Page 88 of The Captive Missing

“I understand that Judge Allen has recently ordered your case proceedings sealed,” the anchor stated.

“Yes, he has,” Jason confirmed.

“It is widely believed that the outcome of your case will be a landmark decision, one upon which other similar cases will be based. Don’t you believe that the public has a right to understand every detail of this process?”

“Unfortunately, I am subject to a gag order by the court and so cannot comment on that specifically. I can say that the final decision will be made public.”

“At that time will the case be unsealed?”

“You will have to ask Judge Allen that.”

“Before the gag order, you admitted that the captive Val was indeed Kelly Martin. The same woman to whom you are legally married.”

“That is true.”

“Is it also true that the child at the center of this lawsuit is actually your biological son by the same woman?”

“Yes.”

“Then by law wouldn’t he also be considered a captive? Having been born to one?”

“My son was born to a free woman’s identity. Kelly Martin was never a captive.”

“It’s an interesting argument based off of a technicality. Do you think it will work?”

“Cases have been won and lost on technicalities. The strict rule of law is important to a successful judicial system. Judge Allen certainly runs his courtroom that way.”

The anchor ducked his head in acceptance and shuffled through an assortment of papers that littered the table. Jason waited patiently, not looking into the camera, but instead focusing on the man across from him. Val’s heart beat rapidly. It made her nervous to have them discussing Jace so publicly. Hands gripping the leather seat of the sofa, she reminded herself that her son was still safely out of the country, or at least she prayed that he was.

“Mr. Riggs, let me ask you-” The anchor paused, swallowing. The next question wasn’t one he appeared comfortable with. “How do you feel about having your wife sold to other men?”

“Do you have a wife?” Jason’s voice was smooth and even, but the muscles in his jaw tightened as he spoke.

“I do.”

“Children?”

“Yes, two.”

“Describe how you would feel if she were being sold to other men. If you tell the world what that does to you first-” Jason waited a beat before continuing on. “Then I’ll explain how I feel.”

The anchor’s eyes flicked to the camera once, then back down to his paper. He fidgeted a while, then tossed the paper to the ground and decided to move on.

“You have been an outspoken proponent of captive rights, even giving speeches calling for the outright dissolution of the entire industry. There have been rumors of you entering the political ring. Is that true?”

“I have no intention of going into politics.” Jason managed a knowing smile. “But I would urge everyone who agrees with me to contact their Senator. Get your voice heard. Encourage them to vote for Bill S-2309, it has already been passed by the House.”

“And by that you are referring to the anti-captive legislation that your family has been working on for the past several years. If passed, it calls for the immediate release of all captives, including those owned by the government itself. Some say it’s a radical idea.”

“The founding fathers had some pretty radical ideas for their time as well,” Jason countered. “I think this is more in line with their original intention.”

That comment drew a round of applause and shouts of affirmation from the Militia in the living room. Catching the sideways glances from some of the men, Val knew that they recognized her. At any other time, she may have felt vulnerable, but not with these people. She didn’t know any group that valued privacy and keeping secrets more. And true to form, when the interview concluded, not one of them said a word.

* * *

That night, alone in her room once more, Val was plagued by anxiety. For the first time the truth about Jace was completely exposed. Now the whole world knew he was the child of a captive, and therefore, a captive himself. Legally, he belonged to Cambric. The realization frightened her beyond anything she had known. It was worse than Isolation. Worse than starving. It was worse than Shane and what they did to Charlie.

Pacing to the window, Val let the icy air sting her face until her body shook uncontrollably. The shivers were a natural reaction to an outside stress. Her body was too cold, much too cold, so her muscles jumped and vibrated in an attempt to keep warm.

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