On The Prowl Chapter 5 (standard:mystery, 8942 words)
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: May 20 2006	Views/Reads: 3052/2131	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
See if Eagle has succeeded in killing Allison in this nail biting chapter!

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

 Eagle was behind her all the while, cursing and calling her name. 
"Francie! Come back here!  Get your ass back here!" as she darted in to 
the woods, he lost sight of her.  Had she finally gotten away? 

Connor watched Allison as she paced the living room.  They hadn't slept,
Lynn, Thelma and Clint were huddled on the couch crying and comforting 
each other.  Connor put his arm around her as she began to sob again. 
"I did it." "You did what?" "I ... I went to see him and now she's ..." 
"Don't do this to yourself, Allie. You didn't do anything to cause 
this. He's evil, none of this is your fault.." "How did I let him come 
in here and take her, Connor? How did I do that? What kind of a mother 
am I to let that happen?" "You were drugged, sweetheart. You had no 
idea he was going to do that." "I don't understand, Connor! Explain 
this to me!" she sat on a kitchen chair as Connor gently stroked her 
face.  They all were delirious with grief, but Allie was the worst. She 
blamed her self for what had transpired, all she could do was say "It's 
my fault, I did it!" over and over again.  Lynn called Richie and asked 
him to come over.  When he arrived, he was startled at Allie's 
appearance, they all looked awful, Connor's eyes were hollow, but 
Allison was by far the worst. "Has she been like this for a while?" 
Richie asked eyeing Allison with concern. "Hours, Richie, I'm really 
worried about her." Connor replied looking at Allie. "I'm going to 
prescribe a mild sedative. At least she'll get some rest." "Please do 
something, she's all I have." Richie administered the sedative and 
watched as it slowly began to take affect. "See how she is when she 
wakes up." Connor and Richie helped Allison into the bedroom. "Connor 
..." "Don't try to talk, just rest, sweetness." "I can't rest! I 
can't!" he kissed her lightly on the mouth and stroked her hair in an 
attempt to comfort her. "Shh, sweetness, just rest. I'll stay with 
you." He held her hand, he loved her with every fiber of his being.  
Connor wouldn't know how to live if anything happened to her.  Allie 
was his world.  He watched as the sedative began to take affect.  
Connor stayed with her until she fell asleep. When he came out, Lynn 
and his parents were waiting for him. "Is she asleep?" Lynn asked. "For 
now anyway." "What was she talking about?" Thelma asked dabbing at her 
eyes with a tissue. "Eagle called last night, he told Allie that if she 
met him at a certain location, he'd give Francie to her. I told her it 
was a ploy, and knew it was a set up from the moment she told me. We 
fought about it, and she told me I was right. Only to sneak off when I 
was asleep and meet Eagle. He took a shot at her. She was confused, but 
she wasn't injured. After we got home, the phone rang, it was Eagle 
saying he had ..." Connor began to sob. "So Allison thinks it's her 
fault because ..." Lynn stopped speaking, trying to put her thoughts 
together.  They were all numb from the shock of the news. "Because she 
went there, she thinks she might have caused him to do it." Connor said 
softly. "That's crazy! Allison loves Francie! She would never do 
anything to put her in danger." Clint said taking a handkerchief from 
his pocket. "I know, Dad, but Allie doesn't believe that." "I've never 
seen her so bad off." Clint said, remembering the state she had been 
in. "I know, I'm worried about her." Connor left the room to check on 
her.  She was still asleep, he stared at her for a long time, wondering 
how their lives had ended up this way.  Connor thought of her as he 
looked at her again. She was completely despondent, and there was 
nothing he could do to help her.  He didn't want to believe that Eagle 
had gone through with it, after all, Eagle was diabolical.  This might 
be the ultimate irony.  Francie desperately wanting her parents to 
rescue her, only they never arrive, because they believed Eagle's lies. 
 Connor tiptoed out of the room back to the living room.  He thought 
about what had transpired still numb and in shock. 

Francie stopped running long enough to catch her  breath.  The house was
in secluded area of town, near the woods.  She wished there was a 
neighbor nearby she could run to, but that wasn't the case here.  She 
listened, his footsteps came closer.  He searched for her calling her 
name, but she didn't respond.  Suddenly, a black lab ran out from 
behind a tree barking and growling.  She headed straight for Eagle, 
digging in to his leg with her jaws.  Francie took the opportunity to 
hide in another part of the woods.  As a cold wind blew, she prayed 
that her Mommy and Daddy would come soon.  This man was pure evil, and 
she knew it.  Apparently, the dog, Cassie knew it as well.  Her jaws 
clamped on to Eagle's leg, biting and growling. "ow! Ow! Get away from 
me, you mangy mutt!" Eagle kicked the dog, it yelped and ran to where 
Francie was hiding.  Eagle headed back to the house for some bandages.  
He was bleeding and needed to tend to his wounds before continuing the 
search for Francie or as he called her "His prize". 

Francie reached out her hand to pet the dog.  She licked Francie's hand
and rested her huge head on her leg. "Hi, doggie! Thanks a lot! That 
man is bad! I can't wait for Mommy and Daddy to come and take me out of 
here. This is bad." Cassie whined in response.  Francie sat for a 
moment, she was thinking of more places to hide.  Soon, she could hear 
his ominous voice calling her name again. 

Connor sat in the living room with the lights off.  Everyone had left,
hoping that Allie would be better when she woke up. Connor had been in 
to check on her several times, he worried about her, and thought that 
maybe just maybe Eagle was playing mind games with her.  She had been 
under an incredible amount of stress lately, and he knew that he would 
snap too.  If he ever found Eagle, He  would have to be restrained.  
His first response would be to pummel him until he became 
unrecognizable.  Connor's thoughts turned to Francie.  Was she alive?  
If so where was she? 

Allison woke with a start.  She glanced at the clock. It was 9 AM. She
put on her robe and slippers and went downstairs.  Connor was sitting 
in the living room crying.  He worried about Allie, and wondered where 
his little girl was.  Was she dead?  Or was this  a ploy by Eagle?  He 
was snapped out of his reverie when he heard Allison coming down the 
stairs. "Connor?" she said softly coming towards him. "What's wrong?" 
She asked sitting beside him.  His eyes had a   hollow look to them, 
and she wondered why he was so sad.  She wanted to take his pain away, 
to comfort him, and above all to love him and spend the rest of her 
life with him. "Allie, you don't have to try and comfort me. I know 
you're in shock too." "Why are you crying?" "Allison, it's okay. You 
don't have to be strong for me. I want to comfort you. Sweetness, you 
can tell me anything. But what happened to Francie isn't your fault." 
"Francie? Who's Francie?" "Our daughter." He was taken back, it was 
almost like she had no idea who their daughter was.  Almost as if she 
didn't exist.  Connor wondered if this was a normal reaction to what 
Eagle had told her. "We don't have any children yet. We just got 
married." "Allie, what year is it?" "2005." He gasped and covered his 
face with his hands. "What year is it?" he asked again incredulously. 
"Connor? Are you all right, honey? It's 2005." "Allie, stay here, I'll 
be right back." "Where are you going?" "To make a quick phone call." 
Connor rose and dialed Richie.  He grabbed the portable and took it 
into the kitchen.  He sat on a kitchen chair while he listened to the 
staccato ringing in his ear. "Hello?" "Hi, Richie, it's Connor." "Hi, 
Connor. How's Allison? Is she awake?" "She's awake, and more lucid than 
before. But something's wrong! Oh, Richie, I don't know how to explain 
it. It's almost like she's forgotten Francie even existed. She thinks 
we just got married and it's  2005." 

"That's very strange, Connor. It's 2011." "I know, Richie. Can you help
me?" "Tell you what, a new woman just started working at the hospital 
her name's Ruth Roper. I'll give her your number and have her call 
you." "Thanks, Richie. I appreciate it." "Any time, if you need 
anything, call me." "I will, thanks." Connor hung up feeling numb.  
What was happening to Allie? 

He entered the living room again trying not to look concerned or
worried. He was perplexed about why Allie would insist that it was 
2005, but he thought that Eagle's admission that he had killed Francie 
had something to do with it.  Allison rose from the couch and kissed 
him passionately.  He took her face in his hands and delicately 
caressed it. "I love you, Allie." "I love you too. I can't believe this 
is our wedding night and we're here in this house. How'd that happen?" 
"Allison ..." "I don't understand this. Who is that? Is that your 
daughter?" she inquired pointing to a picture of Francie. "That's our 
daughter. Francesca. Does that name mean anything to you?" "No, should 
it?" he sighed and almost started crying.  Before he could respond, the 
phone rang. "Hello?" he said briskly. "Hi, I'm looking for Connor 
Cassidy. This is Ruth Roper from Fallwood General Hospital." "This is 
Connor. You got my message then?" "I did. I just got off the phone with 
Richie, he asked me to call you right away. Why don't you start by 
telling me what happened." Connor put down the phone and looked at 
Allie. "I'll be right back, sweetness. I have to take this call." 
Connor walked upstairs and closed the bedroom door.  Allison flipped on 
the TV wondering why Connor was avoiding her.  Coverage of Francie's 
kidnapping was all over every station. "This was the scene today at the 
Fallwood Police Station. A man calling himself The Eagle kidnapped 
reporter Allison Shure's daughter 6-year-old Francesca Cassidy over 2 
months ago. Who is this masked man who began his life of crime as a cat 
burglar? Where is Francesca Cassidy now? I will continue to keep you 
updated of any further developments, Grace Sheffield, Channel 8 News." 
Allison flipped to another channel and saw the same picture outside the 
Fallwood police station.  Who was Francesca? 

Connor sat crossed-legged on the bed as he gripped the phone in his
right hand.  His eyes scanned the photos that adorned his dresser, 
photos of happier times.  Allie in her wedding gown, Francie's first 
day home, and pictures of family Christmases and Easters.  Ruth was 
asking him a question, which snapped him out of his thoughts. "I'm 
sorry, Dr. Roper, what did you say?" "Please call me Ruth. I asked you 
what brought on this break with reality?" "Well, our daughter Francie 
was kidnapped several months ago. The Eagle has been giving us clues to 
her whereabouts. He's sent us on a wild goose chase for a long time. He 
called last night and told Allie he would return Francie if she met him 
at a certain location. She snuck out when I was asleep. He tried to get 
a shot off at her, I arrived and he vanished in to the night. When we 
got home, he called and told us that he had killed Francie ..." Connor 
choked back a sob, and tried to regain his composure. His throat closed 
and forming words was very difficult. "Allie was hysterical, she had to 
be sedated. When she woke up, she told me it was 2005 and that we had 
just been married. She has no idea who Francie is. Ruth, what caused 
this? Is there any way to get her back to reality?" There was a pause, 
Ruth skimmed her mind after hearing Allison's history and thought for a 
moment. "Connor, what Allison is experiencing is called Lacunar 
Amnesia. This can be caused by a traumatic event like Eagle telling her 
he killed Francie. She could also be going through a dissociative feug 
state. This is where a person can't recall part of their past, or 
travels away from home to develop a new identity. She may do and say 
things that are out of character. "Do you think that's what she's 
doing? I know she can't handle what Eagle told her, and honestly, I 
don't want to believe that Francie's ..." Connor choked back a sob 
before he spoke again. "But what do I do?" "Well, the best thing to do 
is to make an appointment to see me as soon as possible." "That's going 
to be hard, she doesn't think anything's wrong with her." "I know, just 
humor her for right now. Can you bring her in tomorrow around 1?" 
Connor wracked his brain to think of what day it was, and what his 
schedule was like. "Sure, we'll be there." "If you need me for 
anything, call me." Connor grabbed a pad and wrote down Ruth's home 
number.  After thanking her for her help, Connor hid the pad and 
returned to the living room where Allison was flipping through mindless 
television. "Allie, are you all right?" "I'm [perfect! We just got 
married! Why wouldn't I be?" She smiled adoringly at him, her eyes were 
filled with hope and love.  He was now more concerned than ever as he 
looked at the her, he recalled how she had reached this point. "Allie, 
I ..." he almost told her the truth once again, but they had done this 
dance before and she didn't believe him.  He put his arm around her and 
stroked her delicate dark brown hair. It was silky to the touch as it 
played under his fingertips.  Connor was quiet for a moment, lost in 
thought about Francie and worried sick about Allie. "Connor?" He was 
brought back to the present by Allie's hand on his shoulder. "Connor? 
Are you all right, my love?" he smiled remembering his pet name. "I'm 
fine, Allie. Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm just a little ... I'm perfect." 
He kissed her long and deep.  Her hands delicately caressed his cheek 
as she slowly explored every inch of him.  Connor kissed her long and 
hard, all the while keeping his mind focused on her.  How was he going 
to make her well again?  Normally, he would have enjoyed making love to 
her, but Allie was in a very fragile state and Francie was still out 
there in the clutches of a psychopath. 

Allie planted kisses on his lips, he returned her affection with
passionate kisses of his own.  Then without warning, it ended as 
quickly as it began. Connor went to kiss her, but she pulled back. 
"What's wrong?" "I ... I don't know. Something's not right." She said 
softly looking into his brown eyes for answers. "Like what?" "I don't 
know. Something's wrong. Something's very wrong." She said trying to 
piece together what it was. Her mind whirled but couldn't put it 
together.  Connor watched her as she sat motionless on the couch. 
"Connor, please help me! Help me remember!" she said grasping his hand 
as if it were a lifeline. "Allie, it's 2011, Francie was kidnapped by a 
man called The Eagle. We've been searching for months, but we haven't 
found her yet. He called last night and told you that he had ... killed 
her." He finished before breaking into sobs. "No! I don't have any 
children! I don't understand this. Why do you think it's 2011? I'm 
really worried about you." "Allison I ..." "I think you should see a 
psychiatrist." Connor did his best to convince her of the truth, but 
she wouldn't hear of it.  She perused the photos that adorned the room 
of Francie and looked at them with a blank stare.   As she paced, 
Connor rose and dialed Lynn and his parents.  He explained Allie's 
condition and they were soon ringing the doorbell. 

Clint, Thelma and Lynn tried to occupy Allison  and shied away from
Francie at all costs.  Thelma and Clint were  in the living room with 
Allison, while Connor went to get some soda from the kitchen.  He 
turned when he heard footsteps, Lynn was framed in the doorway. "What 
did Richie's friend say?" "I told you." "She's really lost it hasn't 
she, Connor?" "She's not hopeless, I  think she knows something's up, 
Lynn. She started to kiss me before, we came pretty close to making 
love, and she stopped." "I can't keep up this charade! It's not normal. 
Have you told her the truth?" "I have! But she doesn't believe me. She 
asked me if Francie was mine from a previous marriage! What am I 
supposed to do with that? How am I supposed to help her?" exasperated, 
Connor slammed his fist into the counter. "I'm sorry!" Lynn said 
defensively. "I'm worried about her, I was just trying to think of a 
way to let her down easy." Lynn said looking into Connor's eyes. 
"Ruth's going to see her tomorrow afternoon. She told me to humor her 
for now. Any mention of Francie and she could go right off the deep 
end. She's very fragile, Lynn." "I know that, you idiot!" she shouted, 
Thelma came in from the living room sensing the tension. "What's going 
on in here?" she asked placing herself between her son and Lynn. "I ... 
things got a little heated, Mom. I'm sorry." "Allison wanted to come in 
here, but I wouldn't let her. She is very fragile, Connor! What are you 
doing?" "I don't know, I'm not thinking straight. The most important 
thing is Allie right now, I don't want to upset her, Mom." "I know you 
don't, Connor, but you should be out there with your wife rather than 
arguing with Lynn about what to do about Allison's condition." "You're 
right." Lynn said. "I'm sorry, Connor, I love her too." She began to 
sob. Connor embraced her warmly reassuring her that everything was 
going to be all right. "I'm sorry too, Lynn. I know you do." 

The day passed by without incident.  Night dawned dark and haunting.
Allison still had no idea of what had transpired, or that her daughter 
was in the clutches of a madman. Connor's mind turned to Francie once 
again as he sat on the couch with Allie.  She was still trying to 
figure out why everyone was treating her differently.  It wasn't 
something she could really put her finger on, but she knew something 
was wrong.  She sipped the rest of the wine from her glass and set it 
on the coffee table.  Connor held her for a long time, just staring at 
her.  She studied his pensive expression, and something in his eyes 
made her question him all the more.  Connor tried to change the 
subject, by talking about work, or asking her about her cases.  She was 
talking about a case involving a man who was a convicted felon. He had 
escaped from jail and robbed an elderly couple. "It's set to premiere 
on Eye On Crime." "That's good, I hope you catch him. If anyone can, 
you can." "I love you, Connor." He kissed her tenderly. "I love you, 
Allison." Soon she was asleep in his arms.  Connor stared at the clock 
on the TV as he watched the hands move slowly, indicating the passing 
of time.  He soon fell asleep thinking of his girls.  They both needed 
him in different ways, he was not looking forward to tomorrow with Ruth 
Roper. 

Allison woke several hours later.  Something had to be done, she had
this sense of urgency, but didn't know why.  She untwined herself from 
Connor careful not to wake him and dressed quickly.  She wasn't sure 
where she was going, but this sense of purpose pushed her forward.  She 
started the rental car wondering why her car wasn't there. She drove in 
circles until she came to the river.  She got out of the car and began 
to scour the riverbank.  But what was she looking for?  If she only 
knew. 

Connor woke up suddenly and glanced around.  He opened his eyes not
feeling Allie in his arms.  He called her name as he searched the 
house. But she was nowhere to be found.  He glanced outside and saw the 
rental car was gone.  He cursed as he put on his clothes and grabbed 
his keys. He was glad that Brian  had driven his care home  after he 
had taken Allie to the hospital when Eagle tried to kill her.  The 
motor started right up, as the engine idled, Connor rolled down the 
window thinking of places she might be.  Connor thought of what  Ruth 
had told him about dissociative feug and how Allison could establish a 
different identity.  But being a detective, he listened to his 
instincts.  He thought she might be at the river, since that was the 
last place she thought Francie was.  He remembered that she had escaped 
from the hospital and arrived at the river. Allie knew something wasn't 
right, and Connor knew it wouldn't be long before she learned the ugly 
truth.  He parked on the riverbank and called her name. "Allie? Allie, 
where are you, honey?" but there was no answer. His heart pounded as he 
caught a glimpse of the rental car and Allie's purse lying on the front 
seat.  His breath came in short gasps as he scanned the bank for her.  
He continued to call her name when he heard something rustle in the 
brush.  He pulled back a tangle of bushes and found her crouched down 
scanning the ground. "What are you doing?" "I don't know, Connor. I'm 
looking for something or someone but I don't know who." "Allie, why 
don't you come home with me." "Connor, I'm driven by this sense of 
purpose. I have to find someone." "How do you know that?" "I don't 
know. I just do." "Okay, let's talk about this. Come over here." 
Allison got up and wiped the brush and residue off her.  They sat on a 
rock as they talked.  Slowly, bits and pieces began to come together.  
Allie hadn't fully realized the truth, but the moment was coming 
closer. "Where is she, Connor? Where's Francie?" 

Francie woke up to Cassie's cold wet nose.  She opened her eyes sleepily
and stared at the black lab.  She was curious about what Cassie wanted, 
but when she heard Eagle's call, she knew.  She had been hiding for 
several hours, and she was getting tired.  She stepped carefully, 
ducking for cover and protection under a nearby tree.  Cassie ever so 
vigilant, guarded the tree, keeping other predators and Eagle at bay.  
Eagle scanned the nearby woods again, she had to be here somewhere.  He 
knew what he had to do, it was so clear it was staring him in the face. 
 He would wait Until later tonight and then return. It was nearly 10 
O'clock.  He would set his alarm for 1 and go look then.  This game 
wasn't over yet. 

Allison asked her question again, hoping he didn't hear her.  Connor put
his arm around her and whispered gently in her ear. "We don't know 
where she is, Allie." "You're a detective! How can you not know?" 
"Eagle isn't giving himself up that easily, sweetness. We've been 
tracking him for months, there's no way to tell where he is when he 
calls.?" "Have you tapped the phone line?" "Yeah, but every time he 
calls, he's using a disposable cell phone. He just throws it away and 
the number changes." Allie began to rise and walk slowly toward the 
river.  Afraid that she would jump in, Connor followed her.  She just 
stood there asking him why.  He knew she was on the verge of losing it 
and gently led her over to his car. "Connor, where are you taking me?" 
"To the hospital." "I'm not injured! We have to search for Francie! We 
have to do something!" "Allie, you need to go to the hospital." "But 
why ..." she stopped when she saw his face. "Allie, what year is it?" 
there was a long pause before she answered. "2011 I think." "That's 
right. You went back in time, honey. You had no idea what year it was 
or who Francie was." "I don't remember." She said as he piloted the car 
in the direction of the hospital. "I didn't think you would. I've been 
talking to a woman named Dr. Ruth Roper. She's a psychiatrist at the 
hospital. She agreed to see you tomorrow at 1, but I think we should 
head there now." "Why?" "Allison, you're on the verge of coming apart. 
I love you and I don't want anything to happen to you." She was quiet 
for a while. She didn't speak again until they reached the hospital. 

Ruth Roper's short brown hair accentuated her almond eyes and pretty
face as she finished up her rounds.  She had been working many late 
shifts recently.  She turned her attention to Allison Shure and read 
the notes she had made before she packed her things to head home.  It 
had been a long day, and it would feel good to get home and rest.  But 
just as she was about to leave, Maura the head nurse came in. "Dr. 
Roper, I'm sorry to bother you, but we have an admission downstairs. 
This woman really needs to see you right away." "Okay, what are her 
symptoms?" "Well, she keeps talking about her daughter, Francie. Her 
name's Allison Cassidy." "I'll be right there." Ruth arrived minutes 
later and greeted a nervous Connor and a perplexed Allison. "Step in 
here, please." Ruth said leading the way in to a small cubicle. Once 
they were seated, Ruth appraised Allison. "Hi, Mrs. Cassidy I'm Ruth. 
Your husband's told me about your condition. Can you tell me what you 
remember?" "I know that Francie our daughter was kidnapped, and I know 
I have to look for her, but I don't remember much else about the 
kidnapping." "Do you remember The Eagle?" "Vaguely." "All right, I'm 
going to do some tests on you which will give me a better picture of 
your mental state. Connor, can you step out side?" "What are you going 
to do to her?" Connor asked his eyes darting to Allyson's face. "I'm 
just going to perform some tests to assess her orientation to time and 
place. I'm also going to see how much she remembers." "Okay, Allie, 
I'll be right outside." He kissed her and went to sit in the hall while 
Ruth conducted her tests. "Now, Mrs. Cassidy, where were you when 
Francie was kidnapped." "Call me Allison. It sounds less formal." 
"Okay, Allison, where were you that afternoon?" "I don't remember." "Do 
you remember Eagle calling and saying that he had her?" she thought for 
a moment, concentration evident in her eyes.  Ruth felt sympathetic 
towards Allison.  She had experienced a great trauma, and it wasn't any 
wonder she was falling apart.  It took Allison a few moments before she 
answered. "I do, but it's very vague. I remember other things though. 
Isn't that strange?" "What sorts of things?" "I remember the day Connor 
and I got married, I remember the day Francie was born, and I also 
remember that she was sick before the was kidnapped. I remember she had 
something, but then after that, it's a blank." "What's the next thing 
you remember?" "Connor finding me at the river." "Why did you go to the 
river, Allison?" "I don't know, Ruth. I have no idea, I know I was 
searching for something, but I don't know what." "Okay, now I'm going 
to ask you some questions about time and place." Ruth's tests continued 
for another half an hour.  When she was done, she came out to talk to 
Connor. "How is she?" worry was etched all over his face. "Well, she 
remembers everything else except Frankie's kidnapping. She remembers 
your wedding day, the day Francie was born, but she doesn't remember 
Eagle. She remembers you finding her at the river, but she doesn't know 
why she was there." "What are you going to do?" Ruth switched from one 
foot to the other trying to figure out how to tell him. "I'm going to 
transfer her upstairs. I'd like to keep her here for observation. I'm 
going to call my friend Harry Grayner to come and evaluate her in the 
morning." "Why can't you be her doctor?" "Normally I would, but my 
patient load has increased lately. Don't worry, Harry's one of the 
best. It's most likely that Allison is experiencing Lacunar amnesia. As 
I told you on  the phone, it's where a person can't remember an event 
from their past." "Right, will her memory come back?" "I'm not sure. 
Was she in and out of lucidity at the river?" "Yes, she was. One minute 
she didn't know who Francie was, and the next she wanted to search for 
her." "Okay, that's why I want to keep her here. I just want to see how 
she does. She definitely had a break with reality." "Can I see her?" 
"Of course." Connor waited until Allison was settled into a private 
room before he went up to see her.  She had calmed down considerably, 
he took a chair and pulled it up alongside her bed.  Allison's eyes 
were full of pain as she looked in Connor's direction. "Don't you love 
me?" she asked softly. "Of course I love you, Allie. I love you with 
all my heart." "Then why are you doing this to me? I don't need some 
psych ward to get better, I need you. I knew something wasn't right 
when Lynn and your parents were over at the house. I just knew it, but 
I couldn't put my finger on it. If I've disappointed you or something, 
I'm sorry, Connor. Can't we work this out? Don't leave me here." 
"Allison, you need help. More help then I can give you, sweetheart. 
What happened to Francie was very traumatic, and would send the 
strongest person into a downward spiral. I understand that, but if you 
really want to find her, you have to stay here and get well." "Are you 
searching?" "I am. I've got some officers on it right now." "Do you 
think he killed her?" she said so softly her voice was barely audible. 
"I don't know. I don't think so." "Will you come and visit?" "Of course 
I will. I love you, Allison. We'll get through this together." He 
kissed her gently on the lips and left the room.  Allison tried to 
figure a way out of this place, but she couldn't.  She stared at the 
ceiling and the hands on the clock most of the night.  All she could do 
was think about Connor and Francie. 

The phone rang rousing him from sleep.  He opened his eyes, cursed and
reached for the phone.  He had to sound professional, after all his job 
required it. "Hello??" "Hi, can you come in right away?" Alan Lendle 
his boss inquired. "Why?" "We have an emergency on our hands." He 
hadn't found Francie yet, and wanted to continue perusing the woods. 
"No, I can't, Al. I have some business to take care of." "What type of 
business?" "It's ... uh ... personal." "Well, can you be in any time 
this week?" he hadn't been in all week, his cash was running low and he 
needed to keep working.  He would have to stash her in the closet if he 
found her.  No, not if when he found her. "I can come in this 
afternoon." "Great, see you around 3." Before he could respond, Al hung 
up.  Eagle threw on some clothes and continued his quest to find 
Francie. 

Cassie led Francie through thick brambles, but they only seemed to be
going deeper in to the woods.  She knew Eagle would be back for her, 
soon enough she heard her name.  His ominous voice rose in pitch and 
intensity as he spat her name out like a curse. "Francie! Get your ass 
over here! This game is over!" Francie moved to conceal herself, but 
she accidentally stepped on a branch, which broke, beneath her weight.  
Eagle heard it too, and was soon on to her.  Cassie fought viciously 
for the little girl she had come to love, but it was pointless. Eagle 
raised the gun and fired, but it didn't deter Cassie.  He scooped 
Francie into his arms and placed a gag over her mouth.  Cassie followed 
growling wildly.  Eagle tried to lose her, but it was no use.  He 
shoved Francie in the closet and tied Cassie outside. "Damned dog!" 
"Let me out!" Francie shouted. "You want to come out?" Eagle said 
unlocking the door. "I'm hungry, Mr. Eagle." "Okay, got to feed you. 
Come in here." He said closing the blinds and dimming the light in the 
kitchen.  It was nearly shrouded in darkness except for the crack where 
the sun was peaking through.  He made her toast and gave her water. 
"Yuck!" Francie said trying to wriggle free of his grasp.  He placed 
her on a high bar stool and watched as she ate. "I have to keep you 
alive." "You're bad! When are Mommy and Daddy coming?" "Never!" he said 
slamming his fist down on the table. "You are never seeing them again." 


Allison felt herself being shaken awake by a nurse.  She had barely
slept the night before, and when she finally did doze off, she had 
recurring nightmares about Francie. "Mrs. Cassidy?" the woman said 
softly. "Who are you?" "I'm sorry to wake you, but all the residents 
need to be up for breakfast. I'm Melanie Masterson I'm the day nurse on 
this ward." "I'm Allison." "Nice to meet you, Allison. I was asked to 
get you up for breakfast. Then Dr. Grayner is coming in this 
afternoon." "That's the doctor Ruth recommended." "That's right. Your 
husband sent over some clothes." She said handing Allison an over night 
bag.  Connor had packed all the essentials and had written her a 
letter.  Allison dressed and was reluctantly escorted to the dining 
hall. 

Breakfast consisted of an assortment of bacon, eggs, yogurt, toast and a
varied selection of fruits.  Allison was drinking coffee and trying her 
best to eat some eggs when a man sat across from her.  She tapped the 
letter Connor had written her.  She had it safely hidden away in her 
pocket. "Mind if I join you?" the man asked setting down his tray.  His 
complexion was a mass of dark blond hair, freckles and green eyes. "No 
not at all." "You're the newby?" "Excuse me?" "You're new here. I've 
been on the ward for a few months now, and I've never seen your pretty 
face around here." "I'm Allison Cassidy. I'm not really supposed to be 
here. I ... well, it's a long story." "You can tell me when we meet in 
the courtyard." "We have one of those?" "Sure do, you can tell me your 
story, and I'll tell you mine." He took a sip of his coffee before 
introducing himself. "I'm Devon Drucker. I'm in for arson." "Arson?" 
Allison repeated incredulously. "Yeah, as in setting someone's house on 
fire." They finished breakfast and Devon continued to tell her his 
story as they sat on the bench in the courtyard. "I set my old man's 
house on fire! He deserved it! He wouldn't let me mess around with 
Susie." "Who's Susie?" "My girlfriend at the time. Oh, she was 
beautiful, she had the best legs, and great assets if you know what I 
mean." He stopped and scanned her eyes for a sign that she understood. 
"I know what you mean." "Yeah, well anyway, she was a babe! A real 
catch. Until my old man and my Mom put the damper on that one. They 
told me I couldn't mess around in the house. Mom said her house wasn't 
a brothel! So I got mad! And then I got even!" "Are they ... did you 
kill them?" "No, they just got seriously injured." "Oh my goodness." 
"So, Allison, why are you here?" "Well, my daughter was kidnapped by 
this man who calls himself The Eagle. My husband and I have been 
searching for months, but we still can't find her. Eagle used to call 
us and tantalize us with clues. Then the other day, he called and told 
me he had killed her! I guess I lost it, because the next thing I knew, 
I wound up here." "I'm sorry. That's a shame." Devon said lighting up a 
smoke. "Cigarette?" he asked pulling one from his pack. "No thanks, 
Devon, I don't smoke." While he took a long drag on his cigarette, 
Allison took out Connor's letter.  She began to read it slowly 
absorbing every word. 

Dearest Allie, 

I'm sorry that you are reading this sitting in a psych ward.  I'm
writing this so you understand it from my perspective.  I was worried 
about you, my heart was breaking every day that we couldn't find 
Francie, and I knew that you were under a tremendous amount of strain.  
You are the strongest person I know, Allie.   It broke my heart to see 
you slowly losing yourself each day, and I had to do something.  You 
probably don't understand that I'm doing this so you will get well, but 
I truly am.  I love you with all my heart and after talking to Ruth, 
decided that admitting you to the psych ward was the best thing.  Just 
until you get your memory back.  Then we can search for Francie 
together, I don't think he killed her, I believe it was all a ploy, but 
I'm not totally sure.  Call me any time, I'll be by later. I love you, 
Allie, always and forever. 

Love, Connor 

Allison reread the letter, absorbing every sentence and pictured him
writing it in the dark of night.  She pictured his hand as it moved 
slowly across the page, trying to put his thoughts into words.  Devon 
was staring at her, he took hold of her hand and delicately caressed 
her fingers.  She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, 
and he was instantly captivated. "It's okay, Allison." He said 
soothingly. "Thanks, Devon." Melanie approached interrupting their 
conversation.  Her brown eyes gave her a motherly quality, while her 
curly brown hair accented her face. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Allison, 
but Dr. Grayner will see you now." It was early, only 11-30. "I thought 
you said he wouldn't be here until the afternoon." "That's what I 
thought, but he's in earlier. Could you follow me please?" Melanie 
extended her hand and Allison slowly got up. She waved to Devon as she 
walked off down the hall with Melanie.  They walked rapidly until they 
came to a door that said: 

Harrigan Grayner, Head of Psychiatry 

Melanie knocked on the door before pushing it open.  Harrigan got up
from his chair and walked forward to greet Allison. "This is our newest 
patient, Dr. Grayner. This is Allison Cassidy." "Thanks, Melanie. I'll 
buzz you when we're done." Melanie smiled at Allie and closed the door. 
 Harrigan reached out his hand and shook Allison's. A chill went 
through her, there was something about Harry Grayner that made her 
uneasy. "Pleased to meet you, Allison." Before she could stop herself, 
her mouth opened. 

"Where's my daughter?" 

Eagle finished unpacking the car and moved Francie in to the house. He
had heard of Allison's admission to the psych ward on the news and 
wanted to be close at hand to watch all the action.  Francie had 
wondered why they were moving and had tried once again to escape.  
Cassie was tied outside the house and provided pretty good protection 
when she wasn't trying to bite Eagle's leg in an attempt to get to 
Francie.  Eagle put on his binoculars and peered out his front window.  
He had a view of the courtyard.  Francie was lying in the closet 
drawing a sketch of the new house.  She was going to figure  a way out 
of Eagle's clutches. 

"Allison, I don't have your daughter." Harry insisted trying to calm her
down. "Yes you do, you bastard! You have her! Where is she? Why are you 
keeping her from us! Connor and I are good parents!" "Allison ..." "No! 
don't even say my name! It's you! It's you! Who would suspect the 
psychiatrist!" Allison laughed in frustration and then continued to 
scream at him. "I mean, it's perfect!" "I don't know what you're 
talking about. You're obviously very confused, Allison. That's why your 
husband admitted you isn't it? Acording to your file you're confused 
about the year and your daughter's kidnapping." "No! I know it's 2011 
now. I had some memory loss and I plan to get it all back, but I won't 
rest until I find Francie." "Allison, I'm a respected professional, I 
don't have your daughter!" "Like hell you don't!" Melanie came in upon 
hearing all the shouting. "Is something wrong, doctor?" she asked 
softly. "Get this woman a sedative." "Right away, Dr. Grayner." "I 
won't be sedated like a raving lunatic! You have her! Admit it! I'll do 
anything you want." Allison knelt before him in an attempt to convey 
she was serious. "I'll do anything! Just give her back! Make her come 
back! You didn't kill her right? It's just a ploy right?" "Allison, I 
don't have her!" Harry shouted, Melanie entered with the sedative and 
injected it into Allison's arm. "This is pretty fast acting, so I need 
you to come with me, Allison." "No! don't take me away from him! He has 
my daughter! He has her!" two orderlies suddenly appeared and led 
Allison down the hall.  Harry closed the door and sat back in his 
chair.  He dialed Connor,  Allison was in worse shape than he thought. 

Connor arrived as soon as he could.  He was consumed with worry and
guilt over Allison.  He sat across from Harrigan Grayner as he 
professionally and quite coldly explained Allison's condition. "Your 
wife's in worse shape then I had originally suspected. Not only does 
she have Lacunar amnesia, and possibly dissociative feug, but she is 
also making accusations." "What kind of accusations?" Connor asked 
eyeing the doctor suspiciously. 

"Well, she accused me of having Francie. She begged me to give her back,
called me a bastard and practically tried to attack me." "Where is 
Allie now?" "She's heavily sedated. She'll probably be out for hours." 
"Can I see her?" "Sure, as long as you know that she's not all there." 
"Why the hell do you think I brought her to you? I know she's not 
dealing with this well! I don't know what parent would." "I will help 
your wife, Mr. Cassidy. If she is willing to work with me." "Why don't 
you come by in a little while." Connor suggested, Harry looked at his 
watch assessing the time. "Half an hour all right, Connor?" "Sure. Just 
let me have some time with her." "She might not be too coherent." "I 
don't care. I just want to be with her." 

Connor entered Allison's room quietly, he closed the door behind him and
sat by her bed.  She was asleep, and he didn't want to disturb her.  
She did lots of things that were completely out of character, and 
Connor's mind whirled with possibilities.  He hadn't received any calls 
from the Eagle and wondered how Francie was. Was she alive?  Connor 
stared at Allie admiring her strong will and her beautiful heart.  He 
was overcome by the urge to kiss her.  Careful not to wake her, Connor 
gently planted a kiss on her lips.  Allison opened her eyes sleepily 
and smiled at him. "Connor, you've come to rescue me!" "I heard about 
what happened with Grayner. I think you should get some rest, Allison." 
She kissed him on the lips long and hard. "I've rested enough for a 
lifetime." She said her speech slurred from the sedative. "What 
happened with Grayner?" "He has her, Connor." "Allie, that's 
ridiculous! What would a psychiatrist be doing with Francie?" "Exactly, 
it's the perfect cover." "What proof do you have?" "None." "Wait a 
minute, you attacked him on a hunch? A gut feeling?" "Something's not 
right about him, Connor." "But that doesn't mean he's a kidnapper!" "He 
has her, Connor. I know he does! Please, please help me get out of 
here." There was a knock at the door, Harry entered carrying his 
medical bag. "Allison, you're awake. That's something I didn't expect." 
"No, what you didn't expect is that I'd be on to your little game! You 
have her! Where is she, Dr. Grayner!" Allison sat up and got out of 
bed.  She walked slowly towards Grayner, and stood inches away from his 
face demanding to know where Francie was. "I know you have her! Give 
her up!" "Allie, I think you should get back in bed. You need to rest, 
sweetness. Dr. Grayner gave you a sedative." Connor said trying to 
placate her. "You don't believe me either do you, Connor?" "What proof 
do you have?" Harry demanded searching for the sedative Melanie had 
given Allison. "I don't have any proof. A mother knows these things! 
It's just a hunch." "Allison, I swear I don't have your daughter. 
Frankie or Francine or whatever her name is!" "Francesca! You have her! 
That's why you want to sedate me! That's why you want me to keep 
quiet." "I think you should get into bed, Mrs. Cassidy. You need to 
rest." Connor persuaded Allison to get back into bed.  Once she did, 
she was asleep in minutes. "May I see you outside, Mr. Cassidy?" Harry 
asked. "Surely." Connor kissed Allie firmly on the mouth and went 
outside to talk to Grayner. "Allison is a handful! I don't know how 
long the sedative will last, but when she wakes up, she'll be on this 
kick again. I don't have your daughter, Mr. Cassidy." "I know, Dr. 
Grayner. I appreciate you trying to help Allie. I didn't realize how 
bad off she was." "I'll get her better, that's what I'm here for. 
She'll probably sleep for a while. I'll continue to monitor her 
condition and I'll keep you updated." "Thanks, if she wakes up, have 
her call me." Connor said as he headed back into Allie's room. He took 
one last look at Allie who was sleeping peacefully and left. 

Francie fiddled with the lock on the closet door, she couldn't get it
open.  It was late, around 11 O'clock at night now. Eagle had gone to 
bed, or maybe just into his bedroom.  She could hear Cassie outside 
barking. There was a button on the closet door, she wondered what it 
was for.  She pressed, the door opened partially.  Not all the way, but 
enough for her to squeeze through the opening.  Francie released her 
breath and walked around silently.  If she could find a phone, she 
could call Mommy and Daddy.  The phone was on the table in the kitchen. 
 Next to it she saw a pad with her mother's name written on it.  It 
said Allison Cassidy.  Next to it was a number.  Francie picked up the 
phone and dialed. 

Allison barely registered the phone ringing through the haze of the
sedative.  She wasn't aware she even had a phone in her room until it 
rang.  She opened her eyes and reached for the receiver. "Hello?" she 
said groggily. "Hi, Mommy!" 


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