The photos seemed to calm him. The second floor opened into the electronics section. Rows of bulky CRT televisions displayed the same image. Her own face speaking to reporters just hours ago. The news had already picked up the story. She paused, transfixed by the surreal sight of herself multiplied across 20 screens.
Asking her son to come home after 19 years. the reporter was saying. The footage showed the recovered plane, its rustcovered hull, dripping seawater. A woman with a shopping basket stopped beside her. “Oh my god, that’s you, isn’t it?” “You’re the mother.” Before Helen could respond, others began gathering. An elderly man touched her shoulder gently.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, dear.” My nephew loved Crimson Fire Line. A younger woman said they played at Mickey’s Bar every Thursday. The crowd pressed closer, voices overlapping with questions and condolences. Helen felt her chest tightening, overwhelmed by the sudden attention. She tried to step back, but found herself hemmed in.
“Please give the lady some space,” a firm voice commanded. Helen looked up hopefully, expecting store security. Instead, the man from the bus stop pushed through the crowd. Before she could protest, he gripped her wrist and pulled her away. His hold was iron strong, despite her attempts to resist. “What are you doing?” she gasped.
He didn’t answer, steering her toward an emergency stairwell. The door was marked authorized personnel only, but hung slightly a jar. He pushed it open and pulled her inside. The stairwell was dimly lit. concrete walls echoing their footsteps. Helen wrenched her hand free. Why are you following me? The man’s expression was cold, professional. I’m not your savior, lady.
I’m here to watch you and deliver a message. He stepped closer and Helen backed against the wall. If you talk to anyone about this, police, FBI, anyone, it’ll be the end of everything. In one swift motion, he pulled her close and pressed something hard against her stomach. Helen looked down and saw the black metal of a gun.
Terror flooded through her. “Please,” she whispered. “If you know where my son is, if he’s alive.” “You talk, you can wave that chance goodbye,” he hissed. “Better sink yourself in the ocean before they find you. The man who sent me isn’t gracious.” Helen’s mind raced. How do I know you really know anything about Zayn? The man studied her, then spoke quietly.
The lighthouse keeper’s daughter waits by the shore, counting stars that fell before. Helen’s blood turned to ice. Those were lyrics from a song Zayn had been writing just before he disappeared. He’d never finished it, never performed it. only she had heard those words late one night when he’d played the melody on his acoustic guitar.
“We know everything,” the man continued. “Your doctor appointments every 2 weeks, your Tuesday grocery runs, your husband at Sunset Hills. We’ve been watching for years.” “My son is really alive.” Helen’s voice cracked. The man stepped back, patting his concealed weapon. “Keep your mouth shut. We’ll talk again, but if you’re reckless, if you breathe a word about this to anyone, I won’t hesitate.
Bad things will happen to you and your boy.” He turned and descended the stairs, his footsteps echoing until they faded. Helen stood frozen, then collapsed against the wall. Tears streamed down her face as she trembled violently. Her heart pounded so hard she feared it might give out. The emergency door suddenly opened. A young store employee peered in, concern etched on his face.
“Ma’am, are you okay? You shouldn’t be here. Do you need me to call a medic?” Helen forced herself to stand straighter. “No, I’m fine. Just needed a moment.” Recognition dawned in his eyes. “You’re the lady from the news. I’m so sorry about your son.” Thank you, Helen managed, pushing past him