Page 101 of Stolen Dreams

I hug my legs tighter and stare out the front window. Tall trees and a cloudy blue sky. It looks happy outside.

I want my dad.

Does he know where I am? Is he scared too?

Laying my cheek on my knees, I close my eyes and make a wish. I wish for Dad to rescue me from my mom and the bad man. I pretend like I’m at home with Dad and Miss Kaya, eating snacks and watching a movie. I pretend like I’m not scared.

The van wobbles and makes my tummy hurt worse.

“Ready for vacation, Tuck?”

I don’t want a vacation. I want my dad.

“Mommy and her friend found this supercool cabin to stay at until it’s time to see your dad again.”

My eyes hurt like they do just before I start to cry. I want my dad now.

The van stops. Mom and the man get out. A door on the side opens and Mom waves at me to come out.

“This place is nice, Tuck. Come see.”

I don’t like this van, but I don’t want to see the cabin either.

Mom leans into the van, grabs my arm, and tugs. “I said come on, Tucker.”

I stumble out of the van and trip over a rock as she leads me to the cabin.

When we get inside, she lets go of my arm and huffs. “Always difficult,” she mumbles then points to a chair. “Go sit down.”

The cabin is one big room with a bed, kitchen, bathroom, table, chairs, and a fireplace. It’s nice, but I still don’t want to be here. Not with her or him.

“This is how we get the money,” Mom says, her dirty finger pointed at me. “We don’t hurt him.” She shakes her head. “You make the call, and his family will pay.”

I don’t understand what is happening.

Who is he going to call? What are they paying for?

The man gives Mom a mean look then grabs her throat.

I taste throw up in my mouth.

“Better be right, Cook. Or this is where it ends for you.”

Mom smiles at him. “I am right. They’ll do anything for Tuck. Make the call.”

The man lets her go and she falls on the floor. He taps on his phone then holds it to his ear. “Is this Ray Calhoun?” He doesn’t say anything for a moment. “I got your boy. If you want him back, you’ll have to pay.”

THIRTY

RAY

My phone ringsin my pocket and I dig it out, my heart pounding in my chest.Unknown Numberflashes on the screen and my stomach drops. I accept the call and bring the phone to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Is this Ray Calhoun?”

“Yes, this is him.”Please let Tucker be okay. Please, please, please.

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