Page 9 of Claimed By Daddy

“Hey, calm down. We’re trying to help you. I love you, Penny, I’ll do whatever it takes to help you get your memory back...”

“But that’s just it, don’t you see? If I had simply lost my memory wouldn’t it be either stuck in the past somewhere or completely blank? Why do I have alternative memories that don’t match up with any of this?” She waved her hand to encompass her point.

“I don’t know, baby, but I am here to help you. You can trust me.” He gripped her thigh. She shifted her leg, embarrassed by this handsome stranger’s touch.

“Th-thanks,” she stammered.

“You stay here, rest and cogitate. Finish your breakfast. I’ll be next door and leave the adjoining door open.” He patted her leg and rose, crossing to the door.

“Okay, thanks.” Penny breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for his perception that she wished to digest all this alone.

She’d just finished her last bite of toast when he called to her.

“Yes?”

“I think you should come see this.”

She threw back the covers and padded barefoot into the master suite. David had her travel case open on the double bed.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Take a look.” He stepped aside so she could see into her case.

Folded clothing, a file, and her toiletry bag were all packed inside neatly.

“What am I looking for?”

He stretched out an arm and lifted out a name badge attached to a lanyard. She tilted her head and read, “Miss Penny West, Ameeba.” Her head swivelled and met David’s shocked gaze.

They stared at one another in silence. She noticed a tic in his jaw.

“Open the file,” he suggested.

She lifted it out and then spread the printed A4 sheets out on the covers. There was a legal agreement between Saks and Ameeba, signed by the director of design, Penny West. All through the paperwork there was evidence of the life Penny still expected to be living.

David began to pace the room, both hands pushing agitatedly through his thick brown hair.

“What the hell is going on?” he asked. “Is this some kind of sick joke? Are you having an affair? You come back not wearing your wedding ring. Dammit, Penny, tell me what the hell is happening here!”

She stepped up to face him. “I have been telling you, I don’t know. I have absolutely no idea what’s happened!” she yelled.

He spun about and left the room.

She slid to the floor in despair. With bent head resting on her knees, she sobbed. Utter bewilderment and helplessness overwhelmed her. A storm of emotion poured out, as wet and turbulent as any severe weather pattern.

“Hey,” a soft voice spoke gently.

Penny found herself gathered into her sister’s arms. She’d recognise Allie’s vanilla scent anywhere. Burrowing into her, she let go and cried until her chest hurt and her head ached. A wad of tissues was thrust into her hand. She blew her nose. Hiccupping sobs still racked her body. She sucked in a lungful of air. Hands smoothed back the tangle of hair from her wet face.

Finally she raised her eyes to look fully at her sister. A familiar face gazed back at her. Sympathy and kindness were etched on Allie’s face. Her hair was different to the sister Penny remembered. This Allie was white blonde and wore her hair long. The Allie she knew and loved had honey-streaked blonde hair that she wore cut into a neat bob.

“It’s all right, Penny. We all love you and we will find a way to restore your memory,” the new Allie promised.

“I haven’t lost my memory; I’ve lost my place in the world!”

“That’s a little dramatic...” her sister began.

Penny interrupted. “Get up, come look at this.” She scrambled upright and held out a hand to Allie, pulling her to her feet. Rummaging through her suitcase, she found what she was looking for, the slim blue leather case. She handed it to Allie.

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