Page 73 of Alexander's Heart

Dad smiles awkwardly and I know there’s more, I won’t handle it if anyone else is hurt or worse.

“Everyone else is good, relax.” Dad says before looking down.

I breathe out another long breath but there’s something Dad is holding back; I can feel it.

“Dad, I know there’s more please tell me.”

He raises his head and his eyes can’t lie, “The mission they went on was to capture Rob.”

My eyes widen is shock but I nod in understanding.

“They entered the location and were in complete darkness, using only night vision which gives very limited sight. Alexander heard a female cry and followed the sound, when he entered the room, he found a young girl and was protecting her when he was injured.”

My heart pounds in my chest, a strong feeling of dread washes over me like an icy wave. Every instinct tells me that Dad is about to tell me something cataclysmic.

“The little girl is about four-years-old, she wasn’t injured in the raid but we suspect she is Caroline’s child.” Dad informs me.

I gasp out loud this time, I couldn’t hold it back and Alexa wakes, “Mommy, is it my bwothaws? Awe you, okay?” She asks trying to sit up.

“No, Lovebug, the babies are safe I promise let me raise the bed, hold on tight.”

Alexa giggles as I raise the back of the bed to a fully seated position, when I hear her laughter, it lessens the tightness in my chest hearing her happy.

“Mawning, Mommy, Mawning Pa. I needs to go do wee’s, be wight back.” Alexa hops off the bed and rushes to the bathroom.

“So, where’s the little girl, and how do you know she’s Caroline’s?” I whisper.

Dad exhales heavily, “She’s safe in Tiny’s arms, we’re having the room next door set up and they’ll be sorted soon and in regard to knowing we don’t for certain but she looks exactly like you both, I haven’t personally laid eyes on her but the boys say Doc is confident and will run the tests when he’s finished in surgery.”

“Wow, I… wha–” My breathing quickens and I feel devastation overcome me.

“You need to relax sweetheart please, I do not want your contractions starting again, whether Braxton Hicks or not. We’ve got the situation under control and you must remain calm.” Dad implores.

“Did the boys say whether she looked physically okay?” I question because I’m worried that she may have been suffering harm and it’s a daunting, unimaginable thought.

“Jackson said that she didn’t have visual evidence of abuse just that she is small and pale, they suspect she may not have ever seen the light of day because she was being kept underground.”

“Underground?” I gasp, tears spill over and I wipe them quickly, I don’t want Alexa seeing the evidence of my unease.

“Rob had set up camp in the old distillery rooms deep underground in the prohibition tunnels on the ‘Helmsley Estate’, it appeared as if they had been living there a long time.”

“So, this little girl may not have even been allowed to run and play and be a kid. Dad, I need to see her, I need to make sure she’s okay.” My voice sounds desperate even to my own ears.

“We will soon sweetheart, but at the moment she’s sedated and Doc will assess her first before she comes around. It’s important to get the testing done so as not to stress her out further and then we’ll have more answers, Lily.”

“I just…” It’s unfathomable to me.

“I have a feeling all will be okay, she’s in the best hands and Tiny won’t let anything happen to her and Caroline is a sweet girl, I think she will take the news better than we expect. I see it, she has a lot of you in her, it’s really starting to show and she has come a long way since you have been back with her.” Dad offers me a proud smile.

“That poor sweet baby,” I say holding back my tears, I really don’t want Alexa seeing me cry, she’ll only ask questions.

“I’m worried how Caroline will take this news; I don’t want this to break her.”

“I know sweetheart, the team agreed to wait till we know for certain before we approach Caroline and I agree with their decision. She will believe it easier if there is proof, but that aside the boys are pretty confident.”

I have to agree that telling my sister about a child she never knew survived will be a monumental moment, one that could potentially have devastating consequences. I’ll trust that Doc will know how to approach the delicate situation and can approach it in the right way so my sister doesn’t freak out. But I am grappling with the revelation Caroline has a little girl, the mix of emotions swirling inside of me is of uncertainty, but also a glimmer of hope.

“Okay, you’re right, I know you’re right, this news is just so shocking, and I can’t imagine how Caroline will feel, but her meeting with Alexa was effortless, amazing really, for all that she’s endured over the years.” Dad gives me a smile and nods.

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