to peel them off with her little hand.
Mallory walked over to the radio and yanked the plug out! She then turned to face them.
'Debbie!'
'Ms. Parker...I...uh...'
'Get that top back on! I'll be driving you home. And as for you....'
Jarod removed his hand from Abigail's eyes. She blinked.
'We'll be having a little talk.' Jarod said wryly, as his son rolled his eyes and stood up.
'You know, I have agreed to stay here. The least you all can do is cut me a little slack! Debbie and I weren't doing anything!'
'And I'm sure Debbie's father will think the same thing, when I tell him about this!' Mallory snapped, unable to believe that her fifteen year old son, was making out with someone that was twelve! She didn't like it! She didn't like it at all!
Jarod hadn't liked Brian's tone! It was almost as if he now thought, that he could get or do anything he wanted, in order to keep him from leaving. Jarod decided that Mallory and him would have to lay down the law for their son, today, on Christmas Eve.
'Ms. Parker, you can't tell my father! Please!' Debbie cried. 'I love Brian!'
'Oh brother!' Mallory hissed. 'Put your top on Debbie! I'm not going to ask you again! Otherwise I can drive you home as is!'
Debbie began to sniff, as she reached for her shirt.
****
BLUE COVE FEDERAL PRISON
Sidney Bristow sat in her visitor's chair, waiting for Lyle to make an appearance. She rubbed the back of her neck.
She and Michael had purchased Jarod and Mallory season tickets to the Blue Cove Repertory Theater. But she knew that the two of them, specifically Mallory, really wanted to know that little Bobby was safe and alive.
So here she was, here to see Lyle. Here to see if this monster had a smidgeon of humanity in him at all. She closed her eyes. She and Michael had been working around the clock lately on other cases. Jarod had known this, and was insistent that the two of them just relax and be their guests for the day.
Sidney opened her eyes and smiled to herself. Jarod had boasted that he was doing all of the cooking. She was quite curious to taste her cousin's cuisine.
Lyle suddenly appeared before her, on the other side of the glass. He picked up his phone and smiled at her.
'Hello, Sidney. You're looking as lovely as ever.'
'Hello, Lyle.'
'I am honored that you would visit me on Christmas Eve. I mean, the holidays can be so lonely...and my sister and her husband have not seen fit to even send me a care package.'
'Imagine that. Though, you might get one, if you tell us what we want to know.'
Lyle gave her a blank look.
'I don't understand.'
'Lyle, Bobby doesn't have to grow up like you did. He can have a real chance at having a real home. Just tell us where he is. Maybe we can get your sentence reduced or something.'
Lyle just stared at her for a moment, before a slow smile began to spread across his face.
'What? What are you smiling at?' Sidney asked, her stomach churning. Was Lyle about to admit to her that he had murdered his little brother?
'You don't know, do you?'
'Know what?'
Lyle looked her up and down.
'I had a visit from my mother...about two weeks ago.'
Sidney looked him up and down.
'Your mother?'
'Catherine Parker! You know, the mother Mallory doesn't want to share?!'
Oh, this was really getting strange! Sidney thought. Catherine Parker had come here to see Lyle? But...she had seemed so determined not to that night in the hospital! What had changed? And why hadn't the woman told anyone about this?
'Catherine Parker visited you?'
'Yes, my mother visited me! Why is that so hard for everyone to believe?!'
'Okay, Lyle, calm down. What did your 'mother' have to say?'
'She told me that Raines had stolen me...that she never knew I was alive. She told me that she lied to Mallory about the twin thing...then she said she would be honored to raise Bobby...until I got out of this place.'
'You're not getting out of here!' Sidney snapped, as Catherine Parker, and probably Major Charles's betrayal began to seep in. They had Bobby living with them!
'I don't know how you all think I can help.' Catherine answered nervously.
Jarod moved closer to his mother-in-law.
'Lyle does not believe that you weren't his mother.' Jarod said matter-of-factly.
Michael Vaughn stepped forward as well.
'We need for you to go in and pretend that you really are. Talk to him. He may tell you where Bobby is.'
Catherine began to shake her head.
'Who is Bobby?'
'He's a child Mr. Parker had with his second wife. She died.'
Catherine rolled her eyes!
'You mean she was murdered, don't you?'
Jarod took a deep breath.
'Yes and no. She died giving birth to Bobby, but the Centre...look, this is too long a story to get into now.'
Catherine folded her arms and moved closer to Jarod.
'When I wanted you to show me just the tiniest little bit of understanding, over Mallory and Brian, you turned your back on me. When I asked you to help me get out of this hospital so I could spare my family anymore pain, you refused. Now you want me to help you? I'm sorry Jarod, but the answer is no.'
Jarod's jaw tightened.
'How did I know that that would be your answer. You haven't done one thing for anyone else since you abandoned your children!'
Major Charles stepped forward.
'You're being very unfair, Jarod. Lyle is a criminal, plain and simple. And I don't see how Cathy here, pretending to be his real mother, would help any of us...much less little Bobby. I'm sorry, but I have to agree with my wife on this one.'
Emily moaned when her father said those last words. She still couldn't believe what he had told her. This whole Thanksgiving was turning out to be one big nightmare!
'Of course you do.' Jarod answered calmly. 'I think the both of you have caused enough trouble around here. I called you to let you know what happened to Mallory. Your wife, Dad, was too busy trying to find an exit out of here, than ask about her daughter's condition. And while you told the truth, finally, I think everyone needs time to adjust to this....without the two of you hanging around.'
Brian watched everyone. Emily and Ethan were glaring at Cathy! Why did everyone hate her so much?! If only they would give her a chance!
Catherine Parker shook her head.
'Jarod, don't you see how dangerous this whole thing is?! Let it go! There's nothing you can do for little Bobby! Just take care of your own family and leave Lyle alone! You're exposing my daughter and grandchildren to danger!'
Ethan stepped forward.
'I think you'd both better do what Jarod asked. Go! You're not wanted or needed here. I needed both of you a long, long time ago.'
Fresh tears filled Catherine's eyes at those words. Major Charles looked down. He then looked over at Emily. She reminded him so much of how Margaret had looked at that age. Back when they were in love and looking forward to raising a family.
'Emily, honey, do you feel the same way?'
Emily sniffed and swiped at tears.
'Daddy, how you could've hurt Mom like that...of course I feel the same way! You're causing more tension around here, with your defense of 'step-mommy dearest' here! I'm sure Jarod will call you if there is any news.'
Major Charles just nodded. He put an arm around Catherine and they turned to leave. Brian stood in front of them. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but didn't. He knew that his place was here. He wanted to know that his mother would be alright.
'We'll call you later, honey, okay?' Catherine said, reaching out to touch his face. Brian nodded. Then, Major Charles and Catherine headed towards the elevators. Sidney moved closer to Vaughn.
'I'm not surprised that she didn't come through. Look, we'll continue to search for Bobby on our own. We don't even know if Catherine would've been successful.' she noted.
But Jarod shook his head with disgust.
'But all Mallory is going to know is that her mother didn't even want to try.' he said. Ethan rested a hand on his older brother's shoulder.
'I don't think that Mallory has any high expectations from our mother anymore. I wouldn't worry about it.' Ethan said.
****
CHRISTMAS EVE
Mallory had bounced back from her shooting with an ease that was almost shameful. She figured it was the promise of Christmas, and the fact that Brian had agreed to live with them...trouble free.
That and this Christmas promised to be a much better one that the previous years. Jarod and her were hosting the Christmas dinner again. Ethan and Emily were coming in again. Sydney and Michelle were coming, as well as Sidney Bristow and Michael Vaughn, Broots and Debbie.
Mallory forced herself not to think of Bobby, where ever that poor baby was. It just broke her heart when she did. Lyle was in a federal prison. She prayed someone shanked him!
She was putting up decorations around the house, while Abigail sat on the floor under the tree. Jarod was in the kitchen making the Christmas dinner.
Brian, who Jarod and her had managed to get into another highschool, came running down the stairs. He looked out of the window, then walked over towards her and Abigail.
'Hey!' he cried out. He reached down and picked up Abigail. There was a train that swirled around the tracks and the baby had picked up one of the train cars.
Mallory looked over at them.
'Thanks, Brian. I know I should've been more careful, but I'm just semi-nervous about hosting everything. Thank God for your father's cooking.'
Brian nodded, then set Abigail down on the couch. He looked out of the window again.
'Who are you looking for?' she asked.
'Oh, Debbie is coming over to help me with my math.' he said, his voice distant.
Mallory frowned.
'On Christmas Eve? And I didn't know you were having any trouble in math. You should get your father to help you.'
'Uh, well, I know he's busy with his teaching...'
Mallory set down the decorations and walked over to him. She gently put her hands on his shoulders.
'Honey, it's no problem. Your father and I want to be here for you. I'm just so happy that you decided to give us another chance.'
Brian looked down.
'It was my fault that you got shot, I figured I owed you a chance.'
Mallory slowly let go of him.
'Brian it was not your fault. Lyle would've shot me anyway, I can assure you of that. I am sorry that you feel that you have to stay here out of some misplaced guilt.'
Brian looked up at her.
'We could invite Cathy and Dad...they could still get here...'
'No!' Mallory said sharply. She then lightened her tone and changed the subject.
'I'm going to go see how your father is doing. Keep any eye on your sister, will you?'
Brian just nodded and Mallory turned away quickly, so that she would not have to look at the disappointment in her son's eyes. She walked into the kitchen.
Jarod had the small TV on, as he used a rolling pin. He was wearing an apron that said, 'kiss the cook'. Mallory smiled.
Jarod looked up from his task.
'How goes the decorating?'
Mallory shrugged and moved closer to see what he was doing. She frowned.
'Is that dessert?'
'No, it's the rolls.'
'Jarod, you're making homemade rolls? You should've just bought some from the store! I'll go and get some...'
'I won't have our company eating dough from a can! Beside, this Christmas is going to be one of healing. I want everything to be perfect.'
Mallory smiled again and reached up to wipe some flour off of Jarod's nose. Jarod glanced over at her, as he continued rolling dough.
'What is it? You have that look.'
Mallory sat on a stool and sighed.
'Brian brought up inviting our parents. It was all I could do not to puke out the word no!'
Jarod said nothing, but continued to listen to his wife vent.
'Brian as much as told me that he's here because he thinks he 'owes us'. He feels responsible for the shooting.'
Jarod shrugged.
'So?'
Mallory's eyes widened.
'Jarod!'
'Mallory, I'll take him anyway we can get him. All we need is time to get him to see that he really belongs with us. After what happened in the hospital, I won't send him back to our parents.'
Mallory nodded. Jarod had told her, once she was better, what her mother had pulled....and what she had refused to do. Strangely enough, her mother's refusal to help with Bobby, hadn't upset her hardly at all. For if the woman had done it, and Bobby had been found, then she knew she would have to deal with her feelings for her mother. And she wasn't ready for that. Not now.
Then again, Bobby could've been found. Mallory tried not to think about the electric toy car she had hidden away in her and Jarod's bedroom closet. She had purchased it, with the hope that he would be found before Christmas. That hope was slipping away as the hours ticked by.
Before anything else could be said, the front door slammed. Jarod stopped what he was doing and looked at Mallory.
'Did Brian leave?' he asked.
Mallory shook her head.
'He said that Debbie was coming over to help him with his math.'
Jarod just stared at her.
'Why would he need help in math? Mallory, his grades were bad because he didn't want to live here and wasn't bothering with homework. It's not like he doesn't know how to do the work.'
'Well...Jarod I don't know what to tell you. He says he needs help. Maybe we need to trust him.'
Jarod set down the rolling pin and walked out of the kitchen. Abigail was laying on the couch with her feet in the air. Mallory was a little surprised to see that the two weren't out here with Abigail. She reached for her daughter and picked her up. Jarod looked at his wife.
'So, they're up in his room?'
Mallory knew what he was thinking! And she didn't like it!
'Jarod, Brian is fifteen and Debbie is twelve! Nothing is going on up there!'
'We'll just see.' Jarod said calmly. Mallory hurried after him, carrying Abigail.
'Jarod! Jarod, you are being silly! Oh my God!'
Jarod stopped and turned back to her.
'I'm not going to kick in the door or anything. I just want to say hello to Debbie, and make sure that there is indeed, tutoring going on.'
Mallory stood there with her mouth open, as Jarod began to walk up the stairs. She looked at her daughter, who was already staring at her.
'Daddy is being silly, honey. Your brother wouldn't do anything like that...'
Mallory then hurried after Jarod. By the time she caught up with him, Jarod was picking up a backpack that was on the floor outside of Brian's closed door. Mallory hurried to catch up with him.
'Who's is that?' she whispered.
'I think it's Debbie's.' Jarod said grimly. 'I'm not even going to ask what it's doing out here on the floor.'
Jarod then rested his head against the door to listen. All he heard was loud music. Mallory and Abigail's eyes, focused in on Jarod's hand on the doorknob, as he slowly turned it, then opened the door carefully.
Brian and Debbie, were immersed in a heavy necking session on his bed! Debbie's top was off, but her bra was still on. Brian's shirt was off. Jarod pushed the door hard, so it hit the wall! Brian and Debbie jumped up!
But before Jarod could say a word, Mallory shoved Abigail into Jarod's arms! Jarod rested a hand over his daughter's eyes. She tried to peel them off with her little hand.
Mallory walked over to the radio and yanked the plug out! She then turned to face them.
'Debbie!'
'Ms. Parker...I...uh...'
'Get that top back on! I'll be driving you home. And as for you....'
Jarod removed his hand from Abigail's eyes. She blinked.
'We'll be having a little talk.' Jarod said wryly, as his son rolled his eyes and stood up.
'You know, I have agreed to stay here. The least you all can do is cut me a little slack! Debbie and I weren't doing anything!'
'And I'm sure Debbie's father will think the same thing, when I tell him about this!' Mallory snapped, unable to believe that her fifteen year old son, was making out with someone that was twelve! She didn't like it! She didn't like it at all!
Jarod hadn't liked Brian's tone! It was almost as if he now thought, that he could get or do anything he wanted, in order to keep him from leaving. Jarod decided that Mallory and him would have to lay down the law for their son, today, on Christmas Eve.
'Ms. Parker, you can't tell my father! Please!' Debbie cried. 'I love Brian!'
'Oh brother!' Mallory hissed. 'Put your top on Debbie! I'm not going to ask you again! Otherwise I can drive you home as is!'
Debbie began to sniff, as she reached for her shirt.
****
BLUE COVE FEDERAL PRISON
Sidney Bristow sat in her visitor's chair, waiting for Lyle to make an appearance. She rubbed the back of her neck.
She and Michael had purchased Jarod and Mallory season tickets to the Blue Cove Repertory Theater. But she knew that the two of them, specifically Mallory, really wanted to know that little Bobby was safe and alive.
So here she was, here to see Lyle. Here to see if this monster had a smidgeon of humanity in him at all. She closed her eyes. She and Michael had been working around the clock lately on other cases. Jarod had known this, and was insistent that the two of them just relax and be their guests for the day.
Sidney opened her eyes and smiled to herself. Jarod had boasted that he was doing all of the cooking. She was quite curious to taste her cousin's cuisine.
Lyle suddenly appeared before her, on the other side of the glass. He picked up his phone and smiled at her.
'Hello, Sidney. You're looking as lovely as ever.'
'Hello, Lyle.'
'I am honored that you would visit me on Christmas Eve. I mean, the holidays can be so lonely...and my sister and her husband have not seen fit to even send me a care package.'
'Imagine that. Though, you might get one, if you tell us what we want to know.'
Lyle gave her a blank look.
'I don't understand.'
'Lyle, Bobby doesn't have to grow up like you did. He can have a real chance at having a real home. Just tell us where he is. Maybe we can get your sentence reduced or something.'
Lyle just stared at her for a moment, before a slow smile began to spread across his face.
'What? What are you smiling at?' Sidney asked, her stomach churning. Was Lyle about to admit to her that he had murdered his little brother?
'You don't know, do you?'
'Know what?'
Lyle looked her up and down.
'I had a visit from my mother...about two weeks ago.'
Sidney looked him up and down.
'Your mother?'
'Catherine Parker! You know, the mother Mallory doesn't want to share?!'
Oh, this was really getting strange! Sidney thought. Catherine Parker had come here to see Lyle? But...she had seemed so determined not to that night in the hospital! What had changed? And why hadn't the woman told anyone about this?
'Catherine Parker visited you?'
'Yes, my mother visited me! Why is that so hard for everyone to believe?!'
'Okay, Lyle, calm down. What did your 'mother' have to say?'
'She told me that Raines had stolen me...that she never knew I was alive. She told me that she lied to Mallory about the twin thing...then she said she would be honored to raise Bobby...until I got out of this place.'
'You're not getting out of here!' Sidney snapped, as Catherine Parker, and probably Major Charles's betrayal began to seep in. They had Bobby living with them!