Sorry if you guys got two notifications for this chapter! I tried to do it on mobile, but something went wrong and I had to delete and re-upload it. If you'll believe it my computer broke earlier this week, and I had to type this whole thing up on my ipod. My thumbs are so sore!
Thank you again for reviewing and following the story, it means a lot that you guys like it!
This chapter starts to stray from canon, so just as a disclaimer: I don't own anything, obviously. Additionally, I'm confident the show's definitely not going to follow any part of this story and the mythology I promise we'll eventually get into, so don't take this as my hardcore theory of anything.
Finally, I'm just going to ignore Dave being from the other world/universe, because it doesn't fit with where I'm going and also because it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me on the show.
"So," Audrey pulled back from him slowly and reluctantly slid over to the other side of the seat. "What now?"
Nathan was at a loss. He felt so incapable; unable to help her, unable to stop William, unable to even give her any real comfort.
Even so, he knew he ought to try and keep them moving forward.
"We start with the troubled person." He turned the car on again as Audrey slipped on her seatbelt, and he pulled away from the curb.
"Do you remember who it was?" He wished he didn't sound so clinical about this, like it was all just another case. Like she hasn't just told him she felt in danger of losing herself.
Audrey shook her head, fingers tapping along the window.
"I didn't get names. I was just so-" She broke off, but he knew what she meant. He definitely couldn't blame her for storming out on William, Nathan knew he'd have probably done worse himself.
"Mom and dad were young, late twenties maybe. Dark hair. No idea how to find them, though." She ran a hand through her hair, closing her eyes as she focused. "I'm pretty sure they called him Aaron. We were kind of far away, but I think that was it. That doesn't really help, though." Sighing, she leaned her head against the window, staring out at the houses as they passed by.
Nathan would sooner saw off his own arm then resort to contacting William again, but he was beginning to think they might not have a way around it. At least it would give them someplace to start.
Just as he was going to poise the question to Audrey, something clicked in his head.
"Newspapers." Nathan took a sharp turn and Audrey made a surprised noise, fingers digging into the leather before he straightened out again. "Sorry."
"What about newspapers?" She looked over at him, eyebrows raised.
"The parents will be in the newspaper." He explained, taking another quick turn as he rerouted for the Herald office. Unfortunately, asking Vince and Dave for help wasn't very high on his list either, but it was far preferable to the alternative.
"What, in the classifieds? Wanted: Person who put glowing handprint on our baby. Call 555-5555?"
He spared a quick glance over at her, the corners of his mouth quirking up slightly.
"No," Nathan shook the funny look off his face and took a final, smoother turn onto Main St, the sign hanging from the window of the Herald already visible. "You know, despite all the paranormal stuff, most of Haven still operates like a small town. And most parents still put birth announcements in the paper. And they usually have pictures."
"Oh." Audrey suddenly sat up straighter, nodding. "So we can just check the records?"
"Mhm." Nathan turned the car off, looking over to find that she was already slamming the door. He caught up to her on the sidewalk, stopping her just before she climbed the steps.
"If this doesn't pan out though, we'll probably have to talk to William." Nathan hated even bringing the man up, especially with the angry look that came across her features at the mention of his name.
Audrey shrugged her shoulders, reaching up to tuck her hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I'm gonna have to see him anyway." At Nathan's frown, she quickly explained. "If I do end up having to trouble someone, he's got that... Magic box, or whatever."
"Right." Nathan took a deep breath, looking up at the tall windows of the Herald. At least if this gave them any answers it meant less time they'd have to spend interacting with William, and keeping Audrey away from that psychopath for any amount of time was a win in his book.
She glanced up at the building, starting up the steps. "Shall we?"
Nathan dutifully followed behind her. The door swung shut with a bang behind them as they entered the office, and it's sole occupant looked up at them in surprise.
"Hello." Dave Teagues regarded them both warily, peering out at them over his glasses. "Something wrong?"
"Where's Vince?" Audrey skipped his question, pushing open the gate that separated the waiting area from the two desks. Dave shifted in his chair, turning to face her.
"Out. Jennifer called him earlier, asked if he could come take a look at that book of hers."
Audrey looked over at Nathan, who merely shrugged. He hadn't a clue what was going on with Jennifer and her mystical book. Somehow it seemed everything was coming to a head at once: William, Audrey's past, Jennifer and that glowing book. He wouldn't be surprised if the town suffered another meteor shower in the next few days. Why not add even more crap to the list of things they had to deal with.
Audrey crossed her arms, leaning over Dave's desk. "We need to see all your papers from about... 5 months ago? Or 4, maybe. Recently."
Nathan cleared his throat, and she gave him a pitiful look. "I didn't exactly get a good look. I don't know how old it was." She sighed, turning back to Dave.
He nodded slowly, standing up from his chair and pointing to a back room past Audrey. "Look for yourselves. It should all be there." He stared after Audrey as she marched off, already pulling open the marked file cabinets. "What's going on?"
Nathan trailed after her, nodding at the newspaperman still standing by his desk, brow furrowed.
"Working a case." He joined Audrey in pulling out various copies, and Dave wandered over to lurk in the doorway.
"So nothing's wrong?"
"No, something is definitely very wrong." Audrey tugged out another stack of papers, flipping through the flimsy pages as quick as she could. "And if you could give us- Got it!"
The exclamation caught Nathan off guard as he was scanning the paper in front of him, but he came around to where she stood and peered over her shoulder.
"'Ben and Ashley Harker announce the birth of their son Aaron.' So I got that right at least." She pointed at the black and white photo accompanying the announcement, her nail tapping over the wide, smiling faces. "That's definitely them."
Nathan looked under the photo, pleased to find the couples address printed with an open invite to a Christening party.
Audrey turned to him, folding the paper up in her hand. "Let's go, we don't want to waste any more time."
He nodded, and the two of them brushed past Dave, still standing on the edge of the room.
"What's going on?" He repeated, but Nathan shook his head.
"No time, we really have to go."
Audrey shouted her thanks as she ran down the steps, and the duo left Dave feeling very puzzled in the midst of a now very unorganized file room.
The Harkers lived on a hilltop that overlooked much of the water, and Audrey felt a sense of awe as they headed up the driveway. The large White House was situated in a lovely area, and Audrey could imagine it being the perfect place to raise a child. She dreaded what she would be doing in telling the Harkers what had happened to their child. No parent deserved to hear that.
As they crossed the gravel road and approached the house, Nathan squeezed her hand gently. She looked over at him, but he only gave her a little smile.
She was glad she'd finally told him everything. It was a relief to know he wouldn't give up on her. Audrey couldn't imagine having to deal with this on her own.
Just as they ascended the steps the door pushed open, and the same man Audrey had seen that morning, who had lovingly cradling and rocked his son, stepped out. He looked mildly surprised to see them, but not nearly as shocked as he probably should have been, considering that it wasn't every day two police officers showed up at his house.
"Mr. Harker?" She was glad Nathan was speaking up, because her mouth had suddenly gone dry at the sight behind him. Alongside the young mother holding baby Aaron close in her arms, was William.
If he was going to make a habit of showing up and surprising them Audrey figure she might as well take matters into her own hands. She could live with a black eye for a few days.
"Oh, you must be the detectives?" Ben Harker ran a hand through his hair, waving them into his house with the other. "Your friend said you'd be coming."
Nathan frowned and started to respond, when William stepped out beside Ben.
"Thank god you guys are here. I was getting worried." He clapped Ben on the shoulder, then glanced behind him.
Ben crossed his arms. "Should we all go inside?"
Audrey felt rage swelling up inside her, and she shook her head quickly. More than anything she wanted to take a swing at William, and she was so close to giving in when Nathan gripped her hand tightly, nodding at the two men.
"Good idea. Parker?" He held out a arm, signaling for her to go first, and she couldn't help the confused look that surely shown on her face. Why was he willing to go along with whatever William was pulling? Was he crazy?
Nathan gave her a pointed look, eyes wide as he squeezed her hand, and she felt some of her anger fizzle out. He was right; she wouldn't help anyone if she let her anger get the best of her, no matter how much William clearly deserved it.
She turned to move inside, but William stepped into her path, blocking her way.
"Actually, Ben, we're gonna talk out here for a moment if that's okay." He smiled at her, and she had to dig her nails into Nathan's palm, a little too forcefully if the subtle wince he gave was any indication.
Ben nodded, letting the door fall shut behind him as he walked back to his wife.
William faced them with a smile, clapping his hands together excitedly. "Well, you made it. A little late, I gotta say. I thought you'd be here ages ago."
"What the hell are you doing here?" Nathan stepped up beside her once more, his voice dropping several octaves. It was comforting to know that he was just as angry as she was, even if he was a lot better at hiding it.
"Don't worry, I'm gonna let you guys deliver the bad news. I just stopped by to give you this." With an over-the-top flourish he moved his hand and that too familiar black box appeared. He held it out for her, smile still plastered on his face.
"She won't need it." Nathan's tone was clear, no room for argument, but she knew he didn't mean it. He was just as aware of the reality of this as she was.
William regarded Nathan with raised eyebrows, then returned his gaze to Audrey.
"So you told him? That's sweet." He lifted the decorated lid of the box, revealing the darkened contents. "And yeah, she will."
Audrey took a deep breath, but it was as if her body knew what to do even without thinking about it. She picked up one of the tiny forms, rolling it lightly between her fingers.
William's face lit up, and he stared at her intently.
"I knew it." He grinned widely, and Audrey's consciousness snapped back into action.
She stuffed the item into her pocket, taking a small step back.
"If there's another way-"
"There isn't." William cut her off eagerly, closing the box with care. "You know there isn't. And I know you know, I can feel it. Our connection is so strong, can't you-"
"Stop." Nathan stepped in front of her, and she was glad to be shielded from William's intrusive gaze.
He smirked at Nathan's comment. "Okay. I'm all done. I'll be back later, after she's done you-know-what."
He jolted down the stairs, spinning around at the bottom to give her a wide wave.
"Good luck!" He turned and headed back down the hill. "Not that you need it."
Audrey let out a breath she hasn't realized she'd been holding, and Nathan released her hand.
"You know you don't have to do this, right?"
She wished it were that simple, but she knew he was wrong.
"I'm going to." Her fingers brushed the soft ball in her pocket, and she tried to ignore just how right it felt in her hand. "It'll be okay."
Nathan nodded, just as the door behind them opened again.
"Everything okay?" Ben peered out at them, leaning against the doorway. "Where'd your friend go?"
"Doesn't matter. What did he tell you?" Audrey stepped past him as she entered the house, Nathan close behind. Her eyes trailed over the family portraits on the walls, the most recent ones featuring a pink-cheeked baby smiling broadly at the camera.
She felt the guilt creep through her again, knowing that she was responsible for hurting this family.
"All he said was you guys would be here soon, and it was important." Ben shrugged, leading them into the living room. "Did we do something wrong?"
"No, but we do have some bad news." Better to just get it over with, she thought. No time for pleasantries, just tell them what's going on.
"Mr. Harker, have you heard of the troubles?"
The man nodded in response, but just as he was about to answer a loud crying sounded. Audrey flinched automatically, and Ben's face flushed.
"Excuse me." He murmured, darting off down the hall. Audrey pressed her lips together. It was painful to know just what was happening, but to be unable to do anything about it. At her side, Nathan stiffened, rubbing a hand to his forehead.
After a few seconds the crying stopped, and Ben came back in the room.
"I'm sorry, my son's feeling a bit cranky today." He smiled good-naturedly, leaning back against the arm of the chair. "What did you say?"
As if on cue, her phone buzzed loudly in her pocket. She didn't bother pulling it out, already sure of what it said.
"The troubles." She managed, trying to keep her voice level.
Ben's smile dropped, and he nodded solemnly. "Of course I know about them, I'm troubled."
It took a moment before all the pieces slid into place. Of course, she thought, William hasn't had to create a trouble at all. He had simply activated a pre-existing one.
"When the men in my family cry, people just -"
"Drop dead?" She supplied, and Ben nodded.
"But we've all been taught not to cry, we haven't hurt anyone." He looked between the two of them, his confusion evident.
"Not you, Ben." Nathan quickly jumped in, and she realized he was trying to save her the pain of delivering the final blow. "It's your sons cries that are killing people."
She supposed it was better to be blunt and direct than to dance around it for any longer. But as she watched the change in Ben's face, she knew that sugarcoating it wouldn't have helped at all.
The man sagged back against the chair, his hands coming up to rub at his face. He breathed deeply, then raised his head to meet them, eyes watering.
"Are you sure?"
Audrey nodded, and he dropped his head in his hands again.
"God, I can't believe I did this to him." Ben groaned into his hands, and Audrey felt torn between comforting him, and barreling through the rest of the bad news they had to deliver.
"It's not your fault." She assured him, feeling that familiar rage spark inside of her as she thought of the position William had put them all in. "And... I think we can fix it." She pushed her hands into her pockets again, fingers automatically finding that rolled up ball, soft like clay beneath her skin. She couldn't imagine what it actually was, hadn't even thought to ask William, but somewhere deep inside of her she knew she'd be able to use it.
"What do you mean? " Ben lifted his head and pushed himself to stand up again. Audrey steadfastly ignored the redness of his eyes as she responded.
"I know this is going to be hard to believe, but I think if I can give you, or somebody in your family a trouble, that... That'll save your son." She sounded crazy saying it out loud. I know I just told you your son's cursed, but now I want to curse somebody else in your family! You in?
"Are you insane?" Ben's reaction wasn't surprising, and Audrey was relieved when Nathan stepped in again.
"I know how it sounds, believe me, but this is the only way, unless you can just keep Aaron from crying. This is our only option." Nathan looked down the hall, a small light coming from the last room at the end.
"Is your wife with him?"
Ben nodded, heaving a sigh. "Yes. And I'll go tell her myself, you two just... Stay put."
As he turned away, Audrey grabbed his arm.
"What about your other family? Are they in the area?" She wasn't sure if the familial connection would have any effect on a new trouble, but figured she should at least pick someone who would be around Aaron growing up. Ben was the clear candidate, but she didn't want to rule anyone else out yet.
"Yeah." He shrugged. "My dad and my step-mom."
"Call them. Please." Audrey released him, stuffing her hands in her pockets once more. "Thanks."
Ben turned back around without a word, leaving Nathan and Audrey alone in the dark.
There was a knock at the door barely ten minutes after Nathan and Audrey had been left to wait in the living room. No one came to answer it, and the two glanced at each other before the knocking came again.
Nathan shrugged and moved past her into the hall. She meandered after him, just in time to see a familiar face on the other side of the door as he pulled it open.
"Gloria?" Nathan questioned, his hand still resting on the doorknob.
"Oh, I should have known it was you two." The medical examiner gently pushed Nathan aside, helping her husband across the threshold as they entered the house.
Audrey frowned. "You're Ben's mom?"
"Step-mom." Gloria corrected automatically, guiding the detectives back to the living room. "Ben said something was wrong with Aaron." She sat down on the couch, her husband following suit. Audrey continued to linger near the door, even as Nathan sat opposite the couple.
"Aaron's troubled."
"That's impossible." The older man spoke up, leaning forward intently. "Our trouble has never been activated in childhood."
Audrey sighed. "Someone did this, it didn't just happen. But I can fix it, if I-"
"What?" Ben's father turned toward the door, shaking his head. "You're gonna have to come closer, I can't hear any of that."
She took a few more steps toward the center of the room, opening her mouth to continue when an idea suddenly formed.
"Mr. Harker-"
"Lincoln." The man smiled, and Gloria patted his arm affectionately.
"Lincoln, you're hard of hearing?"
He nodded gravely. "Left ear's almost totally gone."
Audrey quickly turned to Nathan, her eyes wide. This had to be it. If her goal was to create silence, what better person to do it with than someone who already had difficulty hearing.
"Him?" Nathan stood up, crossing the room and leaning over to whisper to her. "You sure?"
"No way to be sure about this." She pressed her lips together, taking a deep breath. "I'd say it's our best shot."
"What the hell are you two talking about?" Gloria exclaimed, shifting forward on the couch.
Audrey turned to face them just as Ben and his wife filed in, arms wrapped tight around one another.
"Oh, Ben." Lincoln stood up and gripped his son in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry."
Ben nodded into his fathers shoulder, pulling back from him after a moment.
"Me too." He returned to his wife's side, shaking his head sadly. "But, uh, you said you could help?" His face looked hopeful as he turned to Audrey, and she tried to shove down the nervous butterflies building in her stomach.
"Yes, but I have to do it fast because we haven't got a lot of time-"
"Aaron just went down, he won't wake up for at least an hour." Ashley's voice trembled as she stood beside her husband, gripping his hand in her own.
Well, at least they weren't working against a clock. "Okay, good." Audrey paused, surveying the four worried faces in front of her. This was it, she thought. Now or never. "I'm so sorry, but our solution isn't going to be easy."
"She said she wants to give one of us a trouble." Ben quickly jumped in, and Audrey felt a shiver go down her spine.
"Can you do that?" Lincoln sat down beside Gloria again, his face wrinkling in confusion.
"Yes. I think." Audrey wished she could sound more confidant right now, but her insides seemed to be twisting.
"Well, that's new." Gloria huffed.
Nathan leant into her, his arm just barely brushing her own, and his solid weight was a comfort.
"I know it sounds scary, and wrong, and I'm sorry. But we have to do this." She turned to Lincoln now, who sat with his hands on his knees.
"To cancel out Aaron's cries I'm going to need to make a silence trouble, and I'm thinking it'll be easiest with you, Lincoln."
The older man bristled, and Gloria immediately reached out and grasped his hand.
"I'm sorry it has to be like this." Audrey looked down at the ground, avoiding the hurt she knew was blatant on their faces.
Lincoln stared at her for a moment, his eyes clear, before nodding resolutely.
"Okay. I'll do it."
"Dad!" Ben stepped forward, but Lincoln waved him off.
"I think I'm old enough to make my own decisions. And if it'll help Aaron-"
"But what if it hurts you?" Gloria turned to face him, her expression worried. "What if something goes wrong?"
Lincoln sighed, looking up at Audrey again. "You ever do this before?"
She shook her head silently.
"Well, first time for everything I suppose." He stood slowly, stepping away from the couch until he stopped in front of her. "So, what do I do?"
Audrey looked over at Nathan, still standing at her side. His face was solemn, but he gave her a small nod, an act of encouragement, and she turned back to Lincoln.
"Hold out your arm." She pushed her hand into her pocket, grabbing the little black ball. Without thinking she squished it in her hand, just as she'd seen William do, and withdrew her arm.
Her palm was covered in black, but it seemed to have already seeped into her skin. It didn't feel oily or sticky, and she rubbed her fingers together, trying to see if any of the mark would come off.
When it didn't, she pushed up Lincoln's shirt sleeve with her other hand, the held his wrist. She looked up at him, and was surprised to find his eyes closed, an almost peaceful look on his face.
On instinct she pressed her hand into his skin, fingers curling around the curve of his forearm. For a moment she felt nothing, and then a curious sensation formed. Not painful or uncomfortable, but a light tingling that spread across her fingers. It seemed to grow stronger and strong, until a sharp jolt of power ran up her arm, and Audrey saw black.