In A Million Years

Chapter 5: Secrets

 "She called!" Alex exclaimed, running into Rachel's office. "She called me!"
"Alex, calm down!" Rachel stood and motioned for him to sit down. "What did she say?"
"She said that she was ok and that if we wanted her back, to call off the search." Alex took a deep breath, trying to clear his thoughts. "It all sounded scripted. They were listening in on it."

"Did you tell Callon?"

"No...no...I couldn't think straight. I--I just--"

"Alex, Callon is in charge of the investigation, not me. Let's go."

Alex tried to clear his thoughts. He wasn't even making sense. Callon would need the facts. Facts. He couldn't think through the facts. He had left Alyssa on her own and now she was gone.

Rachel walked with him to Callon's office in silence, but before knocking, she turned and looked him in the eye. "You have to keep this professional if you want to stay on this investigation. If Callon even sense that you care for Alyssa, or that you're not thinking straight, you know he'll kick you off. I'm trying to help you here, so you better listen."

"I will," Alex said with a nod. "I promise."

Rachel sighed. "Look, I'm worried too, ok? I get it. You care about her, but right now, she's the victim and we're the cops. We have to solve this together."

Alex nodded again and took a deep breath as Rachel tapped on the door and opened it.

"Rachel, Alex," Callon greeted. "What can I do for you?"
"I got a call," Alex replied, his voice straining to remain professional. "Alyssa called from a blocked number. She said that--" Rachel nudged him, urging him to slow down.

"She said that..." Callon pressed.

Alex slowed his voice. "That she was ok and that if we wanted her back that we needed to call off the search?"

"Scripted?"

"Sounded like it," Alex replied. "I'm assuming they were listening in."

Callon sat back in his chair and rubbed his chin. Alex could tell he was trying to plan their next move. Taking a deep breath, Callon sat up straight once more and set his eyes on Rachel.

"Have you talked to Silas or Cass? Have they heard anything?"

Rachel shook her head. "They would've let me know."
"I'll talk to Oakley," Alex volunteered a bit too enthusiastically. "See if she's heard anything."

Callon nodded. "That would be good; however, do not mention the call to her. Oakley, though she acts tough, is very fragile. This situation will be wearing on her." He spoke gently. "Try to be there for her as a friend, Alex. She needs that right now."

Alex, though slightly confused on the sudden tenderness in his sergeant's voice, agreed and left the room. Rachel quickly caught up with him.

"I'll go with you," she stated.

"How does Callon know Oakley?" he finally voiced his curiosity.

"Callon was a father-figure to Oakley when she was a teenager. Her dad worked her several years ago, but when she was about twelve, he was killed in a tragic incident. Her mom was long gone; left them when Oakley was four. A bunch of us stepped in for her, but she clung to Callon with everything she had. Eventually, the Hunters became her family, but Callon has always and still has a soft spot for her. He will do anything to make sure nothing happens to her. Just like you would for Aly." She smiled.

Alex nodded in understanding, but was still slightly puzzled. "Oakley never mentioned having family in law enforcement."

"Don't expect her too. Though she loves our department, she won't talk about her dad to anyone. It's like she's pushed that part of her away and never wants to revisit it again." She turned a firm look onto him. "So don't make her."