Steve strained against the wires on his wrists. The cold metal cut into his flesh. The blindfold blocked his vision, but he could feel each and every blow to his body.
"Mama! Papa!" Stephanie's voice cut through the sounds of the beating.
"Stephanie!" Steve yelled, sitting up. He looked quickly around him, trying to find the source of the threat to his daughter.
"Mama! Papa!" Stephanie called again.
Standing up, Steve realized that he must have been having another nightmare. He had awoken from one after falling asleep in Stephanie's room, and had moved to the couch in the living room. He must have fallen asleep again out there.
Walking quickly into Stephanie's room, Steve found her standing against the rails of her crib. She smiled broadly when she saw him and raised her arms to him.
"Good morning, baby girl," Steve said, picking her up. "Are you ready to see Mama today?"
"Mama," Stephanie repeated.
"That's right. Your mama is coming home soon." Steve said softly. Nothing had seemed right since Kayla had left two days ago and Steve could not wait to have her home again.
Checking the time, Steve knew he had to get himself and Stephanie moving to get ready to meet Kayla's plane. He carried her to the kitchen and fed Stephanie her breakfast, while somehow managing to down a couple of pieces of toast for himself.
He then gave Stephanie her bath, got her dressed and prepared to go. He was feeling rather pleased with himself until he realized he still needed to shower and change as well.
Moving Stephanie's playpen into the bedroom and filling it with her favorite stuffed animals, Steve showered in record time, jumping out only twice to make sure she was okay. Overcoming several interruptions along the way, Steve managed to shave and get dressed. He briefly wondered how Kayla had managed to do this every day by herself.
Finally, they were ready to go - with just minutes to spare. He gathered up Stephanie and headed out the door.
Driving to the airport, Steve checked his watch again and laughed. He had made much better time than expected and was actually a few minutes early. He decided to put those minutes to good use and pulled into the parking lot of a flower store. Soon after, he and Stephanie had purchased a nice bouquet of yellow roses for Kayla.
Steve was putting Stephanie back in her car seat when he heard a familiar voice calling his name. He stood up and saw Abe Carver walking in his direction.
"Abe," Steve called as Abe walked up. "It's good to see you."
"You too, Steve." Abe shook Steve's hand. "Welcome home."
"Thanks, man."
"So what are you and Stephanie up to this morning?" Abe asked, smiling in at Stephanie.
"Just headed to the airport to pick up Kayla," Steve replied. He checked his watch again. "In fact, we better get going if we want to make it on time."
"Well, I won't keep you," Abe said. "Tell Kayla 'hello' for me."
"Will do." Steve turned back toward the car, then had an idea. He stopped and spun around. "Hey Abe?"
"Yeah?"
"Now that I'm home, I was thinking-" Steve paused, unsure if he was doing the right thing.
"Thinking what?" Abe said.
"I was thinking about getting my job back with the Salem PD." The words came out in a rush. "Do you think that would be possible?"
Abe hesitated for a moment and Steve felt like he was being studied. Eventually, Abe said, "Well you would have to formally apply for reinstatement." Abe seemed to think for another moment. "Then Roman or I will review the application, we'd discuss it, and we'd make a recommendation to the Police Commissioner. If he approves the application, then you'd be back on the force."
Steve nodded. "How long would that process take?"
"It varies," Abe replied. "If everything looks good, it'll be quick. If we need more information, it could take longer." Steve felt like Abe was studying him again. "You're okay? I mean with the amnesia and all?"
"I'm fine," Steve said. "In perfect shape."
"Well, in that case, I don't think it would take that long - a few days at most." Abe no longer sounded as doubtful. "Why don't you stop by on Monday and fill out the paperwork - if that's what you decide to do. Maybe we can talk some more about it then."
"Sounds good." Steve glanced at his watch again. "Now I've really got to go."
Abe smiled. "You definitely don't want to be late picking your wife up. That can only get you in trouble."
Steve returned the smile. And I'm already in more than enough trouble as it is. He got into the car and resumed the trip to the airport as the events of the last two days ran through his mind. He was going to have a lot of explaining to do to Kayla and he had a hunch that his decision to explore reinstatement might be the worst of the lot.